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How to Get Into How to Get Into Graduate SchoolGraduate School

Tamina A. StuberTamina A. StuberWestern Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan University

Behavior Analysis Association of MichiganBehavior Analysis Association of MichiganMarch 13-14, 2008March 13-14, 2008

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Desirable Characteristics of Applicants

• Motivated & hardworking• Scholarly & intellectual ability• Emotionally stable & mature• Research skills• Writing skills• Speaking skills• Teaching skills• Works well with others• Creativity & originality• Knowledge of area of study

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Degree StatusPh. D. Psy. D.

Degree used to train psychologists

Degree used to train psychologists

stronger emphasis on research stronger emphasis on practice

Can be accredited by American Psychological Association (APA)

Can be accredited by American Psychological Association (APA)

Do some training in clinical settings

At least some minimal training in clinical settings

Work in settings similar to those with a Psy. D.

Work in settings similar to those with a Ph. D.

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Degree StatusPre-doctoral M.A. Terminal M.A.

Degree program used to train psychologists

Degree program used to train practitioners

stronger emphasis on research stronger emphasis on practice or applied research

Expectation of finishing a Ph. D. program

Job-oriented; Continuing on to Ph. D. is optional

Do some training in clinical settings

At least some minimal training in clinical settings

Can work in similar settings as those with terminal M.A.

Can work in similar settings as those with pre-doctoral M.A.

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Accreditation

Provides notification that an institution or program:

• Meets rigorous standards of quality • Is committed to self-study and external

review by professional community • Continuously seek to enhance quality

of education and training  

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Accreditation

The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits:

• Doctoral programs-– Clinical – Counseling school psychology– Other psychology health service areas– Combinations of two or three of those areas

• Pre-doctoral internships

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AccreditationAssociation of Behavior Analysis

International accredits:

• Doctoral & Masters programs in applied behavior analysis

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) approves and certifies:

• Doctoral & Masters curriculum in applied behavior analysis

• Individuals as BCBAs or BCABAs

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Admissions Components• Undergraduate psychology coursework

• General Record Exam scores

• Research experience

• Practicum or other work experience

• Extracurricular activities

• Letters of recommendation

• Personal Statement

• Interview

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Steps in the Process1. Obtain a range of experiences

– Practica– Research participation– Teaching assistance– Tutoring– Extracurricular activities– Relevant work experience

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Steps in the Process

2. Collect information on graduate programs

– Search ABAI and APA websites– Request application materials and catalogs– Identify potential major professors

3. Study for and take the GRE– Take subject portion if necessary – Target score of 1000 to 1200– Send scores to schools

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Steps in the Process

4. Request letters of recommendation– Give at least 2-3 weeks notice– May need to provide supplemental materials

5. Request transcripts – High volume periods:

• End of the semester • Graduation

– Holds on your school account

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Steps in the Process

6. Write a Personal Statement to discuss:– Interests in the field – Goals and ambitions– A population you desire to help – Experiences that prepared you

7. Complete and submit application– Deadlines typically 1/15 – 3/1 – Applications for department and graduate

program– Make copies of everything

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Fees & Expenses

• Application fees: 25.00 – 60.00 each• GRE exam: 140.00 +• Transcripts: 3.00 – 10.00 each• Postage• Photocopies• Travel expenses

**Fees may be waived for financial hardship!

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Additional Considerations

• Financial Aid– Assistantships & Fellowships

• Tuition waiver• Stipend

– Tuition Reimbursement

• Admission Periods– Fall versus other semesters

• Program Competitiveness

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Internet Resources American Psychological Association

www.apa.org/studentsAssociation of Behavior Analysis International

START (Service to Apply, Recruit, & Train) www.abainternational.org/Start/GraduateProgramSearch.aspx

Behavior Analyst Certification Boardwww.bacb.com

Behavioral Academic and Career Counselingwww.dickmalott.com/students/undergradprogram/bacc/

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Literature Resources American Psychological Association. (2007). Graduate Study in

Psychology (2007 Ed.). Washington DC: American Psychological Association.

Keith-Spiegel, P. & Wiederman, M.W. (2000). The Complete Guide to Graduate School Admission: Psychology, COuseling, and Related Professions (2nd Ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Eribaum Associates.

Norcross, J.C., Sayette, M.A., & Mayne, T.J. (2006). Insider’s Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology: Revised and Updated (2006-2007 Ed.). New York: Guilford Press.

Eye on Psi Chi has several short articles on the graduate school admission process available at: www.psichi.org

(2003) The Behavior Therapist, 26 (2)—special issue on the graduate school experience and adjusting to graduate school.