This page is a work in progress. Please check back regularly for more links to resources for preparing for psychology-related graduate programs. Please note, Dr. Burchett is not an expert in all of these career areas. The information and links are provided for broad informational purposes only, are not considered legal or career advice, and are not guaranteed to provide all necessary information for career planning success.
LINKS TO YOUTUBE CAREER VIDEOS & EVEN MORE CAREER VIDEOS
RESOURCES ABOUT CAREERS THAT DO vs DON’T REQUIRE POST-BA EDUCATION
- An Online Career Exploration Resource for Psychology Majors
- Careers in Psychology
- The Canadian Handbook for Careers in Psychological Science
RESOURCES ABOUT GRADUATE SCHOOL FUNDING AND SUPPORT
- Dr. Mitch Prinstein’s Professional Development Page
- Paying for Your Master’s Degree
- Paying for Graduate School
- Five Strategies to Pay for Graduate School
- Full Scholarships and Fully Funded Master’s Programs
- Student Loan Borrowers with Disabilities
- Undocumented Student Support at the University of California
- Advice for LGBTQ+ Medical School Applicants
BOOKS ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY CAREERS & GRADUATE SCHOOL
- Graduate Study in Psychology Book (APA)
- Graduate Study in Psychology Online Database (APA)
- Insider’s Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (Sayette & Norcross)
- The Portable Mentor: Expert Guide to a Successful Career in Psychology (Prinstein)
- APA’s Video About Applying to Graduate School (11:47)
RESOURCES ABOUT “POST-BACC” (POST-BACCALAUREATE) RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITIONS
- APA’s Video on Applying to Post-Bacc Positions (16:01)
- Matt Coleman’s Resources for Applying to Post-Graduate Research Positions in Psychology
- Psychology Jobs Wiki (Predocs Section)
- Psychology Grad School Wiki (Other Post-Grad Lab Positions Section)
- Clinical Psychology Post-Baccalaureate Positions
- Social Psychology Network Job Posting Forum
UNDERGRADUATE DIVERSITY WEEKEND AND SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
- Summer Training and Diversity Weekend Opportunities for Clinical and Other Areas (Use Google Search Terms if Links Become Outdated):
- UCLA’s Diversity Science News & Events (List of Several Opportunities)
- Society for Personality and Social Psychology Events (List of Several Opportunities)
- Council for University Directors of Clinical Psychology – Facebook Page & Weekend Event
- Several Chicago Graduate Programs – Diversifying Clinical Psychology in Chicago
- Miami University (OH) – Diversifying Psychology Weekend
- Northwestern University – Sneak Peek Program
- Stanford University Paths to PhD Event
- Syracuse University – Diversifying Psychology Weekend
- University of Massachusetts at Amherst – Attaining a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Event
- University of Michigan – Diversity Recruitment Weekend
- University of Minnesota – Diversity in Psychology Program
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Diversifying Psychology Weekend
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend
- University of Pennsylvania mind DivE In Program
- University of Pittsburgh – VPitt Program
- Rutgers University – Diversity Recruitment Night
- University of Virginia – Diversifying Psychology Visit Day
- University of Southern California – Latino Mental Health Research Training Program
- SUMMER research program for underrepresented minority, low-income, and rural students and post-baccalaureate individuals
UNDERGRADUATE SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES (AWAY FROM CSUMB) – Chat with UROC for Application Support)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program
- Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
- Summer Undergraduate Research Programs List
PSYCHOLOGY JOURNALS THAT WELCOME UNDERGRADUATE PAPERS
- The Undergraduate Research Journal of Psychology at UCLA
- Psi Chi Journal [requires one Psi Chi member]
COMMON TYPES OF GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Psychology Degrees that Prepare for Practice with a Professional License or Credential
Although this list of degrees can prepare individuals for careers in academic or research settings, they also prepare for career paths that involve direct intervention/evaluation. To practice independently, a license or credential is required.
- Clinical Psychology (M.A., M.S., Psy.D., Ph.D.)
- Psychologist License Requirements (CA)
- List of APA-Accredited Doctoral Programs in Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology
- Clinical Psych Grad Schools Information Page
- Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology
- 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Therapist
- Differences Between Clinical and Counseling Psychology
- Relevant Professional Organizations:
- APA Division 12: Society of Clinical Psychology
- APA Division 53: Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology
- Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
- California Psychological Association (CPA)
- APA Division 50: Society of Addiction Psychology List of PhD and PsyD Faculty Addiction Researchers
- Forensic Psychology Focus: Individuals interested in practicing within the forensic psychology domain (e.g., evaluations or treatment in prison, jail, state hospital, or other forensic settings) often have a background in clinical psychology, although some have a background in counseling or educational psychology. Relevant experience is needed to practice in this specialty area, so interested students should seek graduate programs that offer training in forensic psychology. Obtaining board certification in Forensic Psychology is recommended but not required.
- Clinical Neuropsychology Focus: Those with specialized training in neuropsychology typically complete a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in preparation to become board certified Clinical Neuropsychologists.
- List of Programs: APA Division 40 Clinical Neuropsychology Program List
- Relevant Professional Organizations:
- Counseling Psychology (M.A., M.S., Psy.D., Ph.D.)
- Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) License Requirements (CA)
- Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) List of California MFT Programs
- Resources for MFTs Working with Military Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) License Requirements (CA)
- Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) List of LPCC Programs
- Psychologist License Requirements (CA)
- List of APA-Accredited Doctoral Programs in Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology
- Art Therapy Advising Guide
- Differences Between Clinical and Counseling Psychology
- Relevant Professional Organizations:
- Educational & School Psychology (Doctoral and Specialist Levels)
- Licensed Educational Psychologist Requirements (CA)
- Psychologist License Requirements (CA)
- List of APA-Accredited Doctoral Programs in Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential Requirements (CA)
- Look for National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)-Accredited School Psychology training programs (see list here).
- Choose whether or not to obtain a Nationally Certified School Psychologist Credential
- Accredited Universities Offering Degrees in School Psychology (CA)
- Relevant Professional Organizations:
- Interview with a School Counselor (NPR)
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Psychologist License Requirements (CA)
- Note: Many individuals trained in I/O Psychology do not pursue licensure, depending on the scope of their professional practice. They may conduct consultations or research but cannot be referred to as a psychologist in most states. Others seek licensure in order to do direct interventions.
- See this SIOP statement for more information.
- Relevant Professional Organizations:
Note: The California Board of Psychology reserves the term, “psychologist” for individuals with a doctorate degree who are licensed as psychologists. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences oversees the licensure of several master’s-level careers. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing oversees the Pupil Personnel Services Credential. See their websites for specific information about requirements needed to obtain these professional credentials.
Other Graduate Degrees in Psychology (Not License-Eligible)
Individuals interested in pursuing careers focused on teaching and research may be interested in obtaining graduate degrees in one of these areas of psychology. Master’s level degrees may prepare you for lecturer or research positions. Doctoral level degrees are most likely to prepare you for tenure-track faculty positions and leadership roles in research organizations.
- Biopsychology (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.)
- Cognitive Psychology (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.)
- Relevant Professional Organizations:
- Developmental Psychology (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.)
- Relevant Professional Organizations:
- Experimental Psychology (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.)
- Health Psychology (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.)
- Exercise & Sport Psychology (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.)
- ABSP Summer Internship Experience
- Information on Sport Psychology
- Relevant Professional Organizations:
- Forensic Psychology (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.)
- Note: A degree in forensic psychology prepares for a career in research and teaching, but does not allow for licensure or work involving evaluation or treatment of individuals in forensic settings. Consider pursuing a degree in clinical psychology or other license-eligible area instead.
- The American Psychology-Law Society publishes a document of graduate programs that emphasize forensic psychology (research & clinical programs @ doctoral and master’s level)
- Note: Forensic psychologists do not engage in criminal profiling. That practice is typically utilized by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and police forces. Consider looking into FBI Special Agent careers instead, but understand that Special Agents may work many years before obtaining opportunities related to criminal profiling.
- APA Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology
- Relevant Professional Organizations:
- Social Psychology (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.)
Other Careers Closely Related to Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analyst
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) are certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. More details are available here.
- Consider joining a professional organization such as the California Association for Behavioral Analysis.
- Corrections Officer
- Corrections officers are overseen by the Board of State and Community Corrections (CA)
- Credentialed K-12 Teacher
- Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.)
- Genetic Counselor (Master’s)
- Genetic counselors must be licensed in order to practice. In California, they are overseen by the California Department of Public Health
- Licensed Genetic Counselor License Requirements (CA)
- Lawyer (J.D.)
- Neuroscience (Ph.D.)
- Occupational Therapist
- School Counselor (PPS Credential)
- School counselors must be credentialed. See the California Association for School Counselors for more information.
- Social Work (M.S.W., D.S.W., Ph.D.)
- Social workers must be licensed in order to practice. They are overseen by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker License Requirements (CA)
- Accredited Schools of Social Work (CA)
- Peace Officer
- Psychiatrist (M.D.)
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors, overseen by the Medical Board of California
- Probation Officer
- Probation officers are overseen by the Board of State and Community Corrections (CA)
- Public Health (M.P.H.)
- Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist
- Speech-language pathologists and audiologists must be licensed in order to practice. They are overseen by the Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
- Speech-Language Pathologist (Master’s) and Audiologist (Doctorate) Licensure Requirements Overview (CA)
PH.D. VERSUS PSY.D.: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
- Emphasis on Preparation for Research versus Clinical Practice Careers.
- Vail (Practitioner-Scholar) Model.
- Boulder (Scientist Practitioner) Model.
- Super-Boulder (Clinical Science) Model.
- Assistantships, Tuition Waivers, and Cost.
- Class Sizes.
- Acceptance Rates.
STEPS IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS (More details to come)
- Check out APA’s Video Series on Grad School Applications
- Check out several relevant resources.
- The Gentle Guide for Applying to Graduate Schools
- So You’re Thinking of Applying to Grad School?
- How to Become a Scientist While Poor
- How NOT to Apply to Grad School
- A Guide for Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Students Applying for a Ph.D.
- APA Webinar: Preparing and Applying for Graduate School in Psychology
- Graduate Study in Psychology: Successfully Navigating the Application Process
- Swimming with the Sharks: How to Get into Graduate School
- Careers in Psychology Website
- UROC’s Graduate School Resources
- Three Keys for Graduate School Success
- The Professor is In (Geared toward Post-PhD job applications but includes relevant information for undergraduates as well; free and paid resources)
- How to Pick a Graduate Advisor (tips on seeking mentorship)
- Decide on the type(s) of graduate programs that align with your experiences and career goals.
- Check out the Psychology Grad School Wiki for a (non-comprehensive) list of mentors who are planning to take a student in the coming year
- Consider whether to make contact with potential mentors by email.
- Create an application budget and a budget for attending programs of interest.
- Create an application timeline.
- Create a list of potential programs.
- Resources to Locate Programs:
- Graduate Programs in Psychology (Most Areas)
- Clinical/Counseling Doctoral Programs
- Programs that Emphasize Forensic Psychology
- CACREP-Accredited Programs in Counseling and Related Areas
- Graduate Programs that Emphasize Addictive Behaviors
- Conduct a thorough internet search (e.g., “Social Work Graduate School + California”) for your specific interests
- Resources to Locate Programs:
- Evaluate fit and rigor to narrow/alter your list of programs.
- American Psychological Association Accredited Programs in Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology: APA Accreditation speaks to the strong reputation of a program, and attending an APA Accredited program makes the licensure process much smoother. This link shows which programs are APA Accredited.
- EPPP Pass Rates by Ph.D./Psy.D. Program: Licensed psychologists must pass the EPPP licensure exam before obtaining their license. This link shows the percentage of examinees in various graduate programs who have passed the EPPP licensure exam.
- CPLEE Pass Rates by Ph.D./Psy/D. Program: Licensed psychologists in California must pass the CPLEE before obtaining their license. This link shows the percentage of examinees in various graduate programs who have passed the CPLEE licensure exam.
- Prepare for the Graduate Record Examination:
- See the GRE Prep Tab for more resources.
- Request Letters of Recommendation.
- Prepare and revise your Curriculum Vitae.
- Prepare and revise your Personal Statement and supplemental essays.
- Aim to submit applications two weeks before they are due.
- Prepare for telephone and in-person interviews.
- APA’s Video on Interviewing for Graduate School with Confidence (18:18)
- Sample Questions for Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs
- Work with Career Development or faculty to prepare for interviews & do a mock interview
- Consider paying for interview training (e.g., Big Interview)
- Accepting an Offer
Danielle Burchett, Ph.D. 