Capella University vs. Alliant University

Hello everyone! I'm a former law student(dropped out because I did not enjoy it), and I needed some advice because I am very confused about my situation.

Currently, I am working as a journalist. I mostly write about sports and cell phones. However, in the 6 months where I have been writing, I have not been paid at all. I have slowly learned that Journalism is not where I will be heading towards.

I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology from Cal State Northridge. I always wanted to earn my Masters/Ph.D in I/O Psychology or Human Factors. Considering HF programs are rare, I have decided to pursue I/O Psychology.

I have already applied to Alliant University in Los Angeles and Capella University. I plan to work about 40 hours a week while earning my MS/Ph.D.

What I am wondering is if I get into both schools, where should I go? Alliant is about 30 miles from my house and Capella is obviously online. Is there a big difference between schools in terms of prestige? Also, has anyone taken the I/O Psych program who I could speak with at either school?

Thank you!

 

Both are regionally accredited schools, so you would probably be fine with either. I have a hard time imagining you working full-time and then driving 30 miles to attend classes several times a week; that would be pretty tough.

One critical factor is the licensing requirements here in California. You should check with each school to ensure their program will qualify you for licensure.

I would also suggest that you carefully evaluate the employment prospects with a psych degree, there are a lot of people with those degrees floating around in the job market.

 

Thank you.

I was just wondering, do I/O Psychologists get licensed?

 

You can probably google that but I have a coworker that is pursuing a MA/MS in I/O psychology because there isn't the need to get licensed.

 

Sorry, I don't know much about the field of psychology beyond what I have said.

 

In some jurisdictions.

• Licensure Information for I-O Psychologists (SIOP)
• Practice Perspectives: Licensing and Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (Rob Silzer, Anna Erickson, and Rich Cober, SIOP Professional Practice Committee, January 2009) "The licensing of industrial-organizational psychologists by state boards of psychology has long been a contentious issue in our profession. SIOP members have a range of strongly held opinions and the topic generates passionate discussions when it gets raised."
• Policy on Licensure (SIOP, 1996)

All this is from the Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Inc. (SIOP), a division of the American Psychological Association and U.S.-based. Practice varies not only between U.S. states but among countries and other jurisdictions. As always, interested readers should check with the local regulatory and professional bodies in any jurisdiction they're interested in.

 

Okay thank you guys!

Still wondering if it makes a difference if I go to an online grad school or to Alliant.

 

I've worked with human factors/ergonomics specialists at multiple times in my career - inspection, aircraft/spacecraft design, and bicycle design. I was also on a "trip & fall" jury that included input from two HF specialists. And I completed have two grad courses in the subject. I believe this degree would provide a very good income.

There is at least one DL masters program in this area from Derby (UK)
Ergonomics MSc | University of Derby Online Learning

ERAU also has a DL masters with a specialization in Human Factors in Aviation Systems:
Master of Aeronautical Science, Worldwide , Embry-Riddle

 

Even though I am a graduate of Capella (PhD in Counseling, 2002), if I were given an opportunity to obtain a comparable PhD from a B&M school or an Online school I would choose the B&M school every time. In rural Alabama, I would have had a commute of about 70 miles (one way) to obtain a PhD in counseling. Good luck.

 

Well, I also applied to some MA's and MBA's in Organizational Management. I really want to enter the business world and incorporate Psychology.

2.) I want to do a doctorate because of my dream of becoming a professor. If I were able to teach with an MA or MBA, I would not even pursue a Ph.D.