There are several reasons you may be considering getting your Masters in Psychology. Whether you’re trying to advance your career, become an expert in...
There are several reasons you may be considering getting your Masters in Psychology. Whether you’re trying to advance your career,
become an expert in your field, or would like to change jobs entirely, going back to school is the right way to do it. These days, a master’s degree is pretty much the professional minimum for Psychology. It’s a tough job market and the decision to go that extra mile can really give you the edge you need.
But not every graduate program is created equal, and neither is every graduate school. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when trying to find the right fit for your needs.
Is the school accredited? This is the most important question you’ll need to answer because this determines whether the school is qualified to give you what you need. Otherwise, you risk getting a substandard education that isn’t going to do you any good in the real world. Even if you don’t care about accreditation, your potential employer will.
Does the school offer class schedules that accommodate working professionals? Reputable schools will often offer flexible evening, weekend, or online programs that allow you to keep your nine to five. Graduate school is expensive and it doesn’t just pay for itself. You always have the option of going into debt up to your eyeballs, but it’s not always practical to quit your job and live on Ramen while you’re going to school.
Where is it located? You might be in a position to sacrifice all for your Masters in Psychology and get up and move, but there’s no reason you can’t find a school to meet your needs locally. Even if you can’t find what you want across town, several reputable, accredited schools offer online degree programs.
What are your career goals? Find a school that is prepared to offer you exactly what you’re looking for to ensure your ability to find a job later. The good news is the field of psychology is so broad you can practically customize your area of study. If getting your masters is just a stepping stone to your PhD, then you’re going to want to choose a program that’s compatible with that. On the other hand, if you’re going straight into the clinical field, you’ll be looking for an entirely different program.
How much does the program cost? First, start by looking at your budget. What are you willing to spend? What is the cost to benefit ratio? And what are you getting for the money? Just because a program is expensive doesn’t mean you’re getting ripped off, and an inexpensive program doesn’t necessarily equate to a great deal. You definitely don’t want to go with the lowest bidder if this means sacrificing your standards, like whether a school is accredited. But you also don’t want to spend more than you can afford. Yes, it’d be nice to go with the program that provides job placement after you’re done, but don’t be afraid to say you just can’t afford it if you really can’t.
What’s the school’s reputation? Some of the key indicators here will be how many people graduate, where graduates end up working, and how long the school has been around. To get a good idea of the school’s reputation, you’ll have to do a little research, but it really pays off. Talk to graduates, if at all possible, but also form your own opinion. Talk to the staff, the advisors, and other people in the area. Visit the campus and do an online search for forums where people might be giving some feedback about the school.
The most important thing to keep in mind when trying to find the right place for your Masters in Psychology is to trust yourself to make the right decision. No one is more qualified to make your choice than you are. As long as you do your research and make your decision carefully, you’ll soon be on your way to a satisfying education and fulfilling career.
