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Psychology, B.A. | Class of
James Barnett
Clinical Psychology Doctorate Student
Employer: TTU Department of Psychological Sciences
Job description: As a graduate student I am responsible for acquiring external funding to support lab-related research projects, publishing papers in scholarly journals, and working part-time to support departmental needs (e.g., teaching undergraduate courses).
About James
Why did you choose this program?
I grew up in Eureka and wanted to attend a program that would not accumulate unnecessary debt. The smaller class sizes were also appealing, as I believed this would give me more opportunities to interact with professors, acquire research opportunities, etc.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
Prior to attending the clinical psychology Ph.D. program, I was a foster care social worker who also taught courses at HSU and CR on the side. The program initially helped with roles as a social worker and instructor by giving me a firm foundation of the theoretical/knowledge basis within the discipline of developmental psychopathology. As a student in a clinical Ph.D. program, my research experience from the HSU MA program instilled the skills necessary to successfully transition into various research projects and work in an environment with high research expectations despite my main focus being therapy/assessment practicum. Additionally, some of my coursework and master's thesis were able to transfer into the Ph.D. program. These transferred helped quickly progress to other program milestones, extracurricular research, and practicum.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
The faculty of the HSU Psychology Department truly care about their students' success. Their guidance and scaffolding was immensely important in preparing me for my future endeavors. I encourage all students to take the time to get to know their faculty, and how they can get the most out of their education with the support of faculty.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
The HSU Psychology Department affords opportunities for students with diverse interests to succeed. Prospective students should get in touch with current faculty to ask about the aspects of each program, and inquire about potential adviser possibilities. These faculty will be valuable resources to gather information about the application process, expectations of the program, and even explore interests to determine if the program is a good fit for your needs.