Hello-
I was recently accepted into two programs which were both my top choices as far as graduate programs.
-USC MFT program
-Wright Institute (Berkeley) PsyD program
I feel very humbled and blessed to be having these choices. I was hoping for some guidance and perspective from those in the field and what you have noticed.
I am leaning toward the doctorate because I love the diversity of what you are able to do. My ultimate goals are private practice, a bit of research, and enough knowledge to be able to provide input on public policy in the psych field. It's pretty much a complete package.
I do realize the price of both is pretty much the same around $100k. This is something I need to take into consideration bc of going to a private undergrad institution (which I am still paying back). One I will receive a MFT and the other a PsyD. I have visited, shadowed the Wright, but as far as being in the field I have no clue if it is well recognized and it's graduates are well recognized as good clinicians. Are they being employed? Do employers recognize the quality of the program-thus hiring their graduates?
The reason USC is on the table is because...well..it's US freaking C. It's well known in CA as well as nationally and the whole Trojan network. However, there is no research emphasis as other programs there. Another reason it is on the table is if I were to do well, I feel it would open doors to other more competitive PsyD programs.
I had the following questions and would appreciate any input/feedback/other things you think I should consider when making a decision.
-Are big names a huge deal in the field of psychology? How about the reputation for these two programs?
-Given the goals I have in mind, would a masters degree suffice or would a doctorate be needed?
-Does a doctorate open more doors? I am seeing more and more masters getting to exec level.
Thank you very much for reading.-von
I was recently accepted into two programs which were both my top choices as far as graduate programs.
-USC MFT program
-Wright Institute (Berkeley) PsyD program
I feel very humbled and blessed to be having these choices. I was hoping for some guidance and perspective from those in the field and what you have noticed.
I am leaning toward the doctorate because I love the diversity of what you are able to do. My ultimate goals are private practice, a bit of research, and enough knowledge to be able to provide input on public policy in the psych field. It's pretty much a complete package.
I do realize the price of both is pretty much the same around $100k. This is something I need to take into consideration bc of going to a private undergrad institution (which I am still paying back). One I will receive a MFT and the other a PsyD. I have visited, shadowed the Wright, but as far as being in the field I have no clue if it is well recognized and it's graduates are well recognized as good clinicians. Are they being employed? Do employers recognize the quality of the program-thus hiring their graduates?
The reason USC is on the table is because...well..it's US freaking C. It's well known in CA as well as nationally and the whole Trojan network. However, there is no research emphasis as other programs there. Another reason it is on the table is if I were to do well, I feel it would open doors to other more competitive PsyD programs.
I had the following questions and would appreciate any input/feedback/other things you think I should consider when making a decision.
-Are big names a huge deal in the field of psychology? How about the reputation for these two programs?
-Given the goals I have in mind, would a masters degree suffice or would a doctorate be needed?
-Does a doctorate open more doors? I am seeing more and more masters getting to exec level.
Thank you very much for reading.-von