<p>You can get a B.A/B.S in psychology after graduating from college, but you will not find, 9 out of 10 times, find ANY work with either degree. You can go to graduate school and obtain an M.A in psychology (Counseling, Clinical, etc.) but your prospects are still limited if you’re looking to do “talk therapy” or research. </p>
<p>With a masters in psychology, you can do a lot of different things. You can be a motivational speaker, a dog trainer, and participate in a plethora of other such (varied) occupations. But most people don’t really go for psychology to work those types of jobs.</p>
<p>Masters level psychologists CANNOT practice on their own (varies by state) unless under the guidance of a doctorate psychologist. And while it’s true that having a Ph.D or PsyD, theoretically, gives you more opportunities in the market, the ugly truth of the matter is that psychologists with M.As are trumping Ph.D graduates in the job market.</p>
<p>The reason for this is a) psychologists with M.As can be paid less money than Ph.ds, and b) the supply of psychologists FAR outweighs the demand. </p>
<p>The pay for psychologists (Unless you decide to become an I/O psychologist, which pays better than the other specialties) isn’t pretty. I know some people who barely scratch 20k a year and still have to rely on their parents for additional aid. I also know some people who are doing (fairly) well, with incomes ranging from 40k-50k. Psychology is not a high paying job, despite what Hollywood might tell you.</p>
<p>If you plan to do research or go into academia, you will not find any jobs with a masters degree. You need a Ph.D (which is a research-oriented degree) to find a career in the latter and former. If you’re planning to strictly practice therapy, then you can opt for either the Ph.D or the PsyD. </p>
<p>So if you’re planning to pursue a Ph.D or PsyD in psychology, be wary. It’s not easy for people who intend to become clinicians to find well paying jobs (if any at all). Plus, the burn out rate is sky high for most. Eleven years of schooling to find that the pay doesn’t come anywhere close to the amount that it should!</p>
<p>If you really enjoy psychology, then pursue it. But if a successful life with job security and money is your preference, then opt for another major/career.</p>
<p>Or go for psychiatry. But that’s another discussion in and of itself.</p>
<p>Cheers.</p>
<p>P.S: This is just scratching the surface. Try the StudentDoctor forums (easily accessible by Google) for more information regarding psychology as a whole (there’s a subsection to psychology on the boards there).</p>