| Abstract: | Results of a survey of 153 institutions with graduate programs in psychology indicates the majority of schools with PhD programs do not offer a separate master's degree. Few colleges, and none of the top-ranking universities, expressed great interest in PhD applicants with master's degrees from other institutions. Most respondents stated these transfer students would be credited with a limited amount of course work or treated as if they had a BA degree. It is concluded that the master's degree may slow the progress of students seriously considering a PhD in psychology, and may actually be a limiting factor for acceptance in doctoral programs, particularly in prestigious schools. Universities should deemphasize the master's degree as part of doctoral training and provide terminal master's programs which prepare students for immediate professional or subprofessional employment. (19 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
