Is An Online Psychology Degree For You?

Thinking about majoring in psychology but concerned that there may already be too many psych majors in the world?

Or maybe you're worried that you won't find a job?

Responding to similar concerns, the American Psychology Association and the Florida Psychology Department Chairs developed the report, "Are There Too Many Psych Majors?"

Here's just one take-away from the report:

"We suggest that the fear about employability with a bachelor's degree is not completely justified. Psychology majors are sought by future employers who understand the added value from studying both scientific methods and human differences."

Psychology remains one of the most popular undergraduate majors – typically among the top three choices nationally, according to APA.

The reasons why are numerous:

• An interest in human behavior and what motivates people to make the choices they do
• The desire to understand oneself and others better
• To solve problems and help people
• To obtain a versatile degree that is useful in a wide variety of fields
• The field's relevance to everyday life
• The opportunity to develop practical skills

Or, simply put, many individuals choose to major in psychology because it's interesting.

Here are some thoughts from just a couple of the students enrolled in Saint Leo's online psychology degree program about why they chose psychology and what they plan to do with their degrees.

Amanda Jennings
Clearwater, FL
Centers for Online Learning: Psychology Association President

Why did you choose to major in psychology?

I had a great psychology teacher in high school who made learning fun, and as I took a few classes, I became passionate about finding out what made people "tick." As I began studying psychology at the collegiate level, my interests evolved into learning more about how the physical brain affects behavior. I'm a naturally inquisitive person and studying psychology was a great fit for me. I also liked that psychology would be a strong foundation of research and writing skills, people skills, and a versatile academic scope for entrance into graduate school.

What would you like to do after you complete your bachelor's degree?

I plan on attending graduate school for occupational therapy. A practice that combines the mind and body is a perfect fit for my interests and strengths. I couldn't be more passionate about making the lives of others better, and I think I can really accomplish that as an occupational therapist.

What are you enjoying most about your psychology classes?

All of the professors I have had at Saint Leo so far have been really involved and clearly passionate about their classes. They ask thought-provoking discussion questions that are challenging and relevant. One of the best things about studying psychology is that it requires you to "think outside the box" and constantly challenge yourself to discover the cause and effect of human behavior.

What's the best part about taking online classes?

Online classes offer the flexibility that many adults require to continue working and/or running a household. Online classes require you to fine-tune your organizational skills, which is a great life skill.

Cinthya Fana
Fort Carson, CO

Why did you choose to major in psychology?

I chose psychology because I want to become a clinical social worker and counsel families about child abuse and substance abuse. I want to help protect children, but I also believe there are adults who could need help, as well, to become better parents. Majoring in psychology has helped me so much in my journey towards accomplishing my goals.

What would you like to do after you complete your bachelor's degree?

I would like to become a licensed social worker and plan to apply to the Saint Leo online Master of Social Work program.

What are you enjoying most about your psychology classes?

Each class is interesting, challenging and very educational. Also, the professors are great to work with.

What's the best part about taking online classes?

I am a human resources specialist in the Army. I process soldiers' records, awards, promotions and accountability. Sometimes I go to the field for weeks at a time. Last year, I was in Afghanistan, and the fact that I was able to still go to school because of the online program made me so happy. I was able to keep completing my degree without interruptions. I worked from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and would do my reading and assignments for the week after work. On Sundays, we worked from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m., so that was the day I would turn in my assignments and do any exams. It was hard, but I did it and received good grades, as well.

Roxanne Chilson
Melrose, FL

Why did you choose to major in psychology?

It took 22 years to find out that psychology is where I am destined to be. God has given me a gift of exhortation and empathic listening. Through my own trials and tribulations, God has also taught me how to speak the truth with love and hope. I believe I need to use these talents and help people discover their true potential and continue to give the world hope of changing one person at a time.

What would you like to do after you complete your bachelor's degree?

While I am working on my bachelor's degree, I am researching the needs in my community. I would like to open a counseling center within my church and eventually work on a women's retreat center where individuals can enjoy some quiet time and recharge during their day.

What are you enjoying most about your psychology classes?

My greatest enjoyment is when I learn something new in my class at the same time that I receive another "ah-ha" moment about myself and my own truths. My psychology classes are very affirming to me; they reassure me that I am exactly where I need to be. I also enjoy the diverse issues that each class covers.

What's the best part about taking online classes?

The best part about taking classes online is the flexibility. Since I am a single mom raising three children, volunteering at their schools and in my church, my schedule can be very unpredictable. I enjoy the fact that I can accomplish my schooling at anytime and anywhere that best suits my schedule for that particular day.

Willie Mae Murdock
Wedgefield, SC

Why did you choose to major in psychology?

I chose psychology because I want to change my career. I have worked in industrial plants, retail stores, childcare, and schools, and after all these years, I decided that I needed to go back to college and get a degree to have a better career choice. I feel as though taking psychology courses will help me get a better job – and help others, as well. It's a broad field and offers a lot of options.

What would you like to do after you complete your bachelor's degree?

I would like to get a job counseling children, ages 5 years to 15 years, and adults. While I am not able to go to graduate school at this time, I will not give up.

What are you enjoying most about your psychology classes?

I am enjoying the material that is covered in my classes, my professors, and my classmates. One class that has been especially interesting is Culture and Psychology with Dr. Davis. I enjoy collaborating with my classmates online. We sometimes exchange personal e-mail addresses so that we can chat in another channel.

What's the best part about taking online classes?

I love the convenience of online classes.

Bentley Streat
Hayes, VA

Why did you choose to major in psychology?

I have always had an interest in psychology, counseling and addiction. In the 80s, I worked in a residential facility in Richmond, Va., and that experience solidified my interest. Now that my children are grown, I can pursue a career in rehabilitation counseling. The first step to accomplishing this goal was to return to school and get my bachelor's in psychology.

What would you like to do after you complete your bachelor's degree?

After I complete my bachelor's degree in early 2014, I am applying to graduate school. I hope to get into Virginia Commonwealth University as rehabilitation counseling program rates eighth in the nation. I would like to get my master's degree in rehabilitation counseling with a focus in substance abuse.

What are you enjoying most about your psychology classes?

My psychology classes have broadened my scope in terms of looking at post-graduation possibilities. The classes are challenging. The professors are engaged and willing to devote the time necessary to expound on topics that warrant further explanation. I feel very lucky to have had the experience with the teachers that I have had, because they have enhanced my learning experience by being present to the students, offering variety in the learning process, and support with difficult subjects.

What's the best part about taking online classes?

Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.

Jennifer Adams
St. Petersburg, FL

Why did you choose to major in psychology?

Originally I was a journalism major, but as I attended classes my teachers kept asking, "Why are you here?" Turns out my experience in journalistic writing since high school paid off. I took my first psychology class when I was working on my associate's degree in mass communications and fell in love! Since switching my major to psychology, I have been completely happy and excited about each class. In general, I love working with and helping people. I found out my "calling" was to do counseling. I love talking with people and being able to explain things in a relative way so their lives can be more beneficial. Psychology is a subject that relates to everyone and can help anyone, I love that.

What would you like to do after you complete your bachelor's degree?

Once I complete my bachelor's degree, I will then get my certification as a behavioral analyst and then continue onto graduate school, majoring in counseling. I hope to one day own my own counseling practice.

What are you enjoying most about your psychology classes?

Now that I have transferred to St Leo University, I love every psychology class I am taking! Though I am used to 16-week classes, I like how even in 8 weeks, I am able to not only be challenged but learn something new every week! I also find the teachers very informative and understanding when life situations happen.

What's the best part about taking online classes?

The best part about taking online classes is that I am judged strictly on my writing skills, following directions and, of course, turning things in on time. I lead a busy life and I appreciate how online classes let me not only further my education but also I can take care of things like work, friends or any health issues that might come up during the week. If I know I have a busy week ahead, I can turn in my assignments early and not have to worry about missing any possible points.

Are you majoring in psychology? What do like most about it?

Other posts you may be interested in reading:

What Can You Do With A Bachelor's Degree In Psychology?

What Can You Do With A Psychology Degree? Plan Your Future

What Does A Forensic Psychologist Do?

Image credit: Keoni Cabral