I currently have a BS in Psychology from Arkansas State University. I am looking to either go the School Psych route mainly because of the job security it offers...I would be guaranteed a job but I would only make about 55k per year but my student loans would be paid back by the state possibly. I am also very interested in a I/O program because I love the business programs. After a lot of people I have talk to the say I should just go after a doctoral degree and I will get the positions I want in life. I just already have 20k in student loans and am not sure if it is work risking the burden of 60k+ in student loan debt and not being able to afford to pay them off. Any advice would be appreciated! Low cost PhD programs that I don’t need a masters to get into...etc!
Hi and welcome to DegreeInfo. First you must define "low cost". Low is a relative term and you will get different answers based on whom you ask and what low cost means to them. Having said that, there are various alternatives out there to help you pay for school. Are you employed? Ex-military? Does your employer offer tuition assistance? One "low cost" program that comes to mind is GCU's PhD in I/O Psychology, last I checked the program runs about $38K. Capella University also offers a PhD in I/O Psy, no masters needed; the program runs about $58K or so. Lastly Walden University offers an PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Educational Psy. These are all for-profit schools, I'm not sure how open you are to the idea of attending a for-profit.
I am currently employed as a General Manager of a Steakhouse....I am looking to go back to working part time at any random job though so I can further my education. I am not former military. I’m not really sure what my price range is because I know I could take out tons of student loans but I guess my biggest concern is the debt to income ratio. With a School Psychology degree you’re pretty much set to have them forgiven through the national health institute. I’ve got a few friends that have gone through the program...you work two years in a rural area and they put 60k towards your loans. That’s pretty simple. So I wouldn’t mind racking up 60k or so in student loans and going through that program but I couldn’t go the i/o PhD route. I guess what I am asking is if I have 60k in student loans and a PhD in I/O psych will I be able to pay them off or will I hate my life haha. Does anyone else here have a PhD in I/O? I’ve seen a lot of universities that offer PhD programs from 15k to 30k that seem pretty reputable.
Capella also offers a PsyD in School Psychology, however, that particular program states that you must already work as a practicing school psychologist. Are you open to schools outside the US? Also, bear in mind that most online programs in psychology are not APA accredited. Although APA accreditation is not needed in the field of I/O psychology it is preferred that you attend an APA accredited school.
Check out Fort Hays State University: School Psychology - Fort Hays State University School Psychology - Fort Hays State University
I have a question, would you feel it be better to get your masters first before attempting to pursue a PhD program. I know that there are PhD. programs that you can apply for and be accepted for with a BA, but I think would it be better to reach better realistic goals? If you're looking for an online Master program in I/O Psychology, here is my original post. http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/42663-list-online-masters-i-o-psychology.html http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/...ogyMasters.jpg Hope this helps you.
The Masters in Organizational Psych from Massachusetts School of Professional Psych looks pretty solid and at 15k could be my best option. I just went in today for my second interview as a case manager with a local counseling company. I am going to be taking quite a pay cut but I will have more flexibility to do course work and also be out of the food service industry. I’m just curious about how employable a masters in I/O psych would be? I could finish it in one year as to spending three years working on a EdS in School Psych through ASU but at least when I was done with the EdS program I would have a set job. Then again...that is three years of not making 55k+ because Im still in school! Haha So much to think about and try to decide on which is best for me. Any input or advice will be much appreciated!
Daniel, I said this in one thread and I'll say this on this thread. I would ultimately say, focus on your "COMMITMENT" not your "INTEREST". You can both, but if you only have your interest, what is going to keep the fire going inside you to finish and enjoy your day to day life? If you have a commitment, it keeps you motivated because you see value, and self-worth in your own tangible goals. Keep this in mind whichever direction you go. Find a program that will help you meet both, not just an interest.
