No problem--I opted for a master's in experimental psych because I was lacking in research experience and felt that this was a good way to get it as well as expand my courseload and access to networking opportunities (i.e., LOR writers) at the same time. In addition, the program is flexible enough that I had a lot of autonomy in creating a degree plan that worked best for me and my needs.
Some would advise simply take the RA position for a year or two, however, I personally do not believe that alone would have been sufficient for my needs. My LORs were much better than the previous cycle's because I was able to work with a number of professors more closely in a variety of capacities. In addition, I was given other opportunities that helped my application tremendously (e.g., teaching, programming, publications, more advanced coursework, particularly in statistics). Oh, yeah, and it is hard as heck to get a relevant (or even completely unrelated), paid RA position around here with a psych degree. So, the master's degree route I went.
Had I opted for the RA position and actually located & obtained one, I might still have an excellent LOR or two but I suspect they would not have been nearly as glowing. I would have been broke, broke, broke (even more so than currently) for the last two years. And, I would have lost out on a lot of other opportunities offered by my program. Now, this is my situation--for others, RA positions for a year or two may work just fine for them.
I find that course credit varies by program. Some programs will not consider credit for anything. Some will give credit for some courses as long as they match up after a review of the relevant classes but not others. Yet other programs will give you credit but you are still required to take their core courses. For example, they might give you credit for a statistics course for an elective but you would still need to take their statistics course as well. And, then there were some that might give you credit for that course but then you would still need to take another class as an elective in order to earn the same number of credits in their program.
I have yet to receive a final answer on my credit for the program I am entering this fall. I have been advised that I will likely be given credit for some of my courses, but they typically prefer that you take their core courses. As most of my classes correspond with their core courses, I suspect that I will end up using them for elective credits. So, yeah, I may have to re-take stats, but, hey, hopefully shouldn't be so bad second time around? Right? 😛 As most students end up taking two years of stats in this program, I would still be required to take additional courses anyway, since I only have one year of graduate level stats. Programs vary on the master's thesis as well, so we'll see what they do here. I'm told there's a possibility but who knows since they tend to do everything on a case-by-case basis.
I was initially only going to apply to master's programs. During that time, I spoke with a few professors who forewarned me that there are some doctoral programs that will not look twice at your application if you already have a master's or that will look at your application more closely/strictly. And, I have found that to be true with some programs.
When I entered into the master's program, I simply put it out of my mind that I would receive any type of advanced standing in a doctoral program later on. (If I do, that's great though!) This was simply a stepping stone to where I wanted to go next. As I expected to re-take courses, I have no worries or disappointments if/when I have to do so and I will be pleasantly surprised if I can shave off a course or two. And, of course, practice makes perfect! 😎
Let me know if you have any further questions. Otherwise,
/lengthy rambling
