M.A. in General Psych?

[cookie91]

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I'm interested in applying to fully-funded PhD programs, but I know my stats are not up to par yet. I have a 3.2 cumulative/3.85 psychology undergrad GPA. Taking GREs in a couple of weeks-- I have been studying and am good at taking standardized tests so I'm not terribly worried about my scores. However, the gaping hole in my academic background lies in my lack of research experience. I took a one-semester Research & Methods course, one semester of Stats, and one semester of Social Psychology Research (I completed an independent research study under prof's supervision). I don't have any experience as an RA, no publications, posters, presentations etc etc.

I think my best bet is to get an M.A. in General Psychology? The programs I've been looking into require you to complete a thesis and take an oral examination based on your thesis. Will this be enough research experience for competitive PhD programs? Is it worth it to take out loans for, let's say, an M.A. from NYU/another big-name school? I would prefer to get the degree at Hunter or City College of NY, but do PhD programs frown upon graduate work from lesser-known schools?

How long do these programs typically take to complete? I know they are ~30 credits, but I'm guessing that is without factoring in the time allotted for the thesis.

Also, my undergrad record is a bit spotty. I have a lot of W's and some D's from being pre-dent, and also from a period when I was undergoing personal issues. I had a 3.9 GPA my senior year over 32 credits. Will a high graduate GPA make up for my undergrad transcript?

Thank you so much for reading. All responses are much appreciated!! 🙂

 

[KillerDiller]

I think my best bet is to get an M.A. in General Psychology? The programs I've been looking into require you to complete a thesis and take an oral examination based on your thesis. Will this be enough research experience for competitive PhD programs?

Conducting your own original study is definitely a good start. However, I would look for programs that allow/encourage/compel you to get involved with their research labs even before starting the thesis. You should be able to get more than just a thesis out of a good general program.

Is it worth it to take out loans for, let's say, an M.A. from NYU/another big-name school? I would prefer to get the degree at Hunter or City College of NY, but do PhD programs frown upon graduate work from lesser-known schools?

I don't think PhD programs frown on any school for name alone, as long as you do good work there. Certainly, though, there are programs that have more cache than others. I have heard people speak highly of the NYU program. As for the loan issue, that's really a personal decision. There are funded masters programs out there that will minimize or eliminate the need to take out loans. I encourage you to consider relocating to attend these programs. As luck would have it, they are also well respected and competitive programs.

How long do these programs typically take to complete?

Usually 2-3 years of full time work. I'd ask the programs what the typical time to completion is for them.

Also, my undergrad record is a bit spotty. I have a lot of W's and some D's from being pre-dent, and also from a period when I was undergoing personal issues. I had a 3.9 GPA my senior year over 32 credits. Will a high graduate GPA make up for my undergrad transcript?

Depends on the program. Graduate grades are inflated compared to undergrad grades, and schools know this. On the other hand, it shows you are capable of grad-level work.

 

[psychology24]

I was in a similar position with my UG academic background and very limited research coursework/experience. I am currently in a MA psych program (with thesis), but before I spent the past several years working as a research assistant. My advice would be to get some real-world research experience. You should be able to find a research job at a medical-research university that will pay you a bit more than working in a professor's lab at the university. Besides that, the MA-route I think is a very legitimate option (we'll see if it works for me as I am applying to programs this year) to gain some more research experience, and even some clinical experience, too.