Pathways for career change: post-bacc and other options

[Camero]

Hi All,

As a 28-year old attempting a career transition, with mind my set on eventually getting a PhD in clinical psychology, I could use some advice about the options available to me. At this stage it seems that I need to beef up my experience to be even considered eligible for a Phd. program: I have a BS in Econs but zero coursework in Psych and no experience with research or other psych related work. I have identified the post-bacc route as the most suitable for me to complete the pre-req courses and obtain lab experience and letters of recommendation. My concern now is that there are only a handful of suitable post-bacc courses, and together with my status of as an international student, I'm having doubts about getting accepted into anything at all.

Other pathways
Many of the suggestions from this forum, such as taking the pre-req. courses at a local college aren't an option for me. I live in Malaysia, and even though I have my heart set on the US, I'm uncertain about coming to the US just to take a few courses as non-degree seeking student. I'm not even sure how this would work with the visas; do you have to apply as a normal undergrad?
The appeal of post-baccs is the structured format and access to the research positions on campus (an international F-1 visa only allows for work within the campus). 
I have also considered online learning. This would fulfill pre-reqs but don't help with getting research experience or letters of recommendation.

Masters
If have already decided I want to do a Phd. a masters seems like a waste of time. Also, I don't think I would be eligible for a program of my choice for the same reasons I can't do a Phd yet: no pre-reqs, no research experience, and psych GRE.

Questions
1. I am looking for backup options in case I am rejected from all the post-bacc programs (full list of post-baccs im considering are below). I am looking at something for the upcoming academic year.
2. Are there any other post-baccs I have missed or similar courses that offer a research opportunities, resident full-time status(needed for visa) and that don't require me to already have psych experience, or pre-reqs.
3. Is my understanding of registering at undergrad level to fulill course requirements correct?

4. I would be grateful for any other advice or pointers to resources.

Thanks!

List of identified post-baccs (distance learning has been ruled out)
1. UC Berkeley
2. Columbia
3. Farleigh Dickinson
4. Penn LPS

[Timemachines]

I think you might be in a bit of a rush to write off a masters program. While majority of students reaching for a PhD in clinical tend to have psych related coursework, their undergraduate degrees vary (English, biology, computer science, etc.). I can't speak to the post bacc option (although it sounds like a great idea), but going for your masters in psychology may equally provide you with a research opportunity AND related course work. 

I think you have to ask yourself why you're interested in a PhD in particular. A research opportunity during a career changing program may not be sufficient in showing your commitment to the field of psychology and contribution to the scientific community. In saying that, the purpose is simply to illuminate that folks spend years refining their research experience, presenting and publishing their work, etc. If this is something you're mentally committed to, it will take time and may require a visa beyond your time of education.

Last thought is to steer clear of anything having to do with online education. You want accredited coursework and will otherwise miss important interactive conponents in core psych/stem courses such as methods, statistics, bio labs etc and potential thesis opportunities.

Best of luck to you! 

Edited January 20, 2016 by Timemachines

[sackofcrap]

You have just blown my mind because I didn't even know that post bacc programs in psychology even existed!!!

[kyarnold]

I found this thread through the search option.  I'm researching options for a friend of mine who is in literally the exact same situation: BA in Econ, international student, no experience in psych but trying to get into a grad program.

Camero, any update on your situation??