Psycherd12

For all those Higher Education professionals out there-- what are some skills/skill-sets you see as being super valuable in Higher Education right now and into the future? I'm asking because I may have an upcoming opportunity to earn another master's degree for free, so I'm wondering what would be most beneficial. I eventually would like to be in student affairs/life, admissions, or assessment and evaluation, so I was thinking statistics. But I would love to hear more opinions and thoughts!

I completed my master's in counseling and student personnel psychology at UMN. You're right-- counseling programs tend to only have 1-2 classes geared towards career counseling and then relevant practicum experience. A few of my cohort members have gone onto secure academic advising positions. 1 of whom even went for school counseling! I personally think that a master's in counseling program provides an amazing set of skills for working within higher education, but I'm also biased. I think either program would set you up for an opportunity working as an advisor. Definitely look for programs with good practicum opportunities. My program required us to do a 700-hour internship.

Does anyone on here currently attend this program? Or, has anyone on here applied? I'm looking for insight into the program A little regarding where I'm coming from-- I'm originally from Madison and completed my Master's in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology at UMN - Twin Cities this past May. I'm currently working full-time and am already craving going back to school. I'm interested in researching privilege and non-privilege in higher education, and how simultaneous presence may affect higher educational outcomes. Dr. Winkle-Wagner looks like someone I'd be interested in working with, and I spoke with her on the phone around a year ago before I decided to gain full-time work experience. Anywho, any advice, tips, information, etc. are more than welcome. Thanks everyone!!!

I love psychology but am considering starting to move into the field of higher education, policy and public health, so this program looks amazing. Anyone know how competitive it is? Or anything at all about it?

I'm in a school counseling program that has a 100% job placement rating....I don't think it's as difficult to get a job as a school counselor as you may think

I think this is what I'm realizing I really want to do. I've been looking for the "perfect" or best way to combine my passions for politics, law and psychology/education & this sounds like a great way to do it. Do you know anything about the job outlook for PhDs in this field? I assume I'd have to move to a city such as DC in order to find better job prospects.

Hey everyone-- Quick question- for those familiar with Ed Policy, can you tell me more about it? I'm specifically wondering what a) people tend to do with their degrees and b ) if the job outlook & pay is good. Up until recently I was sure I'd go into Student Affairs, but I've been thinking more about Ed Policy. I've been interested in law and politics for quite some time, but always felt a little more passionately about education. I guess I never really knew there was a way to combine them! Which brings me to Ed Policy. I am specifically interested in college affordability for low-income students, and how different policies affect them directly. I know that's really broad, but that's what I'm thinking as of now! I'm not really shooting for a job in academia as I know the market is rough. I see myself as doing more research work, while maybe also admin at a college....? Also, in case people are wondering more about myself: am graduating this May with a master's degree in counseling and personnel psychology with a focus on higher education. In the 1.5 years I've done a summer research fellowship; I've been a GRA at a large Medical School doing some higher ed research; and I'm also finishing up my 700-hour practicum at a small university's career development center.

Hey everyone-- Quick question- for those familiar with Ed Policy, can you tell me more about it? I'm specifically wondering what a) people tend to do with their degrees and b ) if the job outlook & pay is good. Up until recently I was sure I'd go into Student Affairs, but I've been thinking more about Ed Policy. I've been interested in law and politics for quite some time, but always felt a little more passionately about education. I guess I never really knew there was a way to combine them! Which brings me to Ed Policy. I am specifically interested in college affordability for low-income students, and how different policies affect them directly. I know that's really broad, but that's what I'm thinking as of now! I'm not really shooting for a job in academia as I know the market is rough. I see myself as doing more research work, while maybe also admin at a college....? Also, in case people are wondering more about myself: am graduating this May with a master's degree in counseling and personnel psychology with a focus on higher education. In the 1.5 years I've done a summer research fellowship; I've been a GRA at a large Medical School doing some higher ed research; and I'm also finishing up my 700-hour practicum at a small university's career development center.

Thanks for your reply! You're always super helpful so I really appreciate it I do want to stay in admin, yes. Ideally I would love to become (Assistant) Dean of Student Affairs or something along those lines. Maybe even in Admissions. I have awhile to think about it, though, as I just accepted my first full-time position. Yay! I could also see myself going into Ed Policy since I like statistics & politics so much.

Interesting! haha ive never heard of that before!

True! I've seen the same. But if you're wanting to go into student affairs and want to do your GAships or practicum internships in Higher Ed, I don't know if school counseling programs would let you do that. All of my cohort members who are going into school counseling had to do 3 separate internships at an elementary school, middle school and a high school.

I don't know about school counseling as that is counseling elementary, middle- and high-school kids. Definitely do a master's in counseling & student personnel or higher ed!

No problem! What you just described is EXACTLY how I felt. But yes I think that's a great plan I'd apply to any master's in counseling programs that a) allow you to take SOME student affairs/career counseling related coursework and b ) allow you to do your practicum at a career counseling center at a local university. My cohort specifically is made up of future school, community, and higher education counselors. I would recommend a program like that since you still love counseling psych.

Hey there!! Like you, I was originally thinking I'd pursue a doctorate in counseling psychology. With that, I began a master's program in counseling and student personnel psychology. However, after taking some counseling classes, I realized it wasn't for me. Luckily the program I was in allowed for students to concentrate on Higher Ed by taking a career counseling class and doing an internship within a higher ed setting. I'm currently doing a 700-hour internship at a career counseling center at a small private college. Just wanted to give you a background on where I'm coming from From what I've seen, you don't see people with Ph.Ds...that would make you overqualified to be quite honest (career counselors really don't get paid that much!). All people in the office I'm at have their master's degrees- some are master's in counseling and others are master's in student leadership & affairs. I've found that my master's in counseling degree is super helpful within career counseling.

Hey everyone-- I'll be entering the workforce soon in the field of Medical Education with a newly minted master's degree. Pursuing a doctorate is something I plan on doing, and my alma mater UW-La Crosse will be opening up an online Ed.D program beginning fall of 2017. I haven't heard much about online Ed.D programs besides that they're made for working professionals (which would make it convenient for me!) and am wondering what people here think about them!