Best programs for master's or PhD in psychology?

Discussion in 'Nursing and medical-related degrees' started by cgarretson, Oct 8, 2012.

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  1. cgarretson

    cgarretson New Member

    First of all let me state some facts. I am of military veteran status, and in the near future will be completing my degree from Indiana University in a B.A. in Psychology. I have used up ( or will have used) my Post 9/11 GI bill, but still have access to a full on Vocational Rehab. funding for later college. Which I plan on using for graduate schooling. My question is this, what school programs would be best for acquiring a masters and/or Ph.D in Psychology, and also what schools? As it stands now I've heard and researched that Walden University and North Central University both have quite compelling programs. Although I'm leaning more towards Walden, as they have a masters/Ph.D combined program.


    My intentions: I'm hoping to either teach at a post-secondary level, teach at a secondary level, help other veterans with an assortment of psychological issues through the V.A. (although they require APA certification), organizational psychologist for businesses, and/or social work/counseling. I would really prefer to stay in the VA bracket not only for the altruistic feeling of helping those in dire need, but also for job security purposes.

    Based on my intentions would it be best to shell out more $ and consider a brick-and-mortar school and spend more time, or continue my research in other online schools/programs?
     
  2. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Hello cgarretson, a warm welcome to Degree Info. You have probably noticed that there is a delay for the posts from new members. Here's why: http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/35100-new-users-ask-where-did-my-posts-go.html

    There is no need to post a second time and sometimes you may have to wait a few hours for a moderator to log on. This will go away after you have been a member for awhile and made a number of posts. Sorry for any inconvenience that may cause you.
     
  3. cgarretson

    cgarretson New Member

    It's fine, I merely thought my computer was being a bit off ( as it tends to be). Sorry for the double post.
     
  4. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    No problem on the double post, it's understandable when your question does not show up.

    I took the liberty of changing the title of your post to better reflect the nature of your question. That way, it will catch the eye of those who know about that subject area. (Unfortunately, I'm not one of those people). If you don't like what I did, let me know and I will change it back for you.
     
  5. cgarretson

    cgarretson New Member

    Oh no, it's completely fine. The title doesn't bother me at all, as long as I receive the proper responses to my questions.
     
  6. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    If you two guys are thru apologizing to each other then I'd like to ask our new member what he means when he uses the word "best." Most prestigious? Cheapest? Fastest? Most flexible? Also, you can't say Masters/PhD because there are a lot of decent Masters programs and far fewer doctoral programs. So give us a little more information soldier and we'll fix you up.

    :drillsergeant:
     
  7. cgarretson

    cgarretson New Member

    Yes SSGT, old habits. But in terms of "best" i refer to most apt for my abilities. Given that I will be getting married here soon, as well as having a child. I'm trying to figure out what would best fit my intentions in terms of online degrees/programs. I have found that Walden University offers an abridged program able to get both a masters and Ph.D at the same time. I intend on being full time, and quite frankly i'm tired of being in school and want to start working and providing for my family already. More than likely focusing on a more general approach to psychology in terms of degrees. I'm not too sure which university would fit "my profile" best.
     
  8. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Good one SD. I'm still not sure what our op means when he says "my profile." He wants it fast I guess. Walden would work but it's a bit expensive for my tastes. Also, our op should do some detailed research on the licensure laws where he plans to live.
     
  9. cgarretson

    cgarretson New Member

    Based on my research, it shows that for a teaching position at a secondary level it can vary per school, city, district, state even. But that it is acceptable to teach with a masters or Ph.D and no formal education major. I haven't looked up the tuition rates or anything to that regard, as I'm quite capable of using my Voc.Rehab. as well as T.A. if need be. Not to mention FASFA. I'm asking for a MS or Ph.D in General Psychology, what schools are best in moderate pricing, but most importantly speed and acceptability.
     
  10. managerial0550

    managerial0550 New Member

    OP - I work for NCU. Let me know I can help. We dont offer the Master/PHD combined program like Walden but we have a no physical residency for the PHD and I believe our program prices are very very competitive
     
  11. cgarretson

    cgarretson New Member

    I've already requested information regarding NCU prior to asking on this forum.
     
  12. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Your research has already shown you that there's not a lot on offer in the area of graduate programs in general psychology. Most programs are geared toward clinical/counseling psychology, partly because that's where the jobs are. Another area is industrial/organizational psych, for similar reasons. Regarding price, I'd look first at the state university systems. Here's the only example that I know:

    Graduate Programs « Distance & Extended Education
     
  13. Psydoc

    Psydoc New Member


    Please look at a state school if your objective is to teach. The probablity of getting a full-time teaching position with an online degree is slim. Also, I would suggest that you look at a PsyD, with this degree you can either teach or practice. Good luck.
     
  14. cgarretson

    cgarretson New Member

    That's my problem. I'm wanting to do DL as it will keep me close to my family, and I also won't have the stress of having to move again for college. My fiancee is understanding but me personally, I know it would be best if DL was an option. Also many Psy.D degrees have several hours that you need to dedicate to clinical practices. I believe the latest one i looked at said 50 credit hours more so than the typical Ph.D programs. As it stands with O/I psychologists, the work they do would suit me being in an business environment, but numbers and mathematical equations tend to trip me up. It took me some effort to complete my Survey of Calculus course. Granted I still have a year or more to make a concrete decision about which college or specialization to decide on, it is never too early to have a plan of attack. I'm just trying to get some insight on everything as it stands. And do universities and/or secondary schools really prefer brick-and-mortar schools over online when it comes to just the graduate studies? I would have assumed that it would grant a preference as I would be proficient in both in-class and online experiences when it comes to teaching.
     
  15. cgarretson

    cgarretson New Member

    Also, would anyone know of any State University distance programs that involve psychology at the graduate level?
     
  16. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    PsyDoc is correct, your chances of landing a teaching gig at a traditional university using an online degree is slim. If you want to teach at a traditional school, get a traditional degree. The prejudice runs deep.
     
  17. cgarretson

    cgarretson New Member

    Thanks everyone, you've all been quite helpful
     

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