Transcript So you think you want to go to graduate school… Now what?? Psychology Graduate School Information Session March 28, 2013 Prof.

So you think you
want to go to
graduate school…
Now what??
Psychology Graduate School Information Session
March 28, 2013
Prof. Azarbad
Overview
• Types of graduate programs available
• Searching for the right program
• Application process and timeline
• Preparing yourself to be a strong candidate
• Panel discussion
• P.S. We are being videotaped 
Types of Programs
Master’s Programs
Doctoral Programs
Typically 2-3 years long
Typically 5-7 years long
Can enter with a Bachelor’s degree
Can enter with a Master’s or
Bachelor’s Degree
Average GPA for admission: 3.0+
(some 2.75)
Average GPA for admission: 3.5+
Typically prepares you for a career in
clinical work/counseling, or as a
stepping stone to a doctoral degree
Prepares for a career in clinical work,
research, and teaching
Types: Master’s in Counseling,
Master’s in Clinical Psychology,
Master’s in Social Work, Master’s in
School Psychology, Master’s in
Marriage and Family therapy, etc.
Ph.D. (any field of study)
Psy.D. (only for clinical psychology)
Applied Fields
Applied Fields
(Ones that train
you to do
assessment/counseling)
Clinical
Types: Child,
Adult, Health,
Forensic,
Geriatric, etc.
Counseling
Types: General or
specialty tracks
(Health, School,
etc.)
Master’s of
Social Work
(MSW)
Master’s of School
Psychology
Research Fields
Research Fields
(Ones that train you to
do research/teaching,
but not clinical work)
Cognitive
Developmental
Experimental
Biological
Industrial
Social/Personality
Behavioral
Neuroscience
Ph. D.
• Emphasize practice and
research
• Smaller classes
• Lower acceptance rate
• Typically in university
depts.
• Offer more funding to
students
• Longer (5-8 years)
vs.
Psy. D.
• Emphasize practice over
research
• Larger classes
• Greater acceptance rate
• Often in free-standing
professional schools
• Offer less funding to
students
• Shorter time line (5-6
years)
How do I know which program
is right for me?
• Answer the “Miracle Question:” Assume you are done
with your education. Tomorrow, you get to wake up
and go to your dream job. What would you be doing?
• Other considerations
• Long-term goals (teaching, research?)
• Funding
• Location
• Academic Readiness
• Commitment
Starting your search
• 1. Graduate Programs in Psychology book
• In library, and also on reserve in the Psychology main
office
• 2. Visit program websites
• Look for the training model
• Specialty tracks offered
• Admission criteria
• Compare Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs within the
same school
• PSY.D
Vs. PH.D.
The application process
•
•
•
•
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Transcripts
Letters of recommendation (typically 3)
Personal Statement (SO Important!!)
• Seek faculty input
• GRE (maybe)
• GRE Informational session, April 9, 12:30-1:30 pm, Goldspohn
20
• Content and structure, scores, test prep, test taking strategies,
GRE resources
• Getting In book (in Psychology main office)
• Timeline (See handout)
Preparing yourself now
• Enhance your academic achievements
• Research
• Internships/Volunteer work
• Marlene Starzyk, Career Center
• Get involved extra-curricularly
• Study for the GRE
• Start your resume
• Talk to your advisor about coursework/experiences
that will better prepare you for your intended path
Additional Resources
Career Development Center (located on 2nd floor of
Stadium)
 Have conversations with faculty within your areas of
interest
 Reach-out to alumni who work in the field(s) you are
considering