Unv 100 - Majoring in Biology or Psychology

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Cristobal Ramos-Torres

UNV100

12/7/16

Dr. Santos

Final

Transitioning from high school to college can be very frightening. One of the hardest and most stressful things about college is choosing a major. When choosing a major a lot of factors play important roles. The major chosen will ultimately lead a person into the future. In college switching majors is very normal; mostly every college student goes through that phase. A lot of pressure is placed on young adults; going from raising hands to go to the bathroom, to deciding what to do with the rest of one’s life. Seniors in high school deciding between a major in Biology with an emphasis in Physical Therapy or a Psychology major should choose a Biology major because the salary, environment, and time in school offers more stability.

Majoring in Biology or Psychology can lead to a good paying occupation, but majoring in Biology with an emphasis in Physical Therapy can lead to a higher paying job. Physical therapists on average make about $84,020, the lowest 10 percent earn less than $57,060, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $119,790 according to U.S Department of Labor (2016a). Home healthcare services on average make $91,400 which is the most consistent highest paying environment according to U.S Department of Labor (2016aa). During home healthcare services a physical therapist will come to the home of the client and perform his or her services.

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Offices of physicians make on average $80,000 which is the lowest consistent paying environment according to U.S Department of Labor (2016aaa). A psychologist on average makes about $72,580, the lowest 10 percent earn less than $41,110, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $118,310 according to Department of Labor (2016b). Government workers make the most at $90,620 according to U.S Department of Labor (2016bb). Individual and family service practices’ offers the lowest median pay which is $59,910 according to U.S Department Of Labor (2016bbb), these psychologist help kids focus on school and help further their education. These two occupations both offer a great salary, but physical therapy tends to pay more. The location of a private clinic can also fluctuate the amount of money earned. For instance, a physical therapist or psychologist working at a private clinic in LA, California will attract more traffic, and a wider variety of clients allowing them to earn more money, rather than a small town like Aurora, Oregon.

Majoring in Biology or Psychology can lead to a medical work environment, but majoring in Biology offers more options. According to the U.S Department of Labor (2016c) paragraph 1 “physical therapists help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain.” this allows physical therapists to spend more time on their feet, working with patients. The majority of physical therapists work at offices of physical, occupational and speech therapy, making up 35% of PT’s (physical therapists), according to U.S Department of Labor (2016d). The lowest employing agency is offices of physicians, making up 5%, according to U.S Department of Labor (2016dd). According to U.S Department of Labor (2016e) paragraph 1 “psychologists study emotional and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and their environments.” This allows psychologist to

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be one-on-one with their clients, and create a trustworthy bond. Psychologist can work in many different environments, for instance, according to U.S Department of Labor (2016f) 25% of psychologist work at elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private, making up the majority. The lowest employed psychologist work individually, and in family services making up 5% according to U.S Department Of Labor (2016ff). When it comes to environments these two occupancies are very similar. They are both in a healthcare environment trying to mentally and physically better their clients.

Majoring in Biology or Psychology can lead to a long time in school, but majoring in Biology, it is more likely to spend less time in school. Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree according to U.S Department of Labor (2016g) in order to be a licensed PT. To become a physical therapist it will take about seven years to complete, four years for a bachelor’s, and 3 for DPT school. Psychologists typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, according to U.S Department Of Labor (2016h) in order to be a licensed psychologist. Psychologists usually take about eight years of schooling, four years for a bachelor in psychology, and four more for a doctoral degree. Time in school is a big factor when choosing a degree because a lot of young adults don’t want to be in school much longer after a bachelor, and also can’t afford to pay for more schooling.

As a senior in high school, comparing and contrasting between majors can be very helpful in choosing an occupation. It allows you to see the pros and cons, and essentially, make a decision. Ultimately, biology with an emphasis in physical therapy is the better route; it pays more, has a better work environment, and requires less time in school. Choosing a major is a big

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and stressful process, breaking it down can be very useful especially to high school seniors who don’t know what to expect.

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