Pros and Cons of Getting Your Master’s in Psychology

If you find that you have a passion for helping the human mind and any mental health issues that may arise, then you are most likely looking into earning your master’s degree in psychology. 

Earning your master’s degree is a significant investment. It will most likely require taking out private student loans since the cost is high, so before you jump head first into a graduate program for psychology, it would be best to know the pros and cons of getting your master’s in psychology.

Information About a Master’s in Psychology

What does it mean when someone wants to pursue a Master’s in psychology? First, they will gain specialized knowledge and skills in a specific area of psychology, such as clinical counseling, school counseling, licensed marriage and family counseling, or other areas. It usually takes two to four years after you have already earned your undergraduate degree in psychology.

 Once you earn your master’s degree and depend on what you decide to specialize in, you will pursue various roles. Or you may choose to pursue your education further and get your doctorate in psychology, especially if the area you want to specialize in requires even further education beyond a Master’s.

If further education is not necessary, then a day in the life of a master’s degree holder in psychology may include working with patients in a counseling setting, filling out paperwork and documentation during those sessions, organizing your workplace system, and doing some experimental research with a psychological research group.  

Pros of Getting a Master’s in Psychology

Before you make the big decision and pursue a master’s in psychology, you need to understand the pros and cons. There are many benefits when it comes to pursuing grad school.

One pro is that you have more versatility in the job market. Earning your master’s in psychology will open more doors to various employment opportunities in your field. You also have the chance to have more freedom in choosing the specialty that you are most interested in. For example, with an undergraduate degree, you are limited to a primary psychology degree, but with a master’s, you can choose a more specific area of study. 

Another significant pro is that you can help people directly when you have your master’s degree. This is the main reason many go into a psychology program so they can help people with their mental health. It can be incredibly rewarding to assist someone through their various struggles and hardships.

Cons of Getting a Master’s in Psychology

It is easy to only see the pros and head right into a master’s program for psychology, but it is essential to look at the cons when pursuing a master’s degree in psychology. 

The first is that even a master’s degree may not be enough to work in the field you are passionate about. You may also need to pursue your doctorate, which requires more years of education and more money going towards your education. You also do not have as many financial aid options for a master’s program as you did for your undergraduate degree. Likewise, there is a chance that you will only be able to get a lower-paying career, making it nearly impossible to pay back your student loans.

You also need to remember that even if you succeed in getting a good job in your area of specialty, the job can become emotionally burdensome. Helping people is a rewarding career, but it also has a high potential of creating burnout or emotionally draining you in the process. Remember that you are aiding these people during potentially their darkest moments in life, which can damage your mental health.

Is a Master’s in Psychology Right for You?

In the end, you must decide for yourself if pursuing your master’s in psychology is suitable for you. A clear understanding of the pros and cons will ultimately aid your decision.