Are you considering a career in psychology? If so, there are many choices when pursuing graduate school, beginning with which degree is best for you. This blog will help you sort through the options!
Start by asking yourself some questions:
- What interests me about psychology?
- What are my career goals: providing psychological therapy, conducting research, teaching at a university, working in a school or organization, or some combination?
- In graduate school, how much do I want to conduct research versus gain clinical experience?
- How long do I wish to stay in grad school?
- What are my specific topics of interest within the field of psychology?
The answers to these questions will help you decide which degree to pursue. See below for a simple comparison of three paths: Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), and Master of Social Work (MSW).
Once you’ve narrowed down your choice of degree and career path, it’s time to start comparing programs. Look at the unique factors of each, such as the length and size of the program, required coursework, options for concentrations, field work, internship requirements, and the culminating thesis or dissertation that will be expected of you.
Next, it’s time to start your application! The components can be looked at in two categories: Quantitative and Qualitative. The quantitative aspects of your application include your undergraduate transcript, GPA calculations, and your score on the GRE General Test. The qualitative are the letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a statement of interest, and possibly an interview if required by the program.
For more information about the path to psychology graduate school, join us for our presentation, How to Decide Between a PhD in Psychology, PsyD, or MSW on Tuesday, September 15th at 6 pm EST.
Explore our upcoming presentations on our website or set up a complimentary consultation to learn about our admissions consulting services. Whatever your question, Collegiate Gateway is happy to help!
