Psychology courses aren't all about Oedipus and Rorschach. Some psychology courses explore everyday thoughts and actions, such as the concept of beauty and the lure of video games. Men and women interested in exploring areas of psychology might even find some of these courses for free.
If you're interested specifically in working toward a psychology degree, you might consider that studies in this area might lead to private practice or work as school psychologists. There are also industrial-organizational psychologists and those who work in the life and social sciences, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students working toward psychology degrees might also consider that the agency suggests employment growth into 2018 varies by specialty and that those with advanced degrees might fill many positions.
Psychology courses and psychology degrees don't have to lead to careers in the field, however. Taking psychology courses, in fact, might help professionals in other areas and have practical benefits as well, according to some. Psychology helps students gain a better understanding of how individual attitudes and actions are shaped, the website for Centenary College of Louisiana suggests. A California university's Psychology of Aging course addresses how to minimize adverse aging effects. Psychology courses at Caldwell College in New Jersey address how poetry and art can provide therapeutic benefits.
In psychology courses and experiments at a New York University, students might solve questions related to beauty and gain insight into the appeal of video games, such as the Xbox. The psychology of food is the topic of a free online course that, offered by an Ivy League institution, addresses areas such as comfort foods and eating disorders. Free online courses aren't likely to provide students with credits toward psychology degrees, but they typically don't require that students take prerequisites either.
CareerBuilder.com in October 2008 reported that psychology is the second most popular major among college and university students, and the Bureau of Labor notes that more than 30 percent of all psychologists are in private practice. For students who enjoy working with children, becoming a school psychologist might be fulfilling.
Employment growth rates, depending upon area of specialty, between 2008-2018 range from 11 to 26 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor. Clinical psychologists who work with individuals with mental disorders might expect to see the 11 percent growth rate; industrial-organizational psychologists could see the 26 percent growth rate, Bureau of Labor information suggests. Some students with psychology degrees might enter the field of criminal justice or entry-level jobs, such as school counselors or substance abuse counselors.
Not every student who works toward a psychology degree is planning a career in the field, however. Some students participate in psychology degree programs because they enjoy the subject, according to the website for the psychology department at a university in Connecticut. There are jobs that don't require specific college, university or technical school degrees that these students might want to obtain after graduation, the website suggests. Students in psychology degree programs might also benefit from the education after moving on to medical school, law school or careers in business, the Centenary College of Louisiana website suggests.
Students intrigued by psychology might also consider a psychology minor. A biology major with a psychology minor might help graduates who work with autistic children, the website for a university in Georgia notes. A law degree major with a psychology minor might help future attorneys understand legal aspects related to psychological issues, according to the website.
The appeal of psychology and the associated courses is that the information can be worked into almost all careers. What might surprise prospective students is that a class can taken at Test Drive College Online for no charge, allowing them to get started with this required class. This psychology course will count as credit towards a degree, helping students be one step closer to their new careers.
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