Psych Masters Reputation Check

[Madpudding]

Hi Everyone, just wanted to start a thread where people can ask for opinions about psychology masters programs they are considering. Since most of these programs are unfunded and they all claim to prepare you for admission to PhD programs, I was hoping that former students / anyone that has knowledge of these programs can provide some insight on several topics:

• How much is the tuition?
• Is there funding available?
• Are you matched with a faculty mentor or are you admitted to the program generally?
• What was the quality of the research experience offered? Quality of the classes?
• Were you able to transfer most of the classes over towards your PhD degree or did you have to take them again?
• How much do you think it prepared you / improved your application for PhD?
• Misc. thoughts about the program

I'll get the ball rolling and ask if anyone has any info on SDSU's MA program, Fordham's CRM program, or the Teachers College MA

I got word from the director of Fordham's program that the tuition is in the ballpark of 50k for the 2 year program and I've read some less than favorable reviews of the TC program on here a little while ago so I was hoping to see if more people felt the same way.

Thanks!

[PsyDuck90]

That is an insane amount of money for a masters program. I would go with either shooting for funded programs or go for the cheapest option possible that requires a thesis to graduate. If you want to stay in the NYC area, check out CUNY programs. They are high quality will a cheap price tag. You don't want to be saddled with tons of debt for a stepping stone degree. Better yet, try to find a paid research assistant position. 

[Yep]

Don’t go to Fordham if your goal is to get into PHD programs. You can get the same opportunities working as a RA somewhere and not go into debt.

 

i know SDSU is a very competitive program that does help its students move to the next step.

if I was to retake my masters, I would look for programs that have doctoral programs above them in big public schoool university settings. KU, Kentucky, MIZZOU etc

 

[Madpudding]

Thanks for the responses! I will add some context that may or may not change the advice that y'all have given. 

I have been working as an RA for the past 2 years and was a volunteer RA in undergrad for ~2.5 years; however, my undergrad GPA is ~3.0. SDSU seems like a great program but is in roughly the same field that I've been getting experience in for the last ~4 years, whereas the schools in NY would present me with an opportunity to gain research experience in a different field (one that I would eventually like to pursue for a PhD) that I only have clinical experience in. In terms of costs, I've lived at home after college, and my current RA job pays surprisingly well, so I do have some money saved up that I'm willing to use on a Masters if it will help me get into a PhD program. Also, staying another year at my current job is not really a great option as the lab is on the verge of closing down.

thanks again!

[Modulus]

I opted to work as a paid laboratory manager in lieu of doing a Master's program so take this second-hand knowledge with a grain of salt...

However, I have only heard good things/success stories from the following three Master's programs (note I'm talking individuals interested in ultimately pursuing Clinical PhD only):

- William and Mary

- Villanova

- Wake Forest

All three have at least some fully-funded lines for Master's study as well.

However, I haven't heard much specifically negative about other programs, just that I haven't heard good things.

[greenleaves]

I applied to Villanova's M.S. in Psychology and was accepted! Very exciting, but I'm still waiting to hear back from waitlisted Ph.D. programs. I wanted to see if anyone had any feedback on Villanova's program - I live on the opposite side of the country, and considering the circumstances of this developing pandemic, I'm not sure I'll be able to visit anytime soon. Is there anyone that is/was a graduate student in Villanova's Psychology program and has any advice/feedback? 

[Modulus]

31 minutes ago, greenleaves said:

I applied to Villanova's M.S. in Psychology and was accepted! Very exciting, but I'm still waiting to hear back from waitlisted Ph.D. programs. I wanted to see if anyone had any feedback on Villanova's program - I live on the opposite side of the country, and considering the circumstances of this developing pandemic, I'm not sure I'll be able to visit anytime soon. Is there anyone that is/was a graduate student in Villanova's Psychology program and has any advice/feedback? 

The very successful tenured faculty member I work for now attended this program for a master's degree before PhD and speaks highly of the program. 

Edited March 23, 2020 by Modulus
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