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What classes should I take in high school if I want to be a psychology major ?
I'm a sophomore and think that I might want to pursue a career related to this major but aren't sure on what classes I should take for the next 2 years.
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Kyle’s Answer
Unless your high school has specific electives in social sciences or anything related to psychology, I don't really think there is anything for you to take in high school specific for a psychology major. However to prepare you for the general education requirements in college you'd likely take related to a psychology major, it wouldn't hurt to focus in on things like:
* AP Psychology: This is the one thing that I could think of that your high school *might* have. Definitely go for this if it's available as it might even provide college credit to give you a bit of a head start in your major!
* Algebra and Statistics: Typically Statistics is going to be the highest level of math you'll have to do for your major.
* Biology: This will be good to have in the back pocket as a lot of issues related to the mind have some correlation to the body. You'll likely be taking a few courses in this topic, especially in the anatomy of the brain.
* Language: A big component of a psychologist/psychiatrist is in writing and speech.
* Foreign Language: For your major, you might actually *have* to take a foreign language as a requirement. You're likely already doing that anyway in high school too. Think about where you'd like to go for college, where you think you might end up in the future, and hone in on a language that you think would benefit you the most from there. If you'll eventually be doing therapy/counseling for patients down the road, it will be helpful to have context of other cultures and by association, aspects of their language.
* Social Sciences: Anything in this bucket will generally just help you become more knowledgeable about the world and develop your critical thinking skills. So economics and history is hugely beneficial, sociology as well, but even government or geography classes too.
* AP Psychology: This is the one thing that I could think of that your high school *might* have. Definitely go for this if it's available as it might even provide college credit to give you a bit of a head start in your major!
* Algebra and Statistics: Typically Statistics is going to be the highest level of math you'll have to do for your major.
* Biology: This will be good to have in the back pocket as a lot of issues related to the mind have some correlation to the body. You'll likely be taking a few courses in this topic, especially in the anatomy of the brain.
* Language: A big component of a psychologist/psychiatrist is in writing and speech.
* Foreign Language: For your major, you might actually *have* to take a foreign language as a requirement. You're likely already doing that anyway in high school too. Think about where you'd like to go for college, where you think you might end up in the future, and hone in on a language that you think would benefit you the most from there. If you'll eventually be doing therapy/counseling for patients down the road, it will be helpful to have context of other cultures and by association, aspects of their language.
* Social Sciences: Anything in this bucket will generally just help you become more knowledgeable about the world and develop your critical thinking skills. So economics and history is hugely beneficial, sociology as well, but even government or geography classes too.
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Rafael’s Answer
Hi Kaitlynn,
It's great to hear that you're considering a career in psychology and planning to start preparing in high school. While I didn't major in psychology, I've always been interested in the field and even took a psychology class in high school, which helped in my career by enhancing my understanding of human behavior and critical thinking skills. Consider taking some courses in psychology, biology, statistics, math, english, social studies, humanities, and a foreign language over the next two years. These will provide a solid foundation for understanding the field and developing essential skills. Participating in psychology-related extracurricular activities will also be beneficial. Good luck with your studies!
It's great to hear that you're considering a career in psychology and planning to start preparing in high school. While I didn't major in psychology, I've always been interested in the field and even took a psychology class in high school, which helped in my career by enhancing my understanding of human behavior and critical thinking skills. Consider taking some courses in psychology, biology, statistics, math, english, social studies, humanities, and a foreign language over the next two years. These will provide a solid foundation for understanding the field and developing essential skills. Participating in psychology-related extracurricular activities will also be beneficial. Good luck with your studies!