Is a MS/MA in Psychology the right thing for me?

[jdelrio22]

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Here is the story:

Graduated with a BS in Psychology (social science background) - 3.07 Cum/psych gpa

Did 6 credits of volunteer labwork at the college

The plan at the end of college was to take the year off and work on retaking the GRE since I did below 1000 on the first try (didn't study just wanted to see what it was like) with the goal of applying to schools with due dates in March for apps since the test is scheduled for February.

The problem is I don't know if I am on the right track with this. Does this sound good or was I flawed?

Also, I have a list of about 5 schools with deadlines in March. Anyone know some schools that I would have a decent shot at to get into if I got a higher GRE score?

 

[MCMike]

I'm basically in the same situation as you. I posted a couple of posts below this one. I was very interested in getting my masters in psychology. However, unless it has subspeciality in Industrial/organizational psych and others. It's basically for students hoping to eventually get their doctorate in psychology. While a master's degree in counseling can possible make you LPC in about 4 years. Obviously the pay is favored to psychologists more than counselors. Please remember as well. doctorate programs are EXTREMELY hard to get into. You need a ridicolous GRE score and a excellent GPA. Mine was 3.0 gpa for general classes. 3.3 for Psych.

For me at this point in my life, I prefer getting my master's in counseling rather than psychology. Because frankly, I dont want to be in school for the next 5-7 years. Plus in the future like 10-20 years from now, I would like to get my MBA and pursue business ventures. It wouldnt make sense for me to pursue a doctorate in psychology if I only want to be in this field for the next 10-15 years.

I/O psychology is a very interesting new field. However its more favored to business students than psych students as I have read on the net. But pay is very good.

I'm sure others will chime in more on this subject. PM me if you need any help!

 

[jdelrio22]

Here is another thought:

I have been working a lot of customer service jobs by telephone basically. While I like helping people out most of the time I dislike the job.

If I am going to go into a counseling/Psyd program am I actually looking at the wrong career?

 

[ClinicalNYC]

Customer service has nothing to do with this profession. For example, if you listed on an admissions essay that you have experience helping people because you did customer service, you might not get the kind of response you expected.

 

[MCMike]

Here is another thought:

I have been working a lot of customer service jobs by telephone basically. While I like helping people out most of the time I dislike the job.

If I am going to go into a counseling/Psyd program am I actually looking at the wrong career?

I think counseling would be a great fit for you! 80 percent of the profession is actually giving a crap about the person.