Graduate SchoolGraduate SchoolCheck out undergraduate advising :Check out undergraduate advising :

Larry Pruitt: e-mail address: psyvice@scs.unr.eduLarry Pruitt: e-mail address: psyvice@scs.unr.edu– Call 775-784-6828 Ext 0 to set up an appointmentCall 775-784-6828 Ext 0 to set up an appointment

http://www.apa.org/students/http://www.apa.org/students/http://www.unr.edu/psych/http://www.unr.edu/psych/– How to applyHow to apply

How to apply to graduate school (Hayes & Hayes)How to apply to graduate school (Hayes & Hayes)

Why go into graduate school?Why go into graduate school?

BA/BS in psychology is a foundationBA/BS in psychology is a foundation– Broad introduction to psychology as a scienceBroad introduction to psychology as a science– Entry-level jobs in human services & business/industryEntry-level jobs in human services & business/industry– Advanced trainingAdvanced training

What are the next steps after undergraduate training?What are the next steps after undergraduate training?

Identify your interests Identify your interests – Work opportunitiesWork opportunities– Graduate trainingGraduate training

MANY AREAS OF GRADUATE STUDYMANY AREAS OF GRADUATE STUDY: :

Behavior Analysis/ Therapy Behavior Analysis/ Therapy

Behavioral Medicine Behavioral Medicine

Behavioral Neuroscience Behavioral Neuroscience

Behavioral PharmacologyBehavioral Pharmacology

Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology

Cognitive Psychology Cognitive Psychology

Community Psychology Community Psychology

Counseling Psychology Counseling Psychology

Developmental Psychology Developmental Psychology

Educational Psychology Educational Psychology

Experimental PsychologyExperimental Psychology

Industrial/ Organizational Psychology Industrial/ Organizational Psychology

Marriage & Family Therapy Marriage & Family Therapy

Mental Retardation Mental Retardation

Psychiatry (Medical School) Psychiatry (Medical School)

Psychobiology Psychobiology

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation

School Psychology School Psychology

Sensation & Perception Sensation & Perception

Social Psychology Social Psychology

Social Work (clinical) Social Work (clinical)

Sports PsychologySports Psychology

Visit the APA Divisions website at http://www.apa.org/about/division.html. Take a look at the book Graduate Study in Psychology published by the

American Psychological Association.

APA AccreditationAPA Accreditation

An accredited graduate program has been judged as An accredited graduate program has been judged as having met minimum standards of quality for education having met minimum standards of quality for education in psychology.in psychology.

The APA only accredits doctoral programs in four The APA only accredits doctoral programs in four specialty areas: clinical, counseling, school psychology, specialty areas: clinical, counseling, school psychology, and combined professional-scientific psychology.and combined professional-scientific psychology.

The APA book The APA book Graduate Study in Psychology Graduate Study in Psychology will tell you will tell you if a program is approved or not.if a program is approved or not.

It is much more difficult to get into these programs.It is much more difficult to get into these programs.

Masters programs are not accredited by the APA.Masters programs are not accredited by the APA.

APA AccreditationAPA Accreditation

A degree from an institute that isn't accredited may not A degree from an institute that isn't accredited may not recognized by licensing boards, certifying organizations, recognized by licensing boards, certifying organizations, or insurance companies.or insurance companies.

Students from APA-accredited programs are generally Students from APA-accredited programs are generally more competitive in the marketplace.more competitive in the marketplace.

Internships in clinical and counseling psychology also will Internships in clinical and counseling psychology also will be APA approved or not.be APA approved or not.

Usually APA approved internships prefer students from Usually APA approved internships prefer students from APA approved graduate programs.APA approved graduate programs.

Jobs in the mental health field sometimes require that a Jobs in the mental health field sometimes require that a person have an APA approved internship. person have an APA approved internship.

AccreditationAccreditation

Other professional organizations, such as the Other professional organizations, such as the Association for Behavior Analysis (ABA) may Association for Behavior Analysis (ABA) may also accredit graduate programs in Psychology, also accredit graduate programs in Psychology, including masters programs.including masters programs.At graduation undergraduates will have At graduation undergraduates will have completed the necessary coursework to apply to completed the necessary coursework to apply to take the Board Certified Associate Behavior take the Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA) examAnalyst (BCABA) exam– Students will also need to supply additional Students will also need to supply additional

documentation regarding supervised applied documentation regarding supervised applied experience and proof of BS degree.experience and proof of BS degree.

What are the graduate degrees?What are the graduate degrees?

Masters Program (terminal)Masters Program (terminal)Usually require 2 years to complete (36 credits or so)Usually require 2 years to complete (36 credits or so)– Admission standards generally lower than PhD programsAdmission standards generally lower than PhD programs

People with masters degrees usually work in group counseling People with masters degrees usually work in group counseling practices, clinics, program for specific populations practices, clinics, program for specific populations (developmental disabilities, drug abusers, battered wives, (developmental disabilities, drug abusers, battered wives, chronic psychiatric patients, etc.), and employee assistance chronic psychiatric patients, etc.), and employee assistance programs, etc.programs, etc.– In many states people with masters degrees CANNOT have their own In many states people with masters degrees CANNOT have their own

private practice. private practice.

You can sometimes get a masters degree and then transfer to You can sometimes get a masters degree and then transfer to a Ph.D program. You might lose credits.a Ph.D program. You might lose credits.

Doctoral program (PhD)Doctoral program (PhD)::

A PhD is a Doctor of PhilosophyA PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy

PhD programs encompass many areas - from neuroscience to PhD programs encompass many areas - from neuroscience to counseling.  counseling. 

As a PhD student, you typically complete your Masters and PhD in As a PhD student, you typically complete your Masters and PhD in the same program.the same program.

The average length of a doctoral program is 5 to 6 years and The average length of a doctoral program is 5 to 6 years and require the completion of a thesis, prelim, and dissertation. require the completion of a thesis, prelim, and dissertation.

Weight is placed upon the development of research competencies Weight is placed upon the development of research competencies and expanding the science.and expanding the science.– Application (clinical work can also be stressed)Application (clinical work can also be stressed)

PhD programs are almost exclusively located in graduate PhD programs are almost exclusively located in graduate programs of universities.programs of universities.

PsyDPsyDA PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology.A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology.

PsyD programs are almost exclusively clinically oriented with little PsyD programs are almost exclusively clinically oriented with little of the research and quantitative training that is characteristic of of the research and quantitative training that is characteristic of clinical PhD programsclinical PhD programs

May be within a psychology department, or within an independent May be within a psychology department, or within an independent psychology schoolpsychology school

Often PsyD programs are easier to gain admissions to but are Often PsyD programs are easier to gain admissions to but are more expensive.more expensive.

People with PsyDs typically find themselves working in clinics, People with PsyDs typically find themselves working in clinics, private practice and hospitals. private practice and hospitals.

With a PsyD you will not be qualified for a professorship at a With a PsyD you will not be qualified for a professorship at a universityuniversity. . 

Main requirements of a Ph.D.Main requirements of a Ph.D.

Course workCourse work– How challenging?How challenging?

ResearchResearch– MA thesisMA thesis– Doctoral dissertationDoctoral dissertation

Examination (Prelims)Examination (Prelims)

Applied work (clinical practice)Applied work (clinical practice)

What are schools looking for?What are schools looking for?

Academic/research potentialAcademic/research potential– Analytical skillsAnalytical skills– CreativityCreativity– Organizational skillsOrganizational skills– Communication skills (oral & written)Communication skills (oral & written)

Interest, enthusiasm, commitmentInterest, enthusiasm, commitment

Ability to fit with their learning communityAbility to fit with their learning community

Graduate Schools are unique..Graduate Schools are unique..

For example, some departments:For example, some departments:

Offer expert training in many areas of Offer expert training in many areas of psychology & provide breadth of psychology & provide breadth of opportunities opportunities

Others are more niche schools offering Others are more niche schools offering depth in a few areas but less breadthdepth in a few areas but less breadth

All have some similarities but also important All have some similarities but also important differences. Look for the best fit for differences. Look for the best fit for youyou……

What is grad school like?What is grad school like?

Hard work Hard work

Exposure to new and challenging ideasExposure to new and challenging ideas

Interesting & varied colleaguesInteresting & varied colleagues

Detailed & honest feedback from expert mentorsDetailed & honest feedback from expert mentors

Productive community of high achieversProductive community of high achievers– Can be competitive & stressfulCan be competitive & stressful– Very stimulatingVery stimulating

Your introduction to a professional career in Your introduction to a professional career in psychologypsychology

What is their review process?What is their review process?

Who reviews application files?Who reviews application files?– Individual faculty look at applicantsIndividual faculty look at applicants

Potential fit to research programPotential fit to research program

– Faculty confer with their colleaguesFaculty confer with their colleaguesPotential fit to program specialty (e.g., I/O, clinical, etc.)Potential fit to program specialty (e.g., I/O, clinical, etc.)

– Admissions often made by collective approval of Admissions often made by collective approval of all members of the departmentall members of the department

Fit to Department and University standardsFit to Department and University standards

WHAT IS IN APPLICATIONS TO GRAD WHAT IS IN APPLICATIONS TO GRAD SCHOOL?SCHOOL?

1. 1. GPAGPA

Graduate schools take GPA seriouslyGraduate schools take GPA seriously

Competitive programs may look for GPAs at 3.5 or Competitive programs may look for GPAs at 3.5 or higher. higher.

Maintain a good GPA, including retaking courses Maintain a good GPA, including retaking courses (particularly courses in psychology that you may have (particularly courses in psychology that you may have earned a low grade in).earned a low grade in).– Methodology courses (300, 330) are importantMethodology courses (300, 330) are important

2. 2. Letters of RecommendationLetters of RecommendationGraduate schools weigh letters very highlyGraduate schools weigh letters very highly

Strong letters of recommendation can compensate for weak GPAs Strong letters of recommendation can compensate for weak GPAs and GREsand GREs

Talk to the faculty. The better they know you, the more likely they Talk to the faculty. The better they know you, the more likely they can write a good letter.can write a good letter.

Only ask for letters from people who will write a positive letter.Only ask for letters from people who will write a positive letter.

Usually need 3 letters. Usually need 3 letters.

Give professors at least 1 month before the deadline to complete Give professors at least 1 month before the deadline to complete the letterthe letter

Follow up one week before each deadline with a thank-you note (a Follow up one week before each deadline with a thank-you note (a "friendly" reminder to ensure that your information has been sent). "friendly" reminder to ensure that your information has been sent).

2. 2. Letters of RecommendationLetters of RecommendationCreate a table that statesCreate a table that states– the name of the school the name of the school – when the letters are duewhen the letters are due– if they are suppose to mail the letter to you or to the schoolif they are suppose to mail the letter to you or to the school– if the professor is required to use the provided form if the professor is required to use the provided form

Provide the each professor with a copy of your vita and your Provide the each professor with a copy of your vita and your statement of purpose statement of purpose

Type your name and other required information on each form Type your name and other required information on each form

Make sure you have envelopes with postage for each letter that Make sure you have envelopes with postage for each letter that needs to be mailed separately needs to be mailed separately

Enclose postcards (with postage) addressed to you in each of the Enclose postcards (with postage) addressed to you in each of the envelopes. envelopes. 

2. 2. Letters of RecommendationLetters of RecommendationProvide your letter writer with Provide your letter writer with usefuluseful information information. .

– What classes you took from them and the grade(s) you earnedWhat classes you took from them and the grade(s) you earned– your overall GPA your overall GPA – a list of PSY courses you have taken and grades earned a list of PSY courses you have taken and grades earned – your minor if you have one your minor if you have one – the titles/abstracts of any research papers you have written the titles/abstracts of any research papers you have written – honor societies to which you belong honor societies to which you belong – awards that you have won awards that you have won – activities in which you have participated (and any offices held) activities in which you have participated (and any offices held) – work experience and volunteer work work experience and volunteer work – your professional goals your professional goals

3. 3. Research With FacultyResearch With FacultyResearch experience will score big points with admission committeesResearch experience will score big points with admission committees

If you have less than stellar grades and/or GRE scores, make sure If you have less than stellar grades and/or GRE scores, make sure your research experience is strong your research experience is strong

At UNR, you have the unique opportunity to work closely with At UNR, you have the unique opportunity to work closely with professors on research projects. Take advantage of this!professors on research projects. Take advantage of this!

Ask professors about research opportunities & teaching assistantships.Ask professors about research opportunities & teaching assistantships.

Find out if there are faculty who will be your advisor on an Find out if there are faculty who will be your advisor on an Independent Independent Research and Study Research and Study project.project.

In the past students have presented papers at conferences or In the past students have presented papers at conferences or published articles with the faculty based on such projects. Many published articles with the faculty based on such projects. Many graduate programs will be impressed by this! graduate programs will be impressed by this!

4.4. GREsGREs

Most graduate schools will require you to take the Graduate Record Most graduate schools will require you to take the Graduate Record Exam.Exam.

The GREs consist of three sections: verbal, math (quantitative), and The GREs consist of three sections: verbal, math (quantitative), and analytic (which measures abstract thinking).analytic (which measures abstract thinking).

Some schools will also require you to take the “subject" portion of Some schools will also require you to take the “subject" portion of the test (psychology).the test (psychology).

A new numerical/scoring system will be implemented as of Fall 2007 A new numerical/scoring system will be implemented as of Fall 2007

The verbal and the quantitative tests each yield a separate score The verbal and the quantitative tests each yield a separate score between 200-800. between 200-800.

It is essential that you do well--at least 550 on each test (600+ is It is essential that you do well--at least 550 on each test (600+ is even better)--to get into most doctoral programs.even better)--to get into most doctoral programs.

4.4. GREsGREs Master's programs are less competitive, so lower Master's programs are less competitive, so lower scores (450-500 on each of the tests) are less of a scores (450-500 on each of the tests) are less of a problem.problem.You will probably have trouble being admitted into any You will probably have trouble being admitted into any program with scores less than 450 on one of the tests. program with scores less than 450 on one of the tests. Usually programs will use a cut off. If you don't get Usually programs will use a cut off. If you don't get above a certain score, they may not even look at your above a certain score, they may not even look at your application. application. Prepare for the GRE!!Prepare for the GRE!!

– BooksBooks– CoursesCourses

5. 5. Your Personal StatementYour Personal StatementAnswer: Why did you initially pursue psychology.  Answer: Why did you initially pursue psychology. 

Address any shortcomings - low GPA, low GRE scores Address any shortcomings - low GPA, low GRE scores

If you received  poor grades for the first couple semesters/years If you received  poor grades for the first couple semesters/years emphasize the recent work you've done emphasize the recent work you've done

Explain what you did to remedy the situationExplain what you did to remedy the situation

If you have a high GPA for your last two years or for your psychology If you have a high GPA for your last two years or for your psychology classes, be sure to mention this classes, be sure to mention this

Unless you're applying to a PsyD program the review committee will Unless you're applying to a PsyD program the review committee will want to see want to see research, research, researchresearch, research, research

Describe your computer experienceDescribe your computer experience

Include something in each statement regarding the faculty that you Include something in each statement regarding the faculty that you are interested in working with are interested in working with

5. 5. Your Personal StatementYour Personal StatementPrepare a well thought out letter that articulates your Prepare a well thought out letter that articulates your interestsinterests– Avoid general statements like "I'm really interested in Avoid general statements like "I'm really interested in

psychology“, “I’m a people-person”…psychology“, “I’m a people-person”…– Keep it professionalKeep it professional

TAILOR your letter for each program you apply to. TAILOR your letter for each program you apply to. – In many ways, you are applying to work in individual labs – know In many ways, you are applying to work in individual labs – know

what the faculty members are researching.what the faculty members are researching.

Keep the letter short - maybe two pages, TYPED. Keep the letter short - maybe two pages, TYPED. – Proof read & fix all typosProof read & fix all typos

Ask professors for comments on what you have written. Ask professors for comments on what you have written.

6.6. Currriculum vitaCurrriculum vita An academic resume – it summarizes your academic and An academic resume – it summarizes your academic and employment history as it pertains to your career in psychologyemployment history as it pertains to your career in psychology

Topics included: Topics included: educational historyeducational history

relevant courseworkrelevant coursework

research & teaching experienceresearch & teaching experience

honors and awardshonors and awards

memberships in professional organizations, publications & presentationsmemberships in professional organizations, publications & presentations

Clinical experiences, such as practicum experience and volunteer experience Clinical experiences, such as practicum experience and volunteer experience

GPA or GRE scoresGPA or GRE scores

Make it looks professional Make it looks professional

Include this with your applicationsInclude this with your applications

Going for a Visit and InterviewingGoing for a Visit and Interviewing

Many programs may also ask you for a pre-admission interview.Many programs may also ask you for a pre-admission interview.

Here you both get a chance to look each other over. Here you both get a chance to look each other over.

Ask them about their programAsk them about their program– How do faculty support students? How many students make it through? What How do faculty support students? How many students make it through? What

special benefits do students gain (mentoring, research opportunities, special benefits do students gain (mentoring, research opportunities, publications, presentations, internships, funding, etc.) during their stay? What publications, presentations, internships, funding, etc.) during their stay? What is the intellectual community like?is the intellectual community like?

Talk with current students. Talk with current students.

They will ask about:They will ask about:– Your interests, experiences, influencesYour interests, experiences, influences– Your research interestsYour research interests– Your goalsYour goals

$$ MONEY$$$$ MONEY$$Many programs may offer you some financial supportMany programs may offer you some financial support– Some programs will support students with "stipends." Some programs will support students with "stipends." – Others may offer a "Research Assistantship" Others may offer a "Research Assistantship" – For a "Teaching Assistantship" you would help a professor teach For a "Teaching Assistantship" you would help a professor teach

a course, or perhaps teach a section yourselfa course, or perhaps teach a section yourself

Some universities may waive tuitionSome universities may waive tuitionFind out as much as you can before you decide to go to Find out as much as you can before you decide to go to a program. a program.

TIME-TABLETIME-TABLEFreshman and Sophomore years Freshman and Sophomore years

Learn about research projects with faculty in your department. Learn about research projects with faculty in your department.

Attend psychology-related seminars and colloquiums Attend psychology-related seminars and colloquiums

Consider joining Psi ChiConsider joining Psi Chi

Join professional psychological organizations Join professional psychological organizations

Find out what psychology meetings are held in your region Find out what psychology meetings are held in your region

Talk to graduate students Talk to graduate students

Keep your grades up: Maintain a grade of "B" or better in all Keep your grades up: Maintain a grade of "B" or better in all psychology coursespsychology courses

Become computer literate Become computer literate

Read textbooksRead textbooks

Junior YearJunior YearBecome involved in research & attend conferences Become involved in research & attend conferences

Explore particular requirements of schools that you are interested in Explore particular requirements of schools that you are interested in

Prepare a curriculum vitaPrepare a curriculum vita

Investigate summer jobs, volunteer work, or educational/research Investigate summer jobs, volunteer work, or educational/research opportunities related to psychology. opportunities related to psychology.

Find out the research interests of faculty at the schools you would Find out the research interests of faculty at the schools you would like to attend. like to attend.

Start reviewing for the GRE Start reviewing for the GRE

Save money for graduate school application fees, resumes, and Save money for graduate school application fees, resumes, and transcript coststranscript costs

Read original source materialRead original source material

Summer between junior and senior yearsSummer between junior and senior yearsPrepare for your GREs and the application processPrepare for your GREs and the application process

Send out requests for applications to those programs Send out requests for applications to those programs you are interested in applying to you are interested in applying to

Work on your vita and statement of purposeWork on your vita and statement of purpose

Sign up to take the GREs. Sign up to take the GREs.

Conduct literature searches (e.g., PsycInfo) on the Conduct literature searches (e.g., PsycInfo) on the faculty members at each of the schools you'll be applying faculty members at each of the schools you'll be applying toto

Read research publications/journalsRead research publications/journals

Fall semester of your senior yearFall semester of your senior year Ask your advisor/faculty members about the graduate programs of Ask your advisor/faculty members about the graduate programs of interest to you interest to you

Make your final list of schools you will apply to Make your final list of schools you will apply to

Take the GRE (Aug/Sept)Take the GRE (Aug/Sept)

Sign up for the General GRE Sign up for the General GRE – Request the GRE scores be sent to all schoolsRequest the GRE scores be sent to all schools

Request that transcripts be mailed to all schools - allow ample Request that transcripts be mailed to all schools - allow ample time.time.

Near the end of the semester, ask professors to write letters of Near the end of the semester, ask professors to write letters of recommendationrecommendation– Check before Christmas to be certain all materials, especially Check before Christmas to be certain all materials, especially

recommendations, have been sent.recommendations, have been sent.

Spring semester of your Senior Year:Spring semester of your Senior Year:Send your application. IncludeSend your application. Include

– a vita, transcripts and test scores, and names of those sending a vita, transcripts and test scores, and names of those sending recommendations. recommendations.

Deadlines may be in Jan, Feb, or MarchDeadlines may be in Jan, Feb, or March

If possible, visit the schools If possible, visit the schools

Obtain info on fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, loans Obtain info on fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, loans

Check with all schools before the deadline to make sure your file is complete. Check with all schools before the deadline to make sure your file is complete.

Expect first choice offers to be made by April 1 Expect first choice offers to be made by April 1

Visit institutions that accept you. Visit institutions that accept you.

Notify other colleges that you will not be attending so they may admit students Notify other colleges that you will not be attending so they may admit students on their waiting list. on their waiting list.

Send thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation lettersSend thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation letters

TIPSTIPSStart early!Start early!

Get involved in research, read & pursue your interests.Get involved in research, read & pursue your interests.

Do your own research to find the programs & professors that are Do your own research to find the programs & professors that are right for youright for you

Apply to at least several programs – be selectiveApply to at least several programs – be selective

Talk with the UNR faculty & advisors about your interests and Talk with the UNR faculty & advisors about your interests and consider their suggestions consider their suggestions

Try to make contact with potential professors you are interested in Try to make contact with potential professors you are interested in working with as a graduate student. working with as a graduate student.

Request more information about their research and if they will be Request more information about their research and if they will be taking graduate students in the upcoming year.taking graduate students in the upcoming year.

Attend a professional conference in which they are presenting and Attend a professional conference in which they are presenting and introduce yourselfintroduce yourself

Shaping your futureShaping your future

Follow your curiosity & interestsFollow your curiosity & interests Discuss your ideas with othersDiscuss your ideas with others Set short & long-term goals & high standards for Set short & long-term goals & high standards for yourselfyourself– Be realistic & flexibleBe realistic & flexible– Seek opportunitiesSeek opportunities

Read and think criticallyRead and think critically Actively engage with learning opportunitiesActively engage with learning opportunities Know your own reinforcers and seek Know your own reinforcers and seek environments that offer them. environments that offer them. Celebrate your accomplishments.Celebrate your accomplishments.