Psychology Post-Baccs

[trakkie]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi -

Does anyone know of any psychology post-bacc programs other than the Columbia program - specifically, programs in the Philadelphia area?

My boyfriend would like to get a Masters in Forensic Psych, but unfortunately his undergrad GPA is awful - he applied to programs this year, but it looks like he most likely did not get into any since he hasn't gotten interview invites. Would a post-bacc be the best way for him to improve his chances? He's been out of school for almost 7 years.

If the Columbia program is the only program that exists, is it worth doing?

Thanks!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

What does he want to do as a profession? The reason I ask is that there are terminal degrees (meant for licensure) and then degrees that are meant as a stepping stone to doctoral training. The latter degree is not meant for licensure and is helpful for knowledge, but it can't be used to be a therapist, etc.

I'm skeptical of pretty much any "forensic psychology" masters program because forensic psychology is a sub-speciality within clinical psychology (doctoral-level), and the training is meant to happen after generalist training as a clinical psychologist. There are quite a few degrees out there that are more marketing than substance, so it will be important for him to know what he wants to do as a career, and then investigate if there is a degree program that meets that need.

 

[trakkie]

Thanks for replying - he'd like to work in prisons, I believe, and had been told Forensic Psych was the best path to take. He applied to general psych programs as well, but I think his grades are really hurting his chances and we're not sure what he can do to improve them.

 

[SuperP35]

I recently posted a thread soliciting opinions on going the post-bacc route. The responses were helpful.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=804107

Northwestern University has a post-bacc program in psychology which sets you up quite well for acceptance into graduate programs.

http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/pdp/cpdp/health/psychology.cfm

The responses in the above thread also detail what else you might need on top of the post-bacc if you are planning on going the PhD route. (research, etc...)

There are other post-bacc certificate programs in psychology out there. You just have to dig around to find them. I didn't have to look that far as there was a highly recommended program in my area. But from the public and private responses I have received, the post-bacc route is a viable option if you are willing to hustle up the other necessary experience and test scores to make you competitive. Which will be all the more important if you don't have the best undergrad GPA.