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

20

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60

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80

90

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?