Now or Later?

Abstract

This study used a national sample of PhD students in clinical psychology (N ¼ 1,034) to explore when students decided to pursue their graduate degree, reasons for their decisions, and associated satisfaction. Results indicated that immediately after completing their undergraduate degree, 57% of current graduate students reported postponing graduate studies, 10% went directly to a terminal master's program, and 33% went directly to a clinical psychology PhD program. A variety of reasons for these decisions were documented. Individuals who postponed graduate school were significantly more satisfied with their decision than individuals who went directly to a terminal master's program and reported less frequent thoughts of withdrawal from their program than individuals who went directly to a clinical psychology PhD program. Implications for undergraduate advisors are discussed.

Entering the Workforce or Going to Graduate School: Themes in Psychology Alumni Decision Making

“…Additionally, graduate school alumni discussed goals and readiness for next steps more than workforce alumni. Zimak et al (2011) also found that students directly entering graduate school were more certain about goals and felt more prepared relative to peers who delayed graduate school.…”

“…Additionally, many workforce alumni described uncertainty about graduate school. Uncertainty regarding graduate school may be associated with gaining more experience and applying to graduate school in the future (Zimak et al, 2011). Workforce alumni described identities related to ending time decision making.…”

“…Faculty advisors should also recognize that some graduate school bound students experience uncertainty. Students may have been accepted to a graduate program without a career in mind or because they were unaware of other career options (Zimak et al, 2011). Students may believe that graduate school will help them figure out a career not understanding that content becomes more specialized and less transferable to another field (Ciarocco, 2018).…”

“…Facilitating the school to work transition requires knowledge of factors students identify as important to choices (i.e., relationships) and how planning influences these choices (i.e., job search timelines) (Hettich, 2010;Vespia et al, 2018). Second, we know very little about why psychology majors choose to attend graduate school (Lancaster & Smith, 2004;Zimak et al, 2011). Since psychology majors attend graduate school at higher rates relative to other majors (APA, 2016) we need more research about factors relevant to choosing this path.…”

“…For psychology alumni attending graduate school, higher family income, perceived quality of interaction with an undergraduate mentor, and participation in undergraduate research activities were related to perceived preparedness (Huss et al, 2002). In another of study of graduate students enrolled in clinical psychology PhD programs, Zimak et al (2011) assessed rationale for timing of graduate school. They compared students who delayed entry, those who completed a terminal master's degree first, and those who entered the PhD program right after completing the bachelor's degree.…”