Wright Institute Vs. MSPP

[Psyd7747]

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Hi,

I applied to several PsyD programs and am now having a tough time deciding between The Wright Institute in Berkeley and MSPP near Boston.

Tuition is pretty comparable at both, as is the fact that students begin field work during the first year and there is a close knit community feel to both programs. MSPP's "campus" is nowhere near as appealing as The Wright's, but I'm more concerned about faculty, program reputation and internship acceptance rate than I am about location and appearance.

On a more general note, does anyone have advice about the importance of training in the same state where one plans to eventually practice professionally? For example, how difficult would it be to attend The Wright Institute and later relocate to the east coast to work?

If anyone has any input about the pros and cons of these two schools, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

...how difficult would it be to attend The Wright Institute and later relocate to the east coast to work?

That is a really important question for TWI, because their internship match rate is poor....though I've heard it is because the majority of people who go there want to stay in CA, so they are much more limited in available APA/APPIC spots.

 

[docma]

I am not familiar with MSPP but am familiar with the Wright from training students from there for many years. It does have a strong psychoanalytic tradition if that appeals to you. They offer a broader range of theoretical models in course work but the case conferences tend to focus on a psychodynamic orientation. Their students are successful in going on to licensure and practice in California (and elsewhere, but the vast majority stay in California I think.) In general, it is simpler to get licensed where you train but certainly possible to cross over if you plan ahead. The licensure laws in Massacussetts are somewhat tricky so look at them carefully and keep them in mind if you intend to practice there but do school or internship elsewhere. I do know several students who went to school in CA and then were licensed in MA so that does not need to be a determining factor. I'd look closely at the faculty interests and how that fits with your research and practice interest.

 

[KillerDiller]

The licensure laws in Massacussetts are somewhat tricky so look at them carefully and keep them in mind if you intend to practice there but do school or internship elsewhere. I do know several students who went to school in CA and then were licensed in MA so that does not need to be a determining factor. I'd look closely at the faculty interests and how that fits with your research and practice interest.

Agreed. I've heard that MA is one of the three most stringent states when it comes to what courses you need to take for licensure. On the other hand, the other two states are NY and CA, so you may be ok going to school in California. Definitely look into it, though.

 

[shoe22]

I used to attend a PsyD program near MSPP and it seemed to unfortunately have a reputation as a degree factory. I heard the Wright Institute has a great reputation in the Bay area (according to current students at a competing program there). Hope this helps!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I initially looked at TWI because of its psychodynamic slant (which supposedly is a bit more open now), and while I thought the clinical training looked good, the research portion left a lot to be desired. I wanted a balanced program so it wasn't a good fit, but otherwise I liked the "feel" of the program.

 

[Jon4PsyD]

I have not heard of the Wright Institute, so I can't speak of it. I'm very surprised someone here said that MSPP is a degree mill. I go to school in Boston and MSPP is incredibly well respected. Most of their faculty have worked at some major teaching hospitals in the city, have taught at other well-known area universities, and have great connections.

I've spoken to numerous faculty here at Boston University about doctoral programs (when I was searching for one) and everyone had positive things to say about MSPP.

The reality is that MSPP has really blindsided some of the long standing programs in this area. They have SO many faculty there with connections to practica/internship sites in the city that it has increased competition - especially now that they have started Master's/Certificate programs in Counseling & School Psychology.

I'd definitely go with MSPP but maybe I'm an east coast homer - I will say it's very respected in a very academic area which is saying something, especially when you read on this forum the so-called stigma of Professional Schools.

Jon

 

[jubujoy]

I live in the Boston area and have mentioned MSPP's name in many contexts, including with clinicians. The school is very well respected. I also know several parents whose children needed neuropsych assessments, and a special ed lawyer -- all of whom speak highly of and recommend a neuropsych practice that employs a large cohort of MSPP grads. I have never heard -- other than on this board -- "MSPP" and "degree mill" mentioned in the same sentence.

 

[cardamom]

I live in the Boston area and have mentioned MSPP's name in many contexts, including with clinicians. The school is very well respected. I also know several parents whose children needed neuropsych assessments, and a special ed lawyer -- all of whom speak highly of and recommend a neuropsych practice that employs a large cohort of MSPP grads. I have never heard -- other than on this board -- "MSPP" and "degree mill" mentioned in the same sentence.

Agreed. I think if you want to end up in the Boston area, that's the way to go.