"So, what are you majoring in?"

This is the popular question that I tend to dread answering. As a current undergraduate working towards a B.S. in Psychology, I'm used to hearing a lot of the misconceptions that people have about my field of study and psychology majors in general.

Whether you are a psych major like me or someone wanting to learn more, here are seven common misbeliefs about psych majors matched with the truth:

1. Psychology is easy.

Although the undergraduate course load is not as heavy as other majors, psychology is more than "just common sense." Psych can be very challenging, especially when one moves from the basic intro classes into the courses that teach statistics, research methods, neuroscience, and cognition. There are difficult subjects, and there is a bucket load of writing involved.

2. Psychology is an art, not a science.

Psychology can be applied to the arts, however it is primarily a science as it is grounded in scientific methods and procedures. Psychologists conduct experiments, statistical analysis, studies, and research to advance the field and make new discoveries. In addition, neuropsychologists evaluate brain scans of patients while psychiatrists prescribe medicine.

3. You can read people's minds!

Oh goodness, I've heard this one way too many times. While it would be a fun superpower, I hate to break that I cannot read minds. Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. A psychologist or an individual can use their observational skills to predict behavior and understand why people do things, but that doesn't make them supernatural.

4. A bachelor's degree makes you a psychologist.

If only It could be this easy… Becoming a psychologist takes a lot of work, and not every psych major goes on to become one. First, one must earn a bachelors degree in psychology or a related field. Then, they must go through several years of graduate school to earn a PsyD or PhD plus obtaining licensure and postdoctoral supervised work experience. Remember, there are all different types of psychologists too!

5. There are few job opportunities or possibilities… (what are you going to do with that?)

Although many areas of psychology require a graduate degree, psychology is such a diverse field, and there are so many directions you can take within it. Here is just a short list of job possibilities: counselor (school counselor, marriage and family counselor, etc.), I-O psychologist, forensic psychologist, clinical psychologist, school psychologist, engineering psychologist, neuropsychologist, counseling psychologist, art/music therapist, social worker, human resources manager or advisor, psychiatrist, teacher, occupational therapist, psychiatric nurse, and many more…

6. The Couch

When most people think about anything in psychology, they think about a person lying on a couch expressing their problems to guy with a pencil and notepad. This is an ancient Freudian practice, and it is sometimes and rarely used in psychoanalysis, one of the many systems of psychological therapy and theory. Modern therapy and counseling does not look like this.

7. You won't make a lot of money.

Just like any other field, what you make depends on your level of education, the type of work, and your experience. It is true that fields in education and social service tend to be underfunded. However, it is possible to be very successful. Psychiatrists can make well over $200k, industrial-organizational psychologists can make up to $100k, and, depending on what type, other psychologists can make anything from $60-90k.

I hope this has been relatable and educational! Be nice to the next psych major you meet!

-M