PsyD Applicants

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so..question.. i just got an invite to JMU's combined clinical/school PsyD program. the program is great.. its fully funded (for a PsyD--amazing, right?!) and they offer a stipend all four years. that's right.. the program is FOUR YEARS (3+1). as opposed to five or six. 🙂 i think part of the reason why the program is four years is because you need a masters and clinical experience to be admitted..

my question is this.. do any of you feel there are draw backs to a four year program? i worry that it might be kind of short to train you in both clinical AND school psychology. maybe i'm wrong. i mean, it seems like a great program, the class is small (they only accept 5 or 6 applicants for each incoming year), they are big on faculty mentorship, they are a little more research focused than the other psyds ive applied to, which i like, the faculty is rather eclectic and the program has a humanistic orientation, and you can't beat the funding! there are other reasons why i am drawn to the program.. but i'm wondering, is four years too short for a doctorate?? does anyone else know anything about this program that might be helpful?

thanks everyone 🙂

An invite at 11pm???!! Just kidding.

One interesting thing I heard at an info session is to be cautious of programs that claim to only take 4-5 years. Look at outcome date (which they are required to publish, usually on their website). Oftentimes they claim a short time till graduation, yet the majority of their students take longer. Two of the schools I applied to apply master's credits or require a master's and still take 5 years to graduate. Just my thoughts. Good luck and congrats!🙂
 
PhillyDave and Annakei,

I'm just curious as to why you're pursuing the doctorate if you already have a master's degree and are working as a licensed counselor already. Just trying to get a feel for what you see as the major differences (pros/cons) between a counselor with a master's and one with a doctorate. Thanks! 🙂

Better training
More professional opportunities given my chosen career path
In depth integration of psychological theory and practice
I dont expect to make more money based on my degre alone but through various private practice opportunities I have planned in which having a PsyD would give me more credibility in this area.
 
Some of the more lucrative roles (assessments, federal government work) are pretty much off-limits to master's level people. Also, in many states, being a master's level practioner means perma-supervision by a Ph.D. Reimbursement rates from Medicaid and such are lower for master's level practioners, too.

If you want to do *anything* federal, you *must* have a Ph.D. If you want to teach at a university or 4 year college and be eligible for a tenure track position, you *must* have a Ph.D.

In most if not all states, as long as you are licensed then you do not need to be supervised by anyone MA/MSW or PhD.

Also, the difference between MA and doc level practitioners is around $10-$20/hr if that much.

There are also many PsyDs who work on the federal level, therefore the PhD isnt the only degree accepted there.
 
In most if not all states, as long as you are licensed then you do not need to be supervised by anyone MA/MSW or PhD.

Also, the difference between MA and doc level practitioners is around $10-$20/hr if that much.

There are also many PsyDs who work on the federal level, therefore the PhD isnt the only degree accepted there.

I meant to say doctorate degree, not PhD. I'm not a hater - I applied to two PsyD programs as well (and have been offered interviews at both).
 
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