Online MS/MA to get into traditional PhD?

[Merlin Coryell]

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My undergraduate GPA wont be too competitive for a PhD program, unless I were to ace the GREs. So my obvious option is to go for a masters program first, and prove myself as a hard working and competent student.

Due to my current economic and living situation, there are no schools around that offer masters programs other than in counseling, and Im not sure if those would be too helpful over a research oriented MS of general or clinical psych.

So my question is are there any reputable online programs that would be worth the time and money, and could increase my chances of getting into a doctoral program? So far the only one I have looked into too much has been Walden, as most others cannot show much in the way of sending graduates into higher programs or other opportunities with universities.

Also, in light of advice from one professor, should I even really worry about the specific program (ie MS Clin) or will almost any traditional masters program (ie M Ed, MSW) be sufficient to help me look like a valuable student for a PhD program. There is a nearby school that offers M Ed and counseling programs.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology is one of the most competitive paths for doctoral training, so you will be competing against a high level of applicant, so it is important to maximize your time/effort in areas that will improve your application.

Whether or not there is an actual difference in training between a traditional MS and an online MS....the perception is that an online MS is not going to be on par with an MS from a traditional college/university. I would caution any non-traditional university (Walden, Capella, etc), as they do not have a good reputation amongst traditional academics. As for "extension" programs, which tend to be from traditional universities that offer some classes online, they may be a slightly better option.....but not ideal.

Do you have a solid research background? You will need to have experience as a researcher and/or as working as part of a research team to be competitive for a Ph.D. program. This will also help inform the area(s) where you'll want to find a research match, and it will help identify programs that will be a good fit for your clinical training.

As for MA/MS programs...look for something more researched based, as a more clinically focused program (MSW, Counseling, etc) really doesn't "improve" your training, other than possibly bump up your GPA. Can you work with your professors as an RA to gain research experience?

 

[AspiringEdDGal]

My undergraduate GPA wont be too competitive for a PhD program, unless I were to ace the GREs. So my obvious option is to go for a masters program first, and prove myself as a hard working and competent student.

Due to my current economic and living situation, there are no schools around that offer masters programs other than in counseling, and Im not sure if those would be too helpful over a research oriented MS of general or clinical psych.

So my question is are there any reputable online programs that would be worth the time and money, and could increase my chances of getting into a doctoral program? So far the only one I have looked into too much has been Walden, as most others cannot show much in the way of sending graduates into higher programs or other opportunities with universities.

Also, in light of advice from one professor, should I even really worry about the specific program (ie MS Clin) or will almost any traditional masters program (ie M Ed, MSW) be sufficient to help me look like a valuable student for a PhD program. There is a nearby school that offers M Ed and counseling programs.

The thing about online programs such as Walden, Capella, and others is that they may or may not give you the best education.

I am enrolled in an on-line program currently through Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona, and I know that the program is a reputable one, meets all requirements for licensure from state to state, and also has it's own doctoral program, not to mention that it is also fully accredited and receives federally funded financial aid dollars.

My concern when looking into the on-line programs was that the program had to meet all of the above criteria, minus the doctoral program-I just got a bit lucky there-in order for me to even consider applying.

I am more than willing to answer any questions that you may have, just let me know, okay??

 

[Merlin Coryell]

Could one assume that if an online program did meet the criteria to offer programs that allow opportunities for licensing, receive FinAid, and have PhD level programs, then that school's programs would be reputable enough to have a positive sway in admissions to traditional campus-based PhD programs?

I have looked into Walden a lot, which seems to have a decent track record and meets the mentioned criteria.

Thanks again.

 

[erg923]

no