Does it matter which degree?

[Aya]

Just finished my AAS in Criminal Justice at TESC and am looking into becoming a psych possibly in the CJ field but with options of gong into the medical field. Attempting to maximize my current credits, I would like to know if it matters what BA to attempt? Here are the 3 possibilities I have chosen BA in CJ ( would have 49crs remaining, which would be my last choice), BA in Psych (65 remaining) and BA in Social Science ( 49 remaining). Should the degree depend on where I would be taking my masters classes or does it not really matter? Next appointment with advisor isnt until middle of next month, so am currently looking for insight. Thanks

[cookderosa]

Just finished my AAS in Criminal Justice at TESC and am looking into becoming a psych possibly in the CJ field but with options of gong into the medical field. Attempting to maximize my current credits, I would like to know if it matters what BA to attempt? Here are the 3 possibilities I have chosen BA in CJ ( would have 49crs remaining, which would be my last choice), BA in Psych (65 remaining) and BA in Social Science ( 49 remaining). Should the degree depend on where I would be taking my masters classes or does it not really matter? Next appointment with advisor isnt until middle of next month, so am currently looking for insight. Thanks

Specifically what job in the "medical field?" Yes, it matters. You're using this degree to launch a career. That's different from someone who is in the middle of their career and needs to check the box.

[Aya]

In the medical field, it would be geared towards a childrens psych and/ or counselor. Currently I am not quite sure, but I dont want to limit my opportunities. I am in the law enforcemnet field so I know I could go into administration or criminal psych but just in case I choose to change career fields I would like to be somewhat qualified.

[sanantone]

If you want to get a master's or phd in psychology, then get a BA in psychology. It'll make things a lot easier. When looking at psychology PhD programs, I noticed some required a BA in psychology or a closely related field. Several others required a certain number of psychology credits or specific psychology prerequisites. If you want to become a psychiatrist, you'll have to go to medical school. In that case, your undergrad won't matter; just make sure you have a high GPA and all of the medical school prerequisites. Then, of course, you have the option of becoming a social worker, marriage and family therapist, or counselor. In most states, you can become a licensed professional counselor or licensed mental health counselor with a master's in social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, psychology, or a closely related field. To become a social worker (LMSW or LCSW), you need a master's in social work. You can become an LBSW with just a bachelor's in social work. To become an LMFT, you need a master's in marriage and family therapy. To become a psychologist, you need a PhD or PsyD in psychology.

Another option a lot of people might not consider is becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They can practice independently and prescribe medications if given prescribing authority by a physician depending on the state. For that path, you have a few options. You can start at the bottom with getting your ADN, then BSN, and then MSN. You can enter a direct/alternate entry BSN program now after completing prerequisites. You can earn your bachelors in anything completing the nursing prerequisites, go into a second-bachelor's BSN program, and then get your MSN. Or, you can get your bachelor's in anything while completing the nursing prerequisites and go into a direct or alternate entry MSN program. You can even go further and become a DNP (doctor of nurse practice).

[Aya]

Thanks Sanontone, I guess I should stick with the BA in Psych then. I just wanted to take advantage of the credits that TESC has already given me. I will look more into it though because I havent completely figured out exactly what I want to do, but I do know that I want the PhD.

[sanantone]

The good thing is that you can test out of almost all of the psych program, but you really want some graded coursework in order to get into a good, APA-accredited PhD or PsyD program. That is unless you're getting your masters first. APA does not accredited masters programs.

[Aya]

Ok, now I am totally lost. Please forgive me. I do plan to get my masters first.

[sanantone]

You can go directly into a PhD program without getting your master's first. Generally, APA-accredited PhD programs have high standards and a lot of competition. It's also important to look at the match rate for APA-accredited internships. Just because you're attending an APA-accredited program does not mean you'll get into an APA-accredited internship which is actually more important for employment than the APA-accreditation of the program. The lowest-ranked APA-accredited schools have terrible match rates. Only one or two states require APA-accreditation for licensure as a psychologist, but most employers want at least an internship at an APA-accredited site.

For a master's program, where you attend doesn't really matter as long as the program meets your state's requirements for licensure as an LPC or LMHC. Normally, all you have to worry about is regional accreditation and having 48-60 credit hours (or the quarter hour equivalents) plus a certain number of hours of practicum experience. There are plenty of master's programs in psychology with little to practically no admissions standards. In this case, you wouldn't have to worry about your undergrad GPA, just get a high GPA in your master's program. If you want to get a degree in counseling, CACREP accreditation is important for employment. If you want to get a degree in social work, CSWE accreditation is required for licensure.

[Aya]

Thank you for the infomation. I guess I have some thinking to do and in the meantime I'll stick to my BA in Psych.

[dday11]

sanatone, you are not the first one mentioning that it is possible to test out a psy degree. but no matter how hard I am searching through the forum's posts, I simply can't find a degree plan for COSC or ECE(which is tested out entirely, besides cap+corner)

Is there not a single person here that got a BS/BA in psy from COSC or ECE and would be willing to share a degree plan?

Thanks!