Every major will face questions regarding their classes, career goals, and plans for the future. Psychology majors are no different in that aspect. However, although people have genuine questions, some of them are annoying to have to hear over and over again; the same applies to people’s snide remarks. If you’re a psychology major or wish to study it in college, you’ve probably heard at least one of these at some point and trust me, it gets irritating and repetitive.
1. “You can’t do anything with a Bachelor’s in Psychology.”
Although this statement holds some truth, people say it in a way that is discouraging to hear. Yes, I am aware that I will need to attend graduate school and earn my Master’s (and possibly even a Ph.D.) to work in my field. However, this applies to most jobs... Careers in education and medical fields all require some type of higher education. Majoring in psychology as an undergraduate student will give me the proper education and a solid foundation to continue to study it in graduate school, so I wouldn’t call my B.A. useless at all. When I am older and have a job I that I'm not only passionate about but truly love, I know that my degree will have been worthwhile. Speaking of jobs...
2. “So, do you like, want to be a counselor?"
Yes and no. I personally want to work as a mental health counselor and help people work through their problems in a healthy, effective way. I want to make a difference in their lives and guide them with a steady, gentle hand in a hands-on, one-on-one way. However, there are many people who study psychology that don't have the same career goals as me– and that’s okay! I know psychology majors that aspire to be researchers, teachers, professors, nurses, etc. A psychology degree is very versatile, which is why so many people major in it.
3. “Can you tell me what’s wrong with me?”
If someone has a problem, I will listen to them and give them advice to the best of my ability. However, I am not a professional and therefore, I’m not in a position to diagnose anyone. All I can do when someone asks me what’s wrong with them, or if I can diagnose them, is direct them to a professional that can answer their questions.
4. “Can you read my mind?”
I am not a psychic and therefore I cannot read your mind, nor can I predict your future, read your palms, or do anything of the sort.
5. “Psychology is such an easy major.”
There is no such thing as an “easy major” and even if there was, I fail to see how psychology falls into that category. It’s a subject that focuses on hundreds of theories that are constantly developing, as well as looking at the complex system of the brain and determining what parts of our brain cause what cognitive functions. There are biology, math, sociology, anthropology, and other subjects that you will learn about (or possibly have to take) as a psychology major. Analyzing human behavior, determining its causes, and deciding what the appropriate treatments are for abnormal behavior certainly aren't easy.
6. “People who major in psychology don’t know what they want to do with their lives.”
Well, this is quite an overgeneralization. While it is true that some people who major in psychology aren’t quite sure what career path they want to follow, psychology gives them a deeper understanding of how the human mind works, how humans behave and interact in a larger setting, and why this all happens. Even if they go to graduate school for something in a completely different field, the information they learned in their psychology classes will help them in any career they choose.
7. “Are you analyzing me right now?”
