What do you want to do?

[HeArTsDeSiRe]

Hmm, even so, I wonder if you could really have a practice that's 'three to six years old only please'.

It might sound a bit weird but you sure can...

Well in the mean time, I guess I can just hope for the best until the time comes.

[loseyourname]

Those salaries seem a bit low. Where is bio and bio salaries. I know civil and chemical engineers who are making a lot more than that as entry levels and I know LAUSD teachers make more than that as starting salary, more like 32-34K. Where did this info. come from?

Entry-level salaries, and salaries in general, are higher in the LA area than they are in other parts of the country. $40,000/year can get you your own 4 bedroom house in some parts of the country.

I'm still on the pre-med track and I imagine I'll actually end up doing it. I like the structure and knowing exactly what I have to do to get to the next step. I'm not a big fan of ambiguity nor do I particularly feel like conducting extensive job searches or switching careers several times during my life. Plus, I kept switching science majors, so I may as well just take all of the classes but not major in anything. Once I'm established and have the time, I'll probably give my hand at writing novels on the side and I'll always keep up on the consciousness studies at least as a hobby. It's getting ridiculous the number of neuroscience textbooks I've now read without ever having taken a neuroscience class.

[Siggie]

I chose Psychology because I liked the class in high school and did well in it. I've stayed with it because I feel like it can be applied to virtually everything. I'm NOT talking about clinical stuff (therapy, analyzing, etc). I've decided that I want to pursue a PhD and stay in academia as a professor and researcher because I love to learn. I get excited when I learn something new and I love the idea of producing new information that was not previously known. I love the challenge of doing research and what better place to do it than at a good research oriented university?

Yay! One step closer, got into a program. Only heard from 1 so far, but it's early still. There's 1 (maaaybe 2) place(s) I'd go instead if I get in. So, for now... more waiting. Argh!

[HeArTsDeSiRe]

Yay! One step closer, got into a program. Only heard from 1 so far, but it's early still. There's 1 (maaaybe 2) place(s) I'd go instead if I get in. So, for now... more waiting. Argh!

Are you going to start a masters program? I've heard there is a 5 year program where you get a PH.D once you finish. The last year is internship but then when you're done, you have to do another year of internship before you actually receive the degree...my Professor was telling me this the other day (many years of schooling) but I'm sure it'll be worth it at the end! I'm really happy for you!

[Siggie]

Are you going to start a masters program? I've heard there is a 5 year program where you get a PH.D once you finish. The last year is internship but then when you're done, you have to do another year of internship before you actually receive the degree...my Professor was telling me this the other day (many years of schooling) but I'm sure it'll be worth it at the end! I'm really happy for you!

Thanks!
I'm already in a master's program. I'll be done in late May.
I got into a Psychology/Law program. Ph.D/M.L.S. (Master's Legal Studies) program. I'll most likely go for the J.D. instead of the M.L.S though. It'll only take 1 more year. Whole thing should be about 5 years, maybe 4 depending on how much of my M.A. they'll give me credit for.
None of the other programs I'm waiting to hear from are joint though... just Ph.D.

[HeArTsDeSiRe]

Thanks!
I'm already in a master's program. I'll be done in late May.
I got into a Psychology/Law program. Ph.D/M.L.S. (Master's Legal Studies) program. I'll most likely go for the J.D. instead of the M.L.S though. It'll only take 1 more year. Whole thing should be about 5 years, maybe 4 depending on how much of my M.A. they'll give me credit for.
None of the other programs I'm waiting to hear from are joint though... just Ph.D.

hummm...interesting. Well BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!!! Post and let us know what happens and which you choose to do!

[Siggie]

I've heard there is a 5 year program where you get a PH.D once you finish. The last year is internship but then when you're done, you have to do another year of internship before you actually receive the degree...my Professor was telling me this the other day (many years of schooling) but I'm sure it'll be worth it at the end!

Most Ph.D programs take about five years because of the heavy emphasis on research. They're not right for everyong though. Even doing a Ph.D. in Clinical isn't necessarily going to prepare you for getting licensed.

You need to decide what you want to do and then find a program that will get you there.

For me, I want to stay in academia and do research, so I need to get a Ph.D. If I wanted to do something applied like work in corrections, then I might be better off getting a Psy.D or a Ph.D from a Clinical Forensic Program.

[patlajan]

That list of salaries looks inflated. I don't know where they get these numbers, but I don't know anyone that's making that kinds of money right out of college.

[winoman]

That list of salaries looks inflated. I don't know where they get these numbers, but I don't know anyone that's making that kinds of money right out of college.

Depends (on the local)...not sure if these figures are supposed to be national averages or what...but I do know that a company that does work for me is having trouble attracting entry level (just out of school) computer-sci grads (perhaps with some speciality - not sure) - and they are offering near 6 figures to start! yeah....think about it...other companies are offering more...(motto is - supply & demand baby!)

[patlajan]

Depends (on the local)...not sure if these figures are supposed to be national averages or what...but I do know that a company that does work for me is having trouble attracting entry level (just out of school) computer-sci grads (perhaps with some speciality - not sure) - and they are offering near 6 figures to start! yeah....think about it...other companies are offering more...(motto is - supply & demand baby!)

You better add a decimal point to those 6 figures. There's no shortage of people with experience and a degree in IT out there.