Question: I have a BA in economics and an MBA. I'd like to change careers and
apply to graduate programs in counseling psychology. Can I do this with my
background? Should I go back to college and get a BA in psychology to apply to
graduate programs in counseling psychology?
You don't need a bachelor's degree in psychology to apply to graduate
programs in psychology; however, you will have to demonstrate how your
experiences prepare you for a career in counseling psychology. Pull from your
experiences to illustrate the qualities that will enable you to succeed in
psychology. For example, your MBA indicates that you have the motivation to
complete a graduate degree. Perhaps you've done some volunteer work to obtain
experience working with different kinds of people. Examples from your current
job might illustrate your listening skills, communication skills, and people
skills.
If you haven't taken any psychology courses in college, enroll in a couple to
show your interest, be sure that psychology is for you, and get to know
professors who might write letters of recommendation on your behalf.
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