tsgriffey

I'm considering getting a masters and eventually a doctorate in psychopathology, specifically looking at the biological and psychological causes of anxiety and depression and, as a result, how they can best be treated. I'm not interested in being a practitioner at this time, I'm simply looking for feedback into this field and some of the relevant and best programs to do academic research. I'm aware of a PhD program at UCLA that investigates these issues in relation to long-term potentiation (right up my alley), but that's pretty much it. Also, what does the funding look like in this field? I'm wary of academia because of the high cost of entry, but it's my dream. Thanks to all who can help!

I was wondering the same during my application cycle. I think the biggest issue (either positive or negative, depending on how you look at it) is length, with UK master's programs being a year and US typically being 2 years. Are you hoping to go on to get a PhD? In that case, I would contact your potential advisors and ask them. I was more willing to do a UK masters program (I got into Oxford and Edinburgh) for the experience and 1 year commitment, but there were a lot of factors such as language preparation chances of getting into a PhD program in the states with half the time that the US master's counterparts that worried me.

Either would be fine for your purposes, I don't think there is a significant distinction between a MA and a MTS. Look into University of Chicago and Harvard Divinity. As long as you also get a philosophy masters degree it probably will make you more competitive. I think it also depends on what your focus in philosophy will be--that could make the difference between "oh look, he has a theology degree...that's pretty cool" and "he will bring a more applied and different perspective on this philosophy curriculum." What are your interests in philosophy and theology? Does anyone actually think that a theology degree could hurt him/her?

I agree with Rabbit Run. My thought is that you should do a philosophy MA program and incorporate your theological interests into your research, if a PhD program in philosophy is your ultimate goal. Getting into a good PhD program in philosophy is VERY competitive and you will be competing with others who have MA's in philosophy. If you go the theology route now, you may have to resort to getting another Masters degree in philosophy. If you can afford it then more power to you, but that would be an enormous expense.

I'm still struggling with the fact that I did; it was such a tough call. But, I think anyone that reads my posts would probably pick up on the fact that I'm pretty lost in terms of what to do professionally. The dynamic between what you want to do, can do, and should do for a career is so overwhelming. If I took on what would have equated to 50K of debt (after living expenses) for a M.St. at Oxford, I would have been pretty shut out from maybe pursuing graduate work in another, more lucrative, field for at least a couple years. Probably should help pay off a counseling psychologist's debt at this point in my life.

Very helpful responses, thank you! I am going to look into the programs of the schools listed. Say I'd like to forego a master's degree, what kind of jobs should I look for (and obviously qualify for with a research-based psych degree) at an entry level that would lead me to a career in higher ed. policy research?

Can anyone shed some light on the value of a masters in Higher Education that would cost me about 40K in loans (even after financial aid) at Penn? What is the return on investment looking like for these types of degrees?

When I took the GRE I gave ETS permission to release my information to interested schools. Penn, along with a several other schools, have kept emailing me and inviting me to apply.

Hi, All! I'm thinking about pursuing a career in education research, specifically in higher education policy in relation to the economy and job market. I am looking for info about good grad programs that deal with this intersection and the job prospects outside of academia such as educational think-tanks, etc. (although I wouldn't dismiss academia--I just know the odds). A little more about me: I graduated from UCSB in 2014 with majors in psych and religious studies. Applied and got accepted to masters programs in the study of religion at Oxford, UChicago, and Edinburgh, but turned them down due to a combination of a waning interest in the subject matter and the very discouraging employment outlook of trying to be an academic in the humanities. It seems to me that a career in education research might be a great way to blend my passion for higher education, love of research and writing, and practicality of having a job that will actually make me money and impact the world in a concrete way. UPenn's GSE has been persistently recruiting me because of my GRE scores (162 V, 154 Q, 4.5 AW). How is the program there? (Considering the higher ed. or education policy programs.) Thanks for any info and advice that you can provide, Taylor

FWIW one thing that helped me with the whole turning down Oxford thing was the idea that with paying so much I'd struggle to enjoy my time there since I'd be so concerned about the money. Best of luck with your decision!

Yep that is incredibly fortunate, enjoy the time over there

Oh sorry about that Parker, haha

Congrats on the scholarship, Lawrence...(couldn't resist haha )

Cpt Jo what's going on for you?

Oxford would equal $40,000 of debt (including living expenses). I found out yesterday that Edinburgh is offering me a half off scholarship which would leave me with roughly $26,000 of debt (including living expenses). I could justify going into debt for either, I think, if I was entirely sure of the academic path, but I'm not so I don't think it'd be wise to make such a large financial commitment.