PhD in Consumer Psychology?

[knuds1b]

I'm getting close (a semester away) to completing my M.S. in Experimental Psychology. I'm looking into PhD programs to continue on, and my main area/field of interest is the psychology of advertisements, so I'm thinking a program in Consumer Psychology might be what I'm after. I wouldn't be against a PhD in Experimental Psychology, but after looking around, it seems like most of them won't want me, because many programs are those combined M.S./PhD track programs, and they don't like to take students just for the PhD portion. I've also seen some suggestions on this site to perhaps go into a Marketing PhD program, rather than a psychology-based program. My desired career involves working for a private company to help them develop effective advertisements, by designing and carrying out research on consumers. You know how McDonald's figured out many years ago that the colors yellow and red seem to stimulate hunger, hence their red and yellow logo? That's the sort of thing I'd like to do. Any advice on what I might choose, or should be looking into?

[PsychGirl1]

Lots of people with MS or MA degrees continue on to a PhD program. I just graduated with my MS in Psychology and entered a PhD program, where I will receive another MS and a PhD as well. Some programs will waive your thesis, classes, or nothing at all. Some make the second master's optional, some don't. I don't see why having your MS would be an issue when applying to PhD programs ("it seems like most of them won't want me")- if anything, it is usually a positive.

[BeingThere]

Do you know if a PhD is the usual degree to enter that career path?  I would go at it from that end first.  Do a little recon on what kinds of degrees are held by the people who do what you want to do.  Not sure why you would need more than a master's in marketing to do that kind of work. ???

[BeingThere]

You may also want to check on the APA division 23's website for information:

 

http://apa.org/about/division/div23.aspx