Programs for a Masters in Psychology Essay

Introduction

The purpose of this research is to compare three graduate schools’ master programs in the field of psychology. After the BS in Applied Psychology, it is imperative to evaluate available programs for a master’s in psychology across different institutions. This is the best opportunity to determine the most appropriate program to pursue and a school for further studies. The process of selecting a graduate school presents opportunities to choose the most important schools and their related programs. Some relevant factors to consider may include costs, financial aid, availability of research and internship opportunities, as well as career progression. One must also review the requirements for qualifications.

University of Phoenix

Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, (I/O)

The admission requirements for Graduate Studies in Psychology

The University of Phoenix insists that individuals seeking admission must possess the following qualifications:

• Must possess an undergraduate degree from an approved, regionally recognized or nationally accredited college or university, or the person may hold a similar qualification from other regions outside the US (University of Phoenix, 2015).
• The GPA must be 2.5 on a scale of 4.0
• One must have the required work experience or must be affiliated with an organization to ensure that they can apply learned concepts and meet course objectives
• One must be a citizen or a permanent resident of the US or have an approved, valid visa if not a citizen
• No case of expulsion from another institution
• Must complete all required forms and provide the required undergraduate degree posted transcript
• For individuals applying in some states such as Massachusetts and New Jersey must have health insurance information, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Connecticut, and Tennessee require immunization forms for campus-based individuals while Puerto Rico requires applicants to meet English Language Proficiency
• International applicants without academic experience in the English Language must pass TOEFL, TOEIC, and IELTS

A review of the skill or experience skills needed under the requirements

I possess a BS in Applied Psychology from a recognized university, in the US. This is the first most important requirement and my current GPA is 3.5 based on a scale of 4.0. Although currently I am not employed, I have a volunteering opportunity as a Case Manager at North Central Mental Health Services (NCMHS), Columbus, Ohio. I would use this volunteering opportunity to apply the learned concepts and achieve my program objectives. It would be easier for me to be accepted at the university because of my US citizenship and I do not need any English Language verification tests because I am a native speaker of English. Besides, I do not have any case of expulsion from my previous institution and I am willing to complete all the admission requirements and provide posted transcripts. My state does not have many restrictions.

Steps to satisfy the admission requirement skills

I already possess the skills required. Therefore, the most important steps required to meet the entire admission requirement skills would involve gathering and providing the necessary documents to prove my skills.

The total cost of this graduate program: Review tuition and expenses

The total cost has been determined using the Financial Plan tool provided by the University. It has estimated tuition and expenses based on the degree program. Taxes, prior college credits, savings have not been considered in this estimate.

Program: Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Mode: Online

Total program credits: 51

Estimated transfer credits: zero

Remaining credits: 51

It is estimated that the student will need to complete 17 three-credit courses.

Direct expenses (credits, tuition, and course-related materials and fees)

Total tuition and expenses (23 months): $40,460.

Indirect expenses

These are separate from tuition and fees and can include books, computers, rent, utilities, meals, transportation, and personal care. The numbers below are institutional averages, but one can adjust them for the situation.

The University does not provide any direction on whether students should maintain a given GPA. Students must seek further information on issues, which are unclear during registration. The course is scheduled to last for 23 months with 51 program credits. Students must be affiliated with some organizations to apply their skills and learned concepts.

Penn State University

Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership at Work

Admission prerequisites and application requirements

• The applicant must be a holder of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally recognized US university or a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree program from a recognized US institution of higher learning (Pennsylvania State University, 2015). Any other degree programs must be obtained from recognized institutions in the country of origin.
• Applicants must submit their application request electronically with a specified non-refundable fee for the application
• Applicants must submit all copies of the academic official transcript irrespective of the number of courses or credits completed. Any transcripts in a “foreign language must have a certified translated copy” (Pennsylvania State University, 2015).
• Penn State alumni do not need a transcript but must state the institution
• Applicants will get official, additional information after admission
• Applicants must submit a two-three page easy as a statement of purpose, which clearly indicates career and educational aspiration and shows the applicant’s written communication abilities
• Penn University expects applicants to provide a current vitae or résumé
• Applicants must also provide three letters of recommendation to show learner’s readiness for the program. The letters must highlight at least two years of work experience. Penn University sends notifications to referees to recommend the applicant in order to approve the admission request

A review of the skill or experience skills needed under the requirements

I possess a BS in Applied Psychology from a recognized university, in the US. I am willing to submit the application through an online platform alongside the stated non-refundable application fees. Moreover, my official academic transcripts are ready and there is no translation required. After the admission, the University will provide additional information as stated. I am also willing to improve my writing skills in order to write the best three-page essay as a statement of purpose. At the same time, I will review my résumé to capture my current academic achievements and professional progress.

Unfortunately, I do not meet the last criterion of at least two years of working experience, although I have secured a volunteer position as a case manager at North Central Mental Health Services (NCMHS), Columbus, Ohio.

Steps to satisfy the admission requirement skills

I would collect and submit the required documents and pay a nonrefundable application fee. I am ready to write an essay on the three pages to demonstrate my written communication skills. My professional résumé requires an update to reflect my latest qualifications. One major drawback is the lack of two years of work experience, but I have already applied for a volunteer position at a community center. I will inform my three potential referees to expect communication from Penn State University and should reply as directed.

The total cost of this graduate program

Penn’s tuition estimator was used to generate the total cost of this graduate program. It is based on the most current fee structure of the University (the academic year 2014-2015). This tuition fee, however, does not account for any other additional costs related to credit-by-examination, examination proctor, and transcript fees. Applicants who wish to take less than 12 credits per semester pay $784 per credit while those taking 12 or more credits per semester pay a flat rate of $9,408. In addition, Information Technology Fee is also applicable and routinely added to the bill every semester. These fees are as follow:

• Nine or more credits: $252
• Five to less than nine credits: $189
• Less than five credits: $86

There are 33 credits required for one to complete the course. Tuition per credit cost is $784.

The University does not provide any direction on whether students should maintain a given GPA. Perhaps, it is a part of further information provided after the admission.

Although the University does not indicate how long the program lasts, it is expected to be completed within 24 months.

The University expects applicants to have at least two years of work experience. In fact, the program is designed for individuals who are already working in leadership positions or aspire to become leaders in the future. Hence, learners can relate their experiences with program contents.

Liberty

Master of Arts in Professional Counseling

The admission requirements

• Applicants are expected to submit their applications online or download an application form and send it through the mail
• The deferred application fee, which is assessed during check-in is $50.00
• Applicants can scan or fax their unofficial college transcripts for acceptance purposes
• They should mail sealed, unopened official transcript to the University
• Applicants must possess accredited bachelor’s degree from regionally or nationally accredited institutions
• The University requires at least a 3.0 GPA for admission
• Applicants can attain undergraduate prerequisites after admission, including six credit hours in Psychology and three credit hours in Statistics
• TOEFL score for applicants who speak the English language as a second language and they must score 600 paper-based test; 250 computer-based test; and 80 internet-based test (Liberty University, 2015)
• Applicants are expected to submit personal information if they intend to become residents

A review of the skill or experience skills needed under the requirements

I already possess the most skills and experiences required for admission. For instance, I have graduated with a BS in Applied Psychology and currently, I hold a 3.5 GPA. These are excellent prerequisite skills and experiences necessary for admission. It would be imperative for me to acquire three credit hours in Statistics to improve my skills.

Steps to satisfy the admission requirement skills

The University understands that the admission process can be overwhelming for applicants. Consequently, Liberty University has developed five steps to assist applicants to follow all the required processes for admission effectively and then start their courses immediately (Liberty University, 2015).

• Liberty encourages applicants to secure funding for their programs. The University advises students to seek help on the best ways to finance their programs.
• Applicants should submit their official transcripts from their previous colleges. The University can also accept unofficial transcripts to facilitate admission, but applicants must submit official ones before the end of the first semester.
• Students can now enroll after acceptance
• Applicants are encouraged to pay for their tuition fees
• Students can now learn by gaining access to their Blackboard account

The University also encourages potential students to review and consult certain laws and regulations about professional counseling for the required state. Specifically, Liberty University wants potential students to review laws and regulations for counseling programs on the following:

• A case of the past felony conviction
• Counseling requirements for type and frequencies and practicum and related credit hours
• Accreditation laws and regulation for learning institutions
• Understand regulations for online programs

The total cost of this graduate program

Liberty University’s 2014-2015 Tuition fees are $520 per credit hour (based on full-time enrollment) and an additional $25 intensive fee. The program is delivered through online mode. However, students must complete three on-campus intensives as a part of the residency requirement.

Credit hours are 60. Alternatively, the University can transfer 15 credit hours to the program.

The University does not provide any direction on whether students should maintain a given GPA. However, the University encourages applicants to meet all academic and professional goals in order to graduate. Applicants can perhaps learn about GPA and further information once they are admitted to the college.

The program is designed to take 60 credit hours, which could be nearly 23 months.

Liberty University does not insist on prior work experiences. Instead, the University offers an internship and practicum. Placement and practicum consist of three credit hours, but students must cover them within the 60 credit hours allocated for the entire program (Liberty University, 2015). During internship and practicum, students are expected to obtain comprehensive training and practical experiences so that they can have adequate knowledge and skills required for licensure and national certification. Liberty University believes that the program will instill strong moral principles, skills, knowledge, and values to ensure that one can perform tasks as a professional counselor (Liberty University, 2015).

Conclusion

The purpose of this essay was to compare three different graduate schools and programs in psychology. The results indicate that universities have different requirements for admission, procedures for meeting admission requirements, total costs, practicum, and other important issues considered during admission and enrolment. These universities have developed an online mode of instruction for the three programs reviewed to make learning convenient for distance learners. Additionally, understanding state laws regarding professional counseling is also necessary before admission. Applicants must understand that selecting an appropriate school and program is challenging. As a result, taking the time to review potential schools and their programs can ease the process for admission.

References

Liberty University. (2015). Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. Web.

Pennsylvania State University. (2015). Admissions Requirements. Web.

University of Phoenix. (2015). Overview. Web.