4 answers
christine
Student
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
1
Question
Asked
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Military or Gap Year or Grad School?
Would joining the military (USAF) be beneficial to me right now? I’m graduating with my BS in forensic psychology, and I don’t know what I want now.
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4 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Christine!
First, congratulations on completing your B.S. in Forensic Psychology! That's a solid foundation, and it's quite normal to be unsure of "what's next." This is the exact crossroads that many accomplished grads face.
It helps to think about your why before deciding between graduate school, the Air Force, or a gap year. What are you seeking to achieve at this time?
Here’s how each path could serve a different purpose:
- Military (USAF): Provides leadership experience, structure, discipline, and tuition benefits (such as the GI Bill). The Air Force can be a great option if you're drawn to adventure, stability, and service, or if you want to consider employment in intelligence, behavioral analysis, or mental health assistance.
- Gap Year: Perfect if you need time to reflect and readjust. You could volunteer, intern, or obtain real-world experience in counseling or forensic environments. If you spend it wisely, it's not "wasted time," but rather intentional growth.
- Graduate School: It makes sense if you know exactly what you want to achieve (e.g., criminal profiler, counselor, or forensic psychologist). Don't hurry to graduate school just because it seems like "the next step," though, as it is most fulfilling when handled with guidance rather than pressure.
My advice: Take three to six months to actively discover who you are. Speak with Air Force officers, observe someone in your industry, and make connections with forensic psychologists. Movement, not merely contemplation, is the source of clarity.
There are several correct answers at this point; the important thing is to select the one that best fits the kind of life and effect you wish to create in the future.
Best wishes!
First, congratulations on completing your B.S. in Forensic Psychology! That's a solid foundation, and it's quite normal to be unsure of "what's next." This is the exact crossroads that many accomplished grads face.
It helps to think about your why before deciding between graduate school, the Air Force, or a gap year. What are you seeking to achieve at this time?
Here’s how each path could serve a different purpose:
- Military (USAF): Provides leadership experience, structure, discipline, and tuition benefits (such as the GI Bill). The Air Force can be a great option if you're drawn to adventure, stability, and service, or if you want to consider employment in intelligence, behavioral analysis, or mental health assistance.
- Gap Year: Perfect if you need time to reflect and readjust. You could volunteer, intern, or obtain real-world experience in counseling or forensic environments. If you spend it wisely, it's not "wasted time," but rather intentional growth.
- Graduate School: It makes sense if you know exactly what you want to achieve (e.g., criminal profiler, counselor, or forensic psychologist). Don't hurry to graduate school just because it seems like "the next step," though, as it is most fulfilling when handled with guidance rather than pressure.
My advice: Take three to six months to actively discover who you are. Speak with Air Force officers, observe someone in your industry, and make connections with forensic psychologists. Movement, not merely contemplation, is the source of clarity.
There are several correct answers at this point; the important thing is to select the one that best fits the kind of life and effect you wish to create in the future.
Best wishes!
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
36
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Christine,
Thank you for posting your response. I'd say there's no right or wrong answer here. First of all Congratulations on almost finishing your degree! As you approach graduation, it is completely normal to feel unsure about your next step. A lot of students may reach the end of college without a clear direction, especially when their interests or goals start to shift. Choosing between joining the military, taking a gap year, or going straight into graduate school is a big decision, and they each offer different benefits. Stability, clarity, experience, or time can help you choose the option that fits your life the best.
Joining the U.S. Air Force could be beneficial if you want structure, discipline, steady pay, and strong long-term benefits. The military offers housing, healthcare, and job training, which can be very helpful when you are unsure about a career. You can also explore roles that relate to psychology, such as mental health support, intelligence analysis, or security work. However, military life is demanding. It requires commitment, physical fitness, and the willingness to follow orders. If you want a highly structured environment that helps you grow while earning stable income, the Air Force might be a strong option. But if you are unsure about committing for several years, it may feel overwhelming.
Taking a gap year is another realistic and healthy choice. A gap year does not mean wasting time—it means giving yourself space to breathe after years of school. You can use this time to work, save money, shadow professionals, volunteer, or explore different interests. A gap year can help you gain clarity about what you truly want without the pressure of jumping into the wrong path. The challenge with a gap year is staying motivated and making sure the time is used intentionally. But for many people, this year becomes the turning point that helps them make confident decisions.
Graduate school is the path to consider if you feel excited about more education or if your career goals require an advanced degree. Forensic psychology has many specialized careers—like counseling, research, and evaluation—that often need a master’s or doctoral degree. The benefit of going now is that you stay in “school mode” and keep your academic momentum. However, graduate school can be stressful, expensive, and demanding. There is also a program called Guild. Some employers are affiliated with Guild and can offer to pay Master degrees for free if you work for them. But I have to say Grad school is tough and a big time commitment. If you are unsure about your career direction, entering grad school too soon might lead to burnout or regret. It is usually best to pursue grad school when you feel certain that the degree will help you reach a goal, not just because you feel pressured.
In the end, your decision is based on your current emotional needs, financial situation, and long-term goals. The Air Force could give you structure and benefits, a gap year could give you clarity and breathing room, and graduate school could move you toward a specific career—if you are ready. No option is “wrong.” I don't ever want you to have regret or guilt in picking one decision over another. We have different priorities in life and that's where as an adult get to make your own decisions. What matters is choosing the path that helps you grow and supports your mental and personal well-being at this moment in your life.
Thank you for posting your response. I'd say there's no right or wrong answer here. First of all Congratulations on almost finishing your degree! As you approach graduation, it is completely normal to feel unsure about your next step. A lot of students may reach the end of college without a clear direction, especially when their interests or goals start to shift. Choosing between joining the military, taking a gap year, or going straight into graduate school is a big decision, and they each offer different benefits. Stability, clarity, experience, or time can help you choose the option that fits your life the best.
Joining the U.S. Air Force could be beneficial if you want structure, discipline, steady pay, and strong long-term benefits. The military offers housing, healthcare, and job training, which can be very helpful when you are unsure about a career. You can also explore roles that relate to psychology, such as mental health support, intelligence analysis, or security work. However, military life is demanding. It requires commitment, physical fitness, and the willingness to follow orders. If you want a highly structured environment that helps you grow while earning stable income, the Air Force might be a strong option. But if you are unsure about committing for several years, it may feel overwhelming.
Taking a gap year is another realistic and healthy choice. A gap year does not mean wasting time—it means giving yourself space to breathe after years of school. You can use this time to work, save money, shadow professionals, volunteer, or explore different interests. A gap year can help you gain clarity about what you truly want without the pressure of jumping into the wrong path. The challenge with a gap year is staying motivated and making sure the time is used intentionally. But for many people, this year becomes the turning point that helps them make confident decisions.
Graduate school is the path to consider if you feel excited about more education or if your career goals require an advanced degree. Forensic psychology has many specialized careers—like counseling, research, and evaluation—that often need a master’s or doctoral degree. The benefit of going now is that you stay in “school mode” and keep your academic momentum. However, graduate school can be stressful, expensive, and demanding. There is also a program called Guild. Some employers are affiliated with Guild and can offer to pay Master degrees for free if you work for them. But I have to say Grad school is tough and a big time commitment. If you are unsure about your career direction, entering grad school too soon might lead to burnout or regret. It is usually best to pursue grad school when you feel certain that the degree will help you reach a goal, not just because you feel pressured.
In the end, your decision is based on your current emotional needs, financial situation, and long-term goals. The Air Force could give you structure and benefits, a gap year could give you clarity and breathing room, and graduate school could move you toward a specific career—if you are ready. No option is “wrong.” I don't ever want you to have regret or guilt in picking one decision over another. We have different priorities in life and that's where as an adult get to make your own decisions. What matters is choosing the path that helps you grow and supports your mental and personal well-being at this moment in your life.
Robert Peters
Customer Service Support Driver
32
Answers
Kissimmee, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Chrisitne,
happy to see your finished with your college degree. You would want to talk with a recruiter to see what they can offer. You would go in as an officer with your degree and there are full time and Reserve or National Guard possibilities. There are many options for you besides the military path so I hope the best for you.
happy to see your finished with your college degree. You would want to talk with a recruiter to see what they can offer. You would go in as an officer with your degree and there are full time and Reserve or National Guard possibilities. There are many options for you besides the military path so I hope the best for you.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Christine,
It is great that you are considering what to do with your near future. Congratulations on graduating with your BS in forensic psychology! If this is a degree that you enjoyed studying and are looking to study further, it might be easier to since you are relatively used to the work load of school. If you are looking to learn more about your major, what ever you had learned in your bachelors will be fresher in your head than it would be if you were to go in the far future. You can take your education to a higher level which will help when searching for a job afterwards. You will have a new set of skills and memories.
If you take a gap year there is a range of things you can do. You can work and save money. You can start a small business. You can travel. I suggest making sure to travel no matter what you end up doing. It can be very eye opening when you visit another country, or even a new state. There are plenty of times when people say they are taking a gap year in another country and never left. Either way, traveling can help you find yourself in the world. Be glad you have options and make sure to go with your gut!
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great that you are considering what to do with your near future. Congratulations on graduating with your BS in forensic psychology! If this is a degree that you enjoyed studying and are looking to study further, it might be easier to since you are relatively used to the work load of school. If you are looking to learn more about your major, what ever you had learned in your bachelors will be fresher in your head than it would be if you were to go in the far future. You can take your education to a higher level which will help when searching for a job afterwards. You will have a new set of skills and memories.
If you take a gap year there is a range of things you can do. You can work and save money. You can start a small business. You can travel. I suggest making sure to travel no matter what you end up doing. It can be very eye opening when you visit another country, or even a new state. There are plenty of times when people say they are taking a gap year in another country and never left. Either way, traveling can help you find yourself in the world. Be glad you have options and make sure to go with your gut!
Best of luck on your journey!