best master's programs to prepare for clinical PhD?

[kbean]

This is my second year applying to Clinical PhD programs, and I'm facing the possibility of not getting in again this year. I think the weak point in my applications is really my GPA--it's not terrible, but it's not very good in comparison to other applicants', either. If I don't get in this year, I'm thinking of applying to master's programs to show that I can handle graduate-level work, and I was wondering what sort of programs would be best.

There aren't a lot of clinical psych MA programs--what other programs might be an option?

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[clinicalpsyapp]

This is my second year applying to Clinical PhD programs, and I'm facing the possibility of not getting in again this year. I think the weak point in my applications is really my GPA--it's not terrible, but it's not very good in comparison to other applicants', either. If I don't get in this year, I'm thinking of applying to master's programs to show that I can handle graduate-level work, and I was wondering what sort of programs would be best.

There aren't a lot of clinical psych MA programs--what other programs might be an option?

I, personally, have an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (or I will this May anyway). It was tough to find research opportunities because it's not built into the program, but I was able to. I have heard a lot of negative things about having an applied master's degree... but it's seemed to work out fine. I have 4 interviews this application season, all Clinical Psych Ph.D. programs and most of them are very research-based, top-ranked programs. I haven't seemed to run into any problems having an applied degree. Hope that helps!

 

[Aura5]

Hi. I'm in a somewhat similar situation in that I feel that I need a master's to strengthen my application (not psych undergrad).

I started a thread a few weeks ago, it started out about clinical vs. counseling but if you scroll down to post 11, I start asking about master's. You might find some good info there, I found the responses very helpful. 🙂

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=699909


I'm not linking in an attempt to trump this thread, since the question isn't really the same. But just that you might get something out of it. (I want to keep this thread too so I can see the answers! )

 

[psich]

I, personally, have an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (or I will this May anyway). It was tough to find research opportunities because it's not built into the program, but I was able to. I have heard a lot of negative things about having an applied master's degree... but it's seemed to work out fine. I have 4 interviews this application season, all Clinical Psych Ph.D. programs and most of them are very research-based, top-ranked programs. I haven't seemed to run into any problems having an applied degree. Hope that helps!

Wow, that’s really a relief to hear. I’ve head so many negative things about it as well I was concerned that having an applied Master’s would be detrimental to my application. May I ask, do you have a considerable amount of research experience?

 

[clinicalpsyapp]

Wow, that’s really a relief to hear. I’ve head so many negative things about it as well I was concerned that having an applied Master’s would be detrimental to my application. May I ask, do you have a considerable amount of research experience?

Yes, I did one year of full-time research before my master's program and also have done some research (although not a ton) during my master's program. But honestly, if you frame it the right way, people won't care. At one of my interviews I was actually asked, based on my personal statement, etc., why I was interested in the Clinical Track instead of the straight Health Psychology track because I seemed so focused on research.

 

[robinsena]

I'm not sure how geographically constricted you are, but when I applied to Clinical PhD programs I also happened to apply to a couple that also had terminal master programs. Not sure how many are around the areas you'd like to be, but it may be good to apply to those this time around. I remember getting rejected from their PhD program but invited to enroll in their master's program. I turned them down, but I thought that option may be efficient for you since you are already considering a MA or MS.

This is my second year applying to Clinical PhD programs, and I'm facing the possibility of not getting in again this year. I think the weak point in my applications is really my GPA--it's not terrible, but it's not very good in comparison to other applicants', either. If I don't get in this year, I'm thinking of applying to master's programs to show that I can handle graduate-level work, and I was wondering what sort of programs would be best.

There aren't a lot of clinical psych MA programs--what other programs might be an option?

 

[KillerDiller]

Make sure that whatever degree you choose has an empirical thesis component where you conduct your own study (as opposed to doing an extended literature review). Ph.D. programs will find the former much more attractive.

 

[i am who i am]

Are there any masters programs that still have openings? I've been trying to find some to apply to in case I won't have a place to go next year, and so far many of them have ended mid-Feb or earlier. :-(

 

[kapinkkidowski]

I decided to go to a terminal Master's program in clinical psychology. It didnt require an empirical thesis, but there was PLENTY of opportunity to do research in labs and even to get a paper published if you wanted to. I also shot my gpa way up, got to be a TA, and it helped me get a part time job at major psychiatric research hospital while i finished up my degree. Most students in the program get into clinical phd programs (and usually half of the people accepted into the phd program there come from their master's program) It does also help you focus your rsrch interests, which is really good for strengthening your phd application.

There were some downsides to my experience, and some people didnt find the progrm helpful, but I think everyone got out of it what they put in. I got a lot more 'done' there bc I hit the ground running.

PM me if you have any questions 🙂

 

[RileyG]

I highly recommend WCU in Cullowhee, NC. They offer funding/assistantships to all students, have an empirical thesis requirement, and have many opportunities for research. The purpose of the program is specifically to get its students into Clinical PhD programs. Here is a link:

http://www.wcu.edu/6839.asp

It is the M.A. in Psychology, Clinical track. I'd be happy to answer any questions people have.

 

[Aura5]

Are there any masters programs that still have openings? I've been trying to find some to apply to in case I won't have a place to go next year, and so far many of them have ended mid-Feb or earlier. :-(

Sigh I know watcha mean. I'm wanting to jump into one as soon I can, or at least this fall, but seems I'm going to have to wait a year to even apply, if I want options. 👎

 

[psich]

Sigh I know watcha mean. I'm wanting to jump into one as soon I can, or at least this fall, but seems I'm going to have to wait a year to even apply, if I want options. 👎

Are you sure there aren't any Master's programs you can still apply to? Maybe you can call the graduate office to check...

 

[Aura5]

Are you sure there aren't any Master's programs you can still apply to? Maybe you can call the graduate office to check...

Well one of the ones I'm looking at has more application times in the year...but it's one of those general only research-ish ones. Haven't heard back from them to actually feel them out and ask my questions, because that may sway me.

But the thing is...the other three I'm looking at are fall-admission only. So it's like, I'd rather apply to all and then choose, you know? Or something. I just wish they all were more flexible.

 

[Josie1554]

I highly recommend WCU in Cullowhee, NC. They offer funding/assistantships to all students, have an empirical thesis requirement, and have many opportunities for research. The purpose of the program is specifically to get its students into Clinical PhD programs. Here is a link:

http://www.wcu.edu/6839.asp

It is the M.A. in Psychology, Clinical track. I'd be happy to answer any questions people have.

I second this. Ironically, I thought about this exact school when I read the OP's post. I interviewed for a Master's there once and they seemed very research focus. Like RileyG said, they specifically mentioned in the interview that the object of the program is to get students into a PHD program. Also, if your intent is to get a Master's to do research and not to practice, you could also consider a Master's in other fields besides Clinical Psychology (e.g. Developmental Psych, Experimental Psych, etc). Everything is so interdisciplinary these days, so you will probably find good research matches in other fields as well. Just make sure you will be doing research that is closely related to what you eventually want to do.

 

[InUrHead]

I have a clinical psychology master's degree from Minnesota State University in Mankato, MN and I personally had a phenomenal experience, was able to get a lot of research and clinical experience, and then went on to a doctoral program and just happily matched for internship. I loved my time at MNSU and have said repeatedly that if they had just been able to offer a Ph.D. I would have been very happy to have stayed there.

 

[PrisonPsych]

My master's was from Augusta State University in Augusta, GA. I applied in late May or early June, if I recall, so you might check there. If you get an assistantship, tuition is waived and you get a very small stipend.

 

[deleted315242]

If you're interested in possibly the east coast, I'm about to graduate with a masters in general psychology from New York University.

I entered NYU's program without a shred of background in psychology other than a couple of undergraduate courses. And the program really opened a lot of doors for me in terms of getting a lot of clinical and research experience. During my time there, I got my name on a published research article and several hours of clinical exposure. I applied for Ph.D programs in clinical psychology this year and got into one of my top choices.

What was great about NYU is that the program is very friendly and really strives to get their students into doctorate schools if that's your goal. The professors are almost all very approachable, friendly, and competent.

 

[gradpsyc]

If you're interested in possibly the east coast, I'm about to graduate with a masters in general psychology from New York University.

I entered NYU's program without a shred of background in psychology other than a couple of undergraduate courses. And the program really opened a lot of doors for me in terms of getting a lot of clinical and research experience. During my time there, I got my name on a published research article and several hours of clinical exposure. I applied for Ph.D programs in clinical psychology this year and got into one of my top choices.

What was great about NYU is that the program is very friendly and really strives to get their students into doctorate schools if that's your goal. The professors are almost all very approachable, friendly, and competent.

Does the program offer any financial aid?
Thanks!

 

[deleted315242]

The program doesn't give much financial aid. But the program can be done part time so most of the other students I know worked full time and still attended. What made it also easier was that I actually had "full time" status for my financial aid but was able to cut down on my classes to almost be part time so that I could work.

 

[larive]

Where did you get your Master's and what was it in specifically?
Thanks

 

[deleted315242]

It was in General Psychology at NYU.

You can check out the program details here: http://psych.nyu.edu/programs/ma/index.html

 

[bmedclinic]

I admit I did the Masters in clinical --> PhD in clinical route.
Had to. Played around the first few years of college.

Anyways, I felt I got screwed pretty hard at my masters program and was lucky to get into a clin. PhD afterwards.

I got accepted to 2 M.A. programs out of undergrad (no way I could have gotten into a phd prog at that point). So I had to choose. I called them and talked to them. The one I ended up choosing lied through their teeth to me about funding and about "getting everyone into PhD programs." Ha. Of the 14 people in my program, 1 is currently in a clinical psych PhD program. Me. I wont name the school, and its not WCU (which, btw I've heard is a great school), but I will say to not take the "we get everyone in" line at face value.

 

[whypsy]

I decided to go the master's route also, because my GPA was weak. I got a MEd in counseling psychology which actually was a huge advantage for me during clinical PhD applications. The amount of clinical work that I was able to do during my master's really gave me an edge.

 

[RileyG]

I admit I did the Masters in clinical --> PhD in clinical route.
Had to. Played around the first few years of college.

Anyways, I felt I got screwed pretty hard at my masters program and was lucky to get into a clin. PhD afterwards.

I got accepted to 2 M.A. programs out of undergrad (no way I could have gotten into a phd prog at that point). So I had to choose. I called them and talked to them. The one I ended up choosing lied through their teeth to me about funding and about "getting everyone into PhD programs." Ha. Of the 14 people in my program, 1 is currently in a clinical psych PhD program. Me. I wont name the school, and its not WCU (which, btw I've heard is a great school), but I will say to not take the "we get everyone in" line at face value.

I agree, don't ever believe a program that tells you all of their applicants get into PhD programs. Like I said earlier, the purpose of the M.A. program at WCU is to get its graduates into PhD programs, but obviously there is no guarantee (nor did they imply there was any type of guarantee). When it was time for my cohort to apply to PhD programs, only one person who applied didn't get in. I should also mention that they are supportive of students who don't get in...instead of giving you your degree and sending you on your way to fend for yourself, they have helped several PhD-hopefuls who didn't get in on their first try by hiring them as adjunct faculty so when they reapply, they are still affiliated with the university.

The faculty was great when it came to mentoring us throughout the entire PhD application process. I had a faculty member look over my list of schools to apply (and gave suggestions such as "No one from our program has EVER gotten into School X, you may want to reconsider applying there" and "Our students have a good relationship with School Y and it would be a good fit for you, you should consider applying there"), look over my personal statements, give me advice regarding interviews, and help with my final decision making process. And they not only do this, but are happy to do this. They encouraged us to use their experience and I never felt like I was bothering them.

 

[psich]

I decided to go the master's route also, because my GPA was weak. I got a MEd in counseling psychology which actually was a huge advantage for me during clinical PhD applications. The amount of clinical work that I was able to do during my master's really gave me an edge.

Were you able to do research in your MEd program?

 

[bmedclinic]

I agree, don't ever believe a program that tells you all of their applicants get into PhD programs. Like I said earlier, the purpose of the M.A. program at WCU is to get its graduates into PhD programs, but obviously there is no guarantee (nor did they imply there was any type of guarantee). When it was time for my cohort to apply to PhD programs, only one person who applied didn't get in. I should also mention that they are supportive of students who don't get in...instead of giving you your degree and sending you on your way to fend for yourself, they have helped several PhD-hopefuls who didn't get in on their first try by hiring them as adjunct faculty so when they reapply, they are still affiliated with the university.

The faculty was great when it came to mentoring us throughout the entire PhD application process. I had a faculty member look over my list of schools to apply (and gave suggestions such as "No one from our program has EVER gotten into School X, you may want to reconsider applying there" and "Our students have a good relationship with School Y and it would be a good fit for you, you should consider applying there"), look over my personal statements, give me advice regarding interviews, and help with my final decision making process. And they not only do this, but are happy to do this. They encouraged us to use their experience and I never felt like I was bothering them.

wow. jealous.
j/k.
Honestly, im thrilled with where I ended up (not too far from WCU, either, btw) and I like that I faced all the challenges on my own, but I probably could have saved 6 months to a year of my life had I been around more helpful faculty members. My advisor was helpful. Everyone else was a complete and utter waste.