Are you thinking of becoming a psychologist? If so, you may be wondering what strand is best for psychology.
Psychology will allow you to learn about the human mind, and propel you to a career that will allow you to help others in their mental health and well-being. This field requires dedication because it involves dealing with various people with different mental behaviors and capabilities. Expect hours of reading and learning from vast research that covers the psychological process of humans even after your academic years. Since each mind is unique and has many mysteries, this career also provides opportunities for post-graduate studies.
If you plan on entering the field of psychology, it’s a good idea to start preparing as early as now.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is a field of science that deals with the human mind and behavior. Students and professionals in this field engage in extensive research to try to explain why people think or behave a certain way.
Graduates of Psychology apply their skills and knowledge through careers that help others. These may range from therapists, counselors, and educators to psychiatrists and medical doctors. Indeed, there are plenty of opportunities.
If you plan on studying Psychology, it helps to know that you need to choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. The path you choose should help you decide the right psychologist SHS strand for you.
What is the Difference Between BA and BS Psychology?
The choice between BA and BS degrees will depend on what interests you. Here are some key differences between them to help you decide:
A degree in Bachelor of Arts means that your studies will focus on behavioral, cognitive, and social psychology. Your coursework will include theories of psychology, statistics, research, humanities, and social sciences.
Afterward, graduates pursue careers in social work, human resources, research, education, and forensics.
Meanwhile, a Bachelor of Science degree involves advanced classes in neuroscience and other natural sciences. This degree should train your analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
With a BS degree in Psychology, you may expect to work in similar fields as BA graduates. However, BS degree holders may pursue post-graduate studies to become psychiatrists or study medicine.
Given the range of career options, a degree in Psychology can be used in a lot of different fields. With that being said, the right SHS strand for psychologists for you will depend on which type of Psychology degree you plan to pursue.
What is a Good Psychologist Strand in Senior High?
Have you decided between BA or BS in Psychology? These two types of degrees will both expose you to the theories about the human psyche. They will prepare you for a profession that involves understanding and empathizing with people.
Choosing the right psychologist strand in SHS will give you a crucial head start to excel in both college and in the real world.
The STEM Strand
If you choose this strand, you will gain an attitude that is suitable for Psychology—one of resilience, persistence, and adaptability. You will be exposed to experiments where you’ll be encouraged to explore and see failure as an opportunity for learning. The STEM strand will nurture your natural curiosity, critical thinking, and analytical ability.
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand will develop your knowledge in the sciences. Major subjects in the STEM strand include:
- Earth Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- Research
- Calculus
- Empowerment Technologies
You’ll also gain skills to complement your knowledge:
- Conducting research
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Written and oral communication skills
Many STEM strand jobs align with jobs for BS Psychology graduates, such as psychiatrist and doctor. So, if you wish to pursue a degree in BS Psychology, the STEM strand may be your best choice.
As a future psychologist’s senior high strand, the STEM strand will give you the foundational knowledge and skills to excel in a field that centers on the hard sciences.
The HUMSS Strand
If you choose the humanities and social sciences strand, your senior high school education will focus on developing your reading, writing, and oral communication skills.
Major subjects in HUMSS include subjects that will expose you to various theories and perspectives on the world. These are:
- Literature
- Communication
- Politics
- Social Sciences
- Physical sciences
The possible jobs for the HUMSS strand include counselor, therapist, social worker, writer, teacher, human resource specialist, and lawyer. With a degree in Psychology, supported by your background in HUMSS, you can pursue any of those careers.
This strand will develop various skills that will be useful in your career:
- Creativity
- Open-mindedness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Written and oral communication
- Collaboration
Why choose the HUMSS strand? The HUMSS strand will shape you into a well-rounded individual who can take on any challenge. Your exposure to different perspectives will give you the skills to thrive in studying Psychology and be successful in developing rapport with patients or clients.
As a senior high strand for future psychologists, the HUMSS strand will serve as a valuable steppingstone for those who want to pursue either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
The GAS Strand
The General Academic Strand gives students access to general areas of study. This way, you’ll be exposed to specialized subjects from all the other strands—STEM, HUMSS, and ABM.
In GAS, you’ll have the opportunity to study subjects in humanities, social sciences, management, mathematics, and natural sciences. As a result, you will have a wide breadth of knowledge as well as develop crucial soft skills in communication and writing.
Because of its flexible coverage, the GAS strand is another suitable strand for those who want to become psychologists, as well as for those who may be interested in becoming educators, lawyers, writers, multimedia designers, social workers, and doctors.
The GAS Strand is also a good option for those who are still undecided on their paths, such as those still unsure between BA Psychology and BS Psychology.
What Career to Expect from the Psychology Strand in SHS
A Psychology degree fits into so many fields, such as healthcare, education, human resources, and social work. You’ll have plenty of career options to choose from.
Here are some career paths you can explore with Psychology:
Guidance Counselor
As a guidance counselor, you’ll advise grade school and high school students about academic and personal concerns.
Psychology Professor
You can pass on your knowledge to other students taking Psychology classes in college or even senior high school. You’ll develop a curriculum for teaching psychology terms and theories, and then grade assignments and exams.
Research Assistant or Researcher
You may develop and test scientific theories related to psychology or assist in such studies. You may join a private company, government agency, or educational institution for this career path.
Therapist
A therapist helps clients process their thoughts and emotions to improve their mental health. As a therapist, you may also specialize in child, marriage, or family therapy.
Clinical Psychologist
This profession is similar to being a therapist but requires a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Clinical psychologists diagnose and design treatment plans for patients with mental health issues.
Psychometrician
Psychometricians develop and execute tests that measure people’s knowledge and abilities, usually for school admission or employment purposes. You need to pass a licensure exam to become a psychometrician.
Social Worker
A social worker can pursue a career in government agencies or non-profit organizations, responding to various social issues and developing communities.
Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources Specialists handle organizations’ recruitment needs, including finding, interviewing, and screening applicants.
Behavior Analyst
As a behavior analyst, you may study and formulate plans to change human behavior. You’ll find this title in hospitals, correctional facilities, and psychiatric facilities.
Child Psychologist
Child Psychologists engage in therapy with children to help them process and manage emotional, mental, and behavioral issues or disorders.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatry is one of the fields where you’ll benefit if you choose STEM as a psychologist strand for your SHS. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, which means that they may prescribe medication in addition to diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.
Build The Foundation for Your Future with OEd Senior High School
A degree in psychology will open various fruitful careers for you. Start your path to success with a strong foundation suitable for the sub-field of psychology you wish to pursue with the right psychology strand in SHS.
As a psychologist, you’ll encounter diverse people and face unique challenges. To succeed, you need your knowledge of psychology as well as critical thinking, communication skills, and empathy.
Choose an online learning Philippine institution that can prepare you for this career. OEd Senior High’s STEM, HUMSS, and GAS strands offer specialized education and training that will bring you closer to a fulfilling career in Psychology.
If you need more guidance with choosing the right SHS strand for you, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.
