Yes, pursuing both a BA (Bachelor of Arts) and an MA (Master of Arts) in applied psychology can be beneficial in your journey towards becoming a clinical psychologist. Here's how it can help:
Strong Foundation: A BA in applied psychology will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles and theories of psychology. You will learn about various subfields of psychology, research methods, and gain a general understanding of human behavior.
Specialization: An MA in applied psychology will allow you to further specialize in a particular area of applied psychology, which can be relevant to clinical psychology. Depending on the focus of your MA program, you may gain specialized knowledge in fields such as counseling, psychotherapy techniques, or clinical assessment.
Prerequisites: Many doctoral programs in clinical psychology require applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree in psychology or a closely related field. So, a BA in applied psychology will fulfill this prerequisite.
Research Experience: Some MA programs in applied psychology may offer opportunities for research, and engaging in research can be valuable if you plan to pursue a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical psychology. Research experience is often looked upon favorably during doctoral program admissions.
Exposure to Clinical Concepts: Even though the focus of applied psychology may differ from clinical psychology, there is often overlap in topics covered. Concepts like abnormal psychology, counseling techniques, and mental health assessment may be taught in both BA and MA programs.
However, it's important to note that to become a licensed clinical psychologist, you will typically need to earn a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology from an accredited institution. After earning your doctoral degree, you will also need to complete a supervised internship and pass licensing exams in your jurisdiction.
The journey to becoming a clinical psychologist is a long and challenging one, requiring dedication, clinical experience, and specialized training. While a BA and MA in applied psychology can be valuable stepping stones, you will need to continue your education and training in a doctoral program to achieve your goal. Be sure to research and choose accredited doctoral programs that align with your career aspirations and provide the necessary clinical training and experience.