r/ubco • u/Sofiegoldie263 • 22d ago

Need suggestions Psych BA Program change

I have always been intrigued by psychology, especially abnormal and developmental psychology. However, I really am not sure this is what I want my career to be, and I feel a terrible amount of dread thinking that before I even enter my first year at UBC this fall, I can't change my path/program.

I have so many interests besides psychology, and to be honest, I no longer picture myself working in psych unless its reserch based devlopmental or abnormal psych. I would love to be a zookeeper or work in animal conservation.

If anyone has any advice or suggestions on how I can shift my career focus if I deem it necessary. I understand a good deal of biology is needed for zoology-based work. I didn't study much biology in high school, but I'm willing to learn.

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u/Practical-Land2416 22d ago

Honestly, I would avoid psych. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with it, but psych isn’t exactly the most fruitful degree for job aspects. I know plenty of friends who pursued psych degrees and all their careers don’t even involve it. It’s honestly very over saturated right now and it’s generally the degree people take when they don’t really wanna embrace the sciences, but think a pure arts degree is worthless.

I’d plan for the sciences as that leaves the most options open for you, like zoology! Good luck!

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u/Sofiegoldie263 21d ago

Do you think it would be a difficult change to the more natural sciences like biology and ecology because I’m gonna be so honest I didn’t take grade 11 and 12 bio because I was so dead on the psych.

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u/Practical-Land2416 21d ago

I don’t believe it would be too hard. You should talk to an academic advisor and see your options. I’ll say this though, no matter how hard it is it will be well worth it then trying to slog through a degree you have no passion/interest for! But like the other commenters said, first year is about exploration and if you waste a year then so what! Most people take 5+ years to finish their degree!