| In my experience working with undergraduates, I've | | | | therapy. (Warning: If you have no interest in research, it |
| observed that students are really intrigued with the | | | | is probably not the wisest idea to pursue a Ph.D. in |
| peculiarities of human behavior. Anorexia and | | | | Clinical Psychology!). |
| depression are probably among some of the "hottest | | | | Many students are also unaware of graduate |
| topics" that appeal to psychology majors. Ask | | | | programs outside of Psychology that offer training in |
| students and they'll usually say that they are interested | | | | therapy. A Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) will also |
| in being a therapist or counselor. They want to | | | | provide necessary training to work as a therapist. |
| facilitate the process to help others experience relief | | | | Social workers who practice psychotherapy are |
| from debilitating psychological problems. And then most | | | | usually called either clinical social workers or psychiatric |
| students seem to think that Clinical Psychology is the | | | | social workers. Clinical social workers also have the |
| only way to achieve their career goal. | | | | ability to diagnose and treat psychological issues, so |
| Wait! You mean that's not true? | | | | this is another great area to consider given your |
| Have you ever heard of the field of Counseling | | | | particular interests. |
| Psychology? Very similar to Clinical, except that while | | | | I encourage students to be very specific in defining |
| clinical psychologists focus on diagnosis and treatment | | | | their career goals. While "I want to help people" or "I |
| of mental disorder, counseling psychologists work with | | | | want to be a counselor" sounds admirable, it is still |
| clients through everyday life issues and transitions, | | | | nonspecific in determining which graduate program |
| such as career development, family and relationship | | | | best fits your career goals. Are you interested in |
| issues, even issues of race identity or sexuality. Usually, | | | | exclusively working with clients with mental disorders? |
| these psychologists have earned the terminal degree, | | | | What about everyday life problems? Are you |
| or the Ph.D. | | | | interesting in going the distance to receive a terminal |
| You may have also heard of the professional degree | | | | degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)? Taking some time out for |
| in psychology or the Psy.D. The Psy.D. focuses almost | | | | self-reflection may enable you to figure out which |
| exclusively on training in therapy rather than research. | | | | career path works best for you! |
| This is a great option for students interested solely in | | | | |