Approaching Professors about Research...School Psych

[zoezaga21]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and hopefully offer up some advice. Forgive me ahead of time as brevity in posts has never been my thing.

First, I recently(2 semesters ago) changed my undergrad major to psychology. I've been busting my tail by taking 18 credits a semester and doing a lot of studying. I took a break from academia for a stint, as I was a jazz guitar performance major at a great music school. It has feels weird and somewhat comforting to be back in an atmosphere of organized learning and studying. It certainly is a break from scoring Duke Ellington tunes for big bands!

I've really taken a liking to this major. My Major GPA is a 3.66 (would have been higher if it wasn't for that psych 101 class I took at the college i attend when I was a junior in high school!!!!! ), my overall GPA looks pretty great when you factor in the grades I received at the music school I attended. After taking a long hard look at potential jobs I'd like to work in the future I arrived at a few things: I/O Psychologist, Political job in DC, working enviornmental law, and school psychologist. Politics would be nice but I have my doubts about the DC system. Law would be nice, but being sucked into an 80 hr a week firm job and not enjoying life would rob me of my soul.
The school psychologist job looks and sounds really promising from what I have read and talked with people about. I've had a ton of experience with kids as I've been getting through school by starting my own company and teaching private music lessons to children. I've taken the job real serious and while it doesn't equate 100% to the field, I wouldn't be going into it cold. I've also worked in and out of school enviornments teaching adult education classes in music.

The school in which I am studying for my undergraduate degree offers a PsyD in School Psychology and a Master's...which is somewhat ironic in that you need a Doctorate to practice in the profession here. I know you need research experience to get into/get stipend Doctorate programs and Master's programs. I would like to know how you go about approaching professors about the potential of researching? What kinds of things do I need to push in terms of skills? I'd imagine I need to wait until I take my research and methods class?

Again, thanks for all the help. I'm coming from a conservatory so this is all a little new and slightly nerve racking.

ALSO, do you need a PsyD or PhD vs. Masters to practice school psychology? I've got some debt from studying music an I'm saving cash by attending a local university, but money is an issue. I wouldn't know if going in debt 100K would necessarily pay off? Being rich isn't a priority, but debt free is.

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[sicologia]

Well, I guess I never really thought too much about it, but approaching your professors for research opportunities takes some skill and good timing. I waited until after I took at least a course with the prof and then asked (usually pertaining to their research interests) the almighty question.

I gotta say, it was awkward at times, but with enough practice you'll be fine. Just ask. Your professors may even be waiting for you to do so.

Also, here in PA, a master's level is required to practice s. psych and there is no delineation in the school systems whether a PsyD or a PhD is accepted more. In fact, they are treated as the same across the country. PsyDs are gaining on PhDs in school psych as of the latest data.

Good luck to you in your research endeavors.

 

[WestIndiPsych]

zoezaga21,

This is real good you are considering getting research experience cause it's the name of the game if you want to go all the way through with School Psychology. Honestly, like the previous poster said, just ask! Find out if they are working on any projects or know of anyone who is who would take on an assistant. Also, there are a lot of summer research programs out there. During undergrad, I was able to participate in the SROP program (more so for underrepresented minorities in research but anyone can apply).. Start googling "summer research opportunities" early, around the month of Jan. for the upcoming summer and go from there.

You really don't NEED a doctoral degree for School Psychology. You could get your Ed.S if you'd like. But if you want to be in a better position (have more options) i.e private prac, teach, hospital and school.. go for your doctorate. It's like a personal achievement also. The doctoral SP and the masters does the exact same thing in the schools, the only difference is people will refer to you as Dr. so and so, rather than just Ms/Mrs. Mr.(which is fine.)

There are also laws APA is proposing concerning who can call themselves "school psychologist".. Like I said, while there are some school psychologists who hold Ph.D's and are licensed, (I know quite a few) the vast majority are obviously certified at the specialist level. Don't know if you've been made aware but a along-standing provision in the MLA has provided an exemption for school psychologists who are credentialed at the master's and specialist degrees level (often in Education rather than psychology) by their state board of education to hold the title "school psychologist" and to practice independently in school settings. This provision is up for review and may come to an end. In that case, some practitioners in the school without Ph.D's may be renamed "psychometrists." (Which is still fine depending on you goals.)

Also, if you look on the Clinical Psych board and check out the thread "School Psychologist" you can see that I explained in depth concerning the fact that it is also beginning to be pushed for SP's to gain their doctoral degrees..

About going in debt...

The masters will give you some debt, the PsyD (for the most part) will give you a LOT of debt but if you get into PhD a program, most will allow you to acquire very little (if not close to 0) debt as you can get a tuition waiver or remission and be a research assistant or teaching assistant and get a stipend or be blessed enough to get a full fellowship pertaining to your academic background, minority status, for promising to become a full time professor afterwards, etc. there is so much out there.

Best wishes whatever you choose and remember to stay positive throughout your journey!

 

[zoezaga21]

Thanks to you both.
Keep em' coming!

I checked out the school psych thread and read what you said. It a lot of sense, for in the state I reside you need a PhD or a PsyD to get the job. Surprisingly the PsyD program here does offer some legit funding. 20 hours a week as an RA gets you close to 10K...and you get a 12 credit tuition waiver. All in all being from this state it is affordable, though I have heard the debate about leaving to get your PhD.

I'm not going to lie I owe 30K due to my endeavors at music school. While the master's might not be ideal, I'd be willing to practice out of state to keep my debt as low as I can. I've got a buddy graduating with an undergrad in finance who owes 95K....with a 30K job. I couldn't fathom it...thus the reason I'm leaving the music field.

I guess the only thing I can do is get some RA experience, keep my GPA up and keep the interest I have. Hopefully with a 3.6 some good GRE scores and a lot of research I can get in a paid for program. I'm pretty reserved, so this networking this is a little new to me!

Thanks a ton.