Should I Double Major In Psychology?

Career Opportunities & Internships
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<p>I'm currently an Economics major on track to graduate May 2014, but I want to double major in Psychology two extra semesters and graduate December 2014.</p>

<p>I talked to an advisor and they HIGHLY discouraged me from getting an additional degree in Psychology (they said it's pointless even though they are the psychology major advisor). They recommended me to do an additional major which is less credits which means it would only be shown on my transcript but won't be on diploma so essentially I would graduate only as an Economics major who taken extra Psychology courses.</p>

<p>The reason why I want to double major is because I want to do Market or Social Research either in Higher Education or Industry OR work as a high school counselor or college academic advisor.</p>

<p>The reason why I'm in a dilemma is because my parents will help me pay for a fifth year, but I also want to get an actual business administration degree in MIS (but my intentions were to graduate December 2014 apply for full time jobs and during that time take night classes in MIS in the area I live after graduation at home).</p>

<p>I'm don't want to go to graduate school immediately after graduation, I rather wait 2-5 years and get some work experience for letter of recommendations and to build my applications. </p>

<p>The reason why I'm interested in Psychology because it is required to have Psychology classes when applying to MA Education: Counseling or Student Affairs and I'm interested in Behavioral Economics and Experimental Psychology specifically on Consumer Behavior which is related to Market Research (I'm particularly interested in researching for Apparel/Textile, Automotive, and Retail).</p>

<p>People tell me a Psychology double major is useless, but I'm interested in it and believe it will help my GPA and applications. (I get a basic HR Generalist job with a double major).</p>

<p>Should I Double Major In Psychology?</p>

2

<p>Take the number of classes you need to meet the requirements to apply for the MA. If that is less than a major, then don’t major.</p>

3

<p>HR jobs are very difficult to break into without solid internships and experience, so don’t expect to hop into one just because you majored in psychology and economics. I would agree with the above advice and take what is necessary to get you into a masters program, but not double. I have a BA in psychology and work in HR, but the degree didn’t help me make that move - having a job at the same company in a different and unrelated department, as well as networking is what has helped me to break into the field by making a lateral move in the company. Many HR folk didn’t start out in HR, and many others got their first jobs through their internships. Do you have time to do an internship or two in HR? And why do you want to go in that direction if you’re interested in counseling?</p>