Neuropsychology Central

[srd7k]

I am graduating from University of Virginia in two weeks and just found neuropsychology. I really would like to pursue a graduate level degree in the field, but my undergrad is in communication disorders. Is it necessary to have an undergrad degree in a related field in order to be accepted into a graduate program?

[tob7799]

I've never heard of that major "communication disorders." Is that really the major and not a specialization (i.e., you will have a Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders, and not something like Psychology)?

While it would help if you had a degree in Psychology (most programs will require that you have taken cetrain psychology courses that all Universities require for the major), having a related field (like Comunication Disorders sounds) is better than having a completely unrelated degree (like say History). Afterall language disorders are certainly within the scope of neuropsychology.

My advice is to maybe try to find a job in a neuropsychology laboratory to get some hands-on experience doing research in the field for a year or two. If you haven't taken many psychology classes as part of your undergrad work then maybe try taking some community college or extension courses at your local university. Also, I only know what the requirements are for Ph.D. programs, so maybe Master's programs are a bit easier, and you could try that first.

Good luck, and congrats on your graduation!