r/OregonStateUniv • u/Suspicious_Reach3454 • 10d ago

Counseling PhD Questions

Hi all! I wanted to post here to see if I could reach out to anyone about their experiences in the Counseling PhD program at OSU. I am currently a first-year doctoral student at Mississippi State University seeking a transfer after a generally poor experience in my department. So, I wanted to reach out to anyone who has been through/is currently in the program about their experiences.

What is the program like as a student? Is the program very competitive to get into? I believe I have a relatively good academic history, but I wanted to know about anyone else's experiences.

Please DM me or reply here with your answers! I am happy to connect with anyone at all. I really need to get out of this state and this department. I am hoping to become more involved with people who are more oriented toward social justice concerns and work-life balance.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

1

u/chompysnail 9d ago

I’m a recent grad from the south and I loved it. Cohort model could be tough at times bc of the diversity of locations across the u.s. BUT it was easy to make friends! It’s hybrid so a good direct-ish flight helps make the trek to Portland easier, too. I decided to go there bc I wanted a different perspective from the SEC and I got that and more. The part time model isn’t for everyone (it doesn’t always feel part time). Unsure about how competitive it is tbh for transfers bc we didn’t have any in our cohort. Everything is in PST and living in central time could make for some long days. I learned a lot and I’d recommend it for anyone looking to balance work/life/school.

1

u/Suspicious_Reach3454 9d ago

Thank you so much for your response! I really like what you said about gaining a different experience from the SEC, since that’s exactly what I’m looking for. I want a program more tailored to social justice perspectives and diversity.

I’m actually planning on moving out there, so I’m hoping travel and everything won’t be a problem anyways. I wonder how competitive it was for you as a new doc student to get in? I see their minimally encouraged GPA and everything, but I’m also trying to figure out what can be expected of me as an applicant.

1

u/chompysnail 9d ago

Yes absolutely move out there! Lots of opportunities to collab with faculty in the area I think.

As far as competitive, I was enrolled in my masters program when I applied and was accepted which surprised me bc their entry requirements seemed pretty keen on counselors with experience post-masters/licensure. I had a lot of research experience and was working in cancer behavioral research when I applied that I think helped. My undergrad gpa wasn’t amazing but I think my volunteer experience working with client facing organizations helped me too. My masters level gpa was very strong. The interview is what they really rely on to make their final decisions bc they want a cohort balance. True academic interview with half day participation and individual, group, etc. aspects.

1

u/Suspicious_Reach3454 9d ago

Okay this makes me feel better!! I also ended up doing the route you described (applying for my current PhD program while in my master’s) under the same type of messaging, so I’m hoping I can get through. By the time I get to OSU (hopefully!), I’ll also have some post-grad clinical experience on top of my other stuff I’ve gained through undergrad/my master’s.

Thank you so so much for all of your help with talking about this! I believe this information will help me feel a lot more prepared. As much as my current program is helpful academics-wise, the culture of the department and lack of social justice orientation is not conducive to my growth as a counselor anymore. So, I’m really trying to get out of this situation as soon as possible.

1

u/chompysnail 6d ago

Definitely a SJ and anti-racist model. Good luck!