4 answers
sky
Student
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
9
Questions
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Should I do a bachelors of art or a bachelor of science if I want to be a forensic psychologist?
I’m 16. I’m in grade 11. My plan is to go to MUN and do my first degree in psychology, but I don’t know if I should get a bachelor science or a of arts. I just wondering what’s better if I wanna go into forensic psychology in the future. Any help is appreciated.
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4 answers
Irelis Rodriguez
Self published author
21
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Irelis’s Answer
1) Bachelor of arts when it comes psychology, they focuses on liberal arts such as humanities, and social science, which has more elective flexibility.
2) Bachelor of science focuses on scientific research, data analysis, and natural sciences including math and biology.
3) They are both provide a strong foundation, but BS is often better in clinical or research careers, since the BA approach on human services, business, or marketing.
4) So my answer is that since you are doing forensic psychologist, you should major in BS instead of BA.
2) Bachelor of science focuses on scientific research, data analysis, and natural sciences including math and biology.
3) They are both provide a strong foundation, but BS is often better in clinical or research careers, since the BA approach on human services, business, or marketing.
4) So my answer is that since you are doing forensic psychologist, you should major in BS instead of BA.
Thank you so much!!!
sky
Jose Casas Prats
2
Answers
Updated
Jose’s Answer
Hi Sky,
Although I study in Spain and there will be significant differences compared to the US, I have decided to study Psychology as a prerequisite for Criminology.
I believe that Psychology provides a solid foundation necessary for Criminology, as it addresses and delves into the basic psychological processes underlying any behavior, including criminal behavior.
In Spain, there isn't a degree in Forensic Psychology as such, but rather degrees in Criminology and Criminalistics. Both belong to the sciences, although Criminology belongs to the Social Sciences branch and Criminalistics to the Pure Sciences branch, but both share a scientific basis.
If there is a Forensic Psychology degree program in the US and it belongs to the sciences, you will probably need basic scientific knowledge to successfully complete the degree, but beyond studying for a science degree to acquire that scientific foundation, I think it is a good decision to lay the groundwork for your future specialization.
Although I study in Spain and there will be significant differences compared to the US, I have decided to study Psychology as a prerequisite for Criminology.
I believe that Psychology provides a solid foundation necessary for Criminology, as it addresses and delves into the basic psychological processes underlying any behavior, including criminal behavior.
In Spain, there isn't a degree in Forensic Psychology as such, but rather degrees in Criminology and Criminalistics. Both belong to the sciences, although Criminology belongs to the Social Sciences branch and Criminalistics to the Pure Sciences branch, but both share a scientific basis.
If there is a Forensic Psychology degree program in the US and it belongs to the sciences, you will probably need basic scientific knowledge to successfully complete the degree, but beyond studying for a science degree to acquire that scientific foundation, I think it is a good decision to lay the groundwork for your future specialization.
Thank you for giving me advice.
sky
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1401
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Sky,
I think it's great that at sixteen, you're already planning this far ahead. You're going to benefit much from that kind of foresight.
Your bachelor's degree (BA or BSc) is only the first step towards becoming a forensic psychologist. This is the most important thing to understand. You will almost probably need graduate school (a master's and most likely a PhD or PsyD in psychology) in order to practice as a forensic psychologist. Therefore, "Which one best suits my strengths and prepares me for graduate school?" is the real question, not "Which one is better?"
A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in psychology often concentrates more on biology, statistics, research techniques, and the scientific aspects of behavior. Strong research and data skills are highly valued in competitive graduate programs, particularly in clinical or forensic psychology, so this can be quite beneficial.
A psychology bachelor's degree (BA) often gives more freedom and electives. You could enroll in additional courses in the arts, social sciences, or even criminology, which may be important to forensic psychology. It's simply arranged a little differently; it's not "worse."
Graduate schools in forensic psychology are particularly interested in:
- Strong GPA
- Research experience
- Good statistics background
- Volunteer or work experience in related settings (courts, youth programs, crisis centers, etc.)
Both a BA and a BSc can get you there if you choose your courses wisely.
A BSc can provide you with a little advantage in research-focused programs if you are at ease with math and science-heavy courses. A BA might also be a great option if you want a little more flexibility and wish to study related fields like criminology, sociology, or law.
My recommendation? Review the course requirements for both degrees carefully when you arrive at MUN. See which structure best suits your abilities and gives you the most excitement. Before committing to anything, you can even speak with an academic counselor throughout your first year.
You don't have to map everything out exactly right now. Concentrate on developing your academic abilities, maintaining your interest in psychology, and, if you can, gaining experience. The letters on the degree are not nearly as important as that foundation.
Best wishes!
I think it's great that at sixteen, you're already planning this far ahead. You're going to benefit much from that kind of foresight.
Your bachelor's degree (BA or BSc) is only the first step towards becoming a forensic psychologist. This is the most important thing to understand. You will almost probably need graduate school (a master's and most likely a PhD or PsyD in psychology) in order to practice as a forensic psychologist. Therefore, "Which one best suits my strengths and prepares me for graduate school?" is the real question, not "Which one is better?"
A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in psychology often concentrates more on biology, statistics, research techniques, and the scientific aspects of behavior. Strong research and data skills are highly valued in competitive graduate programs, particularly in clinical or forensic psychology, so this can be quite beneficial.
A psychology bachelor's degree (BA) often gives more freedom and electives. You could enroll in additional courses in the arts, social sciences, or even criminology, which may be important to forensic psychology. It's simply arranged a little differently; it's not "worse."
Graduate schools in forensic psychology are particularly interested in:
- Strong GPA
- Research experience
- Good statistics background
- Volunteer or work experience in related settings (courts, youth programs, crisis centers, etc.)
Both a BA and a BSc can get you there if you choose your courses wisely.
A BSc can provide you with a little advantage in research-focused programs if you are at ease with math and science-heavy courses. A BA might also be a great option if you want a little more flexibility and wish to study related fields like criminology, sociology, or law.
My recommendation? Review the course requirements for both degrees carefully when you arrive at MUN. See which structure best suits your abilities and gives you the most excitement. Before committing to anything, you can even speak with an academic counselor throughout your first year.
You don't have to map everything out exactly right now. Concentrate on developing your academic abilities, maintaining your interest in psychology, and, if you can, gaining experience. The letters on the degree are not nearly as important as that foundation.
Best wishes!
Folayemi Adebayo
Software Engineer
15
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Folayemi’s Answer
Hi Sky,
You are already ahead of the game, thinking about this at 16!
For forensic psychology, a BSc in Psychology is generally the better route since it has more research and science-based courses, which graduate programs (you'll need a masters or PhD to actually practice forensic psychology) tend to prefer. That said, both can work — what matters more is keeping your GPA strong and getting research experience during your undergrad. I'd also recommend checking MUN's specific course lists for each degree, since the differences can vary by school.
Check MUN'S website and compare the actual course requirements for their BA vs BSc in Psychology. The difference in the curriculum wil help make your decision clearer.
You are already ahead of the game, thinking about this at 16!
For forensic psychology, a BSc in Psychology is generally the better route since it has more research and science-based courses, which graduate programs (you'll need a masters or PhD to actually practice forensic psychology) tend to prefer. That said, both can work — what matters more is keeping your GPA strong and getting research experience during your undergrad. I'd also recommend checking MUN's specific course lists for each degree, since the differences can vary by school.
Folayemi recommends the following next steps: