I would like to go into psychology for undergrad and continue into grad school. Could I go straight from undergrad to a PhD program, or do I have to get my master’s first?
It depends on the program. Some will start you in the masters program and then waive you into the PhD program if you have satisfactory progress. So I guess the answer is you can go straight from undergrad to a PhD program.
It’s been many years but I remember a friend with a physics PhD being asked this. She recommended getting a masters as insurance in case the PhD doesn’t work out. It seemed like reasonable advice when I heard it but I’m sure there are good arguments the other way.
Some PhD programs will take students right from undergrad if the student had especially strong research experiences. Sometimes PhD students decide not to continue in the program and there is a possibility that a masters can be granted instead depending on how much work was completed.
Thank you @bouders @Otterma @CheddarcheeseMN
In some programs, you can get a MS “on the way” to a PhD by completing coursework and passing an exam. This is particularly true in physics. If you can do this, you will cover your bases as was mentioned before, if you decide not to finish the PhD. However if it is possible in the specific program you are in, I do not recommend spending an extra year writing a MS thesis and then working on a PhD thesis. It simply lengthens the time you are in graduate school and is not of great value. Of course, some disciplines/programs want you to have a MS thesis…
In psychology, a master’s degree is rarely necessary to get into a PhD program. Most PhD students in psychology do not have master’s degrees first.
Often they may decide that they do need some time or experience between undergrad and grad school, but usually what they do is work in research for 1-3 years - as a research coordinator or lab manager, research associate, something along those lines. Usually in a university lab, although occasionally at a think tank or nonprofit or NGO.
The only time you really need a master’s after college is if 1) you didn’t major in psychology and need the prerequisite coursework, or 2) you have low grades from undergrad and need to improve your GPA a bit before applying to the PhD program. (I would actually recommend against getting an MA in psychology, as they are rarely funded and quite expensive, and working as a research coordinator/assistant/associate or lab manager for 2-3 years looks a lot better.)
Thank you so much for the advice @juillet I really appreciate it 