Teachers College- Columbia University for MHC: What's the good? What's the bad?

[jiji7]

I keep hearing nasty things about TC as well as amazing things...so I am just trying to get as much input as I can and weigh my options.

good i have heard:
-allows possible track to ph.d
-good curriculum
-obviously it's name, prestige, history
-good connections for internship/practicum/job placement

bad I have heard:
-tuition cost
-possibly "too into" multicultural issues not allowing you to focus on other topics
-referred to as a "diploma mill"


ANY HELP, RUMOR, COMMENT...ETC. WHETHER FIRST HAND OR HEARD THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE WOULD BE AWESOME TO HEAR!

i am driving myself crazy trying to decide and beg of your help.

THANK YOU!!!

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[lucyvanpelt]

I am facing this issue too - at first I was so excited to attend TC because I did not get into any of the PhD programs I applied to - but now am hearing only negative things from people in the field (eg old professor, long time clinician-friend) who I trust! They are saying that it is a diploma mill, and too expensive, etc.

I am also concernced that, at least in the clinical track, "networking" rather than actual content is extremely central because different people in the department are telling me to take 2 years to do the MA because that way I'll establish more fruitful relationships with the profs.

Sigh, I really want to go back to school but am starting to think this is not the program for me.

What are the 'pro' factors for you??

 

[starsinnight]

Hi to you both! I hope I can be some help... I chose to do the MHC track but not at TC and I definitely think doing a master's first has helped me get one foot in the door for hopefully applying to PhD programs next. I am now able to choose from a handful of great professors to write me letters of recommendations since it is a much smaller class setting and the teacher's get to know you better than if you went to a large undergrad school. I also got some research experience, which you may be offered during your master's program, projects to help out with. I will also have a 1 year clinical internship that is required for our program so that should also be a plus when applying to PhD programs, not sure if that is your goal after you finish yours but I would say go for it. If you didn't get into any PhD programs, I think the Master's can be a great beginning step - I definitely wasn't ready at all before and my credentials didn't look anything like they do now. It can also help to bump your GPA too if you need that.

But speakng about Teacher's College, from what I've heard about Columbia, it's all been good stuff and I think that is how most people perceive of it. Basically think of it this way, when you get your degree and are off looking for jobs - what are people going to think of it? Most people have a positive association with the school, imo, and have heard of it as one of the ivy league style schools. Maybe some teacher's are going to dis-credit it and all but I would ask more people about it than just a few.

I heard horrible things about my program too and even getting a Master's first, but I did it anyways and had a great experience. And when I apply for PhD programs soon, Teacher's College is going to be one of my top choices.

 

[TuTuPsychL]

Hi to you both:

I am a current Master's student in the MHC program at TC getting ready to graduate in May. I too was not accepted into doctorate programs my first time around so I decided to get my EdM first, and will be attending a PsyD program next year.

Since I am at the end of my 2 years, I have a lot to say about TC, both positive and negative (though depending on who you are and what your interests are, they may not be perceived as such).

Please PM me if you would like detailed information- I'd feel more comfortable posting it that way.