Is a degree in psychology necessary or a prerequisite to being knowledgeable or an expert in human behavior?

Pondering getting a masters in Human Behavior but I am not sure if a degree in psychology would be more adequate! Asked by RAM33 8 months ago Similar questions: degree psychology prerequisite knowledgeable expert human behavior Science > Social Science.

Similar questions: degree psychology prerequisite knowledgeable expert human behavior.

Well, heres the deal. If you want a job that involves personal counseling, then you need to set aside the thought that being perceived as an expert is the most important thing. When counseling humans, being considered an expert is not going to help you get a job as much as other considerations - such as personality, patience, and knowing that each individual is going to have to be dealt with differently.

If being considered an expert in the field is your driving motivation, I suggest you take up research and teaching. Your opinions being considered expert are going to come from results - not degrees.

Ok. Thanks. And my interest is not driven by being an expert.

Of couse the final outcome is to become an expert but I am driven to pursue this option because it is my passion. I think you finally gave me the answer that I was looking for. I wanted to make sure that my decision to choose a masters in human behavior instead of psychology did not limit me or cause others(businesses or wherever the desired choice of employment is) to view me in a less competent way.

RAM33 8 months ago .

Thank you so very much! RAM33 8 months ago .

I am not looking for one specific job but if I had to choose it would be in field somewhat related to counseling....(organizational,educational, and religious) I want my degree in HB to carry the benefits and reputation of a degree in psychology. Meaning that once completed, I want others to precieve my opinion to be an expert opinion! RAM33 8 months ago .

I want others to precieve my opinion to be an expert opinion! "Doesn't go well with a person who wants to do counseling. You have bought into the educational industrial complex view that a person is judged by how many degrees he has.

You've got a lot to learn before you start counseling others.

First and foremost....Our words sometimes truly does define us! Ultimately, if you had any education at all you would clearly interpret that.... a mere question does not signify who we are and what a person's perspetive is....If I may add that I am seeking a degree in Human Behavior just interpret people like you. A degree would not only provide me with the piece of paper that individuals like yourself judge others by (AKA narrow-minded individuals) but it will also give comfort to those that seek reputable, educated advice from unknown sources!

I speak from a very confident perspective. As a person who already obtains two undergraduate degrees, you need some type of undestanding from ALL perspectives for whatever it is that you seek to engage in. Whether its done in an educational format or not,thats up to you ( alot of peope would argue that it needs to be done in an educational setting)!

Look beyond the obvious or what you precieve to be obvious..and find meaning! Rock, I guess this is not your area of interest; because if it was your answer would not have been what is was! Also if you have any workng experience, you would know that employers and computer generated databases qualify or disqualify you based on certain characteristics...I want to have as many options as possible without compromising what I really wanna do at heart.

RAM33 8 months ago .

Guess I hit a nerve. The truth is out there. Three of my favorite books:The Psychology of Judgement and Decision Making --- Scott PlousThe Language Instinct ---- Steven PinkerHow the Mind Works --- Steven Pinker .

It may be different here in Australia but you need to have qualifications to be registered as a psychologist. It can be done through a degree in Science or Arts here. You then need a Grad dip in Applied Psychology and these day a masters or doctorate is usually required.

I can call myself a counsellor as I have a degree plus post grad qualifications and have done many courses in grief/loss/trauma. BUT, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW EVERYTHING! My daughter has completed two degrees, Arts/Science with a major in psychology.

She has also a first class honours in studies on depression/brain structures. She is now doing a Masters in clinical neuro psychology. It's a lot of work.It's best to specialize in an area, clinical psychology, grief and loss, abnormal psychology, child psychology and so on.

Each require specialized areas of study. A generalist can counsell but you never stop learning. Jexebellion 8 months ago.

There is also occupational/organizational psychology used by business. Jexebellion 8 months ago.

I answered the first attenpt at the question.

I would like to do counseling & social service.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.