Ranking MS Programs: UMich-Dearborn or UD Mercy

[ErosLWS]

I am at a dilemma here because I have been accepted to both the clinical psychology programs at University of Detroit Mercy and University of Michigan - Dearborn. However, I have no idea how to rank the programs, and am therefore unable to choose.

Does U of M Dearborn carry the same prestige as its big brother Ann Arbor? How should I go about deciding which program is better, and does it even matter at this stage?

Note, I plan on pursuing doctoral studies after my master's.

Thanks in advance!

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[lookitssara]

1. If you want to do a doctoral program after, be sure to go into a program that allows for a thesis. Also look at the courses and see how well they match courses in a doctoral program you'd be interested in to see how well they match (in hopes of some transferring). Also, whichever program will give you better research experiences is a good choice.

2. In the Detroit area, I can say that both are regarded equally (the universities as a whole anyway). As far as whether umich-dearborn has the same weight as umich-ann arbor....I will say that I heard your diploma just says "University of Michigan" and thus you are going to get the name affiliation for sure.

 

[ErosLWS]

Thanks.
They both offer a thesis option, so I guess I need to see which one has the best professors for my area of research. I think my decision is also slightly easier because UMich costs $14,000 for two years, whereas UDM costs $50,000.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Least Debt = Best Choice

It is a bonus that it is UM, as it shouldn't list the campus on the diploma. You want the least amount of debt and the best research options if you plan on applying for doctoral programs. Definitely look to do a thesis, and try and stay active with research throughout.

 

[yogapsychesther]

i am in the same boat with masters programs in the Detroit area. I have had a hard time finding the research opportunities at UM Dearborn, i prefer to go there for the "public university" rate, which makes a huge difference in the long run of life...let me know how you progress. we may be classmates 🙂

 

[berlin81]

I actually went to school in the Detroit area where I got my master's. I have heard that UD Mercy has a great program and good faculty. I have hard that long ago they were regarded as a great place to learn about psychodynamic psychotherapy, but I heard that has changed, not a surprise.

The only thing I would be cautious about with UD is the area. I know they have had some problems with safety around the campus. Whereas UM-Dearborn is outside of Detroit and obviously a bit safer. I hate saying that because UD is a good school, but obviously your safety is important.