Graduate Psychology: NCU or Capella?

Hi, I've narrowed my selections for a Master's program in General Psychology to Northcentral University and Capella University, and I'm hoping to get an idea of what those schools are like from current or former graduate psychology students at those universities.

This is preparation for a possible future career change, as well as a desire to finish a Master's degree. I have an A.A. and a B.A. in Computer Science, have 22 years experience as a software engineer, teach computer science courses part-time at a local communiy college, and I've completed some graduate computer courses, most recently at Regis University. After spending 30 - 40 hours per week per course at Regis in order to get good grades, I've decided it's not worth it for me, and perhaps I should study something I've always been interested in: Psychology. I'm definitely not interested in an accelerated graduate program, but would rather take the time to absorb the material, as well as enjoy the learning process. I'm not in a rush to complete the degree since I have a few years (about 10) before being able to make any career changes.

From what I've gathered so far, the experience at NCU and Capella seem like they might be quite different, although the course selections seem about the same in Psychology. Capella seems like it would be closer to Regis, with discussion forums, weekly assignments and readings, etc. I didn't feel like I learned much in the discussion forums, but with a new field of study, I may get more out of it this time.

Although I want some level of interaction with other students, one thing I definitely want to avoid is group projects and group study, as I'm more interested in individual study/projects at this point. NCU seems like it would have no group work at all, but also no interaction with other students, which might not be great for someone switching fields. Capella has discussion forums, but do they stress group projects or individual study in the graduate psychology programs?

On average, how much time is required per week per course to achieve a grade of A? I know every course will be different, but with a family with small children, a very-demanding full-time job, and a time-consuming part-time job, I can't afford to spend 30 - 40 hours per week per course, and still maintain my sanity!

Sorry for the long post. Thanks to any help and insight you can provide!
Steve

 

NCU does have discussion threads. I have completed two classes at NCU and got an A and a B. I did not spend anywhere near 30-40 hours a week on the course. I probabley spent 40-50 hours on the entire course.

 

If you go for licensure then go Capella

If you are looking to be licensed in counseling on the Masters level then you should consider Capella U. over Northcentral due to the fact that Capella is the only online program (under the school of Human Services) that is CACREP accredited. That is the gold standard for applying for licensure on the State level.

 

Originally posted by SteveJ
Hi, I've narrowed my selections for a Master's program in General Psychology to Northcentral University and Capella University, and I'm hoping to get an idea of what those schools are like from current or former graduate psychology students at those universities.

This is preparation for a possible future career change, as well as a desire to finish a Master's degree. I have an A.A. and a B.A. in Computer Science, have 22 years experience as a software engineer, teach computer science courses part-time at a local communiy college, and I've completed some graduate computer courses, most recently at Regis University. After spending 30 - 40 hours per week per course at Regis in order to get good grades, I've decided it's not worth it for me, and perhaps I should study something I've always been interested in: Psychology. I'm definitely not interested in an accelerated graduate program, but would rather take the time to absorb the material, as well as enjoy the learning process. I'm not in a rush to complete the degree since I have a few years (about 10) before being able to make any career changes.

From what I've gathered so far, the experience at NCU and Capella seem like they might be quite different, although the course selections seem about the same in Psychology. Capella seems like it would be closer to Regis, with discussion forums, weekly assignments and readings, etc. I didn't feel like I learned much in the discussion forums, but with a new field of study, I may get more out of it this time.

Although I want some level of interaction with other students, one thing I definitely want to avoid is group projects and group study, as I'm more interested in individual study/projects at this point. NCU seems like it would have no group work at all, but also no interaction with other students, which might not be great for someone switching fields. Capella has discussion forums, but do they stress group projects or individual study in the graduate psychology programs?

On average, how much time is required per week per course to achieve a grade of A? I know every course will be different, but with a family with small children, a very-demanding full-time job, and a time-consuming part-time job, I can't afford to spend 30 - 40 hours per week per course, and still maintain my sanity!

Sorry for the long post. Thanks to any help and insight you can provide!
Steve


It appears that NCU would be more compatible with your current needs. Capella requires a significant degree of participation in online classroom discussions with other students; NCU does not. Some students find the online interactions to be stimulating and helpful; others do not.

 

About Capella

I am a Capella psychgology student, so have a bias in favor of the school.

Capella's format, in my experience, does not include group projects.

Learners are given reading assignments and are require to post responses to questions twice a week (typically by Wed and Sun). They are also required to respond to at least one other learner's post for each of these questions.

(IMO, they have not quite mastered the peer interaction part of the coursework. Typically there will be a single interchange - a back and forth comment or question/response. But before it can progress to a richer level of discussion, everyone has moved on to posting on the next question).

Courses typically end with a final project which is usually a paper with a body of 15-20 pages (exclusive of the cover, abstract, toc, references, etc.).

I have found the level of posts to range from so-so to outstanding.

I typically spend between 10-15 hours a week on a course. As with most any grad program, there is a huge amount of reading.

Capella is on a 10 week quarter system so things move fast.

Regards,
GME
PhD Learner in Gen Psychology
Capella

 

Basic question

The person who asked the original question needs to decide what he wants to do with his degree. That will determine whether he should simply get a shorter masters degree (academic not for practice) or should he get a longer two-year degree for licensure. He also needs to determine whether he/she wants licensure as a psychologist versus a masters level clinician.

 

Hi, and thanks for all the helpful comments from everyone.

Blackbird, my thoughts were to get a master’s and doctorate in general psychology, which would hopefully qualify me for a teaching position in psychology. If I decided I wanted to obtain a license to practice later (I’m in PA now, but I could be in another state by then), I’d look into a re-specialization in clinical psychology at an APA-approved school. Does this seem like a doable plan with either NCU or Capella? Thanks!
Steve

 

Either school

Yes, it is doable at either school. You would have to decide whether you want the residential component that Capella requires versus the "no residence" at NCU... or you could do a masters at one school and then do the doctorate at the other for variety on your resume. Either way, both schools would do the job.

Another thing to throw into the pot...

Take classes all spread out over your masters and doctorate that qualify you for state licensure on the masters level for professional counseling. You would have to coordinate that with department folks at the schools since it would be unique. You would have to get the standard CACREP list of requirements and make sure you design your coursework to include that coursework and practicum experience.

 

It will be very difficult to find employment in an academic position in a college or university setting with a doctorate from a distance learning program in psychology, especially one without periods of residencies.

 

DL getting jobs?

Simon, you may be right. I do see on my campus (Miami Dade College) more faculty that are getting their doctorates from DL schools. I would point out that they are all attending Capella but then again, Capella has a residential component, as you say.

I also noticed that some schools are advertising for faculty with online experience (Higher Education Job Website).

It would be interesting to see if more and more adjuncts are being hired with distance degrees.

 

That is one of my fears, although I'm hoping my current adjunct position in the Computer Science department will help me move into the Psychology department, but that would only help at the community college I’m currently at.

I have that fear also when considering re-specializations. I’ve looked at a few different APA-approved re-specialization programs, including Fielding’s, and, strictly speaking, a Ph.D. in general psychology from either NCU or Capella should be sufficient to satisfy the minimum admission requirements. But do I really have a chance of being accepted if I chose to re-specialize? I haven’t found any that require a residency, only a doctoral dissertation, which both schools would satisfy. But would Capella look better for the admissions folks solely on the residency? Has anyone successfully been accepted and completed an APA-approved re-specialization program with graduate degrees from either NCU or Capella?

I’m really honestly afraid of Capella’s short 10-week sessions compared to NCU’s 16-week semesters. After my experience at Regis (which, by the way, is a wonderful school and program, just way too demanding time-wise for me), I do not want to set myself up for failure. Capella has told me to expect an average of 12 hours per week per course in Psychology, but is this really accurate? On average, will 12 hours get you an A, or just a B, with an A being more like 20 – 30 hours per course per week?

Thanks again for everyone’s helpful comments!
Steve

 

Simon, thanks for the comments. Yes, I am wavering a bit, but that’s because I’m trying to plan for every eventuality (which, we all know, isn’t possible .

My Bachelor’s degree is not in Psychology, and most doctoral programs require a Bachelor’s in Psychology, or a master’s, neither of which I have. With my eventual goal being a doctorate, I’ll need to get the master’s first. If I successfully get to the doctorate, then I want the option of the re-specialization. I may not go through with a re-specialization, but I want the option available to me.

I’m aware of the difficulties and challenges ahead, on all fronts. I just want to be sure that if I decide to go through with it, that the plans I’m making will be feasible, and that I won’t hit any brick walls along the way.

Thanks again!
Steve

 

Hello Steve,

Welcome from a licensed psychologist who, parenthetically, grew up in the Commonwealth; Bucks County, actually. I can see you’re trying to keep open as many doors as possible albeit with lots of tradeoffs. I thought I’d chime in with a bit of information. Are you certain it’s necessary to have a degree, BS or MS, in psychology? I train psychology interns many of whom come from other backgrounds. I see lots of people nowadays who make a mid-career change into psychology. I’ve supervised a few retreads who were generally unemployed seeking to be credentialed as clinicians. It seems like they generally spend two years on campus and a year as interns. Like the one poster said, you’re plan is doable but, whew, you’re embarking on a long and pretty indirect road.

 

Hi

I wrote a tremendously long post and the stupid system timed out on me, I'm NOT repeating all that crap. But here is a cool site for your pleasure and fun.
Also, try UWA's psych/counseling deal. Semester credits on a quarter schedule. It's cool.

Here ya go. Good luck.

http://www.enamp.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=4

Dan B

 

me too

I am in the same boat. I will have my BS in Psych by the end of July and I am trying to make some decisions as to what road to take. I think I want to go for a PsyD in Clinical, but I too want to keep my options open.

I live in South Carolina, where a masters in clinical will be worthless on its own. I have applied to Argosy's PsyD in clinical program, but as I have written before its rather costly.
If I only want to go as far as a masters then I have to go for counseling; for that I am considering Capella's Human Services or Nova.
Does anyone have an opinion about Nova's program?

M

 

Hi David,

I also grew up in Bucks County...small world!

To be licensed as a psychologist in PA, you definitely need a doctorate, and I think that’s true in most, if not all states (correct me if I’m wrong). Years ago in PA, a master’s was sufficient to be licensed as a psychologist, but not any more.

I know I could go the LPC or MSW route (or something similar) to get licensed with a master’s, but I’d rather stick with the option of getting licensed as a psychologist, since psychology is want I’d like to be able to teach. So, yes, I would need the psychology degrees.
Steve

 

Re: Hi

Thanks, great information!
Steve

 

SteveJM,

Do you know what functions a clinical or academic psychologist performs in their daily work life? You may benefit from gathering information from many sources that will assist you in making a realistic career transition.

You may want to speak with several psychologists engaged in professional psychology practice and/or academic psychology prior to making any decision that may be costly in terms of money and time committments. Possibly speaking with several Psychology professors from Capella and/or NCU may also provide you with relevant information. Good luck!