should i go for a masters or a doctoral degree in psychology?

First of all...there are many things to consider when seeking your masters versus a doctorate...like the ability to even get accepted into either programs. I am not trying to say you are not intelligent but competition is VERY high. I am applying for a doctoral program this fall...last year they had over 200 applicants of which only 6 were accepted into the program (and this isn't even a top-notch school). It is MUCH easier to get accepted into a masters program than a doctoral program. Then from there try to get accepted into a PhD program.

If you are entertaining a career in psychology and want a doctoral degree you will HAVE to do research...it is part of the acceptance policy for APA accredited universities (even if you do not want to be a researcher). Your dissertation has to be based on original research you do in the field if that tells you anything. This is technically "lab studies" but much of it is research based.

The difference between having either degree for a career is based on your specific state licensing procedures. What applies to all states is that if you only have a masters degree you cannot have a private practice without a psychologist who does have a PhD supervising you. In other words you "assist" a PhD. So basically a masters level position does not allow many independent opportunities whereas a PhD affords you the opportunity to be on your own and in your own practice.

If I were you I would check your state licensing requirements, give some serious thought as to what specialization you want to go into (Clinical, School Psychologist or otherwise), check potential schools for admission requirements for either program, talk to an admissions counselor and start doing your best to make yourself a competitive candidate!!

It doesn't mean that you will not get into a program or that you can't go any further...just know what you have to do in order to get to the place you want to be!! You may also want to take an internship over the summer to "feel" out the field to see what you think you may or may not like. For me personally...when I was getting my BA I had my heart set on having my own practice and HATED research. When I actually interned in private practice I found out it was nothing that I expected and hated it. In theory alot of things seem like they may be perfect for you until you get into the "real" world and check them out. Plus, the experience will look good on any application you may submit in the future.

As far as your distaste for psychiatry and working in "insane asylums" (don't blame you there!!)...that is an entirely different field and a different set of coursework. Most colleges have you intern in CLINICS but this is a far cry from an insane asylum.

Good luck and remember that it may seem hard...but if you are motivated enough...it will be a breeze!!!

As my grandpa used to say, "You must walk first, then you will run".

I strongly suggest you go first into masters then to a doctoral degree, why? Because at masters you will learn many things that will be the base for your doctoral thesis.

I have an Executive MBA, in a week I will be studying a masters in Production and Quality Systems, with all the knowledge I've acquired in a couple of years ( Give or take ) i'll have the know how to do my doctoral degree.

Sounds like you know the program you want to get into, I would stick with whichever one you prefer. As for Masters or Doctoral degree, if you just want to be a school psychologist or have your own practice then you will only need to get into the Master program that will allow you to get your license to practice. Doctoral is more for the people who want to teach at a University level or something bigger. Best of luck, I'm still deciding which one I should get into myself!

Before you can even think about getting a doctoral degree, you have to get a Master's - assuming you're referring to a Phd. It is absolutely impossible to go directly from a Bachelor's to a Master's.

A doctorate will vastly increase the number of career options you have. Also, if you say you want a master's nobody in the field will take you seriously and they will not support your efforts to succeed.

Right now I don't think you should go into either because you sound unsure about your career path. Try reading the occupational Outlook Handbook. It gives you job descriptions, requirements and the amount of need for people in those careers for the upcoming year.

Go for your MA, concentrating on areas of special interest to you. With that knowledge and experience, you can then consider whether or not to pursue a PhD.

masters first = experienced first and then perfected with your doctoral degree after! Good luck!

well reasearch what the masters and doctoral have to offer, and then choose the one that fits your plans.