Considering Psych; changing careers

[burns]

Hello

I have been admitted to a Masters program in Counseling (leads to license) and considering focus on forensic psychology.

This Program takes 4 years and will probably cost me over 50,000 in student loans sense I will be using the loans not only for school but for other expenses.

I have been all over the net trying to obtain information on careers in Psych and the salary for someone with a masters in psych. It is all very confusing. Some sites state that Psych is the lowest paying Masters degree for new grads at under 30,000 per year or less than 19.00 an hour. Some also say this field has a very high burnout-rate due to low pay and high stress.

I would not know, as I have not worked in this field before. However? If my research is correct? The cost of the degree, the required clinicals and practicums would not equal the starting pay at all.

I am wondering if I would be better off just choosing the Masters in Psychology major with a focus on Forensic Psych? I am truely interested in Psychology, mental health, and the legal field.

I would love to hear from those of you who work in Psych, what your choice of career was, and what the starting salary is? Do you enjoy your job? What do you like most about it and what do you like least?  Do you have any advice for a student considering a masters in Psych? I do have some mental health experience but nothing to brag about. Just enough to know I could do little to help these people and I want to learn more about it and possibly make my career in Psychology.

I am an RN by profession w/6 years nursing experience, not muc h in mental health..

Debbie
From TN