Using a systematic approach to improve undergraduate training in psychology.

Abstract

An undergraduate major in psychology is currently 1 of the most popular majors in the higher education system. As it is structured today, an undergraduate degree in psychology does not provide an individual with unique and useful skills that are valued by the job market. Due to the increase in tuition rates and higher student loan rates, the current model of undergraduate training is no longer feasible. Because of the lack of skills gained, many individuals with undergraduate degrees in psychology acquire high amounts of student loan debt while obtaining lower paying jobs in unrelated fields. This article investigates some of the issues with the current model of undergraduate training and provides recommendations for a system that may provide future students who wish to study psychology in their undergraduate careers an avenue of obtaining higher paying jobs in the field of psychology itself. What is the significance of this article for the general public?This article discusses some of the current limitations of the psychology undergraduate degree. Recommendations are provided for improving the undergraduate degree so that students obtain skills that are valuable to the workforce.

Using psychological science to improve higher education.

“…Accordingly, the articles in this special issue review and evaluate challenges throughout higher education, including observable behaviors of classroom instructors; policies within the classroom, department, or university; and the culture of higher education itself. In particular, Maragakis, LaLonde, Vriesman, and Orkopoulou (2020) argue that an undergraduate degree in psychology does not provide graduates with unique and useful skills that are valued by the job market and make recommendations for systematic reform.…”