Hi everyone,
I am curious and open to advice about how to navigate this channel:
I entered a clinical psychology PhD program last year with the full intention of finishing the 5 years. However, my research interests have changed over time and I find myself much more interested in cognitive psychology (pure cognitive research/ cognitive work with mental disorders etc) and I have decided that the cognitive psych PhD is what I really need to fulfill my career goals (academic position). I am absolutely sure that I will leave the program (apply out this fall to cognitive phd programs) but I am wondering what the etiquette is for this? I have put a lot of work into this master's degree and would like to leave with it in hand this April. When should I tell my advisor/DCT? Is it better to be honest and let them know in the fall when I am applying or will that result in losing funding the last few months? I do not want to be sneaky about this but I do want my masters after having done the majority of work and if that means telling them in April then I would have to do that? I hope insuring them that their program is great it is just a pure matter of topic and focus will make it less upsetting for them.
Any advice on to how to professionally deal with this would be great. Thanks!
I am curious and open to advice about how to navigate this channel:
I entered a clinical psychology PhD program last year with the full intention of finishing the 5 years. However, my research interests have changed over time and I find myself much more interested in cognitive psychology (pure cognitive research/ cognitive work with mental disorders etc) and I have decided that the cognitive psych PhD is what I really need to fulfill my career goals (academic position). I am absolutely sure that I will leave the program (apply out this fall to cognitive phd programs) but I am wondering what the etiquette is for this? I have put a lot of work into this master's degree and would like to leave with it in hand this April. When should I tell my advisor/DCT? Is it better to be honest and let them know in the fall when I am applying or will that result in losing funding the last few months? I do not want to be sneaky about this but I do want my masters after having done the majority of work and if that means telling them in April then I would have to do that? I hope insuring them that their program is great it is just a pure matter of topic and focus will make it less upsetting for them.
Any advice on to how to professionally deal with this would be great. Thanks!