Most universities require undergraduate students to complete one or more English classes to graduate. However, it is always helpful to take additional English and writing courses. Depending on your career choice, individuals in the psychology and mental health fields often are required to write rather lengthy and extensive reports, behavior plans or appointment summaries. For example, Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) workers are responsible for implementing intervention plans and monitoring progress. It is imperative they have adequate writing abilities. Therefore, you will appreciate familiarizing yourself with the expressive process and enhancing your skills in the long run.
Psychology graduates often work in the day-care field. When working with younger children, it is helpful to be familiar with first aid, developmental periods and general health. Taking a health course will teach these concepts. Additionally, some universities offer certification in CPR, which may help you get hired. Oftentimes, being certified in CPR and first aid gives you advantages over other job candidates, especially when working with infants and children.
Adding an education course to your schedule might strengthen your job skills. For example, paraprofessionals, such as aides, work in the classroom setting. They assistant the teacher with lessons and help students with work. Having an educational background will allow you to adapt easier to school life. You will be entering a situation where you already have knowledge on policies and rules. Education electives will also help if you decided to pursue graduate school for school psychology. This will help in your course work and internship.
Taking a sociology course will give you insight into society, people and human behavior. Often, psychology majors apply for counseling jobs, mostly drug and alcohol counseling. Understanding society, pressures and stressors will unable you to be a better counselor. Learning concepts such as dysfunctions, social skills and cultural norms will give you valuable job skills. Helpful courses include Introduction into Sociology, Social Deviance and Family Structures. Most universities offer these classes or their equivalents.