MA/PhD programs in NYC

[SuzanneBB]

Good afternoon everyone!

I am currently an undergrad in NYC, I will graduate with my BA in Psychology next spring.

I would like to continue on to receive either my PhD or PsyD but realized it would be most beneficial for me to receive my MA first and then take a break. I am considering a degree in Mental Health Counseling so that I can begin working until I go back for my doctorate.

I'm wondering if anyone knows which schools in the NYC area might offer a program which would be slightly shorter because I'll already have my MA. I'm not sure what it's called, but what I mean is that many programs award you your MA while on track for the PhD, but I don't think I can go straight into a long program like that (due to some personal situations I need to consider). Ideally, I would begin my PhD and take the break after receiving the MA, returning when I'm ready, but because these programs have time restraints I do not think that's possible. I'm trying to figure out a way to make it somewhat shorter so that I don't need to do the 2 year MA and then the 6-7 year Ph.D in addition.

I hope this post made sense! In my head I know what I mean, but trying to put it in words to ask someone else proved to be a bit difficult lol.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

Suzanne

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[ToHolmgard]

Good afternoon everyone!

I am currently an undergrad in NYC, I will graduate with my BA in Psychology next spring.

I would like to continue on to receive either my PhD or PsyD but realized it would be most beneficial for me to receive my MA first and then take a break. I am considering a degree in Mental Health Counseling so that I can begin working until I go back for my doctorate.

I'm wondering if anyone knows which schools in the NYC area might offer a program which would be slightly shorter because I'll already have my MA. I'm not sure what it's called, but what I mean is that many programs award you your MA while on track for the PhD, but I don't think I can go straight into a long program like that (due to some personal situations I need to consider). Ideally, I would begin my PhD and take the break after receiving the MA, returning when I'm ready, but because these programs have time restraints I do not think that's possible. I'm trying to figure out a way to make it somewhat shorter so that I don't need to do the 2 year MA and then the 6-7 year Ph.D in addition.

I hope this post made sense! In my head I know what I mean, but trying to put it in words to ask someone else proved to be a bit difficult lol.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

Suzanne

A CUNY school would be your best option probably. Depending on your specific interests, the school you choose will vary. I go to John Jay since I'm forensically focused but there are others that might be a better fit for a different area of research/therapy orientation.

 

[SuzanneBB]

John Jay has always been my DREAM school, ever since I was a teenager. I've already attended their open house (2 years early lol) and still dream of going there. I just want to make sure I explore all of my options because I am not looking forward to that commute (I live in Long Island).

How do you like the program there? I am very interested in forensic psych, also in behavioral analysis. Looking to see which programs meet all of my needs. So far John Jay is still my top choice, I'd love to hear your opinions on it

 

[JustNoticing]

Most programs wont really be significantly shorter, even with an MA

 

[mcvcm92]

Since you want to go onto a Ph.D program, you should probably do a research-oriented Masters degree (if you decide not to go straight onto the Ph.D). I think that Stony Brook's masters program is pretty good and so is CUNY Hunter's. It's smart to go to a SUNY/CUNY for your masters because you *probably* won't get much funding or financial aid. Good luck!

 

[Doctor Eliza]

I don't know that it is a good plan to intentionally split up the MA and PhD.

The dilemma is this: an MA that will put you in a position to get licensed an practice is often not the type of program that will help you get into a doc program. A research MA will help you get into a doc program, but won't put you in a good position to do much should you not go on for the PhD.

You also shouldn't expect that a master's will take any time off of your program unless the program requires it for entry. For example, my fully funded clinical, APA accredited PhD program did not require a master's. There were only 2 students with master's in my program (possibly due to a bias against folks with previous master's?) Both of those students had to take every single course alongside their classmates (one was from a top MSW program, one was from a mediocre clinical MA program).

It also sounds like you may be geographically restricted? Is this forever or just for now? This can make getting into a program much, much harder, so you have to play your cards very carefully. You might see if you can talk to current students in the programs you are considering in order to find out their school's attitude toward master's degrees and whether it is more likely to hurt or help you.

Good luck,
Dr. E

 

[ToHolmgard]

John Jay has always been my DREAM school, ever since I was a teenager. I've already attended their open house (2 years early lol) and still dream of going there. I just want to make sure I explore all of my options because I am not looking forward to that commute (I live in Long Island).

How do you like the program there? I am very interested in forensic psych, also in behavioral analysis. Looking to see which programs meet all of my needs. So far John Jay is still my top choice, I'd love to hear your opinions on it

It's the MA program and it's a very good program. I'm on the track geared for the thesis so it's very research oriented and support you getting involved with labs. You are kind of left to flounder some if you're not certain what you want to do or what to take. Most of the first semester people I know continually say they don't know what the hell their doing and no one really offers concrete steps so it's kind of important to go in there either knowing what you want or willing to seek out help on your own because no one's going to offer it.

In terms of professors and academics, they are some of the best professors in the field. They all run some excellent labs and the course work is heavy, but very interesting. It is geared toward the PhD though. Almost everyone on the thesis track goes for a PhD.

The others are probably right in terms of time...it's possible you might be able to skip a few basic classes on research methods or statistics but that is probably it.

 

[Balmoral]

I recommend that you do research on the PhD programs in NYC to determine if you can take a leave after obtaining an MA. There are numerous programs that will award an MA en route but expect you to complete the rest of the courseload without any pause.

Instead of going directly to a PhD program, you can obtain a research or clinical MA, as already mentioned. The benefits of the research MA is that it will make you VERY competitive if you are able to generate numerous presentation or a publication or two during that time. If you decide on a clinical MA (MSW, MFT, MHC), that will be I believe 2 to 3 years of work, then you still have to accumulate the clinical hours post completion which can be another year or two before you get your license.

Having a practitioner's license in an MA level can help especially if hope to a attend a clinically-focused program; however, you might be asked about this during interviews (e.g., your approach to theoretical and clinical courses since you will probably be more advanced than the rest of your peers) so keep that in mind.

Regarding the length of the program, my PhD was only 5 years. I entered with one of the aforementioned MA-level degrees and was only able to credit 10 or 12 units (which I expected and accepted). I believe programs are reluctant to credit more classes because this can cause difficulties during comprehensive exams because they are based on their curriculum.

Big decision but maybe you can contact the DCTs in the area and see how flexible they are. Good luck!