To PhD or not to PhD?

While I won't be graduating with my MA until December 2007, I've already started thinking about "what happens next?" once I graduate. Prior to starting my degree I learned about Medical Family Therapy and held in the back of my mind the idea of seeking credentials in this area of specialization for Marriage & Family Therapy. I know that SPU in Seattle offers a two year certification program that would require a one-year internship. After reviewing the program I realized that it wouldn't make a lot of sense to invest money and time for an additional two years to only get certification.

So I've been searching for other MedFT programs and today I found a doctoral program at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. It's a new program, started in 2005. It's a three year program and does require an internship. According to the information I've been able to read on the website, it looks like they have internship placements. That would be a relief. They also offer scholarships and have information regarding graduate assistantships. The assistantship would mean I'd have to do student teaching or some kind of work in the department while working on my degree.

Yet, if I had to pay for tuition the cost isn't too bad. I'm sure that there would be a way to get most, if not all, of my tuition covered.The program requires I take the GRE. I need to get a combined score of 1450 or better. I think I can do that. I'll need to brush up on my math and attempt to recall algebra. (ugh!) I will need to submit a sample of my professional writing. I'm sure they are wanting to see all of the journal articles I've published. But they will accept a thesis if available, and if not that, then a written statement of why I want a PhD in MedFT.

They only accept about 10 people a year into the program. Did I mention they take only about 7 full-time students and 3 part-time? I wonder how many applications they receive. The soonest I could matriculate into the program would be 2008 if I calculate it correctly. Granted I'm one of those lucky 10 people.

Now I've been thinking if going into a doctoral program ASAP is better than waiting. Waiting for what? I was thinking I'd get into working, get myself out and about in the real world of being a therapist. I suppose I could do that part-time at an agency. I know that we have a doctoral student who volunteers at my agency while she is working on her degree. Why can't I do that and everything else?

A bonus would be is that my student loans would go into deferment while I'm in the program. It would suck if I had to take out more loans. Then there is the moving to Greenville area, but the bonus is that I have my brother and his family nearby.

Pooky has said to start the ball rolling, of prepping for the GRE exam and see how that goes. One thing at a time. Meanwhile, I'll start putting out feelers with some of my professors at school. There's only one PhD on staff. He just so happens to be my Pro-Sem leader. I'll have to pick his brain. See if he can offer some guidance in what I need to do to apply for and get accepted to a PhD program.

What is a real hoot is I was looking at ECU's other doctoral programs. If I don't get accepted into their MedFT program, I could realistically apply for the following programs:

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
  
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  
• Biological Sciences
  
• Microbiology and Immunology
  
• Rehabilitation Counseling and Administration

I'm not eligible to apply for the PhD in Physiology because I lack calculus and physical chemistry. I think it's weird that I could go into these biology-based programs. I've put out of my mind my undergraduate days of biology. I have to remind myself that I have one year of graduate studies in biology, too. Heck, I was in the naturopathic physician's program for one quarter which is "double" medical school.

What kind of career would I have with a PhD in MedFT? Well, I know I'd be the director or head of "whatever" because the program says it will train me to be in the role of administrator of a clinic. Which means I'd get paid better than just having an MA. It looks like on average that having a PhD will mean I earn at least $15,000 more per year than just having an MA. That's comparing the maximum someone with an MA could expect to earn compared to the least someone with a PhD could expect to earn. Best case scenario is that having a PhD would earn me double than just having an MA.

Extra bonuses about Greenville, NC. It has a Fuddrucker's and Cracker Barrel!

I still have to brew this over in my mind, talk to more people, see what all unfurls regarding this.