Of what Value the MA Degree in Psychology from a Small Liberal Arts College

Abstract

The purpose was to ascertain the attitudes and opinions of former graduate students concerning the graduate program in psychology at MacMurray College The results based on such a limited sample suggest that there is minimal agreement among those who responded to the questionnaire concerning the values of specific courses in relation to employment. Approximately 50% of the graduates who responded to the questionnaire expressed a need for additional study in order to qualify and maintain positions they desired. It was felt that the responses were too closely divided to constitute a real difference of opinion positively or negatively where the “value” of a MA program in psychology at MacMurray was concerned. It was concluded that the MA in psychology from MacMurray had questionable “value” and was a limiting factor if professional advancement tended to hinge on such a terminal MA degree.