Online Masters Program

[StudiestStudy]

So my clincal psychology Ph.D. application round has not been going well and I am looking into backup options. I am thinking about doing an online masters program so that I can start working full time and continue my schooling. I am worried that online programs are going to be looked down on when I reapply for Ph.D. programs in the future. I am also worried that I would not be able to find enough people to write recommendation letters for me because the program is online and wouldn't have a lot of interaction with the professors.  I would do on campus programs but majority of the deadlines have already past. Does anyone have any experience or advice that could help me out? I would really appreicate it!

[Sherrinford]

They will be looked down upon in the sense that it won't do much to strengthen your application. If you are interested in PhD programs, one of the most important variables is the quality and depth of your research experience. When I got my MA, I also did research in a psych lab in the program and gained a lot of experience that came in useful when I applied to programs. My concern if you pursued an online MA and worked full time (unless it's in a research-related position) is that you would not have any opportunities to get research experience.

[Clinapp2017]

You should apply to work in full-time research positions (research assistant, clinical research coordinator) at academic medical centers or R1 universities. This is probably your best option at this point, as it allows you to get experience and real-world research education that will benefit your application next time around. Online masters programs do not have any value in the clinical PhD world, frankly, as they are compared against very reputable master's programs and people with research jobs that result in publications (the gold standard of our field).