psychological and Mental Health
Forensic Psychology vs. Liberal Arts degree? PLEASE ANSWER.?
Question : Forensic Psychology vs. Liberal Arts degree? PLEASE ANSWER.?
I’m about to be a Junior in Highschool and I’m thinking about my career plans and I’m torn between these two. I go to an arts school–I adore the atmosphere, I am so happy being around it, and I love art. I’m very good at writing and I love it, in the theater program (also love it) and I am just getting into photography (loving it) and I took AP art history as a sophomore and I was so fascinated by all the painters and history and art so art in general is a big part in my life. However I have read that it is hard to find a job with a liberal arts degree, or something along those lines so I’m not sure if I should go for that one but I feel as if I’d be happier if I did. What does such a degree entail? How many years?
I am very interested in Psychology and being in theater has added to my studying people. I didn’t want a “desk job”–I am a reckless sort of unsatisfied person (this may just be teenage immaturity) but I don’t think I’d be very happy being in a stuffy office. So I thought Forensic Psychology might add a bit more of an interesting edge to this study (and I feel I should mention here that I am not good at math). But I don’t want to graduate from all of schooling by age 27 :/ I would be so unhappy if it took that long. I feel that studying this could definitely get me a job somewhere, but I don’t know if it may be what I imagine which is Bourne Ultimatum sort of criminal tracking and analysis and such (again with the teenage immaturity xD). I feel like if I go for this I’m just being safe because it can get me a job whereas Liberal Arts degree may not (at least not a comfortable paying one I think) and I might be unhappy.
Should I just forget both, get a Bachelors quickly, and joing the Peace Corps (which I do want to try)?
Any kind of info. MUCH appreaciated 
forensic psychology graduate programs
Best answer:
Answer by eri
The liberal arts include physics, math, economics, and computer science, some of the highest paying majors available. You need to specific you’re looking at the fine arts or art history, neither or which pay well. A forensic psychologist needs a PhD or PsyD – that’s 8-12 years of college, total. There’s really nothing you can do in psychology without at least a masters.
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#2 written by Allison 1 year ago
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman
Ultimately you will need to strike a balance between passion, talent and practicality. But remember that you’re really young, and will almost definitely change your mind several more times before you’re through.
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Liberal Arts isn’t arts-oriented. It’s a general studies program that includes maths and sciences, among other things. That said, it still doesn’t offer good career prospects. Basically, our society/economy doesn’t value broad generalized education the way it used to; the trend is towards specialization instead. A degree in Liberal Arts doesn’t give you any specialized knowledge or skills, and is therefore not very marketable.
The degrees that would suit you best are Fine Arts or Art History, probably. However, neither of those will lead you to a good job. You could become an Art teacher. Unfortunately, there just aren’t many jobs in existence for art people, even in teaching.
Forensic Psychology has absolutely nothing to do with what you’re imagining, unfortunately. The job is split between doing psychological assessments of suspects prior to their trial, and serving as an expert witness in court. Read the Wikipedia article for more information. Also, as eri said, you would need a doctorate degree preferably, or at least a Masters.
Sorry about all the bad news. I recommend doing some more soul searching as well as research on google to find some new potential interests.