1. Dr. Melissa Himelein (Clinical Psychologist) & Dr. Melissa Smith (Developmental Psychologist)

2. 1. Do I want or need to go to graduate school? 2. Do I want to go to graduate school now? 3. What is my career vision?  Helping profession, teaching/research, other career area?  If helping profession, what type?  Master’s or doctorate degree?

4.  Clinical psych (MA, PhD, PsyD)  Counseling psychology (MA, PhD)  School psychology (MA, PhD)  Rehabilitation psychology (MA, PhD)

5.  Counseling (school, agency, substance abuse, marriage & family, rehab, college student development)*  Social work*  Speech pathology  Occupational therapy  Creative arts therapy (art, dance/movement, drama, music)  Human resource development *most common for UNC Asheville psychology majors

6.  Work with children with special needs  Special education  Adapted physical education  Applied behavior analysis  Careers in recreation  Therapeutic recreation  Outdoor education  Outdoor leadership  Criminal justice/criminology  Health professions  Public health  Psychiatric nursing/family nurse practitioner  Health education/promotion  Physician assistant, physical therapy

7.  Consider: Is now the right time?  Thoroughly investigate your field of interest  Grades are #1, GREs (if required) are #2 (and prepare for the GREs!)  Gain relevant helping experience (volunteer work, summer jobs, Psych 412 internship class)  Get to know/impress your professors (recommendations!)  Work hard on your applications (personal statement)

8.  Consider: Is now the right time?  Research experience is essential  Carefully assess your credentials (grades, GREs, research experience)  “First hurdle” = Grades + GREs  “Second hurdle” = Research + Fit  Thoroughly investigate each program  Research match essential  Show you understand each program in your individually-tailored applications  Get to know/impress your professors (recommendations!)

9.  Deadlines: December 1 st - Feb 15 th  GRE preparation  GPA, research experience, clinical experience  Asking for recommendations  Applications = 1-2 courses

11.  Applied MA, MSW, & PsyD programs  Not much financial assistance  In-state programs most affordable  PhD programs  Tuition waivers  TA positions, RA positions

12.  Career options  teaching & research  research only  What do you need?  PhD  commitment! (and emotional resilience!)

13.  Choose an area of specialization  developmental  social  cognitive  neuroscience  experimental  industrial/organizational  Clinical/counseling academic jobs are also possible

14.  Requirements  undergraduate research experience ▪ clearly defined area of specialization ▪ match with faculty member key  letters of recommendation  high gpa  good GRE scores  personal statement / applications  What if your credentials need improvement?