Hi folks, so I'm currently in a predicament and could use some input and perspective. I am currently deciding between a clinical psychology PsyD (Wright State University) and a counseling psychology PhD (University of Iowa).
I have been offered admission to both programs (both APA accredited, both have consistent 90%+ accredited match rates over the past 5+ years). My goal long term is to work with underserved populations (particularly military and rural), likely in a VA setting, with a particular interest in trauma-related pathology. Additionally, I'd love to work in academia somewhere down the line.
One of the big factors is, of course, funding. The PhD program is not automatically funded, but historically all students in the past 7 years who have applied for and sought out funding have received full funding. The PsyD is affordable as it is at a state school in my residential state with some funding opportunities, but is not funded. I do have undergraduate student loan debt, so I would not be going into this debt-free.
The counseling psych PhD program is specifically geared towards and centralized towards rural mental health. The PsyD is generalist with no official focus/specialization per say, but has many practicum sites geared towards military etc.
The PsyD is closer and in a smaller town (which is my personal preference over a larger city + proximity to family), whereas the PhD program is several states away in a large university town. I know that's a lot, and I apologize in advance, but would be beyond grateful for any advice/input/insight into opportunities beyond what's generally available on the internet. I'm a first gen college student, therefore I'm also first in my family to pursue a doctorate, and have limited sources for candid advice. Thank you!
I have been offered admission to both programs (both APA accredited, both have consistent 90%+ accredited match rates over the past 5+ years). My goal long term is to work with underserved populations (particularly military and rural), likely in a VA setting, with a particular interest in trauma-related pathology. Additionally, I'd love to work in academia somewhere down the line.
One of the big factors is, of course, funding. The PhD program is not automatically funded, but historically all students in the past 7 years who have applied for and sought out funding have received full funding. The PsyD is affordable as it is at a state school in my residential state with some funding opportunities, but is not funded. I do have undergraduate student loan debt, so I would not be going into this debt-free.
The counseling psych PhD program is specifically geared towards and centralized towards rural mental health. The PsyD is generalist with no official focus/specialization per say, but has many practicum sites geared towards military etc.
The PsyD is closer and in a smaller town (which is my personal preference over a larger city + proximity to family), whereas the PhD program is several states away in a large university town. I know that's a lot, and I apologize in advance, but would be beyond grateful for any advice/input/insight into opportunities beyond what's generally available on the internet. I'm a first gen college student, therefore I'm also first in my family to pursue a doctorate, and have limited sources for candid advice. Thank you!