Applying to two different graduate programs at the same university.

[BlakeFindell]

I am planning on applying to graduate school at the end of the year, and I am limited to only being able to attend a program at my current undergraduate institution.  I am interested in the Developmental and School Psychology programs that my university has to offer, and I was going to apply to both.  I would be equally happy to get accepted into either program, but a problem arises concerning applying to both.  I read a post on here a few weeks ago about not applying to two programs at the same university.  There were both for and against applying two programs replies to the question asked.  I am a little confused on what my course of action should be.  Both programs have a strong focus on the psychology of children and adolescents that is why I am drawn to pursuing one or the other.  

 

What should I do?  Apply to both?  Or pick one or the other?

[gradchaser]

Developmental Psychology and School Psychology programs are very different and lead to very different career paths, especially if you go the PhD route. My advice would be to really research those programs, and make sure each program will lead to something that you actually want to do.

 

That being said, if you would be equally happy going both directions, it might be helpful to seek out an advisor at your current institution to learn about the rules they may have about multiple applications. Some schools will not allow you to submit more than one application in a current cycle, but most schools do. Hope this helps!

[KB0808]

My husband did this and got accepted to both - the programs were a little competitive in convincing him to join their program but afterward no hard feelings. Definitely agree w above poster of connecting with an advisor and maybe your POIs in each program.

[avflinsch]

My daughter is doing something similar right now. She currently has 2 applications in to the same university, but in her case it is to two different departments. What she did was to carefully word her personal statements to reflect how her interests overlap both fields. Your case seems to be a bit different as it seems to be the same department. Personally I would apply to both.

 

I am curious as to why you are limited to only applying to programs at your undergrad school (probably the same as mine - employee tuition benefits or something similar).