Download - Dr. Melissa Himelein (Clinical Psychologist) & Dr. Melissa Smith (Developmental Psychologist)
Graduate School Primer for Psychology
MajorsDr. Melissa Himelein (Clinical Psychologist)
& Dr. Melissa Smith (Developmental
Psychologist)
Questions to Ask Yourself1. Do I want or need to go to graduate
school?
2. Do I want to go to graduate school now?
3. What is my career vision? Helping profession, teaching/research, other
career area? If helping profession, what type? Master’s or doctorate degree?
Now or Later?
PhD clinical MSW (estimate)0
10
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Chart Title
Immediate Time Off Other Prog
Helping Profession Careers in Psychology
Clinical psych (MA, PhD, PsyD)
Counseling psychology (MA, PhD)
School psychology (MA, PhD)
Rehabilitation psychology (MA, PhD)
Helping Profession Careers in Other Fields
Counseling (school, agency, substance abuse, marriage & family, rehab, college student development)*
Social work*
Speech pathology
Occupational therapy
Creative arts therapy (art, dance/movement, drama, music)
Human resource development*most common for UNC Asheville psychology majors
More Helping Profession Careers in Other Fields
Work with children with special needs Special education Adapted physical education Applied behavior analysis
Careers in recreation Therapeutic recreation Outdoor education Outdoor leadership
Criminal justice/criminology
Health professions Public health Psychiatric nursing/family nurse practitioner Health education/promotion Physician assistant, physical therapy
Getting In: Graduate School in Applied Helping Professions
Consider: Is now the right time?
Thoroughly investigate your field of interest
Grades are #1, GREs (if required) are #2 (and prepare for the GREs!)
Gain relevant helping experience (volunteer work, summer jobs, Psych 412 internship class)
Get to know/impress your professors (recommendations!)
Work hard on your applications (personal statement)
Getting In: Ph.D. Programs in Clinical/Counseling Psychology
Consider: Is now the right time?
Research experience is essential
Carefully assess your credentials (grades, GREs, research experience) “First hurdle” = Grades + GREs “Second hurdle” = Research + Fit
Thoroughly investigate each program Research match essential Show you understand each program in your individually-
tailored applications
Get to know/impress your professors (recommendations!)
Nuts and Bolts
Deadlines: December 1st- Feb 15th
GRE preparation GPA, research experience, clinical
experience
Asking for recommendations
Applications = 1-2 courses
Paying for Graduate School
Applied MA, MSW, & PsyD programs Not much financial assistance In-state programs most affordable
PhD programs Tuition waivers TA positions, RA positions
Academic Careers in Psychology
Career options teaching & research research only
What do you need? PhD commitment! (and emotional resilience!)
Academic Careers in Psychology
Choose an area of specialization developmental social cognitive neuroscience experimental industrial/organizational
Clinical/counseling academic jobs are also possible
Getting In: Graduate School for Academic Careers in Psychology
Requirements undergraduate research experience▪ clearly defined area of specialization▪ match with faculty member key
letters of recommendation high gpa good GRE scores personal statement / applications
What if your credentials need improvement?