Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of others? Consider getting a Psychology Bachelor’s Degree. With a degree in Psychology, you can help others and enjoy a career you can be proud of. It’s a win-win. So, are you asking yourself, “How can I start a successful career in Psychology?
How Can I Start a Successful Career in Psychology?
A few steps will guide you to a successful career in Psychology. These steps include:
Step #1: Decide Which Degree You Want to Pursue
Which degree are you considering? Florida National University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology and Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The bachelor’s degree will get you started in Psychology, and after graduation, you may consider a Master’s degree. You have options.
During our 4-year degree program, you will take 40 courses in general education, childhood psychology, research methods, Biology, Sociology, legal ethics, and other essential courses to prepare for a career in Psychology. During your time at FNU, you can learn about the different roles available to Psychology graduates. Completing the degree program will prepare you to decide on a career.
Step #3: Decide on Your Career Path
When you graduate from Florida National University, you have options. Most Psychology graduates start careers as counselors, therapists, social workers, researchers, and teachers. Which path to take? Let our instructors and career services team guide you through the process so you can start working in a career you are passionate about.
Step #4 Let FNU Help You Find a Job After Graduation
FNU’s career services team is dedicated to networking, developing, establishing, building, and gaining positive business partnerships with potential employers. We guide and support you to reach your career goals. We also offer resources, tools, and employability skills to help you find employment after graduation.
What are the Benefits of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology?
There are many benefits to getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology before starting your career. These benefits include:
Getting a Better Understanding of People
Many people have a hard time understanding themselves, let alone other people. However, psychology courses will help you better understand yourself, the people you work with, your colleagues, family, and friends. Plus, most careers in Psychology interact with people, so having an understanding of people is an excellent catalyst for change.
Getting Transferable Skills
While you learn about Psychology, you also hone your research, critical thinking, and writing skills. These are transferable skills that will serve you well in your psychology career. Plus, this program is also a great way to learn about yourself. You gain skills that you can use in your own life and the lives of others.
What do employers seek in applicants with a Psychology major?
The skills you have learned in your Psychology major are crucial to your success in the workplace. Employers place a tremendous value on skills that you would acquire as a Psychology student; for example, analyzing and solving complex problems, demonstrating ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world, teamwork skills, and the use of scientific reasoning, among others.
Guidance from Instructors
Instructors are ready to guide you through the curriculum with classroom lectures, scholarly presentations, and journal articles written by influential experts in the field of Psychology.
Complete Curriculum
The Bachelor’s Degree Program in Psychology at Florida National University offers a complete curriculum lasting 4-years. You start with general education courses in study skills, English, communication, humanities, social science, natural science, mathematics, and information literacy. These courses help lay a solid foundation that you can build upon. Then, the program focuses on the core requirements and electives to gain the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in your psychology career.
What Do You Learn During a Psychology Degree Program?
During the psychology degree program, you will learn about children, adolescence psychology, applied behavioral analysis, research methods, biology, sociology, legal ethics, and more themes that will help you find your path to a successful career.
Childhood & Adolescence
One of the major themes that you will learn about in the Psychology degree program is the Psychology of children and teens. Whether it is toddlers, young children, or teens, they all go through changes as they grow into adults, especially during adolescence. Some of the classes that you will complete about childhood Psychology include:
Psychology of Childhood – a course focused on child growth and developmental process. This course includes biological and environmental factors that shape a child’s personality and affect achievement.
Adolescent Psychology – provides an introduction to biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives on adolescence. The course focuses on the dynamics of socialization, self-concept and identity, peer groups, and problems of adolescence.
Juvenile Delinquency – this course examines juvenile delinquency’s problems and causes.
Psychology of Exceptional Children – a review of psychological problems found in exceptional children including diagnosis, associated emotional problems, the effects of institutionalization, class placement, attitudes, and appropriate intervention methods.
Autism Spectrum – an overview of research, causes of autism, historical and philosophical views, biological and psychology, research, controversies, and integrative approaches to treatment.
Research Methods
While most classes touch upon research methods and include case study analysis, the program includes courses will use research methods as a central theme. They include:
Psychological Research Methods – a course on the logic of experimental design, concept of control and analysis of experimentally obtained data, both qualitative and quantitative.
History and Theories of Psychology – a course about the current state of psychology and how it was affected by the rise in the scientific method. Plus, there is a discussion of reoccurring issues in philosophy throughout history.
Statistics for the Behavioral Science – collecting and organizing data, measures of central tendency and variation, theoretical distributions, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, nonparametric statistical tests, correlation, and analysis of variance.
Interviewing and Documentation—this course covers the essential elements of interviewing and collecting important information for a robust Biopsychosocial perspective.
Biology
Another theme that you will review in the Psychology program is human biology. This includes physiology, anatomy, and behavior. The biology courses related to Psychology include:
Sociology
A key theme in Psychology is sociology. It helps to study human social relationships. The courses with a focus on Psychology and sociology include:
Social Psychology– a review of the social factors that influence behavior. This course considers socialization, social influence and conformity, social interaction, decision-making, and attitudes.
Cross-Cultural Issues in Psychology – a review of culture and psychology with an emphasis on cross-cultural research methodology and critical thinking.
Psychology and Gender – an introduction to the psychological study of gender, from developmental, biological, social, and cultural perspectives.
Principles of Sociology – an introduction to sociology, research methods, the relationship between human culture and the individual, deviations from cultural norms, the organization of society, human behavior in groups and social institutions.
Legal Ethics
There are rules of professional responsibility in Psychology. During courses on legal ethics you will explore your role.
Psychology Applied to Law – a comprehensive study of the expanding field of psychology and its uses with the law.
Ethics in Psychology and Health – a review of ethical, legal, and professional standards that affect the activities of health and mental health professionals.
Forensic Psychology – a review of psychological, physiological, and sociological causes of criminal behavior.
What Careers Are Available for Psychology Degree Graduates?
Did you know that you can work in counseling, therapy, social work, research, and teaching with a Psychology degree? Here is a description of these careers.
Counseling
With a Psychology degree, you can work in counseling and help manage the mental health of individuals and families. This career includes treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders. Counselors work with patients in different phases of their lives and offer guidance and reflection.
Therapy
As a therapist, you can guide patients through their feelings, thoughts, choices, and actions that affect them and those around them. You will offer patients ways to embrace emotions and thoughts, cope with life’s problems, and build them up to face their fears. During each session, you will help your patients make positive progress.
Applied Behavioral Analyst
Applied Behavioral Analysts work with people across the lifespan in various environments. Their goal is to improve the lives, functioning and independence of clients and their families.
Social Work
As a social worker, you can help prevent problems from entering the everyday lives of vulnerable individuals. You can help children, support families, arbitrate disputes, and help the unemployed. As a social worker with a Psychology degree, you will have the resources and tools to help vulnerable people with childcare, food stamps, and healthcare. Seeing a child grow up and thrive under your care is rewarding.
Research
As a psychology researcher, you can collect, organize, analyze, and interpret studies, data, and information about psychology themes. This will help you solve problems and predict trends. As a researcher, you can make a difference in public opinion and advance psychology on a positive trajectory.
Teaching
As a teacher with a background in Psychology, you can help children learn and cope with their weaknesses. You can build strengths and abilities to persevere with knowledge and skills that will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Florida National University has been helping students find their calling for over 40 years. Everyone should have access to higher education. We offer small class sizes, personalized attention, and a fulfilling college experience. We are a community. Join us today.
Eager to Learn More?
This Bachelor of Science in Psychology program prepares the students for entry-level positions and advanced professional education in psychology. Students will be exposed to the major domains of psychology and acquire a solid base of knowledge in each of these domains, as well as be able to integrate and apply knowledge and meet their career goals.
If you are interested in psychology, let Florida National University answer any questions. Contact us today to learn more about our Bachelor’s degree programs.
