<p>I currently attend Emory University and I'm majoring in both chemistry and neuroscience; I want to obtain my doctorate in clinical neuropsychology or medical toxicology, but I am unsure on how to go about this. I have a few schools in mind, but do I need to have a master's degree before I can get my doctorate? Several people have told me different answers, and my research has given me some clarification but I'd like to be quite sure. Also, I am looking for any and all opinions regarding universities (particularly in the United States and Great Britain) that are deemed "better suited" for either clinical neuropsychology or medical toxiocology. (Just to see what others have to say.)</p>
<p>I do understand that much time and diligence on my part will be required, as well as money, and I am prepared to make sacrifices, so there is no need to repeat any "ominous sentiments" regarding how long it takes to get a doctorate's degree, because it is something I sincerely want to do. Thank you. :)</p>
<p>P.S. Are there any books that can help me clear up the confusion I have, because that would be just as swell.</p>
<p>Why don’t you contact adcoms of specific schools with this very specific question? They are usually very helpful…because it is in their job description. My D. contacted several with much more trivial questions.</p>
<p>RE: clinical neuropsychology This requires either a PhD or a PsyD plus at least a 1 year post-graduate fellowship. </p>
<p>There are 2 ways to approach this:</p>
<p>1) apply to and be accepted directly into one of the 25 or so graduate programs that offers a PhD/PsyD in neuropsych. (You’ll earn your MS during the program.)</p>
<p>or</p>
<p>2) earn a MS in psychology, then apply to those 25 grad programs for you PhD/PsyD.</p>
<p>Which you choose will depend on whether your undergrad grades, GRE and clinical experiences meet the necessary pre-reqs for direct entry PhD/PsyD programs. And that will depend on the programs you apply to since requirements vary.</p>
<p>Funding may also factor in since funding for grad psych degrees at all levels is hard to come by. (Though there is more at the PhD level.) </p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>RE: medical toxicology</p>
<p>I work at a research lab that does toxicological research. Our researchers have one or more of the following degrees: PhD (in biology, chemistry or [bio]physics) with dissertations and post-docs that deal with issues in toxicology, MD (with a specialty in pathology) or DVM with post grad fellowships in pathology.</p>
<p>AFAIK there is no one direct path into medical toxicology, though most of our researchers seem to come from either MD or bio PhD backgrounds. </p>
<p>For bio/chem/physics PhDs, it’s to your advantage to apply directly to PhD programs since those will fund your graduate studies.</p>
<p>~~~</p>
<p>If you want guidance, I suggest that you talk with your professors who work in the areas you’re interested. They can offer you their experiences/views on pursuing grad studies.</p>