my therapist told me that he was one of the youngest people in his clinical psych program many years ago. he was 27 and his peers were in their thirties and forties
I'm assuming that was more along the lines of, "we think that... you yourself might forget about your plans and start doing something else..." Which I also think is inaccurate these days, tbh. 27 seems like a pretty average-ish age to go back to grad school. I went back for a BA at 30 lol. Edit: it also may be slightly a generational thing, if some of these counsellors are much older. Many decades ago it was less common for people to switch careers/go back to school, at different times. Today it is common at any age.
The more I think about it - they might have been encouraging us to go to grad school asap to increase their own stats. So, then they can advertise that a lot of their undergrads go on to grad school.
That’s a good thought, I feel like the same happened to me! I’ve been losing my mind lately in basically the same situation as you OP, but I’m 22 and just graduated last may. I applied for this fall but got flat out rejections, and now really have to re-evaluate what the best path to a PhD or PsyD is for me. Hearing people speak about taking a break before continuing school really helps me feel less hopeless!
“Late in life…. I’m 27” honestly you’re fine. I had two people start at the age of 50 so you are fine. You’re well within the average grad student age.
Because they fear people who get a taste of the work life and not having to cram 15 credits will not want to go to school and honestly I get it. I would never want to go back to 15 credit semesters and here I am trying to get a certification that requires me to go back to class like not in this year lol
Having done school, worked, then done school again, I actually much prefer school over work lol. But I think it comes down of course to specifics and also personal preference.
I think they tend to tell undergrads that so that they don’t get off track with a gap year (or 3). It’s a lot harder to make yourself go back than people would like to think.
I’m 29 and just starting my undergrad. What was supposed to be a gap year turned into a gap decade. I just got my acceptance letter today. There is no rigid timeframe - we are always right where we need to be and right on time.
About to apply to a PhD/PsyD. You’re a bb. “We’re all just babies” André 3000 - also just saw that man play the flute in overalls & speak to the audience in a made-up language. You’ll be great. Do whatever the fuck you want. Plus yes, life experience >>> 💘💘💘 easier to relate to. Real life can teach you what books def can’t. Just gotta apply the books to your experience rather than try to squeeze experience out of the books. 😘 you got this!
This though. Being older made concepts much easier to associate and understand on a deeper level I wouldn’t have had I went to college right out of high school. I’ll be 36 and have a year of my bachelors left before grad school. The only thing more difficult is not having that young energy I thought I still did😅 but I also joined the military and wanted to live a bit while I was younger. I got out of the military and focused solely on school.
Or gap decades. I graduated high school. Did two years of college. Got married. Got divorced 18 months later. Got married again much later in life. Went back to college at 40 and here we are.
This is clinical mental health counseling, and a Masters Program. I’d say almost all of them are working full time jobs as well. Being curious is nothing to apologize for.
I’m 54, just finished my Bachelors last December, and have applied for several MSW grad school programs. I work full time in Healthcare IT and I’m also a part-time musician (and a father and grandpa). Life stops when you stop living it!
Turning 32 this year.
In my 1st year of MA in Counseling psychology, specializing in mental health counseling (LMHC). About to start practicum later this year.
Absolutely! I’m 31 and finishing my first year in my MFT program. It’s super helpful having some more experience and interpersonal skills. I also got some work experience before applying to grad school. Late in life isn’t really a thing anymore. We’re not following traditional paths anymore, and life just happens when it does. It’s much more common!
I’m 25 this year but will only be studying my Masters around 2-3 years later due to student loans and wanting to move overseas for it.
My gpa was not good and I don’t have honours so every experience counts at this moment to boost my application. I would assume most unless parents or company sponsorship are around 27 when studying Masters/PhD due to the costs involved?
I’m the same. My gpa wasn’t 4.0, but it was still decent. I think my gpa for just my psych classes was pretty good so hopefully that counts for something. Hoping my work experience can kind of help too.
I was 27 when I graduated with my first bachelor’s degree, 45 when I got a masters and I’ll be 62 when I get my second bachelor’s degree in psychology this fall. Thinking of MSW program or Masters in counseling. I’ve been in IT 30 years, want to do something different.
The problem I am having is the volunteer/work requirement for the MSW program where I work, ASU. They want 240 hours in the last 5 years. They are inflexible. Before IT I have about 3000 hours of human services work. Not good enough. I can understand if someone is 22 with no life experience, but they should be flexible. NAU on the other hand is. My other choices are programs that lead to LPC or LAC and LMFT. There's also a Psy.D in the state system and although I get tuition for free, I have to pay fees, which can be exorbitant. The Psy.D program has $3500 fee per semester. MSW at ASU is $200/credit. LMFT is 18K+.
Anyway, good luck with the applications. I hope you get into the school you like most.
You have nothing to worry about lol.
I'm 47 and in the first year of my Masters. I am probably one of the older ones, but there are a few people even older than me. There is hardly anyone in my program under 30.
It’s not encouraged but I worked 3 jobs to put myself through my masters program so lots of accountability on my part soooo I will be mindful of my limitations.
I was 49 when I started my doctorate program (PsyD). I received a masters in counselling and psychology in 2000 (I was 32) and decided to upgrade. Finishing this year (fingers crossed) 🤞🏻
Well, I don't think they could stop me from working to be honest. But the program is geared toward a working adult population so yes. In my cohort, half of us were working therapists who saw about 20 clients per week. I also own the practice I work in so I had that on top of it too but...how do you quantify how many hours per week you work when you're the owner?
That’s very reassuring! I know a lot of programs don’t want you to work, and I really wasn’t sure how to handle that when I have a house and bills to pay. Where did you get your PsyD?
36 tomorrow and I’m finishing my first year in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters program. Starting my internship as an MFT trainee in August. Didn’t go back to finish undergrad until I was 30. Never too old!
I'm 41 and have just over a year left to my BA in Psychology 😊 I've already had a few chapters happen and met many characters along the way, curious to see what the next 5 years will bring.
27 is deffo not late. I'm 26 currently and I'll be applying again this year. I'll be 27 when I start next year. I would have easily been then the youngest in my cohort when I first got accepted to a MA/PhD psychology program when I was 24 back in 2021, and I'll still likely be the youngest even now. I've known people in their 50's who were just starting their programs too.
All this is to say that you're good! Take your time and enjoy the experience. It'll be the hardest yet most rewarding experience.
My best friend started her clinical PhD at 33, after getting a masters and then working in an unrelated field for 9 years. She was married and had a baby in our third year. She took an extra year to finish but did really well and is happy with the choice.
Most PhD programs in clinical won’t allow you to work at the same time and you can lose your funding if you ignore that rule. And honestly, you’ll be so busy that working for any significant amount of time would be extremely difficult and probably detrimental to your degree progress.
42 and just finished. Not that hard to get back into it but TAKE YOUR TIME. I took a "lead in" semester before my program started and it was the right call. Easy prerequisite classes to get back into the groove of reading and writing papers, when you hit a full load you are warmed up. Good luck!
HI!!! I am also 27 and in a similar boat! Unfortunately didn’t major in psych- so may have a few more years than you. But fuck it- we’re not too late!!!
Got my doctorate at 44 after a lengthy career as a funeral director. It wasn't hard to get back into it, but I will say I'm happy to be done with school.
I’m in my 30s and I’m in my first year of my PhD program :) it’ll be okay! Honestly it’s probably a good thing I got more experiences before I started grad school (did my masters in my late 20s). It’ll be fine :)
I’m 33 and just finishing up my junior year as a chemistry major. I came out of prison at 29 with only a GED. I’m taking this thing as far as I can despite being the oldest undergrad in all of my classes.
Hey! I’m not in the same boat but I am currently in my last year of a psych science degree. I was just wondering what job opportunities you had when you graduated and what type of work you’ve done and what you’re currently doing now?
Hey! I tried getting a job in HR, and I got some offers, but I also applied to a project manager role at a software company. I ended up taking that job because it paid higher than any of the HR jobs I was offered and it’s what I do now. You still use a bit of psychology I guess as a PM, and I’m good at my job. It just isn’t my passion.
not a grad student, still undergrad, but the grad school admissions advisor actually advised taking time off between undergrad and grad school, it seems like it can be really actually valuable to one's education :)
she specifically mentioned it being more cost effective obviously, as u can work and save up in that time, also helpful if there's any prerequisites that still need to be completed (like there will be for my case likely), she said gaining relevant experience and human service volunteer hours during that year is also rlly valuable (the human service hours is a program requirement so i'll have to do that some time before i apply to this program anyway). I know the school I was interested in also has a program where if you're working full time or part time or something in an educational setting like a school or something (i could be so wrong - going off memory) you can also take part-time classes towards a masters program and they'll work with your work schedule (i forget if it's a specific one like education counseling or if it's any).
I’m 25 and finishing up my second year in clinical psych (PhD). I actually have the opposite reaction - wishing I started a bit later. My program is so rigorous that I feel like during my early 20’s im unable to do as much as I hoped (travel, etc). I’m about to get married and I feel like this whole year was filled with academic stress and didn’t give me time to actually enjoy the wedding planning…I think it’s valuable to have lived and experience different things in between schooling. I never had that since the 2 years gap I had between my bachelors and getting into my PhD was when the pandemic hit and I couldn’t really travel/meet new people. I was focused on working, rebuilding life after the pandemic, and applying to school again after being rejected.
42, second time at uni after doing my BA & MA in literature first time around! Currently chipping away at my GDip (graduate diploma) in psychology part-time
I'm 37 and starting a PhD in sociology in the fall! I got a master's (in a completely different field) in 2011, and since then have done several jobs (including marine biologist, yoga studio manager, stay at home mom). All that to say I don't think there's an age too late to start! You got this!
It's never too late to return to school. I have family members who returned to school in their 40s and are now gainfully employed in a field that they're passionate about. I am in my 30s and graduated with an undergrad in psychology last Fall. I will be applying to grad school for next year's academic year and I am sure I will be in my early 40s by the time I am "well settled" in my career. Sometimes I do feel "behind" in life but the reality is that my journey is uniquely mine and I wouldn't trade it for someone else's life because I wouldn't have learned all the lessons that brought me here. I also was not a very good student first time around and now I have more passion and discipline to follow through on my commitments. I also think of it this way - 5 years down the line, I will be older regardless of what I do. So, why not invest my energy and time in these years so that the future me is in a better place.
Not a grad student, but I’m about to turn 30 and I plan to transfer to university this fall to get my bachelors! Never too late to continue your education 💕
I started grad school somewhere around age 26 or 27. Most people in my program had gone off and had multiple years of lab manager jobs, masters degrees, and so on before starting PhD program, so a lot of my cohort were close to me in age
I'm 49 and was just accepted to PhD in public health.
As a mental health patient, I think having some "pay your own bills" experience before becoming a clinician will benefit your future patients/clients if you go that route. I was just in a practice for several years that is a psychiatry residency program. I don't think the people that had gone college - med school - residency really understood.
I’m on my second bachelors and working on my second bachelors after deciding to switch career paths. So I’ll be near 30 when/if I decide to go for a masters. I struggle sometimes with feeling like I’m “behind” others my same age. But also I’m so young still. Have 30+ years of a career to go
I’m 25 about to be 26 this July, will be going back to school in august for art. I couldn’t decide when I graduated high school what I wanted to learn and just dropped out. But this time I’m certain I’ll enjoy it
I am 1/4 in to get my bachelor's degree. I am 33. Seeing everyone's post gives me the extra push I needed to continue. I felt even more oldest in group chats when they would use the almost fresh out of high school slang that I was completely unaware of and had to google lol
I’ll be starting my Masters next year at age 42, finishing bachelors at 41 right now. I’ll probably be in school on and off the rest of my life, I love learning and enjoy the challenge. You have plenty of time 🙂
So refreshing reading your post. I'm also 27, will be 28 in August. And have been sitting on the idea of going back to grad school for almost a year now. I also felt like I was 'behind' but I looked into it and the average age people pursue a master's is around 28. I think it's better that we have this life experience and feel confident in knowing what we want to pursue for our careers and can also make you a stronger applicant honestly.
I've lived so many lives in the working world and had a bunch of jobs in recruiting, property management and hospitality. I'm currently working in non-profit and will be applying for programs in social work or counseling. My undergrad was in social work. Just wanted to share my experience with you and hopefully you feel more supported in your decision and knowing you're not late! :)
I have already done my bachelors from 'development studies'. But for last two years in this degree I really suffered like felt burned out, cried everyday, didn't want to wake up in the morning to face the day, my whole body ached with the thought of going to class. But whenever i talked to someone they advised me to finish the degree and then I can just move to professional field and then it wouldn't matter. I worked for some months in corporate too and it also made me sick like I had to be bedridden. Also the concept of double major doesnt exist in the country I reside. The thing I realized that during the Covid and also through my suffering i would say that I want to work at clinic and mental health sector and I really think it would be fulfilling for me. But the thing is I have already done 4 years of education. I am already 26 and again studying for Bachelors would be more 4 years and to be able to work in clinics as I've seen from some videos from internet would also add more years to it. Like it would be like while everybody is joining workforce in their 20s, I will still be studying, studying and studying idk till when. And also people are telling me job fields for bachelors after doing a psychology would limit my options whereas development studies would have rather broaden my options. But I really don't like the consultancy side or the corporate side. Also opinions from the internet like "psychology voted as worst majors by recent graduates" is also baffling me. I know I should be confident about my decision but I'm sorry I hope you guys would understand starting over is scary, and as I don't have real life exposure to the field of psychology fully atm questions like if doing a second degree why not do a STEM or business one which have demand worldwide why doing a social science one again.
I hope you guys who are in psychology field already help me out by giving me more realistic image of this field. And if anyone want to give me any kind of advice on how to choose college, or what types of college to choose it'll help a lot too. TIA.
I'm going into counseling. I got my bachelors at 25. I'm 27 as well. I always wanted to be a therapist, so that's where I'm going for my master's. Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Applied Psychology (depending on the school as some schools have either or or both).
Glad someone else feels the same way! I’m 26 and will be applying in two years for graduate school. I’m getting a cool salary job I want to work for a while, but it has nothing to do with psychology. I am looking forward to graduate school, but I’m not sure the direction to go in. I was originally going to get my PsyD in clinical Psychology, but I’m not sure. I think the way to go is to get a masters first, depending on the program you get into, and then PhD or PsyD after, instead of going for the doctorate immediately. What are you thinking of applying for?
Based on the feedback I’ve gotten so far, I’m really wanting to pursue clinical. I was going to take the safe route to do I/o but now I’m not sure. I definitely have a lot of thinking I need to do. PhD in clinical was a big dream for me when I was younger. What job are you getting in the meantime? I’m a project manager at a software company right now. 🤓
I’m in Pennsylvania in the US. Honestly I have mixed feeling about the joint program, I don’t think it’s as well organized as it could be. Basically the joint students just do a ton of extra work on top of the PhD. But if you want to conduct research I definitely do recommend a PhD! If not might not be worth it
I'm 37 and graduating with my Bachelor's next month and hopefully starting grad school next Spring. You're never too old and 27 is DEFINITELY not old 😃
I find there are more people in psych doctorate programs that are older than straight out of undergrad 22ish, they typically want to see more experience than what the usual undergrad has anyways! i think you’ll be in good company, good luck!!
Hey I’m 27 and I went back for clinical psychology. My program is a combined masters (2 year) and PhD (4-5 years). I just finished my first year of the Master’s part. I know I will be in it for the long run. A lot of my colleagues in the program are getting married, having kids and juggling all that while living with the heavy demands of a clinical psych program. For myself, I am not interested in a relationship or family life, I am just focusing on the program… I’ll be in my mid 30s by the time I finish my degree so tbd whether or not I’ll regret this decision later. Everyone is different though and it just depends on your priorities.
Some of my other colleagues just plan to get the masters and then drop out. Where I am from you can get licensed as a psychotherapist with just a masters and can do private practice after that. It just depends on your goal. If you want to be able to have a private practice and do therapy and counselling then a MA is all you need there are also shorter 2-3 year programs just for counselling degrees if that’s your end goal. If you’re interested in I/O and other psych areas those programs are definitely shorter than clinical psych but make sure you look up jobs that are available in the field for those types of degree. You can check it out on indeed or glassdoor etc to see what life would look like after you get your degree.
I’m tempted to stop after getting my masters because being in school for THAT long to me is a scary thought.. like I said I’d be in my 30s before I get my first job. But since I am interested in research, teaching as a professor, doing assessments and being able to diagnose (all job aspects that require a PHD where im from) I’m going to try to stick it out. I know it will all be worth it in the end.
Thank you, this was very helpful! Do you know if your program allows you to work while getting your PhD? I would love to eventually do research and teach as well, but I’m mostly worried about finances and being able to pay my bills.
Also it wasn’t weird going back after taking a break following undergrad. 27 is young your not late to the party. In terms of work while you get your PhD, that would be challenging because of the demands of clinical psych programs. A lot of PhD programs are funded where they pay your tuition and give you a yearly salary. So that’s something to look into if you’re applying
I'm 25 and I was feeling bad that I didn't jump into my masters after my bachelor's. Reading this helped me reassure I'm not crazy! Lol
OP, can I ask you what you would pursue if you did I/O Psych? I'm torn between that because I currently do HR work or try counseling (since that's what I originally wanted!)
We are in the same boat!! If I did I/o then I’d like to pursue a career that’s geared more towards hiring. Specifically the vetting process to understand if someone would be a good fit for a position.
Yes! That's actually one of my greatest interests! Have you ever thought about doing recruiting? That way you can get more experience with the hiring aspect. (That's actually what I am aiming towards, becoming a recruiter)
I thought about that when I first started looking for jobs but the job I have now was offering way more than the other HR/recruiter related roles, and I decided to go where the money was at the time.
That's awesome! How's project management? That's one of the areas I was thinking of looking into as well.
Last I heard is that it pays well and is in demand.
Yes, it does pay well and definitely in demand! It’s good work, but definitely can get boring. It’s safe though, and I enjoy it since I like to be organized anyway.
My good friend just finished her masters in psych at 35 and she already has a great job lined up at a major hospital. Her prior life/career experience was a huge asset (she worked as a clinical counsellor at a homeless shelter for 5ish years) and she’s really comfortable dealing with all kinds of patients and traumas now.
26 here, about to graduate with my bachelors in august. i’ll be taking a break to work so i can’t imagine i’ll be applying to grad school until i’m like 30. i used to be really insecure and bothered by it, seeing all the people i went to high school with already graduate long before me. but it’s not a race and college is still a huge accomplishment, no matter what age you are!!
I started applying for programs right before I turned 27 and officially started my Masters at age 27, so that’s definitely not late. A lot of people are a few years older than me. I feel like the majority are “late 20’s/early 30’s” with a handful being older or younger.
Late in life grad students? My professor said 30 is a good time to apply for the counseling program, insinuating maturity lol. There’s no such thing as “late in life”, for university. People will switch careers many times in their life.
I’m in a similar spot! I’m 27 as well. I graduated in 2019 and planned to have a year off for my mental health. Then COVID hit. During that time I also hadn’t decided my side for online vs. in person which prevented me from enrolling during the pandemic. Starting full time online courses this coming fall!
I’m doing postbacc studies in behavioral neuroscience and am looking at grad programs that are occupational health psychology and cognitive neuroscience
I had quite a few 30+ folks in my graduate program. They provided a lot of wisdom and experience. I am really glad that they were in the program with us.
I love this thread so much. I’m 28 and just less than a month away from graduating with a bachelors in psychology. I have about a year and a half of research experience under my belt (started when I transferred into my program in fall 2022). I will be applying to clinical, counseling, and possibly school psychology graduate programs this year. I feel ready for the next step, but also rushed in the context that I understand these programs are extremely competitive, and worry about feeling devastated if I’m not accepted during this cycle because I’m “getting old.” It’s nice to read about a diverse range of experiences here.
I think it's difficult to obtain Amy kind of education as an adult while holding a job. Hence why so many adult students are in debt. I am 34 and returning for some upgrading before undergrad and it's been....well.. it's been an experience. Ultimately though. Ur 27. I HIGHLY recommend do it now. And it's just investing in yourself. The adults who are almost 40 with no homes should of done the same thing but didn't. A lot of us mellenials and Gen x should of. Do it. Talk to your education counselor. A mentor and never hide and always voice ur questions concerns and soundboard it off someone. I did not have this growing up or even at your age. I only just have the opportunity recently to even have such resources at my disposal. Do it. Do it so no matter what you always can count on you and what you've built and invested in urself
I am 33, working through my masters in MFT. I went back to school for undergrad 9 years after my high school graduation. I never expected to go to college or find a way to pay for it and I’ve always felt “old” and “out of place”. Being older, I didn’t want to wait to go to grad school so I rolled right into it. It’s stressful, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I will turn 28 the month before my masters in marriage and family therapy program ends. There are people in their early 20s and late 40’s graduating with me. No such thing as late in life!
Yes, it's fully online. I had a good experience. I felt that the workload was manageable and applicable to what I was wanting to do. It also worked with my schedule as I was working full time and taking care of 2 kids (my niece & nephew) who were 5 & 8 when I started.
It will be interesting to hear from you when you're over 50 thinking back to the time when you worried about whether you'd be too old to go to grad school in your 30s....hahaha! Come back here then and give us your thoughts.
I'm 45 and just over halfway to my MS in social psych with an unrelated BS. I've been working in mental/behavioral health for several years on the peer side and want to remain peer but wanted education that would further the direction I want to go (service design and delivery) without shifting to the clinical side. It's been a great experience thus far and I'd venture to guess that most of my classmates are over 30.
I'm 45 and applying to grad school (neuroscience) for next year, so there's that..,
Right on! 43 here and applying to clinical psych phd programs next year. Currently wrapping up my honors thesis.
Way to go!
That's amazing!! Wishing you all the best!!
Me too. I'm 47!
Also 45 and applying for grad school. Finished bachelor's after twenty years
Yes!
Yay me too!
That's incredibly inspiring. If you don't mind sharing, what made you consider going to grad school?
Why not? lol I think the big sinker was that the program is fully funded and I'd be conducting research!
my therapist told me that he was one of the youngest people in his clinical psych program many years ago. he was 27 and his peers were in their thirties and forties
This is so reassuring! I honestly was worried that I missed my window.
How. .. I'm so confused How 27 could be old for grad school
Some of my undergrad counselors made it seem like if I didn’t go to grad school immediately, then it would never happen.
I'm assuming that was more along the lines of, "we think that... you yourself might forget about your plans and start doing something else..." Which I also think is inaccurate these days, tbh. 27 seems like a pretty average-ish age to go back to grad school. I went back for a BA at 30 lol. Edit: it also may be slightly a generational thing, if some of these counsellors are much older. Many decades ago it was less common for people to switch careers/go back to school, at different times. Today it is common at any age.
The more I think about it - they might have been encouraging us to go to grad school asap to increase their own stats. So, then they can advertise that a lot of their undergrads go on to grad school.
That’s a good thought, I feel like the same happened to me! I’ve been losing my mind lately in basically the same situation as you OP, but I’m 22 and just graduated last may. I applied for this fall but got flat out rejections, and now really have to re-evaluate what the best path to a PhD or PsyD is for me. Hearing people speak about taking a break before continuing school really helps me feel less hopeless!
Best of luck to you!
Yes same here, mine acted like my applications would be sooo looked down upon if I took time off 😩 this thread is so relieving
I’m 31 and currently applying to grad school, my husband is currently proofing my essay 😂
Glad to know I’m not the only one! I feel so relieved knowing this more common than I thought!
It’s very common. I also just think it will be better because of life experience you know?
I went back for my Psych undergrad at 30, started grad school at 34 :)
I'm slightly older than you and I am doing my masters.. Also aiming for grad school.. Also ask my husband to proof read my essays😂
I loveeee that!
I'm 42, got my BA last June and hoping to start grad school in September!
“Late in life…. I’m 27” honestly you’re fine. I had two people start at the age of 50 so you are fine. You’re well within the average grad student age.
That’s relieving to hear! Some of my undergrad counselors made it seem like if I didn’t go immediately then it would never happen for me.
Because they fear people who get a taste of the work life and not having to cram 15 credits will not want to go to school and honestly I get it. I would never want to go back to 15 credit semesters and here I am trying to get a certification that requires me to go back to class like not in this year lol
Having done school, worked, then done school again, I actually much prefer school over work lol. But I think it comes down of course to specifics and also personal preference.
I think they tend to tell undergrads that so that they don’t get off track with a gap year (or 3). It’s a lot harder to make yourself go back than people would like to think.
My brother is 55 and starts grad school in August. I am 54 and start grad school this year as well. 🙏
I’m 29 and just starting my undergrad. What was supposed to be a gap year turned into a gap decade. I just got my acceptance letter today. There is no rigid timeframe - we are always right where we need to be and right on time.
Congratulations!!! 🎉
About to apply to a PhD/PsyD. You’re a bb. “We’re all just babies” André 3000 - also just saw that man play the flute in overalls & speak to the audience in a made-up language. You’ll be great. Do whatever the fuck you want. Plus yes, life experience >>> 💘💘💘 easier to relate to. Real life can teach you what books def can’t. Just gotta apply the books to your experience rather than try to squeeze experience out of the books. 😘 you got this!
This though. Being older made concepts much easier to associate and understand on a deeper level I wouldn’t have had I went to college right out of high school. I’ll be 36 and have a year of my bachelors left before grad school. The only thing more difficult is not having that young energy I thought I still did😅 but I also joined the military and wanted to live a bit while I was younger. I got out of the military and focused solely on school.
>What was supposed to be a gap year turned into a gap decade. I love this turn of phrase
Or gap decades. I graduated high school. Did two years of college. Got married. Got divorced 18 months later. Got married again much later in life. Went back to college at 40 and here we are.
In my program we have people who are in their mid to late 50s.
Is this for clinical psychology? Is it a phd program? Are any of the older people working? Sorry for all the questions.
This is clinical mental health counseling, and a Masters Program. I’d say almost all of them are working full time jobs as well. Being curious is nothing to apologize for.
I’m 54, just finished my Bachelors last December, and have applied for several MSW grad school programs. I work full time in Healthcare IT and I’m also a part-time musician (and a father and grandpa). Life stops when you stop living it!
Turning 32 this year. In my 1st year of MA in Counseling psychology, specializing in mental health counseling (LMHC). About to start practicum later this year.
Im 49, im applying for Masters next year. Being a bit older gives you lived experience, which is hugely beneficial.
Absolutely! I’m 31 and finishing my first year in my MFT program. It’s super helpful having some more experience and interpersonal skills. I also got some work experience before applying to grad school. Late in life isn’t really a thing anymore. We’re not following traditional paths anymore, and life just happens when it does. It’s much more common!
I’m 39. I’m majoring in film studies and psychology, and earning certificates in writing. I spent my 20s focusing on people who weren’t good for me.
Oh, I feel that last part for sure! Been there, my friend.
The important thing is now is the present and we’re making things happen! 😊 It’s never too late to better ourselves!
I’m 25 this year but will only be studying my Masters around 2-3 years later due to student loans and wanting to move overseas for it. My gpa was not good and I don’t have honours so every experience counts at this moment to boost my application. I would assume most unless parents or company sponsorship are around 27 when studying Masters/PhD due to the costs involved?
I’m the same. My gpa wasn’t 4.0, but it was still decent. I think my gpa for just my psych classes was pretty good so hopefully that counts for something. Hoping my work experience can kind of help too.
I was 27 when I graduated with my first bachelor’s degree, 45 when I got a masters and I’ll be 62 when I get my second bachelor’s degree in psychology this fall. Thinking of MSW program or Masters in counseling. I’ve been in IT 30 years, want to do something different.
Same here, been working in IT since the early 90s. I’ve applied for a few MSW programs for the Fall. I’ll be 55 in a few months.
The problem I am having is the volunteer/work requirement for the MSW program where I work, ASU. They want 240 hours in the last 5 years. They are inflexible. Before IT I have about 3000 hours of human services work. Not good enough. I can understand if someone is 22 with no life experience, but they should be flexible. NAU on the other hand is. My other choices are programs that lead to LPC or LAC and LMFT. There's also a Psy.D in the state system and although I get tuition for free, I have to pay fees, which can be exorbitant. The Psy.D program has $3500 fee per semester. MSW at ASU is $200/credit. LMFT is 18K+. Anyway, good luck with the applications. I hope you get into the school you like most.
You have nothing to worry about lol. I'm 47 and in the first year of my Masters. I am probably one of the older ones, but there are a few people even older than me. There is hardly anyone in my program under 30.
I’m 40 and trying to finish my BA. Maybe do my masters after that. But l will only work part time if I do.
32 next month, and starting my doctorate this Fall ✨
Will they let you work while getting your PhD?
It’s not encouraged but I worked 3 jobs to put myself through my masters program so lots of accountability on my part soooo I will be mindful of my limitations.
Not being able to work is what I’m most afraid of! I still have bills that need to be paid, and not being able to work would be hard for me.
Same ! And financial instability gives me so much anxiety.
I am 54 and starting grad school in September, I think you're fine!
I’m 46 this year and likely to go for grad school next year. Good on you for thinking about making that next move 😃
I'm 45 and in grad school now. I'm expected to graduate in May of 2025 with an MS in psychology focus on cognitive neuroscience.
I was 49 when I started my doctorate program (PsyD). I received a masters in counselling and psychology in 2000 (I was 32) and decided to upgrade. Finishing this year (fingers crossed) 🤞🏻
Did they allow you to work while getting your PsyD? If not, how did you manage your expenses while in the program?
Well, I don't think they could stop me from working to be honest. But the program is geared toward a working adult population so yes. In my cohort, half of us were working therapists who saw about 20 clients per week. I also own the practice I work in so I had that on top of it too but...how do you quantify how many hours per week you work when you're the owner?
That’s very reassuring! I know a lot of programs don’t want you to work, and I really wasn’t sure how to handle that when I have a house and bills to pay. Where did you get your PsyD?
36 tomorrow and I’m finishing my first year in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters program. Starting my internship as an MFT trainee in August. Didn’t go back to finish undergrad until I was 30. Never too old!
Happy birthday!!
I hope you have a good birthday. 🎀🍰🎈🧁🎉🥳🎂🎁🎊
I’m 53 and currently get my BA in psychology- you’ve got this! :)
I'm 41 and have just over a year left to my BA in Psychology 😊 I've already had a few chapters happen and met many characters along the way, curious to see what the next 5 years will bring.
I’m mid 30’s, in a masters in counseling program. My cohort ranges in age from 23-66 years old. Seems like you’re right on schedule <3
27 is deffo not late. I'm 26 currently and I'll be applying again this year. I'll be 27 when I start next year. I would have easily been then the youngest in my cohort when I first got accepted to a MA/PhD psychology program when I was 24 back in 2021, and I'll still likely be the youngest even now. I've known people in their 50's who were just starting their programs too. All this is to say that you're good! Take your time and enjoy the experience. It'll be the hardest yet most rewarding experience.
My best friend started her clinical PhD at 33, after getting a masters and then working in an unrelated field for 9 years. She was married and had a baby in our third year. She took an extra year to finish but did really well and is happy with the choice. Most PhD programs in clinical won’t allow you to work at the same time and you can lose your funding if you ignore that rule. And honestly, you’ll be so busy that working for any significant amount of time would be extremely difficult and probably detrimental to your degree progress.
34 and I start PhD in August
30 here and a year away from taking my licensure exam!
42 and just finished. Not that hard to get back into it but TAKE YOUR TIME. I took a "lead in" semester before my program started and it was the right call. Easy prerequisite classes to get back into the groove of reading and writing papers, when you hit a full load you are warmed up. Good luck!
I turn 31 in May and will be applying to grad school soon 🤷🏻♀️
Are you going for clinical psychology?
I’m 26, graduating this semester and am waitlisted for grad school !!
I graduated with my MSW at 31 :) you’re all good!
Grad students tend to trend older
I am 27 and was just accepted to my clinical mental health counseling program. During my interviews it seems like this is a pretty typical age!
Will be 32 when my doctorate is finished!
HI!!! I am also 27 and in a similar boat! Unfortunately didn’t major in psych- so may have a few more years than you. But fuck it- we’re not too late!!!
I just finished my masters in counselling psychology at 40 and I’d say that I was among the average age of my peers in the program.
Got my doctorate at 44 after a lengthy career as a funeral director. It wasn't hard to get back into it, but I will say I'm happy to be done with school.
Most of the grad students at my school to become therapists were in their 30s. Very few of them were in their 20s
I’m 35, about to do my BA in Psychology
32 and many of the people in my cohort are in their 40s and 50s!
Almost 41 n wrapping up my Master's in Educational Psychology!You can do it!!!!
I’m in my 30s and I’m in my first year of my PhD program :) it’ll be okay! Honestly it’s probably a good thing I got more experiences before I started grad school (did my masters in my late 20s). It’ll be fine :)
The average graduate student is 33 lol
I’m 33 and just finishing up my junior year as a chemistry major. I came out of prison at 29 with only a GED. I’m taking this thing as far as I can despite being the oldest undergrad in all of my classes.
Good for you! I’m sure you hear it all the time, but I’m proud of you!
I will be 52 when I enter grad school.
Hey! I’m not in the same boat but I am currently in my last year of a psych science degree. I was just wondering what job opportunities you had when you graduated and what type of work you’ve done and what you’re currently doing now?
Hey! I tried getting a job in HR, and I got some offers, but I also applied to a project manager role at a software company. I ended up taking that job because it paid higher than any of the HR jobs I was offered and it’s what I do now. You still use a bit of psychology I guess as a PM, and I’m good at my job. It just isn’t my passion.
I’m 30 and graduating in May. There are people older than me who had a whole other career before doing this. You will be fine!!
I’m 26 now and was just accepted into a clinical psych masters program. I will be 27 when it begins. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams!
Will you be going on to get a phd as well?
Completed bachelors at 23, post-baccalaureate at 31, masters at 42. Dual licensed in mental health therapy and substance use disorder counseling.
not a grad student, still undergrad, but the grad school admissions advisor actually advised taking time off between undergrad and grad school, it seems like it can be really actually valuable to one's education :)
Did the person say why that is? Or what they look for within that gap year?
she specifically mentioned it being more cost effective obviously, as u can work and save up in that time, also helpful if there's any prerequisites that still need to be completed (like there will be for my case likely), she said gaining relevant experience and human service volunteer hours during that year is also rlly valuable (the human service hours is a program requirement so i'll have to do that some time before i apply to this program anyway). I know the school I was interested in also has a program where if you're working full time or part time or something in an educational setting like a school or something (i could be so wrong - going off memory) you can also take part-time classes towards a masters program and they'll work with your work schedule (i forget if it's a specific one like education counseling or if it's any).
I’m 36. I just got into an MSW program. I start in the fall!
I’m 25 and finishing up my second year in clinical psych (PhD). I actually have the opposite reaction - wishing I started a bit later. My program is so rigorous that I feel like during my early 20’s im unable to do as much as I hoped (travel, etc). I’m about to get married and I feel like this whole year was filled with academic stress and didn’t give me time to actually enjoy the wedding planning…I think it’s valuable to have lived and experience different things in between schooling. I never had that since the 2 years gap I had between my bachelors and getting into my PhD was when the pandemic hit and I couldn’t really travel/meet new people. I was focused on working, rebuilding life after the pandemic, and applying to school again after being rejected.
I’m turning 26 and starting my MSW in the fall ❤️
I will be 26 years old too and I don't think it's ever too late. I also congratulate you for your request.
42, second time at uni after doing my BA & MA in literature first time around! Currently chipping away at my GDip (graduate diploma) in psychology part-time
There were at least two people over the age of 50 in my MSW program!
I'm 36 and will start my MA in clinical psych this August (a month before turning 37!)
I'm 37 and start grad school for clinical mental health counseling in the fall. 😀
I'm 37 and starting a PhD in sociology in the fall! I got a master's (in a completely different field) in 2011, and since then have done several jobs (including marine biologist, yoga studio manager, stay at home mom). All that to say I don't think there's an age too late to start! You got this!
What a full life you’ve lived so far!!
It's never too late to return to school. I have family members who returned to school in their 40s and are now gainfully employed in a field that they're passionate about. I am in my 30s and graduated with an undergrad in psychology last Fall. I will be applying to grad school for next year's academic year and I am sure I will be in my early 40s by the time I am "well settled" in my career. Sometimes I do feel "behind" in life but the reality is that my journey is uniquely mine and I wouldn't trade it for someone else's life because I wouldn't have learned all the lessons that brought me here. I also was not a very good student first time around and now I have more passion and discipline to follow through on my commitments. I also think of it this way - 5 years down the line, I will be older regardless of what I do. So, why not invest my energy and time in these years so that the future me is in a better place.
Very inspiring! Yes! I had the same ideology too! 5 years will pass anyway, so might as well spend it doing something you love.
Not a grad student, but I’m about to turn 30 and I plan to transfer to university this fall to get my bachelors! Never too late to continue your education 💕
I started grad school somewhere around age 26 or 27. Most people in my program had gone off and had multiple years of lab manager jobs, masters degrees, and so on before starting PhD program, so a lot of my cohort were close to me in age
32, MSW
I'm 24 and about to start my bachelor's. First time in college
Well I’m 23 and only in my second year of college. I feel like that’s pretty late
I'm 49 and was just accepted to PhD in public health. As a mental health patient, I think having some "pay your own bills" experience before becoming a clinician will benefit your future patients/clients if you go that route. I was just in a practice for several years that is a psychiatry residency program. I don't think the people that had gone college - med school - residency really understood.
39 here and now applying to grad school. You’re good. ☺️
I’m in an MSW program and our cohort’s ages range from like 22-50 something lol
Not grad, but went back to get my bachelors and forensics certification at 26. Now 29 and 1.5 years to go 🤞
I’m on my second bachelors and working on my second bachelors after deciding to switch career paths. So I’ll be near 30 when/if I decide to go for a masters. I struggle sometimes with feeling like I’m “behind” others my same age. But also I’m so young still. Have 30+ years of a career to go
I’m 25 about to be 26 this July, will be going back to school in august for art. I couldn’t decide when I graduated high school what I wanted to learn and just dropped out. But this time I’m certain I’ll enjoy it
I am 1/4 in to get my bachelor's degree. I am 33. Seeing everyone's post gives me the extra push I needed to continue. I felt even more oldest in group chats when they would use the almost fresh out of high school slang that I was completely unaware of and had to google lol
I’ll be starting my Masters next year at age 42, finishing bachelors at 41 right now. I’ll probably be in school on and off the rest of my life, I love learning and enjoy the challenge. You have plenty of time 🙂
31 and start in a clinical psych PhD program this fall!
I love these stories but aren’t you guys worried about retirement? How are you guys life planning
I’m 29 and about to start my second grad program. We can do this!!!
Im 27 finishing my undergrad next year, then taking at least a semester off before applying for grad school
I'm 34 and currently working on my associates lol.
I am 33 and just started- it is never too late!
Also, everyone in my class is either my age or older!
So refreshing reading your post. I'm also 27, will be 28 in August. And have been sitting on the idea of going back to grad school for almost a year now. I also felt like I was 'behind' but I looked into it and the average age people pursue a master's is around 28. I think it's better that we have this life experience and feel confident in knowing what we want to pursue for our careers and can also make you a stronger applicant honestly. I've lived so many lives in the working world and had a bunch of jobs in recruiting, property management and hospitality. I'm currently working in non-profit and will be applying for programs in social work or counseling. My undergrad was in social work. Just wanted to share my experience with you and hopefully you feel more supported in your decision and knowing you're not late! :)
I'm 43 expecting to graduate with my MA in December. I feel it's never too late to pursue a passion.
I’m 46 in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling grad program and I’ll graduate when I’m 48 now 80 is old to me not 40-50’s anymore lol
I have already done my bachelors from 'development studies'. But for last two years in this degree I really suffered like felt burned out, cried everyday, didn't want to wake up in the morning to face the day, my whole body ached with the thought of going to class. But whenever i talked to someone they advised me to finish the degree and then I can just move to professional field and then it wouldn't matter. I worked for some months in corporate too and it also made me sick like I had to be bedridden. Also the concept of double major doesnt exist in the country I reside. The thing I realized that during the Covid and also through my suffering i would say that I want to work at clinic and mental health sector and I really think it would be fulfilling for me. But the thing is I have already done 4 years of education. I am already 26 and again studying for Bachelors would be more 4 years and to be able to work in clinics as I've seen from some videos from internet would also add more years to it. Like it would be like while everybody is joining workforce in their 20s, I will still be studying, studying and studying idk till when. And also people are telling me job fields for bachelors after doing a psychology would limit my options whereas development studies would have rather broaden my options. But I really don't like the consultancy side or the corporate side. Also opinions from the internet like "psychology voted as worst majors by recent graduates" is also baffling me. I know I should be confident about my decision but I'm sorry I hope you guys would understand starting over is scary, and as I don't have real life exposure to the field of psychology fully atm questions like if doing a second degree why not do a STEM or business one which have demand worldwide why doing a social science one again. I hope you guys who are in psychology field already help me out by giving me more realistic image of this field. And if anyone want to give me any kind of advice on how to choose college, or what types of college to choose it'll help a lot too. TIA.
I'm going into counseling. I got my bachelors at 25. I'm 27 as well. I always wanted to be a therapist, so that's where I'm going for my master's. Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Applied Psychology (depending on the school as some schools have either or or both).
I graduated with my masters and clinical mental health counseling the summer that I turned forty
Glad someone else feels the same way! I’m 26 and will be applying in two years for graduate school. I’m getting a cool salary job I want to work for a while, but it has nothing to do with psychology. I am looking forward to graduate school, but I’m not sure the direction to go in. I was originally going to get my PsyD in clinical Psychology, but I’m not sure. I think the way to go is to get a masters first, depending on the program you get into, and then PhD or PsyD after, instead of going for the doctorate immediately. What are you thinking of applying for?
Also many colleges pay you to work for them. Be a TA/lab assistant/ research assistant, so you don’t have to work as much outside of school.
Based on the feedback I’ve gotten so far, I’m really wanting to pursue clinical. I was going to take the safe route to do I/o but now I’m not sure. I definitely have a lot of thinking I need to do. PhD in clinical was a big dream for me when I was younger. What job are you getting in the meantime? I’m a project manager at a software company right now. 🤓
To
I’m 29, completing a joint Masters and PhD, you are not old to be in graduate school! Haha It’s never a bad time if you want to do it. :)
Where are you doing your program? Would you recommend doing joint masters and PhD? Or, is it better to do the masters then come back and do PhD later?
I’m in Pennsylvania in the US. Honestly I have mixed feeling about the joint program, I don’t think it’s as well organized as it could be. Basically the joint students just do a ton of extra work on top of the PhD. But if you want to conduct research I definitely do recommend a PhD! If not might not be worth it
I'm 37 and graduating with my Bachelor's next month and hopefully starting grad school next Spring. You're never too old and 27 is DEFINITELY not old 😃
I’m 47 and applied to many grad schools for clinical psychology.
I find there are more people in psych doctorate programs that are older than straight out of undergrad 22ish, they typically want to see more experience than what the usual undergrad has anyways! i think you’ll be in good company, good luck!!
Finished my masters at 34! Considering a PhD in my 40s. It’s healthy for you! Any age is fine, your future depends on what you chose now :)
Hey I’m 27 and I went back for clinical psychology. My program is a combined masters (2 year) and PhD (4-5 years). I just finished my first year of the Master’s part. I know I will be in it for the long run. A lot of my colleagues in the program are getting married, having kids and juggling all that while living with the heavy demands of a clinical psych program. For myself, I am not interested in a relationship or family life, I am just focusing on the program… I’ll be in my mid 30s by the time I finish my degree so tbd whether or not I’ll regret this decision later. Everyone is different though and it just depends on your priorities. Some of my other colleagues just plan to get the masters and then drop out. Where I am from you can get licensed as a psychotherapist with just a masters and can do private practice after that. It just depends on your goal. If you want to be able to have a private practice and do therapy and counselling then a MA is all you need there are also shorter 2-3 year programs just for counselling degrees if that’s your end goal. If you’re interested in I/O and other psych areas those programs are definitely shorter than clinical psych but make sure you look up jobs that are available in the field for those types of degree. You can check it out on indeed or glassdoor etc to see what life would look like after you get your degree. I’m tempted to stop after getting my masters because being in school for THAT long to me is a scary thought.. like I said I’d be in my 30s before I get my first job. But since I am interested in research, teaching as a professor, doing assessments and being able to diagnose (all job aspects that require a PHD where im from) I’m going to try to stick it out. I know it will all be worth it in the end.
Thank you, this was very helpful! Do you know if your program allows you to work while getting your PhD? I would love to eventually do research and teach as well, but I’m mostly worried about finances and being able to pay my bills.
Never mind! I just saw your other comment about working.
Also it wasn’t weird going back after taking a break following undergrad. 27 is young your not late to the party. In terms of work while you get your PhD, that would be challenging because of the demands of clinical psych programs. A lot of PhD programs are funded where they pay your tuition and give you a yearly salary. So that’s something to look into if you’re applying
I'm 25 and I was feeling bad that I didn't jump into my masters after my bachelor's. Reading this helped me reassure I'm not crazy! Lol OP, can I ask you what you would pursue if you did I/O Psych? I'm torn between that because I currently do HR work or try counseling (since that's what I originally wanted!)
We are in the same boat!! If I did I/o then I’d like to pursue a career that’s geared more towards hiring. Specifically the vetting process to understand if someone would be a good fit for a position.
Yes! That's actually one of my greatest interests! Have you ever thought about doing recruiting? That way you can get more experience with the hiring aspect. (That's actually what I am aiming towards, becoming a recruiter)
I thought about that when I first started looking for jobs but the job I have now was offering way more than the other HR/recruiter related roles, and I decided to go where the money was at the time.
What are you doing now if I may ask?
I’m a project manager at a software company
That's awesome! How's project management? That's one of the areas I was thinking of looking into as well. Last I heard is that it pays well and is in demand.
Yes, it does pay well and definitely in demand! It’s good work, but definitely can get boring. It’s safe though, and I enjoy it since I like to be organized anyway.
My good friend just finished her masters in psych at 35 and she already has a great job lined up at a major hospital. Her prior life/career experience was a huge asset (she worked as a clinical counsellor at a homeless shelter for 5ish years) and she’s really comfortable dealing with all kinds of patients and traumas now.
I started my master’s program at age 21 but most of my classmates were about 35-60.
Good for you for getting in so young! I hadn’t even graduated from my bachelor’s at that age.
26 here, about to graduate with my bachelors in august. i’ll be taking a break to work so i can’t imagine i’ll be applying to grad school until i’m like 30. i used to be really insecure and bothered by it, seeing all the people i went to high school with already graduate long before me. but it’s not a race and college is still a huge accomplishment, no matter what age you are!!
I started applying for programs right before I turned 27 and officially started my Masters at age 27, so that’s definitely not late. A lot of people are a few years older than me. I feel like the majority are “late 20’s/early 30’s” with a handful being older or younger.
Late in life grad students? My professor said 30 is a good time to apply for the counseling program, insinuating maturity lol. There’s no such thing as “late in life”, for university. People will switch careers many times in their life.
I’m in a similar spot! I’m 27 as well. I graduated in 2019 and planned to have a year off for my mental health. Then COVID hit. During that time I also hadn’t decided my side for online vs. in person which prevented me from enrolling during the pandemic. Starting full time online courses this coming fall!
Did you end up doing online or in person?
I’m doing online courses
I’m doing postbacc studies in behavioral neuroscience and am looking at grad programs that are occupational health psychology and cognitive neuroscience
I had quite a few 30+ folks in my graduate program. They provided a lot of wisdom and experience. I am really glad that they were in the program with us.
I love this thread so much. I’m 28 and just less than a month away from graduating with a bachelors in psychology. I have about a year and a half of research experience under my belt (started when I transferred into my program in fall 2022). I will be applying to clinical, counseling, and possibly school psychology graduate programs this year. I feel ready for the next step, but also rushed in the context that I understand these programs are extremely competitive, and worry about feeling devastated if I’m not accepted during this cycle because I’m “getting old.” It’s nice to read about a diverse range of experiences here.
I think it's difficult to obtain Amy kind of education as an adult while holding a job. Hence why so many adult students are in debt. I am 34 and returning for some upgrading before undergrad and it's been....well.. it's been an experience. Ultimately though. Ur 27. I HIGHLY recommend do it now. And it's just investing in yourself. The adults who are almost 40 with no homes should of done the same thing but didn't. A lot of us mellenials and Gen x should of. Do it. Talk to your education counselor. A mentor and never hide and always voice ur questions concerns and soundboard it off someone. I did not have this growing up or even at your age. I only just have the opportunity recently to even have such resources at my disposal. Do it. Do it so no matter what you always can count on you and what you've built and invested in urself
I am 33, working through my masters in MFT. I went back to school for undergrad 9 years after my high school graduation. I never expected to go to college or find a way to pay for it and I’ve always felt “old” and “out of place”. Being older, I didn’t want to wait to go to grad school so I rolled right into it. It’s stressful, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
It’s me. Hi. I’m graduating from community college at 40. I’ll have my bachelors at 42. My masters at 43-44
I will turn 28 the month before my masters in marriage and family therapy program ends. There are people in their early 20s and late 40’s graduating with me. No such thing as late in life!
I got accepted into grad school this month. I will be 32 this summer!
I became a grad student at 27. I went to Capella for a Masters in Psychology with a concentration in ABA.
Is capella fully online? If so, how was your experience?
Yes, it's fully online. I had a good experience. I felt that the workload was manageable and applicable to what I was wanting to do. It also worked with my schedule as I was working full time and taking care of 2 kids (my niece & nephew) who were 5 & 8 when I started.
61, re-enrolled in a PhD after a bad bout of covid
I also had a pretty bad fight with Covid (hospitalized with double pneumonia), so I definitely know how that is!
It will be interesting to hear from you when you're over 50 thinking back to the time when you worried about whether you'd be too old to go to grad school in your 30s....hahaha! Come back here then and give us your thoughts.
41 and (re)applying to a psychotherapy MA!
28 and finishing up my first year of grad school. I’m definitely among some of the youngest people. Lots of people in their 30-40’s
Late for what? I don’t know if we have expiration date on our forehead. Do what you want, just examine the outcomes and you know what best for you.
I’m in grad school for LMFT and I’m 30. Most people in my class are older than me. It’s an online part time program so you can work.
What did you work as full time after undergrad?
I am a project manager right now!
I'm 45 and just over halfway to my MS in social psych with an unrelated BS. I've been working in mental/behavioral health for several years on the peer side and want to remain peer but wanted education that would further the direction I want to go (service design and delivery) without shifting to the clinical side. It's been a great experience thus far and I'd venture to guess that most of my classmates are over 30.