Applying to psychology masters with an economics masters - do i have a shot?

[crispyleefonsworth]

I have a Master's in Economics degree from a top-20 school. My marks were all between A- and A+, and I think I ended up being above average in the program, potentially top 25%.

I've become a bit disillusioned with economics, and I'd love to do a master's in psychology, either out of interest, or to take a shot at becoming a professor. The problem is that I don't really have an undergraduate background in psychology. I'm confident that I'd be able to do well, I had a really weak background in statistics/calculus during my masters, and was able to teach myself basic concepts during the program.

Would I have any kind of chance at getting in? What kind of schools should I look at?

 

[_kita]

The biggest argument you will have to make is why psychology, and how do you know for certain? If it a casual interest, then the program is more likely to accept someone who wants to make a career out of it. Also, if you want to become a psychology professor, you're best chances are with a PhD Psychology. You can adjunct or possibly work at a community college, but programs are increasingly seeking PhD candidates. Those that have a chance without one have been grandfathered into the field with professional experience already. Because masters degrees offer little financial support (expect heavy loans out of it), you have a better chance. They accept more applicants, and tend to have a lot of career path changers (or students building up skills). But you really have to make a good argument for yourself.

[crispyleefonsworth]

thank you for your response!

[dancedementia]

I had a bachelor's in Economics and made it into several great masters program; eventually matriculated at a mental health counseling program, but got accepted to several psych ones too. I actually had really really bad grades - 2.8 GPA hahaha. So yes, it is possible. My biggest sell was that I had done the econ thing as a job for several years, and while working in industry I noticed a lot of colleagues suffering from mental health problems but unwilling to seek help due to social stigma. I sold this as my motivation for pursuing psychology (obviously it was a truth, I wasn't just pulling a sob story out of my ass) and it worked

tl;dr -- have a truly compelling reason for why psychology. You have good grades so your academics and discipline are not the issue, it's making sure that you actually legit want to go into the field. Good luck!

[Heavensmaiden]

I dont see a problem you would just have to take the psy subtest when applying.

[t_ruth]

You've got some good responses, but it would be easier to give you specific advice if you were specific as far as what sub-field of psychology you are interested in. What would you like to research? What burning questions do you have that a degree and work in psychology would allow you to answer?