<p>Hi there! Well, I'm having a bit of trouble deciding majors. I've always been super interested in psychology and how the brain works. What might be the benefits of double majoring in neuroscience and psychology? If I had to pick one, which might be the smartest choice? I also would like to attend UCF, but it seems that they may not have a neuroscience major. I just need some answers on these kinds of things and opinions. :) Thank you!</p>
<p>I guess it would depend on what you would want to do. If you wanted to deal with people’s problems and help them out, then a Psychology degree would be best. But a Neuroscience degree would relate to research positions and might need a PhD or medical school. Double-majoring could not hurt, but it’s hard to help you when the two–even though they are about the brain–are so different at the same time.</p>
<p>I think I’d be happiest in the research division of psychology or neuroscience, I’m worried about what kind of job market is available for these options though.</p>
<p>Doubling would be very complementary - psychology introduces you to many sub-disciplines, including cognitive (mostly neuroscience), as well as social, personality, and abnormal just to name a few. Psychology courses are usually fairly straight-forward and “simple” to many students, so doubling with the “harder” side of neuroscience would not be so overwhelming. Doubling would help you to understand the biological processes behind the behaviors, and many psychologists are now partnering with neuroscientists to perform more complex studies. You can only do so much in the realm of observational studies. </p>
<p>You could study one or both and end up doing research in either if you take the interest and educate yourself. You would pursue a masters or PhD to really apply your interests in research or teaching. If you don’t want to double, I think neuroscience would give you an edge over just a degree in psychology, since, as I said, many researchers are now partnering with the neuroscientists to advance their studies at the biological level. You could also minor in psychology, or just take the psych courses you’re most interested in applying to neuroscience (abnormal psych, developmental, social, etc.).</p>
<p>There are certain things you should know off the bat:</p>
<p>-In order to practice psychology, you will need no less than a master’s. And, in order to open your own practice, or to work for yourself, you’ll need a Ph.D
-There are two types of Ph.D’s for psychology: Psy.D and a Ph.D. A Psy.D focuses on application of psychology while the Ph.D focuses on the research end.</p>
<p>You may want to seek out a program where neuroscience a track is in the psychology department. UMass Amherst is an example of that.</p>
<p>[Requirements</a> - Undergraduate : Requirements](<a href=“Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences | UMass Amherst”>Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences | UMass Amherst)</p>