From BS to MS to PhD in psychology?

Question

This sounds kind of ignorant, and its just cause I have not done all my research (wish is why I am taking the easy way asking yall). If I eventually want my PhD in social psychology, how long will this take say I graduate with my B.S. in psychology? I am thinking six years. Will I first get my Master's (two years?) and then go to school for a PhD (4 years?). I do not know if I have this timeline right! Please help :)

Answer 1

Most people take four years to get a BS.

Most elite schools do not have a MS program for their academic area -- but accept students directly into their PhD program with a BS or an MS from a different school. They will give you a MS as a booby prize if you do not finish.

Those who went to a less prestigious undergraduate school usually get a MS at a mid-ranked school before applying to PhD programs. Thos who go to good undergraduate schools usually go directly into a PhD program.

The PhD should take anywhere from four to seven years to complete. I did mine in four years.

I disagree with the other poster. Most MS degrees take one or two years -- not three. Getting a MS before a PhD might take one year off the PhD -- but no more. And I feel that it is a particularly bad idea to get a PhD part time, as she suggests.

Answer 2

Psychology PhD programs are very very competitive due to Psychology BS having essentially no job market and the popularity of Psychology as an undergraduate degree. I think you will find not only your school, but all schools are SUPER hard to get into. If you get good grades, you could definitely get in, but ANYTHING you can do to give yourself a chance to get a job with just your undergraduate degree would be a good idea.

Answer 3

Always allow yourself plenty of time for education. Never assume you can get your courses done in half the time -- it's much more difficult than it sounds. So, by giving yourself a lot of time, you might be looking at ...

4 years (Bachelors Degree)
3 years (Masters Degree)
4 years (PhD -- ESPECIALLY for social science majors)

So, all together ... 11 years.


I forgot to add:

Now, if you decide to skip your Master's Degree, you can still apply for a PhD program. However, your PhD will take you longer to earn -- you're looking at about five to eight years. So I suggest you earn your Masters first, get a job, and slowly earn your PhD while you make money working.

Answer 4

I got my BS in psychology in about 5 years and I'm working on my MS and I think it will take three years. I'd say the time it takes depends on the program. Good luck!