Psychology Post-Bacc to PhD?

[SuperP35]

Hey everybody!

I have an undergraduate degree in fine/performing arts with a couple of psych classes. With a successful performing career behind me, I am getting ready to embark on my education/training for a career as a psychologist.

Thanks in part to information this forum, I've decided not to apply to masters programs at professional schools and the like. Instead, I'm getting ready to start a psychology post-baccalaureate program at Northwestern University.

Here is my question:
I am wondering, upon completion of this program, do folks think I would be in any type of position to apply to PhD programs...assuming my grades in this program are good and I have good GRE scores. I'm pretty sure there are plenty of respectable masters programs I could get into when I am done, but I'm looking for perspective on the possibility that I could skip the masters and apply straight to PhD.

Based on what I have seen/read, my thought was that I would get laughed out of town applying to a PhD program with just a psychology post bacc certificate.

But figured it wouldn't hurt to get some insight before making that assumption.

I have no problem going through a master’s program first before trying for the PhD, but hey, if there is chance I can save the cost of masters, I’ll take it. Plus, I know alot of PhD programs allow you to earn a masters along the way.

A few other things I am doing to enhance myself as a candidate:
I already have a volunteer opportunity as a crisis line counselor with a well known organization.

There appear to be plenty of volunteer research opportunities I could line up at the many labs at Northwestern.

So I could end up with a year or two of volunteer counseling and research experience.

The list of courses (for the post back) I am going to take is below. All thoughts/opinions and advice are appreciated.

Thanks!
SuperP35

Introduction to Psychology
Statistical Methods in Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Psychology of Personality
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Psychopathology
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Special Topics: Tests and Measurements

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[bunderj]

I have two close friends who did the post-bac route and were both admitted to highly respected Ph.D. programs. The thing about both of these people though, is that they had a lot of research experience (long-term, multiple labs, and presentations/pubs) It seems like you know that you need to get involved in research, but I just wanted to highlight that piece. It definitely seems like a very doable plan though. Good luck👍

Hey everybody!

I have an undergraduate degree in fine/performing arts with a couple of psych classes. With a successful performing career behind me, I am getting ready to embark on my education/training for a career as a psychologist.

Thanks in part to information this forum, I've decided not to apply to masters programs at professional schools and the like. Instead, I'm getting ready to start a psychology post-baccalaureate program at Northwestern University.

Here is my question:
I am wondering, upon completion of this program, do folks think I would be in any type of position to apply to PhD programs...assuming my grades in this program are good and I have good GRE scores. I'm pretty sure there are plenty of respectable masters programs I could get into when I am done, but I'm looking for perspective on the possibility that I could skip the masters and apply straight to PhD.

Based on what I have seen/read, my thought was that I would get laughed out of town applying to a PhD program with just a psychology post bacc certificate.

But figured it wouldn't hurt to get some insight before making that assumption.

I have no problem going through a master’s program first before trying for the PhD, but hey, if there is chance I can save the cost of masters, I’ll take it. Plus, I know alot of PhD programs allow you to earn a masters along the way.

A few other things I am doing to enhance myself as a candidate:
I already have a volunteer opportunity as a crisis line counselor with a well known organization.

There appear to be plenty of volunteer research opportunities I could line up at the many labs at Northwestern.

So I could end up with a year or two of volunteer counseling and research experience.

The list of courses (for the post back) I am going to take is below. All thoughts/opinions and advice are appreciated.

Thanks!
SuperP35

Introduction to Psychology
Statistical Methods in Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Psychology of Personality
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Psychopathology
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Special Topics: Tests and Measurements

 

[clinpsych]

I agree that the key will be to get in-depth research experience (ideally, resulting in presentations or publications and strong letters of recommendation).

 

[Psychology 76]

Hey everybody!

I have an undergraduate degree in fine/performing arts with a couple of psych classes. With a successful performing career behind me, I am getting ready to embark on my education/training for a career as a psychologist.

Thanks in part to information this forum, I've decided not to apply to masters programs at professional schools and the like. Instead, I'm getting ready to start a psychology post-baccalaureate program at Northwestern University.

Here is my question:
I am wondering, upon completion of this program, do folks think I would be in any type of position to apply to PhD programs...assuming my grades in this program are good and I have good GRE scores. I'm pretty sure there are plenty of respectable masters programs I could get into when I am done, but I'm looking for perspective on the possibility that I could skip the masters and apply straight to PhD.

Based on what I have seen/read, my thought was that I would get laughed out of town applying to a PhD program with just a psychology post bacc certificate.

But figured it wouldn't hurt to get some insight before making that assumption.

I have no problem going through a master’s program first before trying for the PhD, but hey, if there is chance I can save the cost of masters, I’ll take it. Plus, I know alot of PhD programs allow you to earn a masters along the way.

A few other things I am doing to enhance myself as a candidate:
I already have a volunteer opportunity as a crisis line counselor with a well known organization.

There appear to be plenty of volunteer research opportunities I could line up at the many labs at Northwestern.

So I could end up with a year or two of volunteer counseling and research experience.

The list of courses (for the post back) I am going to take is below. All thoughts/opinions and advice are appreciated.

Thanks!
SuperP35

Introduction to Psychology
Statistical Methods in Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Psychology of Personality
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Psychopathology
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Special Topics: Tests and Measurements

Good choice on passing on the professional masters programs but you didn't mention any research experience. I don't think a post bacc will be too bad if you have good psych grades (though taking the psych GRE might not be a bad idea). However, it seems that research experience and research match are the single most important factor for Phd admissions.

 

[psychmama]

I agree with what others have said -- research will be key. That and a solid post-bac GPA and GRE will do the trick.

One thought to add: If you want a PsyD program you'll need a bit less research (but still some) and some clinically-related experiences. If PhD programs, especially those with a researchy-bent are your goal, then 2 years of solid research experience will be most important.

Good luck.

 

[deleted106747]

I had a career in the performing arts and then switched to psychology myself, so this is a question after my heart. I am currently on internship and headed off to fellowship next year, so it's definitely doable.

I agree with the others - my program is about 50/50 clinical/research, and what put my application over the edge was I had solid research experience. I did not do a formal post-bacc but went back for some of the more important psychology classes - abnormal, personality, social, statistics - and spent the rest of the time in research labs. I honestly don't know that you need all those classes, but the post-bacc cert might help your application.

 

[docma]

Just be clear that you want the financial obligations for the long term goal and that you know you want the academic/research track. Post-bacc programs in nursing and medicine make sense to me. I worry that in psychology they do not yield a master's level degree (which does have career options in the field) and increase (but certainly don't secure) funded doctoral work--which in itself does not lead to high income security. Just be sure you are doing the numbers on loans, etc. through a site like FinAid! and have looked at the long term employment outlook.

 

[SuperP35]

Thanks so much for all of the insight everyone. It is GREATLY appreciated and helpful.

A couple of clarity points:

1. I'm interested in fully funded, balanced PhD programs with a true 50/50 clinical/research split ideally. For example, University of California Santa Barbars's combined doctoral program would be my dream come true. 😀

2. I'm an ethnic minority (I have heard that might work in my favor, but I'm certainly not banking on that in any way.)

3. I am in IL (Chicago), and you can get licensed and work as a master's level therapist here. Another reason why I am open to the masters route cause being in IL, that can work for me. But it's not my first choice of path because of the cost.

I will definitely make getting some research experience a priority. I am going to try my best to see I can get in as a volunteer at one of Northwestern's many research labs while doing the post-bacc. With a goal of geting a full time job as a research assistant in a psych lab when I am done with the post-bacc (or before if that is possible).

Oddly enough, I currently work as an adminsitrator for a top medical research physician at a hospital/med school so I am learning a ton about the admin side of grants (NIH, etc..) funding, submitting papers, and the overall mechanics of research acedemia. The doctor I work for has over 40 years of exeperience and is very generous with her wisdom. Granted this is biological research, but I'm told this experience will come be very beneficial down the line as move into psych research/education.

Now i just gotta work on getting in a lab 'cause while I wouldn't mind the work or time of doing a master's first, I would love to avoid the debt and go straight to PhD. Based on what you all are saying, now it's seems that is a real possiblity if I can get my research on. 😎

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Oddly enough, I currently work as an adminsitrator for a top medical research physician at a hospital/med school so I am learning a ton about the admin side of grants (NIH, etc..) funding, submitting papers, and the overall mechanics of research acedemia. The doctor I work for has over 40 years of exeperience and is very generous with her wisdom. Granted this is biological research, but I'm told this experience will come be very beneficial down the line as move into psych research/education.

Make sure to highlight this if/when you apply to doctoral programs, as it can really strengthen your application. Having experience with grant writing, particularly NIH/NIDRR/etc, can be a very attractive skill to a research mentor/lab. I did some grant writing prior to my psych career and every program (balanced Ph.D & Psy.Ds) asked me about it.

 

[johnrhaupert]

I had a career in the performing arts and then switched to psychology myself, so this is a question after my heart. I am currently on internship and headed off to fellowship next year, so it's definitely doable.

I agree with the others - my program is about 50/50 clinical/research, and what put my application over the edge was I had solid research experience. I did not do a formal post-bacc but went back for some of the more important psychology classes - abnormal, personality, social, statistics - and spent the rest of the time in research labs. I honestly don't know that you need all those classes, but the post-bacc cert might help your application.

Hi Psycycle- Did you take your classes at a community college, a state school, or what? A number of the bigger name institutions in my area (e.g. UC Berkeley) won't accept students who already have a bachelor degree. I have a bachelor of music and am wanting to go back for a PhD in clinical psych. I'm trying to figure out if I should take the rest of my pre-reqs at a CC, enroll in a post-bac, apply for a MA, or see if I can somehow take classes at a reputable university. Any advice you could offer would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

John

 

[valentinoRossi]

i also am going through a career change.
I applied to the post-bac psych program at columbia but instead decided to just take classes at my local university. It's a solid public university, and i was also able to be a research assistant for a few months. I saved a bunch of money doing this and i think in th end it will work out just fine.

 

[johnrhaupert]

Hey Valentino- I think that makes sense. However, I'd love to hear from somebody who has gone the CC route and still been accepted into PhD programs.

 

[paramour]

Hey Valentino- I think that makes sense. However, I'd love to hear from somebody who has gone the CC route and still been accepted into PhD programs.

If you're considering a CC, keep the following in mind:

1) I suspect many CCs are not going to have the pre-reqs you need to apply to PhD programs (the ones around here certainly don't and loads of folks around here attend CCs). I'd recommend checking schedules before you apply so that you're aware of your options. The psych courses at the CCs (here) are traditionally lower-level intro courses, and most of the others are considered "electives" that wouldn't really be helpful other than exposing you to more psych coursework--so you'd still need the required stuff. Most folks who attend CCs end up transferring to trad'l universities if they want other coursework (including research methods, stats, etc.). I'd second Rossi in that you would be better off completing your coursework at a trad'l university or landing a position in a master's (experimental) program (if you can manage it) with additional research experience.

2) Also keep in mind that if you do complete all your psych coursework at a CC, then there may be those during the application process who find your grades/GPA questionable. To put it into perspective, there are advisors at our university who encourage students to take certain courses at a CC because it's "easier" to be "given" a grade.

I do know of a few doctoral students who attended CCs; however, they also attended a traditional university in addition to obtaining additional RA experience for a few years after that...

 

[AcronymAllergy]

If you're considering a CC, keep the following in mind:

1) I suspect many CCs are not going to have the pre-reqs you need to apply to PhD programs (the ones around here certainly don't and loads of folks around here attend CCs). I'd recommend checking schedules before you apply so that you're aware of your options. The psych courses at the CCs (here) are traditionally lower-level intro courses, and most of the others are considered "electives" that wouldn't really be helpful other than exposing you to more psych coursework--so you'd still need the required stuff. Most folks who attend CCs end up transferring to trad'l universities if they want other coursework (including research methods, stats, etc.). I'd second Rossi in that you would be better off completing your coursework at a trad'l university or landing a position in a master's (experimental) program (if you can manage it) with additional research experience.

2) Also keep in mind that if you do complete all your psych coursework at a CC, then there may be those during the application process who find your grades/GPA questionable. To put it into perspective, there are advisors at our university who encourage students to take certain courses at a CC because it's "easier" to be "given" a grade.

I do know of a few doctoral students who attended CCs; however, they also attended a traditional university in addition to obtaining additional RA experience for a few years after that...

Deserved or not, CC's do have that reputation, yes. This is me just thinking out loud, but I would say that if your undergraduate GPA was relatively solid (e.g., 3.5+), then completing the courses at a CC could be fine (particularly if you also already have/are getting the research experience paramour mentioned above).

If, however, your undergrad GPA is more of a liability, then attending a masters program might be your best bet. Then again, depending on the masters, you might need to knock out a few of those psych classes beforehand anyway based on the pre-reqs of the program.

 

[paramour]

Deserved or not, CC's do have that reputation, yes. This is me just thinking out loud, but I would say that if your undergraduate GPA was relatively solid (e.g., 3.5+), then completing the courses at a CC could be fine (particularly if you also already have/are getting the research experience paramour mentioned above).

If, however, your undergrad GPA is more of a liability, then attending a masters program might be your best bet. Then again, depending on the masters, you might need to knock out a few of those psych classes beforehand anyway based on the pre-reqs of the program.

Agreed with all of the above. 👍