advice pls - PhD psychology

Hi there

Like many, I have been lurking for years and am finally coming out of the closet to ask a question.

I am currently interested in completing my PhD in psychology (not clinical, health).

I would prefer a route that will lead to my being registered - and am aware of the requirements in my province, but that isn't a huge driving force. I am well established in my field and this is about expanding my knowledge more than changing my credentials. I am also aware of the "main" schools (like Fielding) where this is more likely to be an easier route however, as I am still paying off my B and M BSW and MSW, I can't afford their tuition.

What I am looking for is a school with "pay as you go" tuition (e.g. pre credit), RA, residencies are fine (I currently live in a rural/remote area in Canada and am willing to attend residencies if needed), and good reputation with their students.

I was looking at Northcentral and Charles Sturt most recently but would appreciate any information people would be willing to share on these or other schools.

Thanks in advance.

 

My first thought is to ask you to look at the Doctoral programs in Health and Human Services offered at Walden University. It's not a Psychology degree per se but given your circumstances that may not be absolutely necessary. It's a relevant degree at the Doctoral level from a good school. It's also fairly high priced but I'm guessing that it's the closest you're going to get (at least from a US university).
Jack

 

Thanks Jack. That is one I considered but the classes didn't grab me in the same way as the Psych ones... although it is an option. Although the per quarter tuition is far from cheap, it's also alot more reasonable than other programmes. I di like the self designed aspect - where I could possibly do psych/clinical social work type of focus.

Thanks for reminding me about this option.

 

You're welcome. I have to say, that I'm glad to see that you've done some homework and already know something about what's available. If you'll allow me, I'll now take you outside the USA.

There are two programs available through Charles Sturt University in Australia. The first one is offered by the Faculty of Arts:
http://www.csu.edu.au/courses/pg/arts/artphd/
The second one is offered by the Faculty of Health Science:
http://www.csu.edu.au/courses/pg/hea/phdhea
I would like to point out that neither program is connected to the PhD program in Clinical Psychology at that school.

And of course, no referral would be complete without mentioning that UNISA has a large, diverse set of offerings in their Department of Psychology
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=168
Good luck.
Jack

 

I think great minds think a like - I have just emailed both schools!

Do you have any personal experience with either of them? On these boards it does seem that people have a better feeling about UNISA than CSU. I would love opinions on this!

Thanks again.

 

One needs to keep in mind that the doctoral programs in Health and Human Services at Walden are based on KAMS not courses. These kams are oriented towards students who possess excellent writing and research skills. If a prospective student is in need of more structure a course based program would probably be more congruent with their needs.

 

Please look at Capella's programs which let you "pay as you go":

http://www.capella.edu/schools_programs/psychology/psychology_index.aspx

 

Blackbird,

You've heard anything new on their progress toward APA accreditation?

-S

 

I thought I saw something on health psychology degrees, but couldn't find it here. It might have been on the prospero boards; to find the prospero boards, go to www.usnews.com and click on "education" in the top right corner.

 

Not yet, Sulla, but I'm also curious and have been thinking of contacting the director of the school of psychology to see what's up.

 

Hello FB,

I'm an MSW who transitioned into psychology. I've been licensed to practice for about 25 years now. I'd be glad to offer my thoughts if first you could provide some information on how you plan to use your degree. Do you want to see patients and practice health psychology/behavioral medicine or are you interested in, say, health policy and administration.

David

 

flannelberry (great name, btw),

Since you mentioned Northcentral Univ., I'm sure that you already aware that they offer a PhD in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine. You probably then also know that Northcentral is a RA school, and the PhD can be completed 100% through DL (including the dissertation and oral defense!).

http://www.ncu.edu/university_information/dpro_spec.asp?degree_program_code=phd-psy&dpro_id=22&dp_version_id=5&dpro_section_main_id=62

- Tom

 

Greetings flannelberry,

I am in the dissertation phase of a PhD program at Capella University http://www.capella.edu and I recommend that you investigate their program in General Psychology with an empahsis in Health Psychology. The faculty has a number of health psychology practitioners who you will get to meet and interact with during the three required week-long residential colloquia that are offered in various locations in every region of the U.S including Minnesota which may be closest to you. Atlanta, Washington, D.C. area, Jacksonville, Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, and Los Angeles are regular locations where colloquia are held.

The school certainly is not inexpensive and the courses are quite rigorous, but you will learn a tremendous amount.

Tug

 

Hi everyone

I really appreciate all of the responses.

I did decide to go with Walden - it was the courses that made the final decision. I really liked all of the courses - except the stats but they tell me they provide a tutoring service so... I'm expecting to do ok there.

Thanks very much for offering all of this information - it helped with the decision making process.