Notes
Outline
Myths and Information About the Masters Degree:  Focus on Clinical/Counseling Programs for Prospective Students
Council of Applied Masters
Programs in Psychology
Myth: 
Everyone Should Go Directly into a Doctoral Program
Entrance requirements
Time requirements
Financial resources
Locations are limited
Masters degree as stepping stone to doctoral degree
Myth:
A Good Masters Program Will Be APA Accredited
APA does not accredit master’s programs
MPAC is the accrediting body for master’s programs
CAMPP membership assures students that the program meets rigorous standards
Myth:
You Can’t Do Assessment or Therapy With a Master’s Degree
States differ in terms of laws
Some states
Have parity for different levels
Allow people prepared at the master’s level
Have licensure as a counselor available to those with a masters’
Myth:
You Can’t Get Credentialed With a Masters Degree
States differ in terms of credentialing and licensing laws
Laws differ in specifying title or practice
Some states
allow for licensing/certification of master’s in psychology
only allow for licensing/certification as counselors
Myth:
You Can’t Get a Good Job With Only a Master’s Degree
Ample employment opportunities
More than 70,000 masters’ graduates work
Public mental settings
Private mental settings
Starting salaries vary
by location
What is CAMPP?
Council of Applied Master’s Programs in Psychology
Established in 1986
Currently includes over 60 graduate programs
CAMPP’s Mission
CAMPP’s mission is to represent the education and training of applied master’s level psychology and to increase the appreciation of such by the professional psychology community and the public.
Why Choose a CAMPP Program?
Fosters the advancement of master’s training and education
Standards of training emphasize
Scholarship
Theory
Application
Why Choose a CAMPP Program?
Conform to a set of rigorous standards
Clear mission statement
Structure that supports mission
Strong base in general/theoretical psychology
Focus on methods used to increase knowledge in the field
Why Choose a CAMPP Program?
Conform to a set of rigorous standards
Significant applied focus
Theory, history, application of principles
Ethical and professional standards
Sensitivity to social and cultural diversity
Assessment and treatment emphasized
Significant supervised experience
Why Choose a CAMPP Program?
Conform to a set of rigorous standards
Challenging entrance requirements
Adequate faculty involvement
Why Choose a CAMPP Program?
A national organization
Works to increase public and professional appreciation of masters level
Northamerican Association of Masters in Psychology
NAMP is an organization for those practicing with a masters degree in psychology
NAMP has many benefits, including a journal, insurance, and legislative advocacy
Visit the NAMP website
Identifying CAMPP Programs
Check out our website at
http://www.camppsite.org
The information in this presentation addressing myths comes directly from:
Actkinson, T.  (2000). Master's and myth: Little-known information about a popular degree.  Eye on Psi Chi, 4, 19-21, 23, 25.
Additional Source
American Psychological Association
(1996).  Master’s, specialist and related degrees employment survey.  Washington, DC:  Author.
(http://research.apa.org/mes96contents.html)