Please read the capstone assignment document which has everything detailed, you should make two documents one describing the career as a clinical psychologist and the other as a nutritional psychologi

• Areas of specialization include: Clinical, Cognitive, Counseling, Developmental, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, and Social

• Clinical and Counseling psychologists provide psychotherapy in private practice, hospital, or counseling settings; they may also teach and publish scholarly work if in academia

  • Generally, clinical psychology programs have a greater emphasis on research

• Clinical psychology programs have different types—some are more focused on producing researchers who will become professors, while others are more half and half, also emphasizing clinical practice. Either way, students complete a clinical internship. For more information:

  • http://mitch.web.unc.edu/files/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf

• Cognitive, Experimental, and Social psychologists usually work in research / academic settings

• Developmental psychologists can work in academia, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and schools

• I/O psychologists help with workplace hiring, productivity, quality, motivation, and other human factors

• Most Ph.D programs take 5-7 years (some have an internship year included)

• No online option

• Ph.D programs have low acceptance rates, ranging from 7.5-16.2%

• Clinical and Counseling psychology is notoriously competitive, with acceptance rates between 2-10% (5% at KU).

• School psychology is slightly less competitive: 32.0% acceptance

• GPA, GRE, prior research experience, research interests and “fit” with potential mentor, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are all very important

• Average GPA is usually between 3.7-3.8 with GREs in the 70th - 80th percentile

• Do not plan to apply to Ph.D programs without giving it much consideration. These programs are extremely competitive, require lots of research experience, and often have fewer and less lucrative job prospects than other options that will be discussed (with the exception of I/O and School psychologists). A PhD is appropriate for people who are very passionate about research, content with a lower salary and stressful academic job, and know what they are getting themselves into. Many academics love their work, and it can be deeply rewarding. Faculty members would love to discuss these things further with you.

• Ph.D. programs are typically “funded,” meaning that you do not have to pay. Rather, they cover your tuition and pay a stipend for your living expenses in exchange for your work in the department. Note that you have to work as part of getting that stipend, usually as a teaching or research assistant while also completing the requirements of your degree program. Note also that the stipend is typically very small (you will be “poor”), usually ranging from $20,000 - $30,000 depending on program and location (some locations are much more expensive to live than others).

• Debt is usually less than MD, MA and PsyD programs

Salary:

• Salary depends on the specialty of psychology and geographical region in the US.

• Averages from the APA from 2015:

  • Clinical: $80,000

  • Counseling: $85,000

  • I/O: $125,000

  • Social: 85,000

• Salaries are typically higher for management and research positions and lower for professional service and teaching positions

• Average: $85,000

• Kansas: $62,630 - $84,980 (depending on setting)

  • http://www.apa.org/workforce/publications/2015-salaries/index.aspx

• Academic jobs can be hard to come by. Clinical and Counseling psychologists may find work in hospitals, counseling centers, or even by starting their own practice. Ask your professors!

• The BS provides a solid foundation of natural science, math, computer science, statistics, and built-in research experience that is really helpful for students wanting to pursue a PhD. The BA is also a fine option, but be sure to tailor this very broad degree to your interests (e.g., taking most of your electives in social psych if that is your interest, still taking laboratory classes, etc. that are required by the BS). If your interests are more cognitive, clinical, or counseling, then consider the BS. Talk to advisors for more information.
  

• Consider trying the SBSM minor – statistics are very important in graduate school, and having some experience as an undergraduate will give you a leg up. This is a great opportunity.

• Since PhDs are awarded by conducting original research, all of the departmental opportunities listed are going to be important and very relevant (even crucial) to your success.

• Focus on research assistantships, the senior thesis, and advanced statistics courses.

• Doing an independent study with a professor is an exceptional opportunity to explore your research interests, get to know faculty, and obtain letters of recommendation.

• You may have opportunity to present your thesis or paper at the psychology research symposium.

• If this career path is of serious interest to you and you know a professor well, you may ask about opportunities to attend conferences or get a publication, which will greatly increase your chances of admittance.

• Membership in the University Honors Program can be very helpful in providing you individualized mentoring and providing you smaller classes (especially in psychology, a large major) through which you can get to know professors.

• Acceptance into either the Global Scholars or University Scholars program will distinguish you as an excellent student and provide you opportunities.

• Checking in with the Center for Undergraduate Research can be helpful to make sure that you are maximizing your opportunities, especially if you can present your research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

• The McNair Scholars Program and IMSD Program may be helpful to you in providing support as you conduct research (if you’re eligible).

• You may be eligible for the Research Experience Program learning certificate.

• Depending on volunteer experience or involvement with alternative breaks, you may be eligible for the Service Learning Certificate.

• Consider getting involved with Psi Chi or Nu Rho Psi to build connections with peers who have similar interests as you work toward your goals.

• If you have interests in Clinical/Counseling psychology, consider volunteering at Headquarters Counseling Center. Another option for clinical experience is working in a care-giving setting (caregiver, CNA position, etc.) or shadowing a psychologist (if you get the chance). However, remember to ALWAYS prioritize research experience over clinical experience. Some Clinical programs even claim that prior clinical experience is not really considered at all in the admissions process.

• Consider doing an REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) over the summer to gain extra research experience. REUs are paid internships that allow you to conduct research at another university. Some are reserved for minority students, but others are not.