Study Bachelors in Psychology in USA

By Whizstorm 2020-08-26

BSC IN PSYCHOLOGY IN THE USA

Studying Psychology in the USA

- Psychology is the study of behavior in humans and animals. It is a social science where each mind goes through an adaptation and preparation of its own. The study of psychology helps students understand the factors which affect the mindset, actions, and even the whole personality in some cases.

- Careers in psychology are increasing and have become an acclaimed field of interest among international students. The American Psychological Association identifies many sub-branches in the field of psychology like neuropsychologists, social psychologists, and industrial-organizational psychologists which are different from the mainstream counseling.

- The US is always in the lead when it comes to researching and exploration of psychology topics. The universities in the USA are adequate and have high-quality psychology programs with particular specialties. Whether you study a degree or diploma in the US, it is highly recognized and admired across the world.

Course Description

- The program consists of 4 years and prepares students about the topics and concerns of brain, mind, and behavior through a scientific and psychological perspective with developing quantitative skills.

- The program provides in-depth knowledge in specific subject matters like psychopharmacology, language, psychopathology, adolescent development, emotion, and music, etc.

- The program covers detailing in questions like how the brain functions, how people sustain social relationships, how people think, remember and solve problems, how mental disorders develop and are treated successfully, how medicines and chemicals influence behavior, improving individual life using psychopathologies and collectively by addressing large scale social problems, etc.

- The goal of the program is to provide students with a strong and wide background with various approaches and methods used for studying human behaviors and other concepts developed by study.

Courses

Core courses include: -

- Introduction to psychology

- Statistical methods in psychology

- Research and writing in psychology

Survey courses in: -

- Development Psychology

- Clinical Psychology

- Social Psychology

- Biopsychology

- Cognition and Perception

Other courses/subjects include: -

- Breadth with Psychology

- Foundations of behavior

- Cultural Psychology

- Emotional and social development

- Social Behavioral Sciences and Global Awareness

- Forensic and criminal psychology

- Genetic Psychology

Eligibility

- The applicant must have passed his/her 12th (10+2) and must obtain marks above 70 or an average GPA of 3.0 or above in his/her 12th examination.

- Recommended courses include 4 years of English, Mathematics to the level of calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and 2 or more years of history and social sciences.

- TOEFL or IELTS scores: The score level differs from each university and it is not required in all the universities. However, it is recommended for a non-native English speaker.

Admission Requirements

A general application must include the following:-

- Online Application form: - The form can be obtained from the official website of the selected universities. It includes academic information and a summary of your previous educational courses and personal information.

- Academic Transcripts: - Transcripts include details of your educational background, your mark sheets, special achievements, etc. You can get these from your previous school/college on request.

- Letters of Recommendation: - Generally, 2 or 3 letters are required to be submitted before the deadline prescribed by the university. These may include your academic strengths, hidden potentials, teamwork, and technical skills, etc which are to be filled by your professors.

- Standardized tests: - GRE test scores are not necessary to be provided unless it is a mandatory requirement. English Proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT are required for applicants whose native language is not English and who do not have a bachelor’s degree from a US university where English is the central language of instruction.

- Statement of purpose: - Your statement of purpose should represent your interest, reasons for joining the course specifically, future academic goals, Scientific and research interests, and motivations for further studies.

- Application fee: - The application fee ranges from $100 - $150.

Tuition fees

The top universities in the USA have tuition costs around $55,000 per year. But, the overall tuition costs for bachelors in US universities range from $20,000 - $60,000/ year for international candidates. So, on average, a graduation course of four years may cost around $1, 30,000. Accommodation cost in the USA depends on the location of your stay and starts from $500 per month to $3500 per month. You can also check funding and scholarships provided by the US government and individual universities.

Best Universities for Bachelors in Psychology in USA

- Columbia University

- Princeton University

- Harvard University

- Stanford University

- Yale University

- Duke University

- University of Pennsylvania

- University of Chicago

- Northwestern University

- John Hopkins University

Career and employment opportunities

- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for graduates in psychology is increasing rapidly because of the tremendous need for psychological services. These services are in demand in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, consulting firms, substance abuse treatment clinics, and private companies. Employment is also expected to increase by 14% during the years 2018 – 2028, which may result in creating around 26,000 jobs during those years.

- The need for school psychologists will increase more in the coming years due to the realization of the combination of mental health and learning for the students especially those with special needs, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues.

- However, psychologists will be needed for middle-aged and older people for dealing with the mental and physical changes as they undergo growing age.

- The median salaries for psychologists working in various sectors are listed below:-

− Government - $96,870

− Hospitals (State, local and private) - $88,480

− Ambulatory healthcare services - $82,250

− Elementary and secondary schools (State, local and private) - $76,960.

− Psychologists - $101, 790

− Industrial-organizational psychologists - $92,000

− Clinic, counseling and school psychologists - $78,000

Other psychologist position includes (average salary - $90,000): -

- Researcher/Instructor

- Counseling or Therapy

- Industrial Psychologist