pepperdine GSEP

[abcd008]

Is anyone/has anyone attended the MA psych program at Pepperdine? Could you tell me about your experience? Did you enjoy your time there? What were the professors like, students, social /spiritual life etc. Were you able to work while attending school ft? Also general rep. of Pepperdine on the west coast. I'm from out of state, how do you think one would adjust? Any info would be appreciated, thanks!

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[emh289]

I didn't attend the program, but I live in CA (Bay Area) & Pepperdine doesn't have the greatest reputation out here. What I've gathered is that it's a degree-mill of sorts with prohibitively expensive tuition and thick administration that doesn't care much for student needs.

Just a rehash of general reputation from the outside, though -- alumni & current students might have more interesting things to say. Also, as you may know, CA is in a severe drought with increasing restrictions on water usage, esp. in LA, so that's something you might want to factor into your decision in terms of lifestyle. Lots of sunny days, though. 😛

Are you in the process of applying or did you already get an offer?

 

[abcd008]

Thanks for the response. I received an offer, I've been hearing the same thing in regards to reputation, was hoping to hear something positive :/ i have been warned about the drought, would you say people are actually considering moving out of southern California because of this reason?

 

[emh289]

Ah, yes. Sorry I can't be of more help there. Did you get in anywhere else?

Honestly, just based on my experience in grad school out here at another prohibitively expensive institution (which I'm thinking of leaving, actually), I would really caution you to very carefully consider the financial investment of a program like that before committing to anything. The loan forgiveness program is a joke and I can guarantee you that the financial aid office at Pepperdine won't fill you in on the details of tax bombs. Plus, if you're set on a PhD/PsyD, there are other, cheaper options that will work as a solid stepping stone into a doctoral program. I don't know anything about your situation, of course, but I have strong feelings about programs that charge students over $1k per credit.

As far as the drought. . . it's pretty bad, and SoCal is definitely getting the worst of it. I haven't personally haven't heard of anyone actually considering moving out of state because of it, but I wouldn't be surprised if some people head out in the next couple years as the restrictions become tighter & penalties become more severe. Last time there was a drought like this the governor mandated 7 minute showers (!).

 

[smalltownpsych]

Pepperdine has a solid reputation, but is expensive. An MA from there won't be of much use unless you are trying to get an MFT from there. If your goal is to be a psychologist, there are better ways to get there.

 

[LAPsyGuy]

Pepperdine has a solid reputation, but is expensive. An MA from there won't be of much use unless you are trying to get an MFT from there. If your goal is to be a psychologist, there are better ways to get there.

I totally agree with this assessment. The non-MFT masters is probably a waste of time, and it doesn't guarantee entry into the psyd. The caliber of the psyd is well beyond that of the masters degree (different professors, etc.), which is a bit more of a mill, by which I mean, lots and lots of students, many of whom seem barely cognitively intact. An offer for the masters program simply means an application was sent in. The professors are great. Think about your ultimate goal, and see if you can steer around this way point.

The drought is bad. The worst thing I remember from the last drought was you had to ask for water when you sat down at a restaurant. They're still allowing people to water their lawns on alternating days.

 

[abcd008]

Pepperdine has a solid reputation, but is expensive. An MA from there won't be of much use unless you are trying to get an MFT from there. If your goal is to be a psychologist, there are better ways to get there.

Yes my goal is to be a psychologist, i want to get my psyd, my gpa is pretty low so i don't see how they're are better ways to get there. i could do research but I'm not applying to any phd programs and its really my gpa that i believe is holding me back

 

[abcd008]

I totally agree with this assessment. The non-MFT masters is probably a waste of time, and it doesn't guarantee entry into the psyd. The caliber of the psyd is well beyond that of the masters degree (different professors, etc.), which is a bit more of a mill, by which I mean, lots and lots of students, many of whom seem barely cognitively intact. An offer for the masters program simply means an application was sent in. The professors are great. Think about your ultimate goal, and see if you can steer around this way point.

The drought is bad. The worst thing I remember from the last drought was you had to ask for water when you sat down at a restaurant. They're still allowing people to water their lawns on alternating days.

their psyd program requires an MA degree, my ultimate goal is to get my psyd. there aren't many good psyd programs in the country and i am not a very competitive applicant which is why i am thinking about accepting the offer at Pepperdine although expensive. Are you saying that the psyd students that attend Pepperdine and those that are admitted can be barely cognitively intact? Are you comparing Pepperdine to a professional school that offers a psyd program. Just trying to get a feel for their rep

 

[smalltownpsych]

A master's program that has a solid research component could be helpful so long as you were able to perform better academically, but that would be for a student who wished to try for a funded PhD program which is the best route to being a clinical psychologist. Second best is a university based PsyD program with a good rep. The Pepperdine PsyD program is not an automatic from the MA program so if you complete the MA program and can't get into the PsyD program, then what? Does it help with admission to other programs?

 

[LAPsyGuy]

I'm saying that the masters program takes anybody who can sign a check. The PsyD is a legit and really good program.

It's too much of a gamble to get a masters with no research component, just because it might get you into one program. And I'm saying that as someone who did just that. It worked for me, but I saw a lot of people put in very bad situations with a nearly useless masters.

 

[k.kim1423]

I currently attend the malibu Campus ma in clinical psychology program. From what I've heard there is a significant difference in the quality of professors between the West LA campus and the Malibu Campus. Malibu daytime format is more competitive to get into. West LA is more for part time students who are working full time or those who have found MFT as a second career. The MA in psychology is completely useless. THere is a much higher change of getting into Pepperdine's PsyD program from the MFT program than the psychology program.

 

[LAPsyGuy]

I currently attend the malibu Campus ma in clinical psychology program. From what I've heard there is a significant difference in the quality of professors between the West LA campus and the Malibu Campus. Malibu daytime format is more competitive to get into. West LA is more for part time students who are working full time or those who have found MFT as a second career. The MA in psychology is completely useless. THere is a much higher change of getting into Pepperdine's PsyD program from the MFT program than the psychology program.

Agreed, the Malibu program is better, and may be worth your time.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Yes my goal is to be a psychologist, i want to get my psyd, my gpa is pretty low so i don't see how they're are better ways to get there. i could do research but I'm not applying to any phd programs and its really my gpa that i believe is holding me back

"Psy.D= Clinical, Ph.D.= Research" is a false dichotomy. Research experience will still be needed for any remotely decent Psy.D. program. I can't speak to Pepperdine, outside of the cost ($$$$).

 

[LAPsyGuy]

"Psy.D= Clinical, Ph.D.= Research" is a false dichotomy. Research experience will still be needed for any remotely decent Psy.D. program. I can't speak to Pepperdine, outside of the cost ($$$$).

Pepperdine has a full dissertation requirement where many psyd programs do lit reviews or final projects.

 

[abcd008]

I currently attend the malibu Campus ma in clinical psychology program. From what I've heard there is a significant difference in the quality of professors between the West LA campus and the Malibu Campus. Malibu daytime format is more competitive to get into. West LA is more for part time students who are working full time or those who have found MFT as a second career. The MA in psychology is completely useless. THere is a much higher change of getting into Pepperdine's PsyD program from the MFT program than the psychology program.

I don't think your statement is entirely accurate... being as the MFT program is located at both the West LA campus and the Pepperdine campus (evening vs daytime format). I'm not interested in becoming a MFT, I'm interested in general psychology and upon receiving my MA would like to apply to Pepperdines psyd program (which requires an MA). I heard its not uncommon for students in the MA program to transfer into the MFT program which is a bit longer and more expensive then the MA program. In that sense i don't see how the MA program is useless. I figured I'd save myself some time and money by attending the MA program, get straight A's and apply to the psyd program afterwards.

 

[LAPsyGuy]

I don't think your statement is entirely accurate... being as the MFT program is located at both the West LA campus and the Pepperdine campus (evening vs daytime format). I'm not interested in becoming a MFT, I'm interested in general psychology and upon receiving my MA would like to apply to Pepperdines psyd program (which requires an MA). I heard its not uncommon for students in the MA program to transfer into the MFT program which is a bit longer and more expensive then the MA program. In that sense i don't see how the MA program is useless. I figured I'd save myself some time and money by attending the MA program, get straight A's and apply to the psyd program afterwards.

It's useless if you don't get into the psyd. This means you have to apply to the psyd program while you're in the MA program. If you don't get accepted your first try you'll need to strategize about who's to manage your place in the MA. You can't graduate before being accepted into the psyd otherwise you'll be stuck with a useless degree, so you'll have to prolong your time in the program or transfer into the MFT track for something more useful. If you don't get accepted on your second try, you'll be cornered. You might be better off with the MFT from the Malibu campus. The acceptance rates to the psyd are higher and the education is better.

 

[chelly78]

I attended the WestLA campus for the Psychology MA for much the same reasons as you. In the early years of undergrad I wasn't focused on attending grad school and chose to get a Master's first in order to increase my chances of attending a PsyD program that was more competitive. This process did work out for me exactly as I had hoped. I will say that Pepperdine is incredibly expensive and my Master's from there will end up costing me about as much as my PsyD did, however it allowed me to get into a well-funded PsyD program (hence the lower cost). Overall, I felt that the classes were a good stepping stone to doctoral work and I think that the Master's program in general views itself that way. It is in no way intended to be a terminal Master's degree, but did bridge a gap for me between undergrad and doctoral training.

I was able to work part-time throughout the Master's, which did help to offset the costs. I also moved there from out of state and although LA is not a place where I would live long-term, I was able to adjust easily and met some very kind and genuine people through Pepperdine.

 

[PreDrANB]

Many of the state schools in California offer high-quality masters programs (both clinical and non clinical) that you may want to consider if you're mostly worried about your GPA. These programs will be exponentially less expensive as well!!!

 

[LAPsyGuy]

Many of the state schools in California offer high-quality masters programs (both clinical and non clinical) that you may want to consider if you're mostly worried about your GPA. These programs will be exponentially less expensive as well!!!

Agreed. CSUN is awesome.

 

[bmedclinic]

I'm saying that the masters program takes anybody who can sign a check. The PsyD is a legit and really good program.

It's too much of a gamble to get a masters with no research component, just because it might get you into one program. And I'm saying that as someone who did just that. It worked for me, but I saw a lot of people put in very bad situations with a nearly useless masters.

I had a lower GPA coming out of undergrad. I also had research experience, and 1 pub coming out and a pretty terrbile (in retrospect) poster presentation. That got me into a decent MA program, where I was able to get a good GPA, good search experience, and 2 more pubs. And that got me into a good phd program.

You can do that too.. but if possible, i'd spent a lot more time trying to get research pubs to get into good programs rather than getting into *any* program and later hoping again that you can get into *any* program.