EdM or PsyD

[smithie08]

Hello everyone!

So I'm excited to say that I've been accepted for fall 2011, to MSPP's clinical PsyD program! (yeyy!)...but I've also been accepted to Harvard Graduate School of Education's EdM program in Human Development and Psychology (woo!)....I was hoping to hear incite from those of you with more experience (in a PsyD or PhD program...or perhaps already graduate witha few years of professional experience?..)

My end goal is a doctorate, and while I love MSPP's program, it is pretty expensive...is rejecting it and entering Harvard's masters program instead...and risking applying to more PhD programs (that are heavy on the clinical side)...in hopes of more funding? (not to mention I have half my mentors saying Harvard's name will open doors for me, and the other half saying how amazing MSPP is..)

Thanks for the advice!!

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[psyman]

Your friends are correct. Getting a master's from Harvard will get you into a doctoral program. I'd go that route for sure. (PsyD student here)

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Your friends are correct. Getting a master's from Harvard will get you into a doctoral program. I'd go that route for sure. (PsyD student here)

This.

I've heard MSPP has a decent local reputation, though I'd recommend against going if you have other options.

 

[smithie08]

This.

I've heard MSPP has a decent local reputation, though I'd recommend against going if you have other options.

Thanks for input from you both! Therapist4Change, may I ask why you'd suggest going against it if you've heard the reputation is good? (Just to have a better understanding)

Thanks again! 🙂

 

[PsychBoxe]

MSPP does have a great reputation in the Boston area. However, MSPP has recently increased their cohort size (approx 85 students), which might be a red flag when considering the size of the school. The fact that MSPP has an optional pre-doctoral internship is something to consider, although there are a lot of students who find this attractive.

 

[docma]

The Harvard program is strong and I'd say use the time to prepare for a PhD program. You also keep open the option of funded PhD in Developmental Psychology which can also have a nice range of practice options and you will know more about who you are and where you want to go once you are through the master's program.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Thanks for input from you both! Therapist4Change, may I ask why you'd suggest going against it if you've heard the reputation is good? (Just to have a better understanding)

Thanks again! 🙂

1. The most obvious thing is cost.

2. A good local/regional reputation can sometimes work for people in the right situation. For instance, if I were settled in a city and pursuing an MBA, and I had a choice between a decent local program and a better ranked but far away second program....all things being equal, the local program may be good enough. Some many argue that the local program may open up more opportunities down the road because of networking, etc. However, in the case of psychology, "all things being equal" is a tough qualifier.

3. The issue with MSPP is the general perception of professional programs, a growing cohort (almost never a good indicator), poor internship match numbers, a weak regional/national reputation, and the cost. I have nothing against MSPP, but it just isn't worth the money, especially if they can't guarantee that you'll leave there with a top position and make enough to make the loans a non-issue.

An MS program can be a good step for people needing to strengthen their application, and sometimes a name can make a difference. The one caveat I have is that the degree also has to be relevant to your training and goals. If it is research focused and/or a natural stepping stone to a Ph.D...that is good. I'm just not sold on most degrees coming from an Education department, if you are looking at a psychology career.

 

[smithie08]

thank you again to everyone for their input!! this has been enormously helpful!!! I have a lot to consider now 🙂

 

[smithie08]

1. The most obvious thing is cost.

2. A good local/regional reputation can sometimes work for people in the right situation. For instance, if I were settled in a city and pursuing an MBA, and I had a choice between a decent local program and a better ranked but far away second program....all things being equal, the local program may be good enough. Some many argue that the local program may open up more opportunities down the road because of networking, etc. However, in the case of psychology, "all things being equal" is a tough qualifier.

3. The issue with MSPP is the general perception of professional programs, a growing cohort (almost never a good indicator), poor internship match numbers, a weak regional/national reputation, and the cost. I have nothing against MSPP, but it just isn't worth the money, especially if they can't guarantee that you'll leave there with a top position and make enough to make the loans a non-issue.

An MS program can be a good step for people needing to strengthen their application, and sometimes a name can make a difference. The one caveat I have is that the degree also has to be relevant to your training and goals. If it is research focused and/or a natural stepping stone to a Ph.D...that is good. I'm just not sold on most degrees coming from an Education department, if you are looking at a psychology career.

Therapist4Change - thank you!! Could I possibly PM you with some more questions? I've also been admitted to Columbia's MA program (Psychology in Education: General Psychology- technically Teachers College)...which after noting your last comment, is perhaps a better fit?... thanks!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Therapist4Change - thank you!! Could I possibly PM you with some more questions? I've also been admitted to Columbia's MA program (Psychology in Education: General Psychology- technically Teachers College)...which after noting your last comment, is perhaps a better fit?... thanks!

Sure. It may take me a day or two to get back, depends on my schedule, but I don't mind providing my 2 cents.

 

[Teacher07]

I think it really depends on your goals post grad school. Do you want to be a practitioner? Have you looked into school psych?

 

[smithie08]

I think it really depends on your goals post grad school. Do you want to be a practitioner? Have you looked into school psych?

Sorry! I didn't see this, yes my end goal is (ideally) to have my own private practice..however I'm not sure if school psych is the right fit for me...while my greater research interest is studying PDD and disadvantaged youth....I currently work in psycho-social oncology at a Harvard-affiliated research hospital...and so I'm having a difficult time choosing which track will open the most doors for me :/

 

[docma]

Don't overlook the idea of a Ph.D in medical social work