Choosing a graduate program. Help!

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello all, I am really in need of some insight as to what my next move should be. I graduated with a BA in Psychology in August, and like many other Psych graduates am quite unhappy with my job prospects. I am currently working as a research analyst for Texas Tech University but have learned a good paycheck is essential to my happiness. I have been looking into graduate school programs and would like any feedback if I am going in the right direction. Right now I am 24 with a 3.21 undergrad GPA and am thinking about occupational therapy programs. They are 2 1/2 years with a decent salary of 75k if I hustle, and the job security is really appealing as well. I also have 2 1-2 stellar letters of recommendation with 1 year of RA experience as an undergrad and working as a clinical research analyst. I would also need another 12-15 hours of pre reqs before I can apply. </p>

<p>Fortunately I have no student loans as of yet but I now have no financial assistance and am living at home for the next year while I finish these classes and saving EVERYTHING for grad school. My big question is if there are any other graduate programs that I may be qualified for with not a lot of additional undergrad work needed before applying that may be good to look into. Frankly I don't care what the profession is as long as the salary is good upon graduating and entry into the workforce won't be a huge hassle. I looked into physical therapy, chiropractic school and MSW but MSW doesn't seem to be the huge paybump I'm looking for and the other programs are longer and not much different different in terms of pay. Although I'm only 24 I feel like I've wasted 5 years with my degree and never saw myself barely finishing school by 29-30, but graduate school seems like the right move and I want to make sure I get it right this time. Any advice on which grad school program would be best with these qualifications and desires would be hugely beneficial. Thank you.</p>

2

<p>You need to decide what it is you want to do before running off and pursuing a graduate degree. I would suggest meeting with a career counselor at your alma mater (which I assume is Texas Tech) and explore your options. Nobody can decide what program is right for you, except you. A master’s degree is a significant investment in time and money and you’re going to want to enjoy the career paths that flow from that degree.</p>

3

<p>I completely agree and this is my first step in doing so. I know that I want my masters degree to be the last education I pursue and am not jumping in to what necessarily interests me this time, but something that will provide me with a quality of life for me and a future family. I have done extensive research and believe that a masters in OT is the fastest and highest paying route to go, and I actually would enjoy that profession and it seems to have low job stress potential. I am just trying to get some opinions on other masters programs that are 2 1/2 years or shorter that offer job security and a healthy paygrade that I may have overlooked and my BA in psychology would compliment. Again I have looked into physical therapy (similar to OT but longer schooling and more pre reqs), physician’s assistant (too many additional pre reqs), and MSW (lower salary prospects). Thank you for your response.</p>

4

<p>Then don’t second-guess yourself and ask random people on the Internet what’s best for you. You seem to have a good idea and a well-thought plan - press forward with it. :)</p>

<p>Only you can know what’s right for you.</p>