Applying to Military with Psychology Degree

I'm a psych major right now and been toying with the idea of joining the military after college. Has anyone done this? What kind of opportunities would there be for me, considering my degree choice? Would it give me any edge or just the same as any other degree?

Your psychology degree can certainly be put to use in the military. Each branch of the military employs psychologists in a number of capacities.

One commonly known role is serving as a military psychologist. These individuals work directly with service personnel to help manage the mental and emotional strain that can come with military life. Gap-year programs such as the U.S. Army’s Clinical Psychology Internship could provide valuable experience.

In other branches, psychologists conduct research, develop training programs, and evaluate their effectiveness. More strategic roles could involve psychological operations (PsyOps), which apply psychological knowledge to gain an advantage during operations.

Of course, the specific roles and qualifications can vary by branch. Your degree could also be beneficial if you decide to pursue a leadership position because psychology courses often cover interpersonal and leadership skills.

One added benefit of your degree is that psychology is one of the qualifying degrees for direct commissioning in the U.S. Army, if that's the path you wish to take.

However, do remember that military service is a significant commitment and you should consider all the pros and cons. It's good to connect with military recruiters or personnel who can provide detailed and updated information.

In conclusion, while a psychology degree may not provide a significant edge in terms of basic enlistment, it does open up specialized roles that can offer fulfilling careers in service.