University of the Rockies: Just finished my comprehensive exam! Next step...

Hey everyone,

Just finished my masters degree in general psychology and I need some input about my next step....

My Rockies degree is 39 hrs of PSY courses. I have also taken 21 hrs of COU courses from Grand Canyon University's counseling masters degree plus a 3-hr practicum from University of West Alabama. The mish-mash of coursework was done because I am going for licensure as a marriage and family therapist in Tennessee and we only need 300 hours of practicum. So I was trying to avoid 700+ hours of practicum required by GCU, plus acquire a straight psych degree so that I could teach online psych courses.

So I met with the licensing board and the lady tells me I will not need an additional masters in counsling to be licensed as an LMFT, which is awesome!! However, I do have about 6 more marriage and family courses I must take. I REALLY want to complete a PhD and I am looking at University of Lousiana at Monroe's doctorate in marriage and family, a PhD prgram all online, regionally accredited.

My career goals are to counsel and teach. That being said, I really don't want to spend money on extra courses without getting a degree out of it. Especially since I just did 21 hours with GCU.

So I have four options as I see it...

1. Just do the extra coursework and teach/counsel with a masters in psych. BUT...do I really want "set up shop" as an LMFT with an MA in psychology? Will I come across as credible to prospective clients?

2. Do the extra coursework at GCU or University of West Alabama and just get a second masters out of the deal. BUT...then I would not really have enough money to go into PhD and if I did, this would add lots of extra time and expense to my educational path

3. Go directly into the doctorate as the required coursework by the state can be accomplished at doctoral level, saving me lots of time and money because I wanted to do a PhD anyway. BUT...is this program respected? Would I be able to teach at B & M schools in my area?

4. Go directly into the doctorate at Trevecca University here in Nashville and get a D Ed in clinical counseling. BUT...can I afford it?? $36K as opposed to ULM's $12,000

Guys any advice you could give I would sincerely appreciate!

Kirk

 

Do you, per chance, have the hours necessary to become a Licensed Professional Counselor? If your desire is to counsel then I would look at the quickest way to accomplish this? From experience, there are precious few teaching jobs in Counseling and Psychology -- and that number dwindles for people who have "on-line" degrees. If you have the ability to get a license and then attend a B&M with a stipend for a GA or TA, and practice counseling, I would suggest you take this route. Good Luck!

 

Congrats on finishing your masters. I know nothing about psychology or counseling, but I would think the local option at Trevecca would give you the opportunity to network in the profession, as well as contacts for teaching B&M in the future. I am sure you would get undergraduate teaching experience also. Yes, the cost is higher, but the payback might be also. Do they offer any assistantships?

 

I bet they do offer assistantships. You might be right about networking and teaching in the future. It is a great school! Just so concerned about too much school debt. I ahve a son in college now too...yeah I am sure they would let me teach there as well.

 

I'm just about ABD in a Counseling PhD. I have classmates who came straight from MA programs and have no/limited clinical experience. They have huge student loans and poor job prospects. In contrast, I obtained my LPC license between MA and PhD programs and have been able to work full-time and teach adjunct; I have no student goal and now 6 more years of experience than they do.

You inquired as to whether a client cares about a PhD (or something like that). Depending on your target population, I'd say NO. Clients and referral sources will care more about your experience than your degree. I'd get the license first then work through the PhD.

I know a number of students who went straight into a PhD and regret it now; I don't know anyone who regretted getting more clinical experience first.

 

Yes I am trying to get licensed as an LMFT. This is great advice man, yes I am more convinced to attend a B & M school, maybe do a TA or GA.

 

I've done the TA/Adjunct faculty gig. Pay is far less than you'd get as an entry-level practitioner. I'd concentrate on hours toward licensure. That is, in fact, what I did. And I don't regret it.