Where to Study Psychology and Counseling?

Hi, I'm a junior and I'm considering majoring in psychology with a focus on counseling. Which colleges are known for having strong programs in psychology and counseling? How's the course load and what are some potential career paths after graduation?

Excellent choice, psychology and counseling is a dynamic and rewarding field. A few colleges with strong programs in psychology include Stanford University, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and University of Michigan (UMich).

Stanford's program is highly research-focused, which is excellent if you're considering going into academic or professional research in the future. They offer a breadth of courses exploring various areas in psychology; these include health psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience.

UCLA's psychology department is well-regarded, with a focus on interdisciplinary teaching and research. They offer plenty of opportunities for hands-on studies, such as internships and research programs with faculty.

UPenn's program emphasizes an integrated understanding of psychological science, and offers several concentrations, including 'personality and social psychology', 'developmental psychology' and 'behavioral and cognitive neuroscience'

UMich's program encourages students to combine their studies in psychology with work in other areas, preparing students for a wide range of fields where understanding and influencing human behavior is important.

Keep in mind, though, that as an undergrad, you'd be studying psychology as a broader field, with an ability to focus more on counseling through selecting your courses or possibly through a minor. Most counseling concentrations tend to be at the graduate level, such as Masters or PhD programs.

In terms of coursework, the load depends both on the program itself and how you manage it. As with most majors, a psychology degree would typically require a mix of lectures, presentations, written assignments, and research work. However, if you're organized and disciplined, it's typically a manageable course load.

Finally, regarding career paths, there are many directions you can take with a degree in psychology. You could go on to be a clinical psychologist, a counselor, or a social worker. Alternatively, you could also work in human resources, marketing, social services, and even law enforcement. If you're interested in research or academia, you may want to consider further studies post-graduation.

In summary, it's a diverse field with a lot of opportunities. I hope this gives you a starting point for your research!