I’m a senior (HS) who is interested in getting a bachelors in neuroscience and psychology, then a PhD in neuropsychology. Is this practical? Can I skip a masters degree? Do I need a masters degree? How large of a stipend do graduate students get?
Am I crazy for thinking this?
You’re not crazy, but I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself. I wouldn’t worry about pursuing a PhD at this point - you haven’t even been introduced to enough subject matter to know 1) if you’re truly interested, and 2) if you need or want a PhD. There will be time to prepare for graduate school if you decide that is what you want later on.
But to answer your questions, yes, you can typically pursue a PhD without getting a masters degree first. Stipends vary by program. But again, I wouldn’t worry about any of that just yet. You will drive yourself crazy trying to carefully map out the next 5-10 years of your life before you graduate high school. Approach college with an open and curious mind. You might graduate with a completely different career goal - and 10 years after that you might be happy working in yet another completely different field.
My advice to you is to take a variety of courses in psychology, neuroscience, and other fields of interest. See what you like, and what you don’t like. Learn more about the field and the different career opportunities you can pursue. Talk with your advisor/professors and see where your strengths and opportunities lie. Gain some research experience, which will be necessary if you do pursue a PhD in the field. Keep your grades up. Consider internships.
If you focus too hard on one thing, you might miss a better opportunity. I know it’s a little scary entering college without a plan in place, but I believe there’s too much unnecessary pressure for young students to have it “all figured out.” You won’t be any better or worse off either way.
Yes, you can skip the master’s degree - it’s quite common. I’d actually say that’s the most common route to a PhD in psychology, although some students do work for a few years after college (usually doing research).
Graduate student stipends are usually between $25K and $35K, depending on the source. That’s typically enough to survive frugally even in major cities (my stipend in NYC was around $32K). I wouldn’t take a PhD offer for less than $25K because I don’t think that’s feasible, but you don’t have to worry about that now AND stipends may be different when/if you attend graduate school in 4-7+ years.