Psychology is an average major in terms of difficulty, comparable to degrees in business, science, and liberal arts. It suits all-rounders but may be challenging if you dislike math or writing essays. Study is made easier because the field is fascinating, exploring human behavior and thinking.
About
Completing an undergraduate psychology major is very achievable. However, to become a psychologist, you need to excel academically. This includes completing a master’s degree and/or doctorate. It’s a competitive field requiring dedication and strong performance in all areas.
The major covers diverse topics requiring critical thinking, literacy, and mathematical skills. Students need to be adept in reading, statistics, and essay writing. Electives can help tailor your program to match individual strengths.
Key Takeaways
- Psychology is neither easier nor harder than other mainstream degrees.
- Becoming a psychologist requires top academic performance.
- Critical thinking, literacy, and maths skills are essential.
- The degree includes a mix of psychology and non-psychology subjects.
- Elective subjects can help manage the overall difficulty of the degree.
Why the Major is Not Difficult
A psychology major is not especially difficult because it is accessible to a wide range of students. The degree is available in many arts, science, and social science programs, attracting students with varying academic abilities. It is also a popular major due to its fascinating subject matter, exploring human behavior and thought processes.
Colleges and universities design undergraduate psychology programs to ensure most students can pass. The coursework is balanced between core psychology subjects and electives, allowing students to choose subjects that play to their strengths. The degree does not require mastery of any single skill set, making it manageable for those with a mix of abilities in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Additionally, entry requirements for psychology programs are generally reasonable. Admission standards can range from moderate to high, but most students can find a program that matches their academic level. This accessibility means that while the major requires effort, it is structured to support student success and comprehension.
Are Psychology Courses Stressful?
Psychology degrees are designed for all-rounders, requiring proficiency in various skills. Students must read lengthy studies, understand statistics, and write essays, which can be challenging for those weak in any area. The coursework demands critical thinking and high literacy.
While the degree involves diverse topics, much of the coursework comprises subjects outside psychology. This allows students to choose electives that align with their strengths, making the program more manageable. Balancing core psychology subjects with easier electives can reduce stress.
Advanced studies, like master’s programs, are highly competitive. These programs require significant research projects, data analysis, and academic writing. Only the most dedicated students progress, making the journey to becoming a psychologist stressful and demanding.
Career Opportunities with a Psychology Degree
A psychology major develops valuable skills in research, analysis, and report-writing. Graduates can find roles in human resources, market research, mental health support, user experience research, case management, public relations, victim advocacy, and corporate training. The major offers versatility due to the transferable skills it imparts.
In the broader job market, the skills and knowledge gained from psychology degrees are highly valued. Graduates are seen as adaptable, with strong capabilities in data interpretation and people management. This makes the major practical and beneficial for a range of careers beyond traditional psychology roles.
Related: Psychology Careers and Salaries
Sources
Lancaster, A. (2024, July 13). Is Psychology a Hard Degree in Australia? Lerna Courses. Retrieved from https://lerna.courses/australia/is-psychology-a-hard-degree-in-australia/.
Source material for this article was researched and produced by Dr Andrew Lancaster. He is an experienced educator and founder of Unicurve and Lerna Courses. He has a background in policy strategy within the Australian Public Service and has taught at the University of Tasmania and the Australian National University. His work focuses on providing students with valuable and unbiased information about education and career paths.
Related: Psychology Courses Online Australia: Flexible Degrees