MS Gen vs. Applied - Program to increase chances for PhD.

[Merlin Coryell]

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I asked a similar question a while back, but have a more specific version to put to you guys now.

I am looking at Masters programs to help increase the likelihood that I would be accepted to a PhD program in the future. I am hoping to find an established MS program, but dont know much about the sub-fields offered at the masters level and how they stack up against their doctoral counterparts.

I am planning to apply to Clinical, Social/Personality, and Cognitive PhD programs when the time comes, as research in these fields greatly interests me.

I have been told that masters programs in Clinical tend to not be worth much, and that it is better to go for a general program. I am finding that many schools do not offer a general psych MS, instead offering Applied programs. I am wondering how Applied measures up to a general Psych program, and if either is more worthwhile than a specialized program in one of the fields I listed above as far as PhD admissions are concerned.

Thanks you all for the assistance, advice and continued support. These forums are a wonderful asset to students and prospective students.

 

[blindblonde]

Well, you definitely have the right idea. With the variety of Ph.D. programs that you want to apply to in the future, I would suggest a general Master's program. However, I wouldn't over-emphasize the "MS". Just make sure you are going for a research-oriented MA will be fine.

I went to Wake Forest for my MA, and it definitely gave me an excellent research background. I applied to social-personality programs from my MA, although others have applied to cognitive, clinical, developmental, etc. I learned a lot from Wake, and I also felt prepared when starting my current Ph.D. program. If you have any specific questions about my experience, just PM me.

Wake isn't the only option, of course, but looking at other research oriented Master's programs (like Villanova or William and Mary) may also be the way to go.

Good luck!