Graduate Degrees & Career Options for Psychology Majors
Multitudes of sources are available to help you explore career options. Access books from the UoM library. Find great elective courses to help you prepare for those programs. Find great career websites and tools using the buttons at the left.
Graduate Programs
The American Psychological Association (APA) provides detailed information about all US graduate programs in psychology and counseling in the form of a searchable database. This database lists the characteristics each graduate program values most in a student as well as statistics about the program's recent applicants and accepted students.
For those interested in clinical or counseling grad programs, check out the eBook Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology available through the UoM library.
How to Choose a Graduate Program
When choosing a graduate program, students will consider location, online versus on-campus, program accreditation, whether their career choice requires a masters or doctorate, specialization, cost, financial assistance, faculty and learning environment.
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
A curriculum vitae (CV) is the equivalent of a resume for jobs in medical, science, and academic fields, It can be beneficial for students who plan to apply to graduate or professional school. An advanced practice is to begin your CV early in college and add to it throughout your career.
GRE, MCAT, or LSAT
Some graduate programs require that students take an admissions test. A common test Is the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). The first step is to determine if the programs that interest you require an entrance exam and, if so, which test and possible subtests they require. A good place to begin exploring this test is at the GRE website.
For students who plan to apply to attend a law or medical-professional school, they may need to take the MCAT or LSAT. A good place to start exploring these tests is at the LSAT website, the Med School Insiders Guide and the Association of American Meciation College Guide.
The UoM Libraries also has resources to help students prepare for the GRE, MCAT, and LSAT.
Personal Statement for Your Applications
Most applications require a personal statement. This statement should emphasize how the program you are applying to is right for you and highlight your relevant experience (e.g., research and internships). Tailor the statement for your specific program.
"Statement of Purpose (SOP) Starter Kit"
Avoid these "kisses of death."
Get Writing Assistance: Get a free, one-on-one review of your statement with trained staff. Assistance is available through online meetings (use the button to the left) or in-person in the Center for Writing and Communication, located on the first floor of the Ned R. McWherter Library.
Get Feedback: The Application Statement Feedback Program (ASFP) provides constructive, fast, and double-blind feedback on research/personal statements for psychology PhD applicants, especially underrepresented minority applicants and/or those who may not be ‘in the know’ about the application process. ASFP is completely free and supported by volunteer faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in psychology.
Interview
Before choosing a school, meet with faculty to learn more and get a feel for the program. Doing this prior to applying or being offered a position in the program will give you the opportunity to decide if the school is a good option for your application as well as make an impression on the faculty who make admissions decisions. After you apply, you may be invited for an interview as well. Before any interview or meeting with faculty or students from a graduate program, spend time educating yourself about their specific program and thinking about questions you may be asked and that you will ask.