What major is best for becoming a rehabilitation psychologist?
I am interested in becoming a rehabilitation psychologist (working with people with learning and/or physical disabilities). However, I am unclear if a degree in social work or a degree in psychology is best for creating a path to my goal. I know you it seems like psych is the answer, but I've read info that says entry level positions can be obtained with a general social work degree and general psych degrees don't seem to offer enough options to build a specialty like disability studies (but some social work degree programs do). I am having a hard time figuring out a path to this profession. #psychology #social-work #disabilities
3 answers
David’s Answer
Try asking you school first such as your college adviser or counselor and see if they can guide you to the pathway you need to be earning the degree or profession you want to be while in college.
Maurita’s Answer
You are in the perfect position to go in many directions. Sooooo, let's break this down. The path you desire to take has a base that allows for many add-ons (i.e., general or specific areas of expertise). What do we know? We know the base should always be psychology. Now here is where it gets interesting. Depending on your desired college/university and the programs they offer, you can complete minors, complete concentrations, and earn certifications.
Some examples:
Your degree is a psychology degree with a minor in sociology and concentration in physical therapy. This will provide an understanding of how the mind is connected to healing the body. It will also allow you to find or create opportunities to assist your client outside of your office (e.g., the family, the community partners, etc.).
You also can look into a dual degree in psychology and social work, allowing you to take courses related to holistic well-being on a micro (individual), mezzo (community), and macro (global) level.
I'm also going to encourage you to look at the arena the degree will allow for opportunities to serve your population on various levels. That is, you never want to pigeon hole yourself into only one type of position. Think of how you want to use your degree one year after you graduate, five years after you graduate, and ten years after you graduate.
Good luck!
Jessica Sera’s Answer
Jessica Sera recommends the following next steps: