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How do I become a Psychologist?

Mar 31st, 2004 12:16

You should start in high school by taking subjects such as chemistry, 
biology, physics, mathematics, and, of course, psychology.  Reading and 
writing skills are very important.  Courses in the humanities (history, 
sociology, art, literature, religion, languages)will be helpful. 
Make sure you want to be a psychologist.  Interview a local 
psychologist, if you can, and read descriptions of psychology courses, 
research and opinions.
In college, you should get a heavy load of psychology.  Most graduate 
schools require that you major in psychology, so think about it.  Very 
few jobs, if any, are offered for people with a bachelor degree, so you 
should go to graduate school.
Next, decide what type of psychology you'd like to be.  You could seek 
a Master's degree (M.A.), with emphasis in practice, a doctor of 
philosophy degree (Ph.D.), balanced research-clinical, or a doctor of 
psychology (Psy.D.), specialized in clinical psychology.  Keep in mind:
- M.A. degrees take about 2 years to complete.  
- Doctoral degrees take anywhere from 3 to 10 years, with an average of 
5.  They require that you make a dissertation, and even a one-year 
internship if you are pursuing the clinical track.
That's not the end.  You still have to take exams to get your license. 
In other countries (Europe and Latinamerica), you could go straight 
from high school to Psychology school.  It would take 5 or 6 years to 
get your degree, and it enables you to practice.  Still, it's a very 
good idea to specialize.