[Advice for getting a PhD Developmental Psych with MSW + B.A. Psychology + No research experience]

Hi there,

I don't think your MSW will be considered a disadvantage, but it will likely not be a big deciding factor in your application (aside from grad GPA). I would definitely recommend getting some research experience before applying to a developmental phd program. I don't have a very strong undergraduate GPA and was also considering doing a Master's before applying to a PhD program. However, my advisor recommended that instead of spending the time/money to do an MA, I should just get relevant research experience. I was accepted into NYU's Human Development and Social Intervention MA program last year with my crappy GPA, average GRE scores, and several years of research experience so it's not a waste of time. However, I ended up not going because I would prefer to get a PhD. I also realized that NYU's developmental program focuses on secondary data analysis over experimental work. Some similar programs: Fordham University's Applied Developmental Psych Program, Stanford's Developmental and Psychological Science Program, David Yeager (Developmental) at UT Austin

I hope that helps!