Rejected from Ph.D. but was advise to consider thier Masters

[Heaven'sMaiden]

Hi everyone so I applied to a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology and I was rejected but I was suggested that I should consider the M.A. degree in Clinical Psychology. The program fits to my interests but it is at a branch campus where they have the M.A. program. They informed me that no additional fees or application materials will be required. This school is my top choice and so I am hoping that if I make a strong impression that I could go from an M.A. to a Ph.D. there. So I have two questions for you guys

 

1) Do you guys think that my chances of getting in to the M.A. are good?

 

2) Do you guys think that I could make the transition from M.A. to Ph.D.?

 

​3) Do you think it is a good decision to go for the M.A.? I was thinking that maybe I can demonstrate that I can do graduate level work and that I really want it. 

Edited March 12, 2015 by Heaven'sMaiden

[DTY]

If there aren't any extra fees, what's the harm in seeing what they offer you for MA (funding, etc.), after all, your application isn't a commitment.

[perpetuavix]

Masters programs are generally unfunded and have somewhat lower admissions standards; they're regarded as 'cash cows' for the university. Maybe this one is funded, but that's less common. You should also ask about whether any Masters students have ended up in the PhD program, and if so, how many credits transfer. I know of at least one psych program where none of the credits from the Masters transfer to that school's PhD program. 

[Heaven'sMaiden]

Thanks for your responses

[aberrant]

This school is my top choice and so I am hoping that if I make a strong impression that I could go from an M.A. to a Ph.D. there. So I have two questions for you guys

 

1) Do you guys think that my chances of getting in to the M.A. are good?

 

2) Do you guys think that I could make the transition from M.A. to Ph.D.?

 

​3) Do you think it is a good decision to go for the M.A.? I was thinking that maybe I can demonstrate that I can do graduate level work and that I really want it. 

There are 3 questions tho...

 

In my opinion:

1) For the MA program in the same school, your chance is high -- especially since they gave you that advice. I don't see how they benefit by telling you something untrue.

 

2) It depends on the program. You may ask the program coordinator to see how likely a MA student transfer/admit into the PhD program in the past.

 

3) Does the admission for your PhD program typically require research experience? Do you have any research experience? Will you gain research experience during your MA study? How will the MA degree differentiate you from someone who doesn't have a MA degree (besides the degree itself)? If research experience is necessary and you can gain research experience during your MA studies -- go for it -- if the tuition fees and other fees will not be a problem on your end.

 

Just my 2 cents.