Does it matter which degree?

[sanantone]

If you want to get a master's or phd in psychology, then get a BA in psychology. It'll make things a lot easier. When looking at psychology PhD programs, I noticed some required a BA in psychology or a closely related field. Several others required a certain number of psychology credits or specific psychology prerequisites. If you want to become a psychiatrist, you'll have to go to medical school. In that case, your undergrad won't matter; just make sure you have a high GPA and all of the medical school prerequisites. Then, of course, you have the option of becoming a social worker, marriage and family therapist, or counselor. In most states, you can become a licensed professional counselor or licensed mental health counselor with a master's in social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, psychology, or a closely related field. To become a social worker (LMSW or LCSW), you need a master's in social work. You can become an LBSW with just a bachelor's in social work. To become an LMFT, you need a master's in marriage and family therapy. To become a psychologist, you need a PhD or PsyD in psychology.

Another option a lot of people might not consider is becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They can practice independently and prescribe medications if given prescribing authority by a physician depending on the state. For that path, you have a few options. You can start at the bottom with getting your ADN, then BSN, and then MSN. You can enter a direct/alternate entry BSN program now after completing prerequisites. You can earn your bachelors in anything completing the nursing prerequisites, go into a second-bachelor's BSN program, and then get your MSN. Or, you can get your bachelor's in anything while completing the nursing prerequisites and go into a direct or alternate entry MSN program. You can even go further and become a DNP (doctor of nurse practice).