So you think you want to go to graduate school… Now what??

Psychology Graduate School Information SessionMarch 28, 2013Prof. Azarbad

Overview

• Types of graduate programs available• Searching for the right program• Application process and timeline• Preparing yourself to be a strong candidate• Panel discussion

• P.S. We are being videotaped

Types of ProgramsMaster’s Programs Doctoral Programs

Typically 2-3 years long Typically 5-7 years long

Can enter with a Bachelor’s degree Can enter with a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree

Average GPA for admission: 3.0+ (some 2.75)

Average GPA for admission: 3.5+

Typically prepares you for a career in clinical work/counseling, or as a stepping stone to a doctoral degree

Prepares for a career in clinical work, research, and teaching

Types: Master’s in Counseling, Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Master’s in Social Work, Master’s in School Psychology, Master’s in Marriage and Family therapy, etc.

Ph.D. (any field of study)Psy.D. (only for clinical psychology)

Applied Fields

Applied Fields (Ones that train

you to do assessment/counseling)

Clinical CounselingMaster’s of Social Work

(MSW)

Master’s of School Psychology

Types: Child, Adult, Health,

Forensic, Geriatric, etc.

Types: General or specialty tracks (Health, School,

etc.)

Research Fields

Research Fields (Ones that train you to do research/teaching, but not clinical work)

Cognitive Developmental Industrial Social/Personality

Experimental Biological BehavioralNeuroscience

Ph. D. vs. Psy. D.

• Emphasize practice and research• Smaller classes• Lower acceptance rate• Typically in university

depts.• Offer more funding to

students• Longer (5-8 years)

• Emphasize practice over research• Larger classes• Greater acceptance rate• Often in free-standing

professional schools• Offer less funding to

students• Shorter time line (5-6

years)

How do I know which program is right for me?• Answer the “Miracle Question:” Assume you are done

with your education. Tomorrow, you get to wake up and go to your dream job. What would you be doing?

• Other considerations• Long-term goals (teaching, research?)• Funding• Location• Academic Readiness• Commitment

Starting your search• 1. Graduate Programs in Psychology book• In library, and also on reserve in the Psychology main

office

• 2. Visit program websites• Look for the training model• Specialty tracks offered• Admission criteria

• Compare Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs within the same school • PSY.D Vs. PH.D.

The application process

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae• Transcripts• Letters of recommendation (typically 3)• Personal Statement (SO Important!!)• Seek faculty input

• GRE (maybe)• GRE Informational session, April 9, 12:30-1:30 pm, Goldspohn

20• Content and structure, scores, test prep, test taking strategies,

GRE resources• Getting In book (in Psychology main office)• Timeline (See handout)

Preparing yourself now

• Enhance your academic achievements• Research• Internships/Volunteer work• Marlene Starzyk, Career Center

• Get involved extra-curricularly• Study for the GRE• Start your resume• Talk to your advisor about coursework/experiences

that will better prepare you for your intended path

Additional Resources

Career Development Center (located on 2nd floor of Stadium)

Have conversations with faculty within your areas of interest

Reach-out to alumni who work in the field(s) you are considering