School Psychology MA or PhD

[psych1]

I'm a first generation junior at a small LAC and very interested in being a school psychologist. I was going to just research MA specialist programs but have been encouraged by my professors to look into PhD programs as well. My psychology gpa is 3.90 (3.6 overall) but I haven't taken the GRE's yet and a don't have a lot of research experience. (one project this year) I have to work over the summer to pay my tuition but will have another project next fall.

I was told that funding for MA programs is slim, although some schools like the University of Delaware will fund Masters with more generous aid. I can't afford a lot more loans and am discouraged that the APA Psychology book lumps the FA together with the PhD so you can't see the differences.

How important is funding to anyone interested in this program? Did it help decide where you might apply?

I also wonder if anyone knows if it is advisable to apply to an MA and PhD program at the same school? I know someone who did and he realized he got into both when the PhD program accepted him in April (the MA was later) Because he got excellent funding, he took the PhD offer, but this doesn't seem to be the norm for most students.

Thanks for any feedback!

[sonofcioran]

Make sure that the PhD programs lead to the requisite certifications if you want to work in a child or adolescent school setting. I know this sounds ridiculous, but many don't. Ask them specifically if the program addresses (grammar, middle, HS) certification requirements in the state you are looking to practice (these requirements vary from state to state). I was thinking about doing school psychology, too, a year or two back.

Delaware's a great school, btw. Of course, I'm a tad biased. Go Blue Hens!

[psych1]

I will do that, I suppose you never should assume anything with applications and schools. I know my state school is okay, but others might not be.

I was told by a student from there that applying to both programs would probably kill or put a dent in the PhD application, showing divided interests. I just wanted a crack at both, if my research wasn't enough. It might be different at certain schools, one poster on another forum said he did that and since the PhD results come out first, knew he got in and then took back his Masters application.

[psych1]

I have a question on applying for PhD or masters programs. I am torn because I'm a Pscyh major with a 3.92 GPA and a 3.66 overall GPA (junior year) I am minoring in Spanish if that matters. I did a research project this year for my Research Methods class and will do an honors thesis next year and hopefully another project with my advisor.(no lab work this year) I don't have a lot of opportunites at my small LAC but make the best of it. I have to work for money over the summer but will do volunteer work with teens/adults with special needs. I took all the required courses that the program suggests and should have good recs. GRES.....who knows, but I hope to do well.

I wanted to apply to School Psych programs and I was looking at masters programs because of my lack of research. I was nudged by one professor to try for a PhD and see what happens, I don't need to do some material over again (he said I would see that in the beginning) and he thought it would open up more opportunities later in life. He also said that he would let the school be the judge on my readiness. He stated in some programs, masters are for students that need help in grades, but in school psych, I think it is just how soon you want to work and how much freedom you want in your work options.

My question is if I apply to a PhD program at one school, if they reject me, would they offer me a masters spot? I've read some posts that stated they were offered MA spots at Columbia when they didn't get in the PhD program, but not all colleges do this. At my state school, you have to pick one and if you mention the other, aren't thought of as "focused" on your career path. So if you don't get in, you can't apply for a masters position unless you wait another year. Is this the norm?

I am also a student that had to take full stafford loans every year and I know the professor was also thinking of funding issues.

Does anyone have any info on how most programs work...are you usually just rejected without another offer if they have masters programs in your field?