Fema Employment

Is a degree in psychology worth the effort ?

I have 13 years with the state government in social/public service and want to work towards self employment. I counsel every day as it is and since I can go to a state university for free, I am thinking about continuing my education in psychology.

Public Comments

1. Only if you get you to your Doctorate
2. OMG, definitely take it! Free college? higher pay? you'd be a fool not to!
3. Counseling or clinical psychology? Know the difference. If you do not feel passionate about the topic, then no. You'll be unhappy and a poor performer. Consider taking a single course to try it out. Talk to professors and look at textbooks for various courses. Most schools post course descriptions online. Try to arrange to spend a day with a psychologist observing. This is impossible with private therapy sessions but you get the idea.
4. I agree that it would be worth it only if you get your PhD or PsyD. Otherwise, as an MA psychologist , you are competing unsuccessfully with all the PhD's out there, and you are low on the totem pole. But as a PhD you make good money, you can help a lot of people, and if you are effective, you have the respect of the professional community. You can also do well in social work, which would only require an MA. Social workers generally tend to do more family counseling and counseling of children and teenagers, but some perform a broad range of counseling and other social services. Either way, you can engage in private practice. With a free education available, you have a golden opportunity for a career advancement, if your main goal is to help people, in addition to making a good living.
5. only if you get a Masters and then a PHD..but if it's something you enjoy..that's fine too...