MA Counseling vs. MS Clinical - help!

SDN Members don't see this ad. (About Ads)

Ok, I need some help deciding between two psych programs. One is an MA in counseling psych and the other is an MS in clinical psych. Both programs are 2 years long and tuition is approx. the same.

With the MS, I would complete 45 credit hours including the following topics: advanced abnormal psych, theories of counseling and psychotherapy, principles and practices of psychotherapy, diversity, ethic, research methods, externship (6 credits), practicum in testing, assessment, plus electives.

With the MA, I would complete 56-62 credit hours (depending on the courses I chose): human growth and development, assessment, professional orientation, inidividual assessment lab, interviewing and counseling skills lab, soc/cult foundations, theory, research methods, career/lifestyle devel., group dynamics, psychoactive substances, intro of professional participation, behavioral therapy I, II, and III, some I/O options, and Practica (15 creds), plus electives.

I am currently biased towards the MA program b/c I have visited the school (interviewed for their doctoral program) and I love the school and area, but I don't know which option is the best for the long term. My short term goal (after I get my masters) is to get into a PsyD program (still debating between counseling and clinical although I only applied to clinical programs this year). Long term/life goal is to be a practicing child psychologist in private practice working with a broad spectrum of issues among the younger population. The benefits of the MA program are that I already love the school and area, they seem to have more class options and I would have a lot more credits at the end of two years. Benefits of the MS program - seems to be a greater emphasis on research which would most likely make me a stronger applicant for PsyD, but I have never been to the area nor have I seen the school, and I would have fewer credit hours/fewer choices. Does anybody have any thoughts/suggestions/advice regarding this issue? Anything/everything would be greatly appreciated

Would you have a mentor in the counseling program? If so, you may want to contact that person to find out if he/she would support your wishes to get more research experience. You would likely be successful in pursuing the PsyD with either masters degree, though!

For what it is worth, a cohort of mine was unable to transfer any of his MA credits to his clinical program because they were from a counseling program.

As far as I you won't be able to transfer any credits besides those that are breadth relataed, social, cognitive etc. No self respecting program is going to let you transfer the core courses. Does either offer a ture research oriented thesis? If so go to that one.

Originally Posted by Psyclops

As far as I you won't be able to transfer any credits besides those that are breadth relataed, social, cognitive etc. No self respecting program is going to let you transfer the core courses. Does either offer a ture research oriented thesis? If so go to that one.

Both programs are practitioner tracks - the MA program has an elective that's 'research participation' as well as special topics/independent study. The MS program very recently updated the curriculum so it looks like they've added some new stuff which could be a positive or a negative depending on how you look at it. Aggggggh this is complicated

45 credit program looks worse...i'd do the ma personally

i am doing an ms in counseling.. don't really care about the research though

Sounds like you went through the same process I had to. Although it's normally the other way around (Clinical is usually MA and Counseling an MS). I ended up being accepted at two Clinical MA's but found the Counseling MS to be the best choice for me.

Honestly, I think BOTH programs will look very good and will get you into a PsyD program, if thats what you want. If you want a PhD in Clinical, go with the MS in Clinical.

It seems like both have the pre-reqs you need though for eventually heading to a doctoral program and both have research opportunities and a research design course, so you won't lose either way. I'd go visit the school you haven't yet, and decide from there which one is the better fit for you...because all this stuff matters a lot, but when its a judgment call like it is in this case for you....location, faculty, program fit, and COMFORT for the next two years mean a LOT too!!

Good luck with your decision!
Jon

Are both of these schools places you applied for Psy.D programs or just one? If it is just the one, then I would go for the MA program. Knowing you you will do very well out there and hopefully will be able to apply and easily be accepted to that department after your MA since they know what kind of person you are, you know? I would ask about mentoring, specifically with the mentor(s) that you are hoping to work with. If you can get involved with their research and establish a personal relationship, I think that that will go a long way of helping you stay there for the rest of your Psy.D work. I just wonder why reinvent the wheel? If it is just the one that you applied to for the Psy.D, I would go there and establish connections that will help you the next time you apply because I have to believe that it is better to have those connections than to go a school just for a masters and apply to all schools where you do not have connections...if that makes any sense at all. Good luck and keep in touch with me next year!

Depends on the program and where you do your training.

I am in a MS counseling program, however I am doing my practicum and internship at a counseling center staffed by psychologists and clinical psych. grad students so in essence, I get the same experience as them.

In most states, you can also gain state licensure and get 3rd party insurance payments for therapy as a counselor.

If you ultimately want a clinical PsyD or PhD program, I would go with whichever master's degree you feel will get you the best experience.

Originally Posted by Dr Trek 1

Depends on the program and where you do your training.

I am in a MS counseling program, however I am doing my practicum and internship at a counseling center staffed by psychologists and clinical psych. grad students so in essence, I get the same experience as them.

In most states, you can also gain state licensure and get 3rd party insurance payments for therapy as a counselor.

If you ultimately want a clinical PsyD or PhD program, I would go with whichever master's degree you feel will get you the best experience.

yeah i get a licensure after my ms and a certain amount of hours are completed