Higher Education Opportunities? - Graduate School and Beyond

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:34:25 -0400

A bit about myself:
I'm in the Naval Reserves and will be using my MGIB-SR starting in the fall to help pay for my tuition. I am working on getting a degree in Psychology (~2 years of education left), and I am working towards becoming a Naval Officer on the active duty side.

My ultimate goal is to become a Naval Clinical Psychologist, and I would love to make a career in the military in this field. However, I know there is a lot of schooling ahead of me before I can start working as a psychologist (minimum of a graduate degree required), so I was wondering what might be happening on the military side of things while I'm working on obtaining my graduate degree?

Would I be able to do anything with an undergraduate degree in Psychology as an officer? Would I even have a chance of putting together a decent officer package?
What about continued higher education? What will I be doing to serve the military, and in what ways would the military be able to help me obtain my goals?

Any guidance and resources would be much appreciated.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 5:05 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:05:29 -0400

All services I believe have selective programs to help you get higher degrees while serving. Different branches have different types of tuition assistance as well even if you don't do one of the selective full time student programs. The only way you definitely won't make officer is to not go for it. It's not easy, but if that's where you want to go, go for it.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jun 2 at 2015 5:10 PM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:10:41 -0400

As a side issue, a psychology degree is great for anyone in leadership. Leaders need to understand behavior and what influences that. Best of luck with it. And, I agree with 2Lt Donovan, if you don't try you will never get it.