Quick Search

Active Bloggers

HBCU CONNECT HBCU CONNECT
Central State University class of 1995
Reginald Culpepper Reginald Culpepper
Clark Atlanta University class of 1998
How May I Help You NC How May I Help You NC
Bellarmine University class of 2021
Shykeria Lifleur Shykeria Lifleur
Other College... class of
Yazmín Müller Yazmín Müller
class of
rickey johnson rickey johnson
Other College... class of
Beverly Johnson Beverly Johnson
class of
LaMarr Blackmon LaMarr Blackmon
Cal St Univ, Long Beach class of 1992

Before You Choose a Psychology Graduate School

Before You Choose a Psychology Graduate School
Posted By: How May I Help You NC on February 26, 2016

So you've decided to go to psychology graduate school, but now you face a difficult question: What graduate school should you choose? While you may know exactly what you want to study and have a specific career goal, not all psychology graduate programs are created equal.

In order to find the right program for your needs, interests, and goals, it is essential to explore all of your options and consider a number of different factors. The following are just a few of the big considerations you have to make before you pick a psychology graduate program.

Where Is the School Located?

When you are comparing different psychology graduate schools, carefully consider the school's location. Do you plan on moving away to attend graduate school, or would you prefer to remain closer to family and friends? If possible, visit each school and some time touring both the campus and local community. Is it in a rural or urban area? Think about your own needs and wishes and then prepare a list of pros and cons for each area.

How Much is the Cost of Attendance?

Psychology graduate schools vary widely in terms of tuition and fees, so it is important to realistically consider your current financial situation. Prepare an estimate of yearly tuition and living expenses for each school you are considering and compare it with your savings, yearly earnings, and willingness to acquire debt.



Do you plan on taking out student loans to pay for school, or are you planning to utilize your current savings? Are there scholarships or graduate assistantships that you could apply for that would help pay for psychology graduate school?

Graduate school can be expensive, but careful planning can help you budget for your education.

What is the Program's Teaching Philosophy?

Each psychology graduate school has a different approach to teaching. Each school also emphasizes different aspects of psychology in the curriculum. If you plan on working in academia or research after graduation, consider programs that focus on experimental methods, psychological theory, and research experience.

If you want to work directly in patient care, you will want to look for programs that offer coursework in clinical topics and allow students to practice skills in real-world situations.

What Type of Degree Does the Program Offer?

Carefully consider the degree options of each psychology graduate school. Does the department offer a general degree, or can you specialize your field of study? Request a course catalog and look at the type of courses the department offers. Also check that the program and curriculum meets state requirements for licensing or certification in your chosen field.

What Is the School's Reputation?

First and foremost, make sure that the psychology graduate school you are applying to is accredited. Accreditation requirements ensure that the program meets a certain level of quality and that the coursework and faculty can provide adequate training and education. Do graduates of the program seem satisfied with their experience? Ask the department for information on where graduates of the program found employment and the availability of job search assistance.

Source: http://psychology.about.com/od/psychology1...
If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email!
Comments
Please Login To Post Comments...
Email:
Password:

 
More From This Author
Spending time in a GARAGE Build it Guard it Design it Man Cave it
Jimmy Smith - Jackson State
Love a little help from my friend: Stevie Wonder
Who were the Original Founders of YouTube?
YouTube CEO — 4 Big Priorities for 2026 Neal Mohan
Unc, Ocho, & LT GET REAL on why Running Backs get PAID the WORST in the NFL! | Nightcap
Latest Graduate School Info
Inspiring Event Tailored to Students and Alumni of Historically Black Colleges & Universities to Explore Graduate Programs

Inspiring Event Tailored to Students and Alumni of Historically Black Colleges & Universities to Explore Graduate Programs

Weatherhead Experience: North Star to LeadershipWednesday, March 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM until 7:00 PMEastern Standard Time UTC -05:00 Join us for an engaging and inspiring event tailored to student ...more
Will Moss • 1,758 Views • February 24th, 2025
Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunity!

Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunity!

We, at www.stemuscenter.org, just completed our first two informational sessions on Research Fellowship opportunity for STEM and Social Science doctoral students. The mission of our center is to te ...more
Manisha Maurya • 1,389 Views • October 23rd, 2024
4 Habits for Success in Online School

4 Habits for Success in Online School

Online education has become an increasingly popular option for students over the years, especially due to the current global pandemic. However, succeeding in online school takes more than just a good ...more
Anica Oaks • 1,672 Views • February 1st, 2024
Life After College: Getting Your First Job And More

Life After College: Getting Your First Job And More

There’s only one thing that beats the excitement of your HBCU college experience – and that’s graduation and life after college! But are you ready? There are so many decisions to make, from where to l ...more
S. Moore • 3,227 Views • May 22nd, 2023
Life After College: Getting Your First Job And More

Life After College: Getting Your First Job And More

There’s only one thing that beats the excitement of your HBCU college experience – and that’s graduation and life after college! But are you ready? There are so many decisions to make, from where to l ...more
S. Moore • 3,070 Views • May 22nd, 2023
Popular Graduate School Info
People Judge Your Intelligence Based on the Tone of Your Voice and How Fast You Speak

People Judge Your Intelligence Based on the Tone of Your Voice and How Fast You Speak

Do you want people to think you are intelligent? Has someone ever told you “You’re much smarter than you look.”? No doubt it can sting to be perceived as less intelligent, particularly when you ...more
How May I Help You NC • 30,539 Views • June 12th, 2017
How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

If youd like to improve your reading comprehension, try the SQ3R method. This is an acronym that means: Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review. Heres how it works: Survey Your Text Prior t ...more
How May I Help You NC • 24,089 Views • June 12th, 2017
Never procrastinate and always free time…..

Never procrastinate and always free time…..

One blog I read regularly is by Leo Babauta, called zen habits. Essentially, he writes all about simplifying your life. A while ago, Scott Young was a guest blogger for Babuata’s website and wrote a p ...more
How May I Help You NC • 13,819 Views • April 19th, 2018
MVSU to host Graduate Expo March 1

MVSU to host Graduate Expo March 1

Why should you consider an advanced degree? How will you finance your graduate education? What program of study is the best fit for you? For the answer to these questions and many more, attend Mis ...more
How May I Help You NC • 12,739 Views • February 27th, 2018
How Academic Parents Can Find Time to Exercise

How Academic Parents Can Find Time to Exercise

A question that often comes up when I do campus workshops on work/life balance is how and when busy academic parents can find time to exercise. As we get older, it becomes increasingly important for u ...more
How May I Help You NC • 12,400 Views • April 19th, 2018
Please Give Us a Like on Facebook!