Gifted- Anyone studying this population NOT in Ed. Psych program?

[livetosail]

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I am very interested in this population, but have found zero programs that specialize in it outside of the Ed. Psych regime. I am not interested in being a school psychologist, and I am not that interested in the child/ behavioral avenue through which 99% of research in this area is focussed. I am very interested in studying adult populations of asynchronously cognitively developed individuals- I just don't know how to go about doing it.

It appears that the word "gifted adult" does not really exist in psychological vernacular; doubly not in APA accredited programs in the United States. As such, I feel like to raise this interest on my personal statement or to advertise it to potential professors is to invite an early rejection because of its somewhat controversial and unestablished nature. Some might say that pushing the boundaries into relms unstudied is a good thing. I am unconvinced at this point.

I was wondering if anyone out there is studying, desires to study, or works with this population of people, but is not in an Ed. Psych/ School Psych program?

Thanks.

ESV

 

[KillerDiller]

Have you looked into counseling psych programs? They are often housed in the school of education, but they lead to a degree in counseling psych, not educational psych. Sorry if you've already looked into this route. I was unclear whether your opposition was to schools of education in general, or to an education-specific degree.

If you want to do research rather than practice, you could also look into cognitive psych researchers studying intelligence.

 

[futureapppsy2]

I agree with the advice to take a close look at counseling psych programs.

 

[Gifted Universe]

Another option (though also relatively unestablished) is organizational psych...
Btw, if you're right about the lack of information about gifted adults...if you're interested in the topci, please check out my website: gifteduniverse.com

 

[livetosail]

I have looked quite extensively at Counseling programs, as they are the area I am most interested in. Gifted as a sub-specialty is only an option for child psychology or educational psychology, and only focus on school-age children and the issues relating to their education.

As interesting as your blog is, is does not change the fact that there are no programs specializing in gifted adults, nor are gifted adults a recognized sub-specialty in Psychology.

 

[KillerDiller]

I have looked quite extensively at Counseling programs, as they are the area I am most interested in. Gifted as a sub-specialty is only an option for child psychology or educational psychology, and only focus on school-age children and the issues relating to their education.

As interesting as your blog is, is does not change the fact that there are no programs specializing in gifted adults, nor are gifted adults a recognized sub-specialty in Psychology.

Specialty tracks within clinical or counseling psychology aren't necessary. Yes, you see schools offering things like neuro or health tracks, but the fact is that as long as you take relevant coursework, get involved with research, and seek out practicum placements in that population, you don't need your school to recognize a track. No one's going to care whether or not your diploma says "specialized in gifted adults". Honestly, we don't need to fracture the discipline by creating sub-specialties for every research interest.