Psychology is the study of human and animal behavior, a social science. It can not be definite. With each person is accompanied by their conditioning and wiring having experiences that may seem chaotic but psychology tries to understand it and make sense of it.
The word psychology has been derived from the Greek words ‘Psyche’ meaning mind and ‘Logy’ meaning study. The field of psychology has grown in all directions today and can be applied to most walks of life.
There are numerous compelling aspects for students who wonder “why study psychology.” People have long recognized the value of medical doctors; nevertheless, mental health has only recently been assigned a similar, if not nearly equal, level of priority. It is common knowledge that even the most successful people have spiralled downwards due to a lack of inner balance. Psychology is a growing and exciting field of study that attracts many international students to the United States to study. It also encourages students to become more self-aware, assisting them in comprehending their actions and personalities.
America has always been at the forefront when it comes to psychological research. The degrees and diplomas earned in the US are recognized and highly accepted in almost all parts of the world.
The benefits of studying Psychology in America are in abundance, including, the fact that the requirements for international students to enrol in the course is less of a hassle than it might be in other parts of the world.
What do you Need as an International Student Seeking Admission in America?
Requirements to study psychology in the US depend on the course one wishes to enrol in. These are the things you need to keep in mind:
- For a Master’s degree, students are usually required to have the equivalent of an American Bachelor’s degree from their country of education.
- For pursuing a doctoral degree, the university may require a student to have an American Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Most universities in the states might also ask students for their GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS exam scores.
- A high score on the GRE may overpower a decent GPA.
- Reference letters and personal essays are crucial in the application procedure. Relevant work experience makes for a stronger application.
Benefits of Pursuing Psychology in America
1. Increasing Need for Affordable Mental Health Professionals
With Americans struggling to cope and coexist with depression, anxiety, and insomnia they are looking for mental health support. However, providers are finding it hard to keep up with the demand. Last fall, a third of psychologists in the US mentioned they are seeing more patients since the start of the pandemic, according to the American Psychological Association.
This calls for more psychologists in the field where they are most required, thus putting an end to the ongoing debate of “The Psychology Dilemma: India vs. Abroad”.
While it is devastating to witness the population’s mental health in shambles it also means that the need for psychologists is higher than they’ve been before. If you’re looking to help now is a good time.
Recommended Read: The Psychology Dilemma: India vs Abroad
2. Great Career Prospects
Clinical psychologists can work in hospitals or clinics, evaluating and administering tests to patients in addition to regular sessions, facilitating group therapy, couples therapy, child therapy, individual therapy (one-on-one), therapy using play methods or expressive methods like body movement, and much more, depending on their specialization. As a counselling psychologist or psychotherapist, you can operate independently or as part of a team, or join an NGO to work on projects that benefit your community’s mental health. There is plenty of space for innovation and progress. A psychology degree can also be beneficial if you wish to pursue a Master’s degree in a different field, such as Human Resource Management, Education, or Social Work.
Important Points to Consider While Pursuing Psychology in America
1. Qualifications
To begin a career in psychology, you’ll need a master’s degree (for school psychology) or a doctorate (for other specialities). To practice psychology, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree, pass a state and/or national exam, and meet other licensing requirements. It is paramount to understand what are the qualifications your desired university requires to admit you to the course and start preparing for it. Likewise, it is also important to check and verify the university’s qualifications to ensure it is an accredited institution.
2. What the Course Offers and What you Learn From it
Various universities offer different learning material under the same degree. It is beneficial to know which university offers the subjects that best suit your needs and apply accordingly. You need to make sure you don’t choose an institution at random and go through everything they have to offer and make a calculated choice on what you receive from the university in return. The quality of education, especially when it comes to psychology, can not be compromised. Thousands, if not millions of lives depend on it.
3. Tuition Fees and Accommodation Rent
Some universities provide accommodation inclusive of the fees, however if not, the students need to look for a safe abode near the university campus. It is recommended to find accommodation close to the university so that majority of your time is not spent commuting.
Find an accommodation within your budget and book in advance, to avoid hasty decisions and so that you have a place to stay as soon as you start with your classes.
4. Potential Career Prospects in the Field
It is never recommended to step into a field without knowing and understanding the career prospects. To gain an insight into the subject we recommend exploring our list of the 5 best books to read for a career in psychology.
It is important to know what the future looks like in the various streams of psychology and how it can be applied in different industries. To do this, prioritizing the reason for pursuing the degree and choosing the industry according to your skill set can help you kickstart your journey of pursuing psychology in America.
Recommended Read: 5 Best Books to Read for a Career in Psychology
Conclusion
While deciding to study psychology in America or finding a job in the field might be easy for some, researching the pros and cons of the industry and having an insight into the field is difficult for all
It is imperative to plan in-depth before taking such life-changing decisions that require loads of money, effort, and time.
Understanding this, we provided the aforementioned points to help students aspiring to pursue psychology in America, make the most of their education and give them a preview of the important aspects to look out for.
Before deciding whether studying psychology in America is the best option for you or not, get an overview of psychology as a career. Try out the ‘Virtual internship program’ at Mindler in psychology.
Still unsure about your decision to pursue psychology in America? Mindler is here for you!
Mindler is an ed-tech organization that provides career counseling services to students of class VIII to students planning to pursue higher education. We aim to guide students towards their suited career paths with an in-depth assessment, research, and analysis.
Your perfect profession awaits with Mindler’s Career Counseling Online.