Graduate School & Grad Level Career Options for Psych Students Career Services

Why are you thinking about going to Graduate School? Reasons to go • You have clearly identified a target area of great interest • Your field requires you to have an advanced degree to progress in your specific area • You are ready to put real world experience and theoretical knowledge together Reasons NOT to go • Nervous about the job search • Putting off entering the working world • You are comfortable at SSU and don’t really want to leave • If I don’t go now I know I’ll never go • Pressure from significant others

Factors to Consider Master’s or Doctorate? Fit of program Type of Degree Type of Institution (next slide) Geographic Preference Academic Requirements Name Recognition Assistantships Costs Focus - Curriculum How to Graduates do in the job market Current faculty recommendation of programs

The Admission Application Process Organized application process; quality materials Applicant evaluation criteria Standardized test scores GPA and coursework Letters of recommendation Transcripts Experience and co-curricular activities Essays – Critical!! Interviews Resumes Q. How many programs should you apply to?

Timeline Jun-Aug: Start researching schools Aug-Sept: Work on résumé and have it reviewed; Look at school program information, contact students/faculty Oct: Continue researching schools; Prepare for GRE; Make a list of your search priorities (location, concentration, etc…); Select reference persons; Attend an Open House or information session; Draft an essay and have it reviewed Nov: Begin applying to schools; Sign up for GRE/other required exams; Confirm deadlines for programs; Make personal contacts at the programs you like Dec: Finalize your résumé; Continue to prepare for exams; Review information regarding potential assistantships Jan: Start sending out résumés/cover letters; Finish sending school applications; Prepare for interviews (arrange mock interviews)

Timeline Feb: Interviews Identify & apply to assistantships Mar: Keep communicating with faculty and staff; Follow-up with thank you notes and express interest Apr: On-campus interviews; Last GRE date/deadline quickly approaching May: On-campus interviews continue for full-time positions; Programs wrapping-up admissions/assistantship hiring; Some will have rolling admissions process; Watch for summer placement exchange conferences Adapted from J. Schmidt, Central Michigan University

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES American Psychological Society The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA is the world's largest association of psychologists, with nearly 130,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. Our mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.

Psych Careers with Advanced Degrees Occupational Outlook Handbook Career Services Links Philanthropy Careers CSO Social Service.com NASW Psych Web Joblink Social Work Job Bank Opportunity Knocks Massachusetts School Counselors Association Idealist.org Bridgestar CommonGoodCareers

Jobs Outpatient Clinician Requires a Master’s Degree in Social Work, or related field or is licensed at the independent level in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; or a Doctorate in Psychology from an accredited university/college and licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; or is licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Substance Abuse Counselor Masters degree in Counseling, Social Work, Education or Rehabilitation Counseling, or LADCI. CRISIS TEAM SPEC/PERDIEM/ROTATING Required Master's in social work, clinical psychology, psychiatric nursing, or closely related area. FT Faculty, Psychology, Fall 2014 Master’s degree in Psychology required; doctorate preferred. LIC CLINICIAN MH, PER VISIT Required Master’s Degree in Social Work or other qualifying Master’s Degree as described by the board of Allied Mental Health Professional.