<p>I know someone who majored in human development and family studies. Her parents were very concerned about what she could do with this major. She ended up going for a master’s degree in counseling through a teacher’s college and is now a GC. She has an excellent job and is very happy.</p>
<p>IMO, a BA in Psych is pretty useless (and I’ll be getting one in May!). I’m going to be entering a PhD program straight out of undergrad. Had I not got in, I would have worked as a research assistant.</p>
<p>Autism therapists work for the private sector, usually by appointment. Special education teachers work in schools.</p>
<p>psych_, how competitve to get into PhD program in Psychology straight out of undergrad? Is good GPA/GRE score enough?</p>
<p>psych_, are stipends common, or do PhD candidates more often have to pay their own way? Thanks!</p>
<p>Do autism therapists get paid by the hour? What is the average rate? How does one go about becoming an autism therapist (sounds interesting!)</p>
<p>Re: PhD programs</p>
<p>A good GPA/GRE is needed (many/most programs, whether they say so or not, use GRE/GPA to screen applicants), but research experience is really key, and publications and presentations are v. good to have. Some clinical experience is also good, but it’s not weighed nearly as heavily as research experience. I applied to School Psych programs, which are somewhat less competitive than Clinical, but still pretty competitive (still rare to see that many acceptances straight out of underground, though it does happen across clinical/counseling/school psych programs). Having a good idea of what you want to research and applying to programs and faculty that fit those interests are very importance. </p>
<p>As for funding, most reputable programs will fund most or all students (usually through TAships or RAships), though funding budgets are tighter with the economy, so that’s something to ask critically about. Fellowships are also a possibility.</p>