I’m a psychology major. I’ve always wanted to help others. I know I want to become a psychologist, but I’ve thought about other career choices, like opening my own business. I was thinking of maybe opening a private practice or opening a rehab center. I was thinking of possibly doing a double major in psychology and business. I’m going to get a MA and Ph.D. in psychology as well. I’m even doing a minor in Spanish. What do you guys think? Is it worth it?
A funded doctorate in psychology is incredibly competitive. If that’s the path you plan to take, you need to focus on becoming a strong candidate for a solid program. Talk to your professors and advisors on the things you can be/should be doing in order to do that.
Having a second major, minor, etc. sounds like fun-- but it’s not the kind of thing that makes you attractive to a grad program (unless you don’t care where you go and have enough money to pay for it…) The kids I know who are now in PhD psych programs (with funding, not kids getting a Master’s in counseling) focused on research, editing professor’s submissions to scholarly journals, helping to write grant proposals and setting up clinical research protocols.
Statistics is going to be much more helpful than business if you’re serious about a PhD.
Also realize that if you want to know more about business for a potential psychology practice…you don’t necessarily need to take an entire Major or minor…you can just take classes in that area.