ILuvPsych2013

From what I have been told, a Masters vs a PhD ultimately comes down to the amount of autonomy that you want in your research; those with a Masters may end up having their work supervised by someone with a PhD. One article that I found states, "Master’s students are trained to practice I/O psychology. Ph.D. students are trained to conduct research in I/O psychology. In practice, this means that an I/O psychology Ph.D. will generally have more responsibility than an I/O with a Master’s. If you are in an organization with lots of I/O psychologists, the Ph.D.’s will generally be making “the big decisions,” while the I/Os with Master’s will aid with implementation or conduct background research. Since many modern organizational problems are at the frontiers of our current understanding of organizations, a person with Master’s level training will generally not be prepared to conduct research within the organization to help answer these questions. Of course, there are many I/O’s with Master’s that start their own consulting agencies or work as the only I/O psychologist in an organization – but this is a matter of experience and personal drive." Here is a link to the full article: http://neoacademic.com/2011/06/14/grad-school-should-i-get-a-ph-d-or-masters-in-io-psychology/ Your actual job description also depends on what kind of company you are working for. Hope this helps!

I would echo everything that dmaurath said; I am getting ready to apply to IO programs this fall, and I have gotten all of this same advice. Research experience is the absolute most important thing! My university does not have an IO program, so I work in a social psych lab and just try to put a "workplace spin" on whatever project I am doing. I was also advised to get a business minor since I will then be letting ad comms know that I am familiar with both sides of the industry. Welcome to the IO club!

I agree with Olga Childs: a degree from Columbia is highly marketable in the job market and a dream school for many scholars. Obviously I would contact them to make sure that no miscommunication has taken place. If it really is a revised offer, I would take it! Finding funding for a masters program is like looking for a needle in a haystack and if you find one, you should take notice. You can always move to Seattle for work after your Masters, if you are drawn to that area.

Wow, this is quite offensive. Trust me, I am the last person in the world who would stereotype people based on their SES or ethnicity; in fact, it is my area of specialty in research. Let me clarify "sketchy": drug deals, muggings, stabbings, and break-ins. These are the kinds of events that I have known to happen in these areas. That being said, Lincoln is a safe place to live and these events are in no way "common". Living here my whole life, I am comfortable in saying that if these things are going to happen, the areas I mentioned are generally where they occur. Dienekes is right about the tornadoes: not a major concern outside summer, but still something to be aware of.

Not really...the area around East Campus isn't really a "crime" area like the other areas I mentioned. There are some apartments around like 46th and Dudley/Orchard Streets that can be kind of sketchy. If given the choice, I would also try to stay away from any of the neighborhoods directly west of East Campus (from 27th to 33rd between Clinton and Leighton). I would look out for super old houses that aren't going to hold in any heat/cool and make sure that your place has designated parking! The streets in the entire area are always lined with cars and parking can be a huge hassle. Try to get a place with at least a driveway that is yours to park in.

Here are a couple of recommendations for one bedrooms: The Links: very nice place, and it offers a shuttle to an from campus. For $535 you can get a great 1 bedroom with a washer and dryer included. The complex is newer (within the last 10 years) and sets on a golf course. It also has all the frills like a pool, gym, etc. Here is a link: http://www.lindseymanagement.com/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?type=apt&id=289 Fountain Glen: they have both studios and 1 bedrooms in your price range, and I know several people who have lived there and liked it. http://www.rentcip.com/Residential/Lincoln/FountainGlen.aspx Ridge Hollow: I actually lived at a sister property of theirs, but I like this one better because of location. http://www.perryreid.com/ridgehollow/lincoln-ne-apartments.asp Chateau: These complexes are consistently voted Lincoln's best by their residents. http://www.chateaudev.com/ These are all "complexes" rather than just apartment buildings. If you are looking to save some money and not worry about the extra amenities, I would recommend checking out craigslist for additional options. Also, rooming up with another grad student will also open your options up substantially as you can get a really nice 2 bedroom for $700-$750. A couple of neighborhoods to stay away from: I would stay away from places in the North Bottoms, right by campus. This neighborhood, while they are trying to revitalize it, is rundown, old, and swarming with party-loving undergrads. I would also steer you away from anywhere within several blocks from 13th and F. We don't have a lot of crime in Lincoln, but if something is going to go down, this is where it will be. I would also stay away from 23rd to 27th street between Vine and Holdrege...another sketchy area.

Congrats on your acceptance! A couple of questions to try and help you: 1) Will your program be at City Campus or East Campus? 2) How many beds/baths do you need? 3) Do you have a car or will you be using the bus system? 4) What's your budget?

I love Lincoln for many reasons...but "cool" is not necessarily a label I would give it, so don't worry-I'm not offended Feel free to let me know if you have any questions about specific complexes!

I think whether you pursue your search online or in person is a matter of comfort. I can tell you that the last 3 places I rented in town were found on craigslist. Obviously it can be a gamble, but I also feel like if you wait until August to start your search, you may run the risk of having to settle for whatever is left instead of finding somewhere you really like. I also used to lease apartments in town, so if you run across a complex you are interested in, I can probably give you some info on it. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Yoshiko: Don't be scared Yes, the winters are probably going to take some getting used to. My husband moved here from Houston, TX and he has found that he actually enjoys having four distinct seasons. Here is the midwest, people are friendly for the most part. We wave when someone lets us in during "busy" traffic, we use blinkers, etc. The university is very diverse, having students from all over the country as well as a decent sized international student representation. Because we are such a college town, you might be pressing your luck to try to find an apartment in August. I would recommend late June or July as a best bet, or earlier if you are trying to be very close to campus. A couple of potential negatives: Depending on where in California you are from, you may find Lincoln to be a bit on the boring side. We have a decent bar scene downtown, movie theaters, restaurants, etc., but little in the way of "big city" entertainment. Omaha, however, is only 45 minutes away and offers many more options. I hope this helps, please feel free to p.m. me if you have specific questions!

Mallorn: 1) I would say that having a car is not absolutely necessary. We have a descent bus system that runs through all major parts of town. Lincoln is also becoming increasingly bike-friendly, and our buses are equipped with a "bike and ride" feature with a mount for your bike on the front of the bus...this way you can bus any longer distances and then bike around campus (or wherever). I know many students who are taking advantage of this. 2) The area around East Campus is practically all rental homes and apartments. I personally lived in a home right across the street from East Campus on Idylwild Drive. The area is okay, albeit old. Some of the houses in the area (like the one I lived in) are approaching 100 years old, which means insulation may be an issue (think heating and cooling bills). I will also warn that the apartment buildings in the immediate area can be rather sketchy, so proceed with caution. All that being said, East Campus itself is very nice and park-like. Is it possible to live on campus? 3) $15k seems very reasonable for a yearly stipend. You can get a modest 1 bedroom for $500/month, and utilities should generally run $100-150/month. Most landlords cover water/garbage costs.Overall, cost of living in Lincoln is very reasonable especially when it comes to rent. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions!

Wow!!! Thank you so much for your post! That's exactly what I have been looking for. I did not know about Mount Vernon and Westchester, but I am loving what I am seeing so far.

I was just glancing at craigslist and I saw several places in North Bergen and Chatham. Are these neighborhoods in Hoboken or close to there?

Thanks, this information is so helpful! Much appreciated!

Wow, that sounds pretty great actually. The only thing I am concerned about is whether the train goes out that far. We are a one-car household (NOT fun), so I was planning on using public transportation to get to the city.

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions! I know that NYC is definitely a "get what you pay for" market, so hopefully I can up my budget with a fellowship It's great to talk with people who actually live and go to school there. I appreciate your feedback and will look into the areas recommended.

Yes, I have been trying to do some research and it seems like I am looking for a needle in a haystack I have been looking on Staten Island and Long Island, in Yonkers, and some areas of Queens. I have read good and bad about most of the neighborhoods, but ultimately I don't know what to think. The last thing I want is to end up in the ghetto with the kids. I know that Manhattan is not an option and I do not mind riding the ferry/train/bus into town. I don't think I want the kids right in the middle of the city anyway. Does this additional info spark any ideas?

I will start it out... I am a senior psychology major from a midwest state university. I have been busy researching schools/POIs, studying for the subject GRE, building relationships with my mentors, and working on various research projects. Here are my stats: 3.8 overall GPA, 4.0 psych GPA McNair Scholars Program Tau Sigma Honor Society Secretary, Psi Chi Regents Scholar Fellowship Honors Program/Senior Thesis Upon applying, I should have 3 independent research projects completed, 5 conference presentations, and (hopefully) one publication. I have been excitedly looking at programs and as of now my plans are to apply to: Claremont Graduate University Teachers College (Columbia) DePaul University George Mason George Washington Old Dominion University of Central Florida University of Maryland Portland State Michigan State North Carolina State University of Georgia Scheduled to take the subject GRE in April, so trying to hone in on that What's everyone else up to?

Thanks for your help! Craigslist shows roughly $1500 for a 3 bedroom, which seems very reasonable for the area. I appreciate the feedback!

I was just wondering if there are any grads in NYC who have children? I am looking at Teachers College (Columbia) and need a SAFE yet affordable ($1500 for 2-3 bedroom) place for myself, the hubby, and the kids. Am I just going to have to resort to outlying areas? Thoughts??

Hi everyone! I know we are a little ways out, but I wanted to get this started. Where are my I/O applicants for the Fall 2013 cycle? I have really enjoyed watching 2012 applicants' experiences, camaraderie, highs, and lows unfold. Since we are applying this fall and are needing to start thinking about things like our schools of interest, GREs, letters of recommendation, etc., I would love to hear from you!

Thank you both for your replies. It is very helpful. It sounds like just making sure that as long as everything is out in the open is the most important thing.

Hi everyone, I am going to be sending out applications this fall (2012) for fall 2013 admission to an I/O psychology Ph.D program. As such, I am starting to whittle down my school choices, identify POIs, etc. At many of my top school choices, there is more than one person that I am interested in working with. Some fit exactly with the research I have done as an undergrad while some are doing work in areas that I am very interested in for future research. I know it is suggested to email your POIs before summer to see if they are accepting graduate students for the current cycle so... My question is this: Is it okay to email more than one POI in the same department? Or should I be focusing on just one? Wondering if anyone out there has ran into the same thing. Thoughts??

That's very helpful, thank you! In your opinion, is the summer research project really like grad school life? I've heard conflicting things...

Congrats everyone!