AMU/APU - MA in Psychology

Hi folks,

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with American Public University System's MA in Psychology? I'm just wondering if anyone has any good feedback about this program?

Has anyone had any success stories after they completed a degree from APUS?

Looking forward to your responses.

 

What goals would you, or would the person interested, have for graduate study in psychology?

It's a wonderfully diverse field. If you want to do neuroscience research in a lab, you should ask one set of questions. If you want to work with clients with psychological conditions, you should have a very different set of questions. Etc.

Note that their press release from 2010 announcing the new MA in Psychology stipulates strongly that the program isn't designed to prepare candidates to qualify for any licensure directly, but to apply for doctoral programs (elsewhere). The current program description page says something similar about not being a terminal degree and so on.

As of that press release, classes in the program were scheduled to start in January 2011. Many students in something like this are probably part-time. The sample of people who've graduated from the program yet may be limited.

 

My friend went through a Masters program (Anna Maria College) in Psych or Counseling or whatever and while it was a decent program (according to her) it was not enough credits to qualify for licensure in Massachusetts. She had to go back to another school (I believe it was Assumption) to get a CAGS that would allow her to be eligible to take the licensing exam.

So . . . as Jonathan said, depending on your goals it might be a great setup for a doctoral program (we've talked about those a lot and you can access all the threads using our search widget) but there's a good chance this degree won't even allow you to practice on a Masters level (if that's your goal).

 

I think APU is a good college system. If a private college that offers distance learning is your goal, personally I would go with a school that focuses on behavioral sciences.
University of the Rockies (former Colorado School of Professional Psychology) is one option. Just know that most of the online programs do not lead to any type of license. You would have to continue at an APA accepted institution after APU.

 

This is not true. The APA does not accredit Master's programs which is the level of schooling required for licensure in that field. Even at the doctoral level, APA accreditation is not required for licensure in most states. Licensure standards vary from state to state and so people need to check the requirements for where they plan to live/practice.

from their site:

"The APA-CoA accredits:

Doctoral graduate programs in clinical, counseling and school psychology, and programs offering combinations of two or more of these areas. The primary professional degrees offered are the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). Accredited doctoral programs provide broad and general training in scientific psychology and in the foundations of practice, and have as a goal to prepare students for the practice of professional psychology.


Internship programs in professional psychology that are a required component of doctoral training.


Post-doctoral residency programs that provide education and training in preparation for professional practice at an advanced level of competency in traditional and specialty practice areas of psychology.


The APA-CoA does not accredit schools or universities, or programs at the bachelor’s or master’s levels. In addition, accreditation applies only to programs — it is not a credential that individuals can obtain"

 

I don't know that this is true either. Licensure in the field of psychology/counseling is controlled by the state where the student resides/works. The laws are not uniform across the country. Can you really demonstrate that most online programs can not lead to licensure. Can you show us the stats?

Noob, you need to fact-check before you start giving advice. The best thing is simply to advise people to check the regs where they live/work.

 

I am interested in earning a masters in psychology for the purpose of teaching at the junior college level, and possibly online; I don't want to go into counseling. However, I understand that adjunct positions may be slim, especially since I'm reading that most universities want someone with a terminal degree. However, I want to build upon my undergrad (which is in psychology) and allow myself to get a deep holistic foundation. APUS pretty much covers a majority of classes that are covered at the undergrad level. I also, don't want to pay a lot ($30K+) on grad school.

I am interested in I/O Psychology as well. I have research many places that offer a "psychology" type of degree online. Here are a few:

University of West Alabama - MSCS Counseling/Psychology
Northern Arizona University - MEd. Human Relations
Franklin University - MS Business Psychology


I know about the 18+ units needed to teach. I'm just trying to find the right program, that's all.

 

Call me noob all you want, but this is not a trivial matter. Attending an APA approved program DOES matter in many states. And more and more states are adopting this model. In 2002 5 states required it, I will see how many that has increased to.

However, this depends on what type of license you are going after. You can find a list of APA approved programs in clinical psychology here.

How do I know? Because I hold a master of general psychology (from an online program) and I have already explored the license route. Its not enough for it to be "regionally accredited" in many states. I also work for a major not-for-profit healthcare organization which has a huge mental health department. This is all these guys talk about in the break room.

Yes you should check with your state of course. Just know, that this is the direction nearly all states are going. You might as well attend an APA approved program. However, even if you don't now, you still have the option of enrolling in an approved PhD program later...and yes this would qualify you. If you work for the federal government guess what...they want licensed professionals AND from APA approved schools.

Ultimately, its your money, not mine. If you want to spend now...and ponder later, go for it.

 

Wrong again. It's not my money because it's not my plan. I'm not the one trying to earn one of these degrees. As for your Masters in Genral Psychology, that alone will not qualify you for licensure anywhere in the USA. You can say that "many" states require APA accreditation for licensure and depending on how you define that word it may be true. What is also true is that "most" states (> 50%) do not require APA accreditation and your contention that nearly all states are moving toward requiring APA accreditation for licensure seems unfounded and unlikely as it would require legislative action for this to occur. I see no evidence that this is in fact occurring.

Clearly you can choose whatever path you like but please don't mislead people into thinking that APA accreditation is required for licensure in most places because it simply isn't true and it will probably never be true.

 

Graduating from a program that is APA accredited is the gold standard for aspiring
psychologists. States may or may not require that a person graduate from an APA doctoral program. If you don't have a psych doctorate that is APA accredited, you can always re-specialize and graduate with an APA accredited post doctoral certificate. There are states that will grant a masters degree holder a license to practice in a limited scope. California is one such example.

Instructions to Employ a Psychological Assistant - California Board of Psychology

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Under the provision of section 2913(b) of the Business and Professions Code, there are three different ways to qualify as a psychological assistant:

Based upon one of three Master's degrees:
Master's degree in psychology
Master's degree in education with a field of specialization in psychology
Master's degree in education with a field of specialization in counseling psychology

 

that was aimed at the DxD=D^2 not you

Not true, with a masters a license can be obtained to practice many forms of psychology depending on the state. However, one would not be able to open up their own practice unless they are a licensed psychologist with a doctoral degree. In other words, he or she would be working for somebody.

According to you, the evidence is the other 50% (but I have not confirmed that). The fact remains that states are slowly conforming to APA standards. There was a time in the not so distant past that none of them did. So why in the world would this trend suddenly stop? Because Kizmet said so?

I am not trying to mislead anyone. If he or she plans to continue beyond the masters degree level, it would be wise to pursue an APA approved education at that point. However for only a master's degree, it does not matter.

@ DxD=D^2

I apologize, I guess I jumped the gun. What I am discussing really only applies of you decide to continue beyond your masters degree. If so, it is in your best interests to pursue an APA approved program, however I will submit that this is just my opinion.

Choosing an APA accredited program means that one can go to ANY state and apply for licensure provided you meets the rest of requirements. Not only that, but APA approved programs are very well respected in the field, even if the state does not require it, it look much better on a resume.

For now, APU is a solid choice
yet again (don't kill me for making an opinion), I still think attending a school that focuses on behavioral sciences would be a better choice

 

Please excuse my ignorance but I didn't realize that there were many forms of psychology. Can you enlighten me?

 

Fields man...fields! The main directions are clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology.
With specializations in...
Psychoanalysis, forensic, group, rehabilitation, anger management, clinical health, couple and family therapy, social work, many types of counseling, occupational psychology, neuropsychology, I/O psychology, and several others.
Not sure why I am even going back and forth with you on this. I almost accused you of trolling, then I noticed you are a moderator. Therefore, I forfeit.

 

Hi DxD=D^2,

If you like, I can put you in touch with psychologists, social workers, counselors...etc at any level (masters degree or PhD).
The best advice comes from working professionals in the field. What state do you live in by the way (if you dont mind me asking)?

Anyway, I think I am over this thread, feel free to PM me

 

North Association of Master's in Psychology-licnsure with Masters

For those with a Masters in Psychology who want to see licensing options for MA degrees in Psychology go to this website:

Welcome To The Northamerican Association of Masters In Psychology

From there site:
"There are currently twenty-five states which license masters - level psychologists to practicepsychology, either independently or under continuing supervision. Other states are moving forward or considering legislative initiatives"

They list the states and titles of licenses, along with other useful info for those with a M.A in Psychology.

Nine states currently license masters - level psychologists to practice independently
under various titles of licensure.
At least six states have unsupervised practice for masters - level school psychologists
under various titles of licensure
Multiple states have some type of licensure recognition for masters - level psychologists-usually as school psychologists.

Note: Counseling is considered a separate profession from Psychology and is not listed in this site.
Most states required a 2 year Masters degree or MASTERS + CAGS or a ED.S for licensure as a mental health or professional counselor.

 

To the best of my knowledge, "fields" of psychology such as clinical, counseling all result in the same licensure on the Masters level. It varies from state to state but there are LMFTs, LPCs, etc. Things like family therapy, anger management, group therapy, couples therapy etc. do not require special licensure, they're foci of treatment that you pick up as you go along. I'm told that neuropsych is special, requires a PhD and not many people do it because not many insurance companies will pay for it. On the other hand, I/O psych doesn't require a license, does it? Oh, and I think I'm right when I say that Social Work is not a branch of Psychology, it's Social Work. They have their own programs, their own degrees, their own licenses, etc. so they don't really even fit into this discussion.

As for me trolling, not really, I'm arguing a point. You're just frustrated that someone is not simply accepting everything you say. It has nothing to do with me being a mod. I've never said or done anything to pull rank on you except calling you a noob.
Noob.

 

Agencies may grant licensure to holders of varied degrees. One doesn't necessarily need a degree in social work in the state of Massachusetts to earn an LSW or LSWA. Massachusetts is flexible in regards to educational requirements for licensure. A prospective social worker, counselor, or psychology should research course requirements for licensure. Your state of residence may allow for degree overlap in meeting educational requirements.

Policy #06-03

The Board of Registration of Social Workers requires that an applicant for the LSW or LSWA level of licensure who does not hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree must document the appropriate number of supervised social work experience hours. These supervised social work experience hours must be gained following completion of the applicant's minimum educational qualifications.

 

There are states that license aspiring I/O Psychologists. It is important for prospective psychologists to survey various states to learn about the variety of sub-fields available for licensure. North Dakota for instance licenses I/O Psychologists.

http://tinyurl.com/ac6z9vh

 

I am in the information science field not psychology but I will share my experiences that I feel transcend many degrees. Psychology is super competitive - many people are getting that degree for the simple fact that as humans we are obsessed with trying to understand ourselves (I am guilty of this too!! lol). I think that given the amount of people graduating from psychology programs each year it will very competitive and difficult to get your foot in the door to teaching. For this reason, if possible, I would recommend going to through an on-campus program. For one main reason - connections. I am starting my Master's in Library and Information Science this Fall and this is also a very competitive job market for graduates because there are so many graduates and so few jobs. Which is why I chose a program that has a strong network of alumni and a 90% job placement rate in professional level positions after graduation. If I am going to pay for a program, I might as well pick one that has the best chance of actually getting me into the field. In your case, going to an on-campus setting you can network with other students and faculty, possibly picking up a teaching assistantship throughout the program. That experience will prove invaluable in getting a teaching position (assuming here you do not currently have college level teaching experience).

As with any program, there are good and bad. If you decide to go the online route, I would strongly encourage you to find which psychology programs have the best reputations and reach out to graduates of those programs. Use the search feature on LinkedIn to find graduates of the programs. I recommend this because the schools only give references for students who have had a positive experience. By reaching out to people randomly, you have a better chance of getting an accurate picture of the program and post-graduation outlook.

I did this for my MLIS program and emailed 5 people at random. Every single one of them loved the program and had professional level jobs post-graduation.

 

Not at all, maybe frustrated that you are attempting to "argue" everything said...there is a difference. If you can't find anything relevant to argue about, then you find something irrelevant in the conversation to argue about. Then the conversation starts turning different directions as a result. Look up the definition of internet troll.

Also, you can't just take one exam and work wherever you want, and yes some states are recognizing the need to license I/O psychologists. Sorry to disappoint you.

signed - Noob