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David
Student
Rochester, New York
1
Question
Updated
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What school/program should I look into for my Master's?
Hello everyone,
I am currently entering my final year of undergrad as a Computer Engineering Student and looking to hard pivot from my major post-grad. After getting some hands on experience in the space and exploring courses through my university, I've found a personal love for Clinical Psychology, as such, I'd like to pursue a master's degree in that. Does anyone have any suggestions on schools/programs I should look into?
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1 answer
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1406
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi David,
You are at an important crossroads, and it is good that you discovered this now rather than after graduation. A pivot from Computer Engineering to Clinical Psychology is absolutely possible, but the best program depends on the career you actually want at the end. That question should guide your next move more than the program title itself.
If your goal is to become a licensed therapist and work directly with clients, a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or Social Work is often the most direct route. These programs are commonly designed around practicum training and licensure pathways. Programs such as the University of Central Florida note that their clinical psychology M.A. can lead to licensure routes in Florida after supervised experience. (College of Sciences)
If your goal is to become a licensed psychologist, run assessments, or use the title psychologist in most U.S. states, you will usually need a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or PsyD. In that case, a research-focused master’s can strengthen your application. Schools like California State University, Northridge, describe their M.A. as preparation for later doctoral study rather than direct psychologist licensure. (California State University, Northridge)
Because you are coming from engineering, your quantitative background may be a hidden advantage. Psychology programs value statistics, research methods, data analysis, and problem-solving. You may be especially competitive for research labs, cognitive science, neuropsychology, or data-driven mental health work. That is a smart bridge between your past training and a new direction.
My advice would be to shortlist programs using four filters: licensure outcomes, practicum opportunities, faculty interests, and total cost. Do not choose based on name alone. A respected state university with strong placements can outperform an expensive brand-name option.
Practical next steps: gain some volunteer or paid mental health experience, seek research exposure if considering PhD routes, and speak with admissions offices about whether your undergraduate prerequisites are sufficient. Some programs may ask for psychology foundation courses. You are not starting over. You are redirecting with more self-awareness than before. That often leads to stronger long-term career choices than staying on a path that no longer fits.
Best wishes!
You are at an important crossroads, and it is good that you discovered this now rather than after graduation. A pivot from Computer Engineering to Clinical Psychology is absolutely possible, but the best program depends on the career you actually want at the end. That question should guide your next move more than the program title itself.
If your goal is to become a licensed therapist and work directly with clients, a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or Social Work is often the most direct route. These programs are commonly designed around practicum training and licensure pathways. Programs such as the University of Central Florida note that their clinical psychology M.A. can lead to licensure routes in Florida after supervised experience. (College of Sciences)
If your goal is to become a licensed psychologist, run assessments, or use the title psychologist in most U.S. states, you will usually need a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or PsyD. In that case, a research-focused master’s can strengthen your application. Schools like California State University, Northridge, describe their M.A. as preparation for later doctoral study rather than direct psychologist licensure. (California State University, Northridge)
Because you are coming from engineering, your quantitative background may be a hidden advantage. Psychology programs value statistics, research methods, data analysis, and problem-solving. You may be especially competitive for research labs, cognitive science, neuropsychology, or data-driven mental health work. That is a smart bridge between your past training and a new direction.
My advice would be to shortlist programs using four filters: licensure outcomes, practicum opportunities, faculty interests, and total cost. Do not choose based on name alone. A respected state university with strong placements can outperform an expensive brand-name option.
Practical next steps: gain some volunteer or paid mental health experience, seek research exposure if considering PhD routes, and speak with admissions offices about whether your undergraduate prerequisites are sufficient. Some programs may ask for psychology foundation courses. You are not starting over. You are redirecting with more self-awareness than before. That often leads to stronger long-term career choices than staying on a path that no longer fits.
Best wishes!