Looking for advice for graduate program

Hi,

I am finishing a BA Psychology at DePaul University (SNL program which is for adults) and applying for graduate programs. I considered the question of MA for an LCPC or PsyD programs. It seems to me that by the time one is independently licensed it adds up to 4+ years for an LCPC or 5+ years for a PsyD. I realize that there is a year post-doc, but academics including research project can be completed in 4 1/2 years and with one year post-doc the process is then 5 1/2 years, so it seems to me that the doctorate is worth an extra year and a half.

As an adult student in mid-life with children, etc. I think the PhD model is one with extra demands that are not relevant to my future goals- such as a tenure track and that is why I find the PsyD a better fit. One of the PsyD programs I am seriously considering is the Illinois Professional School of Psychology at Argosy University in Schaumburg (a suburb of Chicago). The faculty at this school is quite impressive- including several instructors with ties to the highly respected Family Institute at Northwestern University. The program is APA accredited and they are also developing their own consortium for practicum placement (which is a big problem everywhere). I have recently worked with a neuro-psychologist who was trained there and he has a thriving practice. At least as far as one can be given the mental health care system.

All things considered I am struggling to understand why this program would NOT fit my needs. The program is increasing some branding separation as the Illinois Professional School instead of highlighting the connection as Argosy University- a large institution which has had some branches with issues. The Psy D is a more unconventional path to becoming a psychologist, but if a program is APA accredited it should be meeting certain standards.

Honestly, I cannot see any issues with this program. I really do not want to waste 3 hours a day commuting into Chicago (plus the added expense of transportation). This is the only Psy D. program in the suburbs. It seems to me that I will be able to obtain what I want- advanced training in clinical psychology under seasoned and reputable professionals, practicum, and license. Does anyone have any comments or input about this?

Thanks🙂

Hi,

First and foremost my sincere thanks to everyone who offered comments- even the people who thought I am a troll or shill- which I am not.

What I am is a woman facing a lot of mid-life educational and career decisions. I worked in an administrative capacity at The Family Institute and think very highly of the people who are involved with research and teaching there. I remain a little confounded as to why faculty with that background would feel comfortable teaching at ISPP at Argosy if it is such a disgrace, but that is another issue.

I am more or less tied down to the western suburbs of Chicago- Wheaton/Naperville for the next two years. I wish I lived on the North Shore, but I don't. Also, I am in a transitional situation with my husband- he has agreed to living apart for two years until my son finishes high school. It is one of those blended family system issues and I am also hesitant to go back to ever living with him because he is a black hole of narcissism which obviously is draining. He has agreed to finance graduate school for the next two years at least. If I return to him he would finance the remaining years of a doctoral program- if I choose to not reconcile with him I am in a much weaker position financially. No surprise there.

I do not believe that a PhD program would accept me due to the fact that I am not young. I'm not old either, but I am a non-traditional aged student. I look like I should be on faculty, not a student- although I am not frumpy. I look like a mid-career professional, but I am behind the curve. I am also concerned that a PhD program would demand so much from me that I would be pulled between those obligations and the needs of my son (he will be a junior in high school and needs lots of structure and guidance). My other hesitation- which is why I am reaching out for a sense of collaboration from others on a similar path- is worrying I will regret "settling" for a master's degree when I am capable of achieving more.

Since the only personal experience I have is that of being a high achieving undergraduate student who is set to graduate this fall, I am trying to get a sense of the demands of pursuing a graduate degree. I understand that it is a long and arduous road to obtain a PhD in any discipline and I have a tremendous amount of respect for those who are able to accomplish that goal. Perhaps the window of time in one's life when pursuing a doctorate no longer makes sense is closing upon me and I am struggling to come to terms with that. When I expressed my concern that no university would want someone over 50 for a doctoral program to one of my Professors at DePaul last week, She replied, "Just apply for a doctoral program. You can do the work. Just be in the process, enjoy it and don't concern yourself with anything else."

The confounding part about graduate school is that if I went for a master's in clinical psychology and then wanted to continue to the doctoral level, it seems to just make the road that much longer. So, I am writing on this forum in the hopes of hearing other's perceptions. I guess the smart move in terms of a cost/benefit analysis is a master's so I can start earning money in the probable circumstance that funding for education will go away in two years. But, I feel as though I am settling or not reaching my full potential. Kind of sad to think that I am considering staying married to someone for financial security, but that has been a legitimate aspect of the institution of marriage for many centuries and an entire different debate.

Obviously, I am struggling to feel that I am making a good decision about the road ahead. Perhaps it is sort of like I would love to drive a Mercedes, but a Prius will get me where I need to go. Anyway, MANY SINCERE THANKS to everyone who took the time to read my post and offer their thoughts in return. Maybe I am simply ruminating too much- but it really is a big decision. Best to everyone on their journey.

Cydpsyche🙂