Masters or PhD in Psychology?

thomas6241
Fri, 19 Dec 2014 05:51:32 +0000

I am interested in applying to either a masters or PhD program next year and I would like to know what is the best route for me. As for my background, I majored in political science and finished with a low 3.0 gpa. The only research experience I have is a poli sci research methods course in undergrad. I have not yet taken the GRE, but if there is any correlation at all, I did score a 160 on the LSAT when law school was being considered. I am studying for the GRE now and it seems quite easy for the most part. I am currently 30 years old and I have worked in medical software sales, import sales for overseas manufacturers and pharmaceutical sales; where I work now.

Considering my educational background (or lack thereof in psychology) and my work experience, what would be the best option for me? Is work experience even considered or weighed much in the application process? Should I non-matriculate at a 4 year school and take intro to PSY, PSY statistics and research methods, then apply to a PhD program? If that doesn’t seem feasible, should I take cheap classes at a community college and apply to a masters program?

As for the field I intend to study, I am interested in neuropsychology. I would prefer not to spend 2 years in a masters program knowing that it is likely that none of the credits will transfer into a PhD program. Would it be wise to non-matriculate and take a couple graduate level courses to improve my candidacy? This is based off the assumption that non-matriculated graduate courses have a more lenient admissions acceptance for someone like myself with no psychology background.

I am looking for the best options to improve my application. I intend to volunteer or find paid research jobs in the meantime so I can have my letters of recommendation lined up while getting research experience. I realize I am not old, but I am not young either so time is a bit of concern. If it is possible to take courses ( possibly for a year) to get some psychology/research/statistical experience and then apply to a PhD program instead of spending time taking prereqs for my masters (a longer stepping stone), I would much prefer the former of the two.

Thank you in advance for any advice.