<p>I eventually want to get a PhD in Clinical Psychology and an MBA. This, I know, is not only a bit unusual but very challenging. I've wanted it for too long to give it up though. So I know I have to major in Psychology and get a BA in Business (I'm thinking Managment and Organizational if they ask for a focus), in undergrad, and then continue on to get my PhD and MBA. So my question is, and I've asked this before and it was approved but I'm still wondering everyone's opinions, is it possible to major in both Psych and Business and then go on to get an MBA and a PhD at the same time?</p>
<p>I was told I would probably have to take summer courses and maybe not even graduate in 4 years for undergraduate. I was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on my situation, or if anyone had any idea of how to go about doing it? I'm sure that I can have a lengthy discussion with some administrator at the college i go to in order to schedule all of my classes appropriately etc and help me with career counseling, I would just feel more at ease if people had any ideas, or were at least supportive.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>The double major, no problem. And depending on where you go to school you can probably get out in 4 without summer classes. Psych at most places is a major that only needs 30 hours of actual psych courses and business is about the same. You're biggest problem will likely be in the fact that at most places those majors will be in two separate colleges (like at my school they were in Arts & Sciences and Business Administration colleges respectively). Then you may run into some trouble as to what each college accepts for general education requirements. So long as you are careful and choose classes that fit for both you shouldn't have any problems (and I realize that what I'm talking about right now may be a little unclear simply b/c you've never had to deal with varying acceptance of gen ed courses within the same university - but I can assure you it happens).</p>
<p>As for doing both the MBA and the PhD...that's going to be harder to do at the same time...You may have to sacrifice the quality of one program or the other to do both at the same time. Don't expect to be going to Wharton for you MBA with such a plan.</p>
<p>Of the two, a PhD is going to be much more valuable. Is there any particular reason that you feel the need for the MBA? I mean, if you are thinking that it will come in handy if you set up a private practice, it will...but your business undergrad will likely be sufficient to give you a leg up on other clinical psychologists (there are plenty of doctors and lawyers in private practice who had to learn all the business stuff with no background). The MBA is getting to the point now where it's almost a throwaway degree. It's helpful, but a lot of times not worth the money/effort/time you put into it unless you are coming in from a completely clean slate with no business background (like my friends who are starting their MBA course work this fall. One was a Chem engineering, one mechanical engineering, and the other Architecture).</p>