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Psychology BA or BS to later become a psychiatrist ?

I am currently going to school with my major being psychology. My future goal is to become a psychiatrist! What psychology is best to get a degree in, BA or BS? I’m having a hard time figuring out so any help will be great!!

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Emily’s Answer

Considering psychiatry will require a med school degree later on, your best bet would be to start with a Bachelor of Science degree, where you will focus mainly on research psychology and research methods in your last few years. Research will be required as a part of your doctoral program, so it helps to have that foundation. BA and BS requirements may vary by school, so it's important to keep that in mind. Generally speaking, however, American universities usually require more science and mathematical proficiencies for a BS. BA degrees usually require two years minimum of a foreign language and some art and writing proficiencies.

Emily recommends the following next steps:

Research if your college offers classes in psychopharmacology, maybe as an elective to see if it interests you!
Do research on doctoral programs you're interested in for the future and look at what their admission requirements are.
Job shadow, intern with, or just simply ask a psychiatrist about their job, educational requirements, fellowships, etc.
Meet with an academic advisor to ask what your best options would be.
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Debra’s Answer

Probably a BS, however it doesn’t matter so much as long as you fulfill requirements for med school which would be the next step for psychiatry.
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Kandel A.’s Answer

Hi Adriana,

It looks like you're on a great path! Have you earned any college credits or taken AP courses in high school? If you have, you might already have enough credits to apply for your undergraduate degree. Check the degree requirements to see if you've already met some of them. I recommend considering the BS route, as it includes labs and research that will help you on your journey to becoming a psychiatrist.

Wishing you all the best in your pursuits!
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Chrisanne’s Answer

Hi there! You're on a great path with your degree choice. If you aim to become a practicing psychiatrist, a BA is perfect. Afterward, you'll need to attend med school and complete a residency. If you decide to focus more on research, a BS might be better, but for now, a BA suits your goals well. Remember, psychology is also a great option if med school isn't for you. As you progress, you'll discover various opportunities in your field, like working directly with patients, hospital administration, or developing public policy. Enjoy the journey and all the exciting possibilities ahead!
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