Psy.D or Ed.S program?

[CagedBird]

So, I have a dilemma. I've applied to two programs that are almost polar opposites of each other. I really like both of them, but they are so dissimilar that I'm having a hard time making a decision. 

 

The one program is an Ed.S degree in school psychology. The college is located in a suburban like setting and it's a pretty big campus. I've visited friends there before so I'm very comfortable on the campus (comfort and fit is a huge priority for me). The college is also closer to my hometown than the other college. The program itself isn't funded but almost all the students have GA positions that cover almost all or part of tuition, plus stipends. The program itself is 3 years, 2 full years of coursework and a 1 year internship. The program is nationally accredited, well known in the area, and has a 100% job placement rating after graduation. This college is also located in my state, and tuition overall would be significantly lower, as well as living costs. There are on-campus living arrangements that are available but there are also plenty of off-campus options.

 

The other program is a Psy.D degree in school psychology. This college is located in a big city and the campus itself is very small and found right in downtown. My only visit to the college is when I went to my interview. It's only a little further away from my hometown, about 20 minutes. This program also isn't funded and I've heard that GA's here are very competitive and I will most likely not have a chance to get one until my 2nd year. The program is 4 years, 3 full years of coursework and a 1 year internship. This program is currently going through review processes to be accredited (it's a young program), but they will most likely pass because the Ph.D. program has been accredited for a number of years. This college is not located in my state, but tuition costs would not be higher since it's a private institution. However, living close to a big city is costly, and there is very little to no on-campus living arrangements for grad students. 

 

The city college itself is a very prestigious university and I would have so many opportunities for practicum and internships in the area. The suburban college is between two major cities a distance away, so I would not have as many opportunities for diversity in my internships as much as the city college. Also, the city college is a doctorate degree, and I would have a wide range of options for employment upon graduation, with higher pay, than the Ed.S. degree. However, attending the suburban college would cost significantly less money and the program itself is overall a year shorter.

 

I'm at such a crossroads. What would you do? Does anyone have any way to go about deciding between the two? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you  

 

[schpsy92]

I'm in a similar situation as you because I applied to school psychology doctoral and specialist programs too. If I was you, I would pick the Ed.S program because it sounds like a great deal - good funding, accredited, good job placement, and comfortable campus feeling. The Psy.D program has the benefit of being a doctorate but that's really it (based on the way you described it). If you want to work in the schools (at least for a decent amount of time), I would do the Ed.S.

[CagedBird]

I'm in a similar situation as you because I applied to school psychology doctoral and specialist programs too. If I was you, I would pick the Ed.S program because it sounds like a great deal - good funding, accredited, good job placement, and comfortable campus feeling. The Psy.D program has the benefit of being a doctorate but that's really it (based on the way you described it). If you want to work in the schools (at least for a decent amount of time), I would do the Ed.S.

 

I have a friend that attends the city college and she loves it there. I think I'm more worried about being taken out of my comfort zone the most. However, do you know if the pay difference is really that much between an Ed.S and a Psy.D?

[iPsych]

I think that it depends on how you picture yourself as a school psychologist after graduating.  Do you see yourself working in schools for the entirety of your career or do you also want to conduct research studies or teach at universities?  I think that makes the difference between choosing between the two degrees.  I believe that PsyDs and EdSs have equal opportunities to work if you simply look at the school factor.  Like you said, PsyDs have a wider range because they can work in lab or colleges but if thats not for you, then it sounds like EdS would be the way to go!

[schpsy92]

I have a friend that attends the city college and she loves it there. I think I'm more worried about being taken out of my comfort zone the most. However, do you know if the pay difference is really that much between an Ed.S and a Psy.D?

 

Based what I've heard, there is a slight difference in pay between specialist and doctoral-level psychologists in the school systems, but not much (2-4K / year?)

[CagedBird]

I think I like the wide range of options I could choose from with a Psy.D. over a Ed.S. I'm not entirely sure if I want to work primarily in schools. I've thought about working in hospitals, and who knows, maybe even starting my own private practice one day.