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Student Perspectives
One of the best ways to find out what it is like to be a student in a particular training program is to ask current students. We asked two of our students, Sarah McMurtry and Michael Moore, to share their perspectives of the Counseling Psychology doctoral program at The University of Southern Mississippi.
After the completion of applications and interviews and the reception of acceptance letters, I was faced with a decision that would drastically change the rest of my professional life. The decision was heavy, and the programs were very impressive. Yet, I was determined to make a choice that would benefit me the most. I was looking for a program that would provide me with excellent training so that I would be able to make a meaningful impact in my community. I sought a program that would expect nothing but my best; my best in academics, my best in research, my best in clinical experience. Yet, most importantly, I wanted to be a part of a program that challenged its students to become professionals within an encouraging environment. Now as I complete my first semester in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D program at the University of Southern Mississippi, I am more than convinced that I made the best choice.
As I began the program, I had many expectations. I expected to encounter provocative coursework, challenging research, and valuable training. I was pleasantly surprised that the program met and surpassed my expectations. The program not only offers integrative psychological content, diverse research opportunities, dynamic clinical training, but it also it provides alternate learning experiences with sources outside of the program. Recently, I was able to discuss the issues of ethnic identity and self concept development of Black and White South Africans post-Apartheid with Dr. Jackie Ankurst, a professor from St. John University in York, England. Actually having the experience of talking with a psychologist, who lived through the Apartheid in South Africa, is a testament to the vast array of experiences the program offers. More importantly, discussing this topic with Dr. Ankurst provides me with a sense of confidence that I can participate in intriguing dialogue with professionals due to the development of professionalism that is valued in the program. Other learning experiences that have been available since I began the program include workshops that are held on campus and locally. These workshops include topics such as mindfulness technique with clients with multiple problems, crisis interventions, and providing outcomes for challenging cases. Therefore, the learning opportunities are multifaceted and provide more than what I expected out of a graduate program.
Furthermore, the faculty within the program is excellent in providing an atmosphere that is conducive for intellectual inquisitiveness. Within three months of training, I have experienced the program as a supportive breeding ground for success. The faculty work proficiently to prepare its student to be competence professional before completion of the program. They offer bimonthly workshops on topics that aid in our thesis and dissertation process. Additionally, in efforts to continue a positive environment for development, one faculty member meets with us monthly to ensure successful interactions between students and faculty and to address common issues for graduate students. These types of relations with the faculty allow for a warm and congenial atmosphere in which we learn to make good decisions in our research and professional development.
I definitely feel like I have grown as a student, as a woman, and as a professional since I have been in the program… and it has only been in a three month period! The aspects of professional growth that I was looking for in an effective training program are minute compared to the astronomical amount of development I am receiving from the program day to day. I am confident that I am obtaining the training needed for superior work as a future Counseling Psychologist. But most importantly, I am confident that this program has increased my expectations for myself and increased my aptitude to make differences in the lives to others due to my training.
I had interviewed at several other schools prior to my interview and visit to the University of Southern Mississippi. While my visits and interviews were very enlightening and highlighted the many wonderful benefits these other schools had to offer, I never felt at home with any of these programs. This all changed with my visit to USM. I remember leaving the interview and thinking to myself “this is where I want to spend the next five years of my life, this feels like home.” I was coming from Arizona, so in reality Mississippi and my actual home were nothing alike. It was not the location, but rather the comfort that I felt from my interactions with the faculty and students when I interviewed for the program. Those initial feelings that I had about the program following my interview have without a doubt been proven to be true.
I have enjoyed the intimate feel that this program provides. The students in the program are genuinely concerned for the success and well being of one another. In the short time that I have been here I have developed relationships with my peers that I value and hope to carry on after my graduate school experience. Group activities, such as tailgating, holiday parties, and end of semester parties are common events that allow the students to socialize outside of the school environment, thus creating an atmosphere of cohesion and friendship.
I also value the relationships that I have developed with the faculty in the program. I truly feel that the faculty has my best interest and professional development in mind. This is evident in the many opportunities that this programs faculty provides to become involved with projects and research that they are working on. Additionally, faculty members seek out student feedback regarding various issues and policies that may have an effect upon our program. Furthermore, I have benefited from one on one mentoring relationships with faculty that have provided me with a wealth of information and opportunities to develop myself as a competent practitioner, researcher, and leader.
It was a huge undertaking to move my small family across the country to attend school away from family, friends, and the comforts of home. However, I have never regretted my decision to attend the Counseling Psychology program at The University of Southern Mississippi. This program has provided an academic balance that has been both challenging and rewarding. I know without a doubt that I am receiving some of the best training in the country that will prepare me for my future career as a mental health professional.
Direct questions or comments concerning this website to
Bonnie Nicholson, Ph.D.
Last
modified:
March 12, 2009 1:44 PM
The University of Southern Mississippi URL: http://www.usm.edu/counselingpsy/doc/perspectives.html
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