Yes, a computer science student can become a psychologist, but it would typically require additional education and training in psychology.
The field of psychology has specific educational and licensing requirements to become a licensed psychologist. Typically, a person interested in becoming a psychologist would need to complete a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. However, since the student's background is in computer science, they might need to take some additional courses to fulfill prerequisites for graduate programs in psychology.
After obtaining a bachelor's degree, aspiring psychologists usually pursue a graduate degree in psychology. This could be a Master's degree (e.g., Master's in Counseling Psychology) or a Doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology). The doctoral degree is usually necessary to become a licensed psychologist in most countries.
During their graduate studies, they would focus on coursework and practical training in various areas of psychology, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, cognitive psychology, etc., depending on their area of interest.
Additionally, they would typically be required to complete supervised clinical hours and a supervised internship as part of their training. The length and requirements for these internships can vary based on the specific type of psychology being pursued.
After completing their graduate studies and meeting the licensing requirements, they would need to pass a licensing exam to become a licensed psychologist and practice independently.
While a background in computer science might not be directly related to psychology, it could provide a unique perspective and skill set that could be advantageous in certain areas of psychology, such as research using computational methods or working with technology-related psychological issues.
Overall, with the necessary education and training, a computer science student can certainly transition into the field of psychology and become a qualified psychologist.