Study Psychology in USA

About Psychology

Psychology has been considered as one of the most fascinating fields which fundamentally examines the way people think, feel and act. Psychologists observe every aspect of human consciousness, memory as well as the basic functions of the brain. Psychology is undoubtedly a challenging major however, it is also one of the most sought-after majors around the world. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology, it is possible to be employed in various fields.  Students can study BA (Bachelor of Arts) in psychology or BS (Bachelor of Science) in psychology depending on the related university’s program. While BA programs open up career options in fields like criminal justice, law, business and journalism, BS graduates are generally qualified as psychiatric technicians, lab assistants, career counselors, and case workers.  

Study Psychology in USA

You can choose from any of the top American colleges or universities that offer the best psychology programs to acquire your degree or certificate as an international student. Every state in the US has a number of reputable universities offering top-notch psychology degrees with a range of specializations. In American universities, the department of psychology is the part of Humanities and Sciences. Therefore, psychology programs are offered as Bachelor/ Master of Arts. 

Advantages of Study Psychology in USA

The prior advantage of studying psychology in the USA is the wide variety of career opportunities. Since psychology is in high demand, there are also several fields in you can pursue a career which is also offerring attractive salaries. Furthermore, it is possible to apply for jobs in other countries since the diploma you get from many American universities is recognized internationally. 

Career Paths for Psychology Degree Majors

Psychology students can choose a variety of career paths. The most common ones are clinical psychologist, educational psychologist, guidance counselor, child and family psychologist, drug and alcohol counselor, career counselor, and community projects leader.

What Skills Do I Need to Become a Psychologist?

The most significant skills you need to have can be listed as:

1. Critical thinking
2. Inquiry
3. Gathering data and synthesizing it
4. Ability to work effectively in any kind of environment
5. Being tolerant and ethical

Is Psychology Right for Me?

There are some specifications if you would like to understand whether psychology is right for you or not. These specifications are being an empathetic and open-minded person, enjoying solving problems, being a good listener and paying attention to the smallest details. Moreover since psychology is among the competitive majors, patience and hard work will be needed. If you have these qualities, a psychology major is likely to be right for you. 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

A bachelor’s degree in psychology generally takes four to five years while a master’s degree in psychology can be completed in two or three years in the United States of America. 

The Best Universities to Study Psychology in USA

The best universities to study psychology in the USA are Stanford University, University of California (Berkeley), Harvard University, and University of California (Los Angeles).

1. Stanford University: Stanford is one of the world's pioneer research and teaching institutions. It has over 17,000 students from all around the world with high success rates. Along with four professional schools that specialize in graduate programs in law, medicine, education, and business, there are three schools with a total of 40 academic departments for undergraduate students.
2. University of California (Berkeley): The University of California, Berkeley is a public research university. The University of California is ranked as one of the best universities in 2022. The school has also one of the best campuses and campus facilities in the USA.
3. Harvard University: Harvard University is a private university located in Massachusetts. As an Ivy League School, the school’s success has become worldly known and it is ranked as the world’s second-best school. Harvard University is committed to producing leaders who have a positive impact on the world through excellence in teaching, learning, and research.
4. University of California (Los Angeles): UCLA is among the best universities in the USA and ranked 44th according to QS World University Rankings. The graduates of UCLA  are among the most employable graduates in the world and the school has distinctively good medicine, psychology, mathematics and arts and humanities programs which are ranked among the top 10 in the world. 

Psychology Admission Requirement

In the USA, BA in psychology admission requirements include high school diploma, personal statement, taking the ACT or SAT along with a minimum score of 6.5 from the IELTS. On the other hand, psychology programs for master’s degree require a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field of study, a  score of around 310 on GRE, minimum 3.5 GPA out of 4.0 as well as minimum score of 7-7.5 from IELTS. However, it is important to note that the requirements depend on the university.