So I was thinking...

[rdwaynewright]

of doing this

I'm thinking of going part-time for an MA in Clinical Counseling Psychology.

I'm not so worried about this turning out like my failed grad school attempt from '05 because this time I'd be going for something that I'm absolutely positive I like, instead of something that I really wasn't even sure about and undertook hastily and for all the wrong reasons, which I now realize. I've been thinking this over for at least four years, maybe five now. Besides, I kind of offer counsel and analyze everything by habit at this point. I know I'm pretty good at it and I like doing it. Also, I'd finally be doing something with my degree in an academic sense. I just feel like I should take it further at some point and get the most out of my schooling.

I have the GPA to get in easily (3.5 in my major, 3.3 cumulative) and even if I didn't I think I probably have the GRE scores (1150 overall). I only need two letters of recommendation (easily obtained because I've kept in contact with a lot of people) and the short essay would be a cinch because essays are one of my strengths. My job history is an asset because I've worked with statistics programs and research projects, as well as non-profit human service type work. And I have more than the preferred two years of work experience. Well, sorta. I've spent fair chunks of that time being unemployed, but that's hardly my fault and anyway, the work time that I have had still adds up to more than 24 months.

My one concern is more student loans. :( I owe on two loans that equal out to well over $60K. $20K was tacked on from my first grad school stint in 05-06. However, you can make for more money with an MA and in this city there are a TON of positions open that I'm interested in that all require a Master's degree, so I don't think there would be a shortage of work. At least not as much of a shortage as there is for someone with only a Bachelor's. With the increased salary, the risk might be worth the reward. I'm already resigned to paying these things off for 30+ years, so what's another 5 or 10?

idk, what do you guys think, should I do it? I've been asking everyone I can think of, including my old professors. When I talk to my therapist this week (she was sick on Saturday, so no therapy), I'll ask her too.

Comments

[psychicherz.livejournal.com]

What is the difference between the MA in Clinical Psychology Counseling and an MSW? I know that with an MSW you can work abroad, because there are a lot of countries with shortages in social workers, so you're pretty much guaranteed a good job somewhere with one, but I don't know if it's similar for this degree.

[ayaneva.livejournal.com]

Well I would go for the Professional Counseling track within the program and eventually become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I think my job options are less flexible than with an MSW because, from what I've been able tell, the purpose of an LPC is more specific and more narrowly defined.

The main difference really boils down to the practices of psychology versus sociology, I think, and tbh, I have only a bare bones idea of what exactly is involved with sociology. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is sociology how a person interacts with and relates to the society around them? With the number of required psych courses that we had to take as psych majors, I think very few of us took more than one or two sociology courses and only then because it was required. There just wasn't enough time. :(

From La Salle's website:

Who are Professional Counselors and What Do They Do?

Although the specific title differs by state, licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are master’s-level clinicians who provide mental health, psychological, or human development principles to address wellness, personal growth, career development, and mental or emotional health issues. Education and training is oriented toward the adoption of a client-centered, rather than illness-centered, approach.

LPCs work with individuals or groups in the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders. Other activities of counselors include consultation, prevention, and research. LPCs make up a large percentage of the workforce employed in mental health agencies and organizations, and their work is covered by managed care organizations and health plans. Many LPCs have a private practice.

Maybe that will help answer your question? I can really only tell you about psychology, but since you know more of what's involved with sociology and an MSW I'm hoping I've provided enough information so that you have some basis for comparison.

[psychicherz.livejournal.com]

Hmm, that sounds really interesting. I'm interested to see what you'll decide to do. xx