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What should I major in if I want a career as a Research Psychologist #Fall25?

To be specific, I'd want to do things such as research on actual human brains, alongside living people! Is this possible?

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Wong’s Answer

Hi Zabrina. If you want to become a research psychologist and study the human brain, there are several academic paths you can take. The first step is to major in psychology, but you'll want to look for a program that offers courses or specializations in neuroscience or biopsychology. Neuroscience is the scientific study of the brain and nervous system, and it focuses on how brain activity affects behavior. If you choose this path, you’ll learn about how the brain works, etc.

While you're studying, try to get hands-on experience by working in a research lab. Some psychology programs have labs that specialize in brain research. If you're interested in studying the brain in living people, being involved in this kind of research would give you the chance to work with technology that shows how the brain functions while someone is thinking or doing something.

After finishing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to continue your studies to become an expert. You should pursue a Master's degree or PhD in Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, or Neuropsychology. A PhD program will allow you to dive deeper into brain research and even conduct your own studies.
Thank you comment icon As Wong Loke states, one can start off in any of a variety of majors: psychology, neuroscience, biology, physiology, etc. Explore as much as you can during your studies to learn what motivates you and captures your imagination. The human brain is an amazing thing, and one can (and should) learn about it from a variety of vantage points as ultimately we need to know anatomy, physiology, psychology, biochemistry, organ-organ interactions... James Hanson
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Martin’s Answer

To succeed in that specialty, you'll likely need courses in that area, plus statistics. A Master's degree and supervised clinical hours are usually needed, and sometimes a doctorate. Check the program requirements and talk to someone already working in the field for more details. Keep going—you're on the right path!
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Raj’s Answer

Obviously, you need to major in psychology and also course work in human biology.
Regardless, my advice is to not give up in pursuit of your passion and commit to getting a college degree.

Given so much information is available online, you may want to get yourself educated by looking up information, online.

Good Luck!
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