so confused...S. Connecticute State MSW or NYU MSW?

[catharsis16]

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hey everyone,

ill be graduating in spring 08 from university of connecticut with a bachelor's in psych. i have a 3.8 gpa and im in the honors program. i did 2 six month internships, one as a tutor of dyslexic kids and another as a research assistant at yale. more importantly, im lost at what my next move should be. i simply know that i prefer clinical work over research. also, i want a doctorate, not sure if i want a phd or psyd though. in order to increase my chances of getting accepted into a good doctorate program with funding i figure i should get an msw first. one question i really need answering is this...

Is it worth taking 30k worth of loans per year for NYU MSW or should i go to Southern Connecticut State University for an MSW at 7k a year. I live in the area so i would be commuting to either college.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

To be honest, I don't think an MSW will increase your chances of getting into a PhD or PsyD program in clinical psychology. There is a bit of crossover between social work and clinical, though not much. You would serve yourself better to get research experience and/or additional exposure to opportunities closer to clinical psychology.

-t

 

[KillerDiller]

If you're set on a Masters degree, an MS in Experimental Psych or General Psych seems more appropriate for going on to Ph.D/Psy.D programs than an MSW, which is a practice-oriented degree that prepares you to get your license. The other plus is that more MS degrees than MSWs are funded. As for an MA in Clinical Psychology, people on this board seem to have had mixed experience with going on to the doctorate level from there.

As, T4C said, though, if you feel your undergrad coursework is strong enough, you can simply work for a couple of years as an RA instead of earning another degree.

 

[catharsis16]

thank you for your responses. i was thinking of doing the msw first because at this point of my life i don't know how committed i am to start a doctorate. also, i don't know if i just need a masters for what i want to do or if it is better going the doctorate way. i know i really like CBT and want to work with that type of therapy. I like the idea of working with OCD and body dysmorphic disorders. would it be a good idea to get an LCSW and additional training in those areas to perhaps go into private practice eventually? OR , should i go to a psy.d for that type of work? thanks.

 

[Jon4PsyD]

Hey there! Well--I agree with T4C. If you want a doctorate in Psychology..an MSW probably is NOT a good idea.

Central Connecticut State has a 36-Credit M.A. in (General) Psychology. Southern has a 30-credit M.A. in (General) Psychology. Central REQUIRES a thesis, Southern has a thesis track and a non-thesis track. Both offer internships (Southern's might be better since it's so close to Yale, and you have some history working there!).

Also, Southern and UConn-Storrs offer M.A.'s in Counseling (which will allow you to be an LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor). And if you're still set on that MSW, UConn-Hartford has a great MSW program, better than SCSU's...but not quite NYU (Of course, your salary will be the same and your education will be much cheaper).

Hope I helped, and hope I didn't confuse you more!
Jon