Should I apply for Masters if I do not get accepted?

[PsyOwl]

This has been an interesting experience for me. I have applied for 11 schools, was rejected from one and got an upcoming interview in another school. The other 9 schools have not contacted me, which does not sound that promising. I am 27 and have a decent job. I am at that age where I want to start a family and have kids. If I do not pass the interview, I was thinking of going for my Masters in Social work and getting lischenced. Afterwards I will try applying for Clinical PhD again.

Do you guys think its a good idea to have Masters in Social Work before applying for PhD, or would it look worse?

 

[Rigid_Designator]

My goal is cognitive psychology doctorate, so a little different. But my first run of Ph.D. apps as an undergrad led to total rejection. Quickly, I applied for an MS in psychological sciences. Accepted quickly without even having to interview (other MS students did have to interview, meaning that although not considered qualified for doctoral work at that point, I was more than qualified for master's level work...now perhaps also doctoral work but my application and lack of research experience suggested not to my schools of interest). I will be graduating with my MS in May, and I must say my competence level as a researcher and independence in the field of psychology has increased exponentially over the past 1.5 years. My point is that graduate work prior to the doctoral degree can be extremely helpful in building your skills and exploring your interests as an individual and building your CV for a more powerful second run.

However, I suggest you go to a master program focusing in clinical psychology if that is your ultimate goal. If you need to become a social worker or want to do so, I don't see how it could hurt. But be sure to explain the reasons for this in any future interview because POIs might wonder why you went off to social work rather than psych for a MS/MA. What all my professors tell me is that admittance to a doctoral program require your interview to solidify your focus as a researcher. To show them you're focused on it,  live for it, and are willing to work day in day out for the next 5-7 years in this field with plenty of enthusiasm.

[PsyOwl]

THank you so much for  quick reply. The problem with MA in psych you don't do much research and you are definately not liscencable. To me that is an issue. With Social work there will be research and practice and Clinical Social Worker is well rounded in psychopathology, which is ultimately my interest. I thosught I could do research as an MA student in developmental psychopathology and hope to continue my research as a Doctoral student.

Again thank you. Your reply was very informative.