MS in Educational Counseling want a PhD but having trouble deciding

[aaacosta]

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I have a BA in Communications and my last semester as an undergrad decided entertainment wasn't for me and applied to a MS in Educational Counseling with a PPS credential from University of La Verne. I am now one semester away from graduating and decided I want to pursue my PhD due to lack of jobs in California schools and I want to do more because I have found myself frustrated with the education systems in California. I LOVE working with youth, I have found myself drawn more to the at risk students. I want to do something that impacts kids. I was considering a PhD in Counseling Psychology but want to make sure its the right choice before I go through the application process and everything. I have taken my GRE once before but wasn't satisfied with my scores so I am taking it again in August along with a GRE prep course. My graduate GPA is 3.75 and I have a lot of options when it comes to letters of recommendations. I have some research experience (mostly case study and research papers in class but not anything like a research assistant experience).
Also I know I lack psychology classes, since I finished my bachelors and I am almost done with my masters how do I make up for that?

ANY advice will help!

 

[2012PhD]

Hi accosta:

You can read this thread below. Many people have posted similar posts to yours about wanting a PhD in counseling psychology, but not having research experience and doing a different undergraduate major than psychology.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=833894

 

[newliving]

Have you considered School Psychology?

 

[aaacosta]

School Psychology is mostly testing for special needs and attending IEP meetings to decide the services the child needs to be provided.

 

[newliving]

As I know, many school psychologists do therapy with children and adolescents on various issues (e.g., emotional, substance abuse etc.). There is a current discussion about school psy http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=606828.

Given that you are interested in working with youth, you might find some school psychology programs fit your needs better. My suggestion of school psychology does not mean you should not apply for counseling psychology programs. You can apply for both. After all, a potential match of research interests is what faculty in most PhD programs are looking for in an applicant, regardless of its type.

 

[Donal1987]

My experience has been that the typical clinical psychologist or LCSW isn't worth much, practically or financially. So with your background you should be able to do quite well; it's mostly a practical matter of what is available in your area and what you want to do.

 

[FadedC]

School Psychology is mostly testing for special needs and attending IEP meetings to decide the services the child needs to be provided.

Yeah as newliving said, that's not entirely true. I know many school psychologists who primarily do therapy or consulation and barely do any testing at all. I also know ones who do almost all testing. The job can vary quite a bit depending on both the way the school works and the type of work that you want to do.

Personally for my school psychology field work I haven't been at any testing heavy places. My understanding is that with RTI, that is becoming much less common.