Plans if you don't get accepted?

[PhDhopeful]

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Ok, so I know that this may be morbid, but I am having serious doubts at my abilities to get into a clinical PhD program (I am applying to 8). Is anyone considering applying to masters programs later in the year if they aren't accepted? Or for those of you who got your masters first do you regret that decision? I am just starting to think that at this point in my life getting my masters and then a few years later going back for my PhD might be a better idea. But I've put in SO much money, time, and effort applying to these PhD programs that I don't want to give up now. Thanks in Advance

 

[zbombvt]

I was under the impression that a Masters degree wasn't worth getting unless you had a poor academic background in psychology. The degree therefore would be used to prove that you can handle graduate courses in the field of clinical psychology. That might be a misguided assumption, but I do know that transferring credits from Masters to PhD degrees is a tedious process (if not a futile one in some cases).

My personal situation:

This is my second time applying, so I have to say if I don't get in this time I will seriously be debating reapplying. I do have a much stronger portfolio this time around and have learned from my past mistakes, but a third time seems a bit much.

Backups plans for me include a Masters in Public Health with a psychology/psychiatric focus, as well as Developmental Psychology PhD programs. I really don't know much about the respecialization process, but it does exist to turn an academic PhD into a clinical one. If people have experience with these type of programs please feel free to comment.

 

[50960]

The masters thing has been debated ad-nauseum here and the concensus is generally mixed. In some cases it helps alot to have a good, solid masters degree, and in some cases it may be looked down upon, although I feel it is really ignorant to do so. Psychology academia is very elitist and alot of these types of policies here and there are based upon nothing more than trying to "be cool". Beware of those programs.

 

[PhDhopeful]

I don't really care to be part of the "snobby academic world" as some people have called it. I really just want to get my degree and be able to practice. I would like to do research, but I myself am not an elitist and don't feel that I would be in good company with such colleauges. I feel like the more I hear about the hoops you have to jump through, and the attitudes of your colleauges the more I feel REALLY out of my league here.

Also, couldn't I go straight into a PhD program from a masters and not have to take all those classes over again?

Secondly, I have heard that you can practice with a masters but there are more hoops to jump through. Does anyone know if this is true or not?

 

[Quynh2007]

dunno the answer, but to answer your original question, i'll prolly get an MPH too, but I don't want to think about it. Hopefully the professor that I want to work with will come through for me with his promise that he'd vouch for me during adcom mtgs.

to answer the respecializing thing, I know UHawaii-Manoa has one, when I was looking for the regular program, all I could get was respecialization.

 

[irish80122]

I will probably use my second major to get a job (thank goodness I have that computer management degree) and reapply in a year.

 

[patrickd223]

Have you considered a psy d? They tend to be easier but still not easy to get into. The oppurunities for research may be limited but it will def. get you into practice as a psychologist (a masters cannot legaly be called a psychologist).

About practicing with a masters... There are many posts about this. Try the masters forum. You obviously will be paid less with a masters counseling compared to a psy d or phd. However it is true that you can counsel independently of any supervision with a masters. Counseling IMO tends to be more supportive counseling rather than dealing with more medical/diagnosed patients as a practicing psychologist would (anyone back me up on this?). Also look into the diff. types of masters bc there are many. Good Luck.

 

[soaringheights]

I'm in a different country altogether, so if I don't get in, I'll gather on more research experience, work experience, and get my application stronger for the next time.

I honestly do not have much clue about the M.S. programs. But I do know that most universities do not offer a terminal masters. No clue again about the MPH degree.

 

[Sorg1123]

If I don't get in this first time I'll apply next year. I think as time goes on, and we play our cards right, we only become better applicants. (duh.) So, I'd continue gaining research exp. and would probably get a part-time position in mental health.

I would be dissapointed, but at least I'll be better prepared for the next time I apply. It can't possible be as painful as this round.

I'm also applying to med school as a back-up, safety plan. And law school. And I've got NBA try-outs this summer. Wish me luck!

 

[perfektspace]

I would be dissapointed, but at least I'll be better prepared for the next time I apply. It can't possible be as painful as this round.

It is much less stressful the second time around. Of course the ensuing year of your life you feel like your going nowhere isn't so much fun.

 

[Anon15]

Run for President in 2008

 

[Ella_Mental]

I'll just keep trying...why quit now?!?

 

[PhDhopeful]

Ok, does anyone know if I get my Masters if I can get accepted to a PhD program that will take those credits? I am wondering if I get accepted to a masters program if I will just be able to hop into a phd program (if accepted)and not have to take those two years over.

Secondly, is a masters only worth it if it is a terminal masters? What if it isn't a terminal degree? whats the difference?
Sorry, I am just freaking here.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Ok, does anyone know if I get my Masters if I can get accepted to a PhD program that will take those credits? I am wondering if I get accepted to a masters program if I will just be able to hop into a phd program (if accepted)and not have to take those two years over.

Secondly, is a masters only worth it if it is a terminal masters? What if it isn't a terminal degree? whats the difference?
Sorry, I am just freaking here.

From my understanding (and it may vary by program/state/etc).....I think APA-approved doctoral programs will only accept doctoral level transfer credits, and there is a cap for the # of credits. I'm guessing it has something to do with APA requirements, though I'm not sure how this works with matriculation...and if you can matriculate into a clinical program. I've only see matriculation for history, lit, etc. It makes sense when you consider how strict the APA seems to be with fulfilling credit requirements (towards licensure). Then again, I haven't tried to do anything like this, so maybe someone else can speak more directly about it.

As for the difference between en-route and terminating MSs.....a terminating MS is meant for licensure, and an en-route MS is meant as an intermediate step towards your doctorate. I'm not sure about the licensing requirements (if possible) for an en-route MS.....so i'll leave the pros, cons, and technical questions to others who know more about it.

-t

 

[psyd42]

I have my Master's degree in Counseling Psych. and am a Licensed Clinician. I can go into private practice and also bill some insurances. I am doing therapy - just as any doctoral level psychologist would. However, I just applied to 5 different PsyD programs. Simply, though I am satisfied with my Master's education, there just is so much more out there to learn about, in terms of counseling or clinical psych. There are tons of cutting edge therapies I really wouldn't become familiar with unless I continue on with my education. You can make a great living with just a Master's in counseling psych. especially if you go into private practice, however, I honestly feel that 2 years of grad school didn't cover what really needs to be covered - especially if you do go into private practice and can encounter anything really.

 

[Bear483]

Hi,
I decided to get a 1 year masters after my BA because I wanted to strengthen my chances as an applicant and get into the best possible doctoral program. I am applying to a combination of clinical psy.d. and ph.d. programs (all APA accred.) right now, and I have found that many accept credits from my masters. Some accept 100%, most accept about 30% and a two accept zero. So, it depends on the program. Make a list of where you want to go and research if they'll take transfer credits... it is a nice way to knock off a year of doctoral foundation courses if it works out.

 

[paramour]

Hi,
I decided to get a 1 year masters after my BA because I wanted to strengthen my chances as an applicant and get into the best possible doctoral program. I am applying to a combination of clinical psy.d. and ph.d. programs (all APA accred.) right now, and I have found that many accept credits from my masters. Some accept 100%, most accept about 30% and a two accept zero. So, it depends on the program. Make a list of where you want to go and research if they'll take transfer credits... it is a nice way to knock off a year of doctoral foundation courses if it works out.

IF it works out. Unfortunately I am finding that there are some programs that look at you even more closely than other applicants if you have a master's because they don't want to accept many master's students. Why? They have to worry about their classes meeting enrollment requirements and if you're allowed out of one or two or how many ever classes this drops the number of students available to enroll . . . So, if you go this route, make sure you have some kick-ass stats or clearly indicate your willingness to repeat whatever necessary while in their program. Of course, some programs have other reasons as well, but this seems to be the one that I keep running across the most.

 

[CuriousGeorgia]

I am still hoping for some Ph.D. interviews, but if I don't get any I am going to apply to some Masters programs over in the UK. They have masters in research methods which I think would be really helpful and look good on ph.d. applications. Also, one of the main emphases of their masters programs are to prepare you for independent research and ph.d. programs. who knows though. any thoughts about if school in the US would like or dislike one of these degrees?

 

[Salsybabe]

I am pursuing my master's degree in counseling psychology/community counseling (name change pending). I did the master's primarily because most counseling psychology PhD programs I looked at required a master's degree. If I don't get accepted to any programs, I would take a year off, attempt to get a research job or a counseling position, and reapply to more programs.

 

[MelKUPhD]

There are a couple people in my PhD program who came in with their Masters (from good masters programs) and the credit transfer situation is handled on a class-by-class basis. I'm certain a Masters degree did not hurt the chances of these students and there were quite a few classes that did transfer, but also many classes being retaken. I think this is the case in most programs and the amount that transfers depends on each program's requirements. Good luck whichever way you decide to go!!

Also, it seems that, for these students with their Masters, the degree cuts about a year off their PhD program rather than a full 2.

 

[joetro]

I'm in an MSc Neuroscience program in the UK, and there is also an MSc Research in Psychology here which is quite popular. I don't know much about that program, though. I almost think you would be better served by just working for a year as an RA, but that is just my opinion. I think you might actually learn more and earn money as well.

 

[PhDhopeful]

thanks everyone. I really appreciate your input. I just don't want to stop going to school if I don't make it in this year. So, i think that i will apply to masters than apply to PhD programs in a few years.

Good luck to all with this stressful process!

 

[psycholytic]

Ok, so I know that this may be morbid, but I am having serious doubts at my abilities to get into a clinical PhD program (I am applying to 8). Is anyone considering applying to masters programs later in the year if they aren't accepted? Or for those of you who got your masters first do you regret that decision? I am just starting to think that at this point in my life getting my masters and then a few years later going back for my PhD might be a better idea. But I've put in SO much money, time, and effort applying to these PhD programs that I don't want to give up now. Thanks in Advance

Yeah !

I'll kill myself😱

Just kiddin, don't take this serious---PLEASE!!!!