MSW, MSN, or PhD in Clinical Psychology

Graduate School
1

<p>I recently graduated with an AB in psychology (minor in English) and am currently researching graduate school options. My career goal is to work primarily in a clinical or hospital setting with a strong focus on improving quality of mental healthcare for underserved populations such as the homeless, the young LGBT community, and mentally ill individuals living in state long-term care facilities. </p>

<p>Currently, I am deciding whether to apply to an MSW program (target schools: University of Washington, Columbia University, Smith College), MSN nursing immersion in psychiatry / mental health (Seattle University, Yale) or a clinical PhD program (UW, Teacher’s College at Columbia, University of Michigan).</p>

<p>While I am aware of the fundamental differences between these courses of study, I am unsure which course(s) would provide an optimal balance of direct patient care and opportunities to facilitate social change. My desire is to improve quality of life. While financial compensation is a factor it is by no means a defining one. </p>

<p>I know that admission to clinical psych programs in particular is extremely competitive. As an undergraduate, I earned a 3.43 GPA at an Ivy. I am also an underrepresented minority (Black and Latina). I have not yet taken the GRE but I am currently preparing for it. I have the academic prerequisites for the clinical psychology and MSW programs but would need to take some nonmatriculated science classes to prepare for the MSN nursing immersion. I do not have research experience yet but I am applying to Lab Assistant positions prior to graduate school.</p>

<p>Which degree would I (likely) be most qualified for, and would provide the greatest benefit to the named communities? I am leaning towards the MSW for now but it seems as if its value is decreasing, and the MSN programs are slated to be converted to DNP in 2015. </p>

<p>Thank you so much! Any advice is greatly appreciated.</p>

2

<p>MSW value decreasing? Ask any doctoral level psychologist–their scope is encroaching on their duties. MSWs are higher in demand now that they’re being allowed to take care of many of the assessments and therapy that used to only be available for Ph.D./Psy.D./M.D., and at their relatively lower cost to hire, they’re putting a lot of new psychology graduates into unemployment.</p>

3

<p>Despite the lower earnings, the MSW degree will always be in higher demand.</p>

4

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<p>Therapy, yes, perhaps. Assessments are still a PhD/PsyD-only domain, though.</p>

<p>I’ve heard from both recent MSW gradsa and recent PhD grads that the job market is tough at the moment, all around.</p>

5

<p>Hello Jessi,</p>

<p>I know that this reply is late since this has been posted about a year ago. I want to let you know that the MSW degree is not as lucrative as it once was before the economy has plummeted! I know because I currently possess a MSW degree from an Ivy League institution and I have a BA in Psychology. Even though I am minority male (Black/African American) working in a “high demand” profession…my options/opportunities have been minimal! At one point in my educational plan, I have been planning on pursing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. However, I’m not interested in research per se and it would be pointless pursuing a PsyD since I’m already doing psychotherapy already on the masters level! I’m actually planning on pursing my interests in nursing particularly psychiatric/mental health nursing to combine my love for the field and my strong interests in nursing. I am in the process of taking my pre-reqs now to enter into an accelerated BSN program since I already posses a bachelors degree!
In terms of your career interests and goals, I would suggest in you finding out for yourself what your interests are and then decide! When it comes to your career you want to consider your passion then flexibility in terms of options/creativity/growth and nursing has many more options than PhD level psychology and/or Social Work…both are great professions. However, you may experience a plateau in terms of professional growth and advancement (i.e. psychotherapy, diagnosing, testing, and research, and publication vs. psychotherapy, advocacy, social work research/publication respectively), which can be accomplished on the masters level if you can find an opportunity to pursue those interests within this job market. </p>

<p>Well, I wish you the best of luck in your educational endeavors! Good luck!</p>