Graduate School Info &
Career Info for Psych majors
Presented by Psi Chi and the
Psychology Department,
2012
Topics We Will Cover
• How do I decide if grad school is right for me?
• Are there books that the psych dept has for me to
browse?
• How can career services help me?
• PsyD. vs. Ph.D. (differences in practice/funding)
• When should I start preparing?
• What can I do to increase my chances of getting into
graduate school?
Is Graduate School Right for me?
Step 1: Clarify your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree do you need one to do what you want to do? If you want to be a
psychologist, then you need to pursue a doctorate. If you want
to work with people in general, a bachelors degree may suffice.
Resources:
– Read the resource books in the Psych secretary’s office.
– See information about psych careers & the GRE at
http://hope.edu/student/career/resources/for_students.html
– Visit http://www.onetonline.org/ to look up skills,
occupations, and job outlooks for many careers
– Talk to professors in your area of interest
– Job shadow careers of interest
Is Graduate School Right for me?
Step 2: Do you have what it takes to succeed in graduate
school? You will be taking courses full time, doing practicum
work, possibly employed and also researching.
"You will be in elite company because your peers will be among
the best and the brightest. There will be times when you have
to study hard just to earn a B" (Getting In: A Guide to Graduate
School).
Familiarize yourself with the Reality of
Graduate School
• Admissions standards:
• College GPA
• Graduate Record Exam scores
Look online or in Graduate Studies in Psychology to find
schools and programs of interest.
o They’ll list average GPA & GRE scores (percentiles) of past
students admitted to their program.
o Advanced programs (e.g., Ph.D) have higher standards
than Masters programs.
Good candidates will have a strong GPA (3.7+ average),
strong GRE scores, and a well rounded resume.
If you have weaker credentials, consider applying to a
Masters program and then apply to a Ph.D. program. Ph.D.
programs consider one’s success in masters programs.
GRE scoring has changed (130-170) http://www.ets.org/gre__
Practice the GRE and consider retaking it if needed, Math123
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Should I choose a Ph.D. or Psy.D.?
• Ph.D.
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Designed to create psychologists who not only
understand research and apply it but also conduct it.
Programs range in emphasis but many programs
combine both the scientist/practitioner model. If you want
to do research or teach at the university level, the Ph.D.
will provide more opportunity for it. Many times, there will
be more funding for these programs. Also one year longer
than Psy.D.
Cont.
• Psy.D.
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The rationale for this degree is intended to prepare
graduates for careers as practicing psychologists. They
are trained to be consumers of research-based
knowledge and excel in practice-related knowledge and
experience. Students who choose this degree will not
have as many funding options/scholarships
It’s never too early to start!
• Junior Year
o narrow down research interests
o get actively involved in research (lab, psy390,
independent project, present research at a conference,
submit paper for publication)
o study for GRE
o compile resume
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try to become member of psych organizations/Psi Chi
• Senior Year
o compile list of programs that offer the degree you want
o apply to schools in Sept-Nov of Senior Year
o thoughtfully write your application essay
o October: take GRE and subjects tests
o finalize resume/CV
o ask letter writers early (see website for info profs want)
The Cost of Graduate School
• Typically takes the average student 4-7 years to earn a
doctorate in psychology and 2-4 years to earn a
masters. Most Ph.D. programs have students earning their
masters on the way to their Ph.D.
• In most doctorate programs, you will be enrolled full time
and many programs will not allow you to work an outside job
(either full or part time). Doctorate programs often offer jobs
(research/teaching assistantships). Some masters program
will discourage outside employment but are not as strict.
• There are many ways to finance graduate school education
from scholarships, fellowships, loans or teaching
assistantships.
What do grad schools look at?
• Evaluation Criteria Used by Selection Committees
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Quantitative Criteria:
 GPA (overall, psychology and last 2 years)
 Standardized test scores (GRE- verbal, quantitative,
analytical and psychology subject test)
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Qualitative Criteria
 Letters of recommendation
 Experience (research, work, clinical, public service)
 Application Essays
 Interview performance
 Extra Curricular Activities
What Do Grad Schools Look At?
(Cont.)
• Evaluation Criteria Used by Selection Committees
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Unspecified Criteria
 fit with training mission of program
 resume
 quality of application materials
 school and work site attitudes and behavior
 special projects and honors courses
 diversity
Graduate School Options
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Neuropsychology
Social
Cognitive
Clinical
Counseling
Developmental
Blends of these (child/clinical)
Industrial Organizational
Alternate Routes
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Masters in Social Work (MSW)
MA/MS in psychology
Licensing with a masters
School Psychology Degrees
Sports Psychology
Questions & Answers