Seeking Viable Option for MA/MS in Psychology

I've been researching distance graduate level programs. I'm an active duty Air Force member stationed in Japan. I recently completed my BS in Behavioral Science at Bellevue University with a 4.0 GPA, which I enjoyed immensely. I've been leaning towards distance Psychology degrees because most do not require an internship. If I had it my way, I'd participate an internship, but that's not going to be an option as long as I'm in this profession. That being said, I don't want to stop at my BS and spend the next three years not pursuing my education. My job usually means long and unpredictable hours, and online has always worked for me.

I've been looking at universities offering an online MS/MA in Psychology, and Palo Alto University and Cal Southern are the two that stand out so far. My intention is to complete my time in the military and enter a full-time PsyD or PhD Program. I would like for my Masters degree to give me the skills I need and help make me competitive in applying for doctorate programs.

Does anyone know anything about these schools or recommend any others? Thanks in advance.

 

For all except the top schools, I think all you really need is a regionally accredited masters degree, a good GPA and good scores on entrance exams to get into most doctorate programs. Walden is a respected school that offers a masters in psych: Walden. I know Capella offers similar degrees. If I remember correctly, Capella allows you to go straight from a bachelors into their doctoral program, at least they did a few years ago.

If you plan to practice psychology, you need to be careful that your school meets the standards for licensure in your state.

 

"If you plan to practice psychology, you need to be careful that your school meets the standards for licensure in your state."

I do not know of any state that will license a person with a Masters in Psychology to sit for licensure for private practice. There are, however, some states that will allow a person with a Masters in Psychology to sit for a counseling exam for private practice provided they have the required courses and a practicum and internship.

Another poster presented the caveat, "be careful where you go," to which I add my support.

 

Thanks very much for the comments. I definitely plan on practicing clinical psychology, and that's why I don't see my MS/MA as a terminal degree. That's why I am trying to be selective about my Masters program. Since my military Tuition Assistance and Montgomery GI Bill cover the expenses, I just want to be sure the money I use helps to be competitive when it comes time to apply for a PhD program. What I don't want to do is complete a degree from Capella or Phoenix and come to find PhD programs frown upon them. The reason I like Palo Alto and Grand Canyon University is that they are brick and mortar school who also offer distance learning.

What do you professionals think?

 

I don't recall saying that you can practice psychology with a master's degree.

 

Here's why your posts don't show up right away: http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/35100-new-users-ask-where-did-my-posts-go.html

 

Did someone say you did?

 

I thought you implied that. Apologies if I was wrong.