Are personal interviews with prospective students required?
We encourage applicants to visit the campus and to meet faculty and students in addition to seeing some of the facilities. The visits are helpful both to the applicant and to the faculty. Extended telephone interviews may serve a similar function for applicants for whom travel costs would be prohibitive.
How many students do you admit per year?
We admit students only in the Fall Semester. The typical incoming class is 10-12 students.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Our expectations are that students will complete the program in two years. This can vary however, and occasionally a student chooses to take an extra year to better prepare for doctoral training. It is possible that a student can complete all course work, practicum, and thesis in somewhat less than two calendar years. On the other hand, the graduate school stipulates six years as the maximum allotted time to complete the degree.
How many students graduate?
Admission to the program is competitive. We are quite careful in selecting applicants who are well suited for graduate study in psychology. Hence, our expectation is that all accepted students will successfully complete the program. However, occasionally a student decides to leave the program for personal reasons.
How many go on to doctoral study?
Students have been extremely successful in gaining admission to doctoral programs. Most students have gained admission to A.P.A. approved programs in clinical, counseling and school psychology. The program's emphasis on the scientist-practitioner model makes our students attractive to many doctoral programs. By the time students complete the program, they have gained a variety of professional experiences. Thus, they are well prepared to begin doctoral study.
How does the admissions screening process work?
The Clinical Program Committee faculty reviews applicants' credentials. The entire profile is taken into account, including undergraduate grades, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, background and experiences, and personal statements. Applicants are rated on each of three criteria: academic ability, background in psychology as a science and in the other sciences, and in potential for contribution to the profession. Applications are ranked and those with the top ranking receive invitation.
Do you admit other than psychology majors?
Yes. A number of students in the past years have had another field as an undergraduate major. However, these students have had undergraduate coursework in psychology either as an undergraduate minor or as coursework taken after receiving their B.A. or B.S.
Are students with master's degrees in other than psychology admitted?
Yes, about 5% of students enter with an M.A. or M.S. degree in another academic area.
What should a person do who wishes to change fields to psychology?
Frequently this requires taking prerequisite undergraduate courses, i.e., courses which will be tested on the Psychology GRE. These areas include conditioning/learning, experimental, statistics, social, developmental, physiological, abnormal, personality, and history and systems/systematic psychology.
Can a student attend part-time or commute from elsewhere?
The answer is typically "no" to both. We do not encourage part-time students. We believe that work in the program requires almost constant contact with the faculty, students, and facilities. While it is true that some students have continued to live outside the city for a while during their work at MSU, it has not been completely satisfactory and most have moved to the city. The physical drain (e.g. of a 40 mile drive and separate home responsibilities) and the unavailability for contact with faculty are most problematic.
What is the status of funding?
Currently we have been successful in providing some financial support for most students. This has been accomplished by departmental assistantships, as well as support from other University and community sources.
What are some of the special advantages of the program?
We are extremely proud of the community of students and faculty that has been created. An energetic faculty and students have resulted in our very favorable reputation among fellow psychologists. The clinical program is nationally recognized. Students and faculty are active in regional and national professional societies. The close and mutually supportive environment among faculty and students provides an excellent opportunity for professional development.
Who should I contact for additional information?
For information regarding the program, contact Dr. Barry Ries, the Director of Clinical Training (507-389-5825 or barry.ries@mnsu.edu). Many applicant questions concern their own file, e.g. is it complete? At what stage is the screening? Ms. Carol Seifert (507-389-2724) is the Graduate Admissions Secretary and coordinates the compiling of a file for each applicant. She is the best person to ask any procedural questions. You can also write to her care of the Minnesota State University, Mankato, Department of Psychology, 23 Armstrong Hall, Mankato, MN, 56001.
