Contemplating getting a PhD/psyd what should I do?
I have wanted some advice on this topic as I have thought about this for a while now. I’m a third year psychology undergraduate student, starting my 4th year in September. I was set on becoming a psychologist before I got into university, I even did a lot of research on it. Im in Canada but in my province you can become a licensed psychologist with just a masters and I took that into consideration. I thought of how much time and money I would have to spend on further schooling if I chose the PhD route and so I kind of just pushed the thought away. I even lost the chance to apply for the honours program because I was making up for a low gpa and trying to meet the course requirements to apply, now that I’m so far into my degree i just pushed it away. It sucks because I have the volunteering aspect, and I’m working towards a higher gpa, I just don’t know how to tackle the research experience barrier. PsyD is another option, one that I’m more inclined to but also one that costs 100-200k which is just not feasible.
This past year I’ve thought long and hard and now I’m contemplating going further with my education. I would love to pursue clinical or counselling psychology but considering the requirements and competition I just don’t know what to do. I don’t have the research experience because I didn’t do an honours degree, I’m trying to get an independent study in but the psychology professors at my uni either have students or are not taking any. Most PhD programs look for a thesis based masters over course based which in its own is extremely hard to get into without an honours degree or equivalent research experience.
I have a feeling that even after my masters I won’t be satisfied, there will always be a part of me that wants to learn more. If anyone has or is in this position I would love to hear what you guys would do.