Dumb question - how to determine specialties?

[simplybaroque]

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SUPER dumb question, but I'm really new to the world of academia and PhDs so I figured this was a good a place to ask as any.

How do I determine what a psychology program's "specialty" is? I know some schools have defined concentrations or special programs, but many do not. Should I be looking at what labs are available on campus? The publications put out by the professors? The practicum placements?

For example, UH's Clinical Psych program (http://www.uh.edu/class/psychology/clinical-psych/areas-of-concentration/) has three defined concentrations (child/family, neuropsych, behavior disorders) so I assume those are the school's "specialties". But how about TWU's Counseling Psych program (http://www.twu.edu/psychology-philosophy/counseling-psych-phd.asp), where nothing is clearly defined? How do I determine what the school is "strong" in?

I ask because I have a specific area of psychology I'd like to do research in, and want to select a good school for that. Don't want to stumble into a program that focuses on MFT when I'm really interested in psychopathology, for example :/

 

[AcronymAllergy]

SUPER dumb question, but I'm really new to the world of academia and PhDs so I figured this was a good a place to ask as any.

How do I determine what a psychology program's "specialty" is? I know some schools have defined concentrations or special programs, but many do not. Should I be looking at what labs are available on campus? The publications put out by the professors? The practicum placements?

For example, UH's Clinical Psych program (http://www.uh.edu/class/psychology/clinical-psych/areas-of-concentration/) has three defined concentrations (child/family, neuropsych, behavior disorders) so I assume those are the school's "specialties". But how about TWU's Counseling Psych program (http://www.twu.edu/psychology-philosophy/counseling-psych-phd.asp), where nothing is clearly defined? How do I determine what the school is "strong" in?

I ask because I have a specific area of psychology I'd like to do research in, and want to select a good school for that. Don't want to stumble into a program that focuses on MFT when I'm really interested in psychopathology, for example :/

Quick-and-dirty answer: Yes to all of the bolded portions. Also, faculty webpages will often list their research/clinical interests.

 

[cara susanna]

SUPER dumb question, but I'm really new to the world of academia and PhDs so I figured this was a good a place to ask as any.

How do I determine what a psychology program's "specialty" is? I know some schools have defined concentrations or special programs, but many do not. Should I be looking at what labs are available on campus? The publications put out by the professors? The practicum placements?

For example, UH's Clinical Psych program (http://www.uh.edu/class/psychology/clinical-psych/areas-of-concentration/) has three defined concentrations (child/family, neuropsych, behavior disorders) so I assume those are the school's "specialties". But how about TWU's Counseling Psych program (http://www.twu.edu/psychology-philosophy/counseling-psych-phd.asp), where nothing is clearly defined? How do I determine what the school is "strong" in?

I ask because I have a specific area of psychology I'd like to do research in, and want to select a good school for that. Don't want to stumble into a program that focuses on MFT when I'm really interested in psychopathology, for example :/

As AA suggested, definitely look at faculty pages. Practicum placements are also important to consider.

Also, any good clinical program will have to focus on psychopathology so I wouldn't worry about that (I know that was an example and maybe not a concern for you, but just saying).

 

[smalltownpsych]

SUPER dumb question, but I'm really new to the world of academia and PhDs so I figured this was a good a place to ask as any.

How do I determine what a psychology program's "specialty" is? I know some schools have defined concentrations or special programs, but many do not. Should I be looking at what labs are available on campus? The publications put out by the professors? The practicum placements?

For example, UH's Clinical Psych program (http://www.uh.edu/class/psychology/clinical-psych/areas-of-concentration/) has three defined concentrations (child/family, neuropsych, behavior disorders) so I assume those are the school's "specialties". But how about TWU's Counseling Psych program (http://www.twu.edu/psychology-philosophy/counseling-psych-phd.asp), where nothing is clearly defined? How do I determine what the school is "strong" in?

I ask because I have a specific area of psychology I'd like to do research in, and want to select a good school for that. Don't want to stumble into a program that focuses on MFT when I'm really interested in psychopathology, for example :/

That TWU website had a link to recent doctoral dissertations so that would be a good clue as to what the faculty are interested in. Also, the faculty pages list their research interests.

 

[PsyDr]

I think that APA book about approved programs has something about specialties, or did about 15 years ago.

 

[shrinkgirl15]

Have you checked out the Insider's Guide? It has all the schools' research and clinical specialty areas listed. Super helpful!

 

[simplybaroque]

Have you checked out the Insider's Guide? It has all the schools' research and clinical specialty areas listed. Super helpful!

Didn't even know this existed! Picking up a copy soon, thanks for the tip!

 

[shrinkgirl15]

You're welcome! What I really liked, too, was that it tells you how many faculty members are researching a particular area, and if they have a grant or not. 🙂

 

[smalltownpsych]

You're welcome! What I really liked, too, was that it tells you how many faculty members are researching a particular area, and if they have a grant or not. 🙂

Completely off topic. Just wanted to know if we could vote for the cutest avatar - cause you got my vote!

 

[shrinkgirl15]

Completely off topic. Just wanted to know if we could vote for the cutest avatar - cause you got my vote!

Haha, thank you! That kitten makes me happy. 🙂