Economics BA, Psychology MS?

[mightyb]

I graduated a little over a year ago with a BA in Economics. Over the course of my studies, I realized that even though I loved economics, I didn't want a career in finance/insurance etc. After graduating I managed to get a job in a direct care role working with children who have experienced recent traumatic events. The rest of the staff have psychology or education BA's.

 

I have come to realize that I really want to get a graduate degree in clinical psychology. I graduated from a decent state school summa cum laude, and I won awards etc., so my academic record is stellar. I was thinking that maybe if I take a handful of psychology undergraduate courses (abnormal psych, research methods, developmental psych) I could be accepted into a masters program. If my current job works out, I could have good references in this field as well. Is this realistic?

[scarvesandcardigans]

Absolutely. I know someone that graduated with a BA in Studio Art and has since completed a Master's in Clinical Counseling. The clinical Master's program at my undergrad university (I have a BA in psychology) has a very diverse background.

 

Having hands-on experience, solid references, and showing that you are invested enough to go ahead with some preliminary coursework says a lot. Of course you would probably have to check the program requirements before you apply. If there is a psychology requirement from undergrad, it may very well behoove you to contact the program if you are truly interested. You would certainly have an interesting SOP or personal statement/history to show. I have confidence!

Edited March 24, 2015 by scarvesandcardigans

[EastCoasting]

I think that if you conducted some research and took the require psychology courses (probably about 5) you would even been a good doctoral program candidate with your experience

[willdabeast]

mightyb, are you me? lol. I have an undergraduate in econ too and I'm potentially going into a masters program (Wake Forest) in the fall.

 

I did exactly what you are thinking of doing; took an Abnormal Psych. course at a community college while working in finance (thanking the gods everyday for being out of this industry!). I have since reenrolled as a full-time student, and I'm taking a number of base-level psychology classes while working in a research lab.

 

So yes, this is very realistic for you. I had great grades like you and my GRE wasn't horrific. I think if you have some kickass (academic) references and a refined and research-directed personal statement, you'll have a great chance at getting into a masters program. I think it's also possible to do classes and work in a research lab for 1-2 years and then go directly into a PhD program. But from what I've heard about the dreadful Clinical competition, it seems like a masters under the belt may fare well when application season comes around. And this is only my current line of thinking right now (I have gone back and forth on the options as I'm not sure there is a better one). Also, maybe research into both Clinical and Counseling psychology PhD programs. I believe Counseling programs prefer more field experience while Clinical wants researchers, researchers, researchers. It sounds like you enjoy working where you do, and you may be benefited by staying there if you apply to Counseling PhD programs.

 

Hope this helps and best of luck. Cheers!

[KW58D]

Agree, take those courses get some research time, and do well on the GRE. You'll get an abundance of offers I'm sure.

 

Mind you my undergrad was in Aeronautics.

Edited March 25, 2015 by KW58D

[willdabeast]

KW58D, are you applying to masters or phd programs?

[KW58D]

I applied to Ph.D programs. I have an M.A. in Org. psych and took a few additional UG psych. courses like you mentioned.