Applying to MA Programs

[Themistocles517]

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I'm currently an undergraduate philosophy student and am just entering my senior year. I've decided that I'm interested in going on to do psychology graduate level work afterward, and so have been looking into some general MA programs. However, I'm not sure if I'm even qualified enough for a program aiming to better familiarize their students with the field and help them develop research/intern experience. Most of the programs I've been looking at require the equivalent of a minor in psychology. I have all of 8 credits in psychology (and nothing in the way of a behavioral statistics course), with a couple more in biology/neuroscience related departments. I may be able to manipulate my schedule enough over the next two semesters in order to fit in one or two additional psychology classes. I recently got a 1490 on the GRE General Test and may have one or two internships lined up prior to the application process. I can easily get letters of recommendation & etc. Does anyone have any suggestions re: programs that I should look into, advice on what I should be doing in order to advance in this direction, or any helpful information in general?

 

[blindblonde]

Well, I know people that have come from other majors into psych programs (my advisor included), but they all took more psychology classes in order to prepare for graduate training. First, I would definitely take the psych GRE. I'm not too fond of the test, but its purpose is to show your psychology knowledge, which is more important for people without psych degrees. Second, I would DEFINITELY find some way to take statistics. It will help--trust me. Third, I would find a way to get some hands-on research experience. You need to show that thsi isn't a fleeting interest (which I am sure it is not, but you have to convince an admissiosn committee that you're serious), and doing research will help you with that.

Are you thinking of applying this year or next year? If you are applying this year, I want to warn you that psychology programs (even the M.A. level) are very competitive, and you may want to wait until you have some more credentials on your plate before spending all the money applying. I'm sure you can get it (especially with that GRE!), but you need a few more things first.

Good luck!