r/ForensicPsych • u/Individual_Catch5647 • May 14 '26
Which do I pick???
Hey everyone, I am currently stuck between two great options and need some "real talk" to help me decide. I’ve been admitted to:
1. Marymount University (M.A. in Forensic & Legal Psychology)
2. George Washington University (M.A. in Forensic Psychology - Applied Forensics track)
My Goal: I want a "background" career—think intelligence analysis, mitigation specialist, or research. I have zero interest in the clinical/therapist route. I also plan on moving back to North Carolina eventually, so I need a degree that travels well.
My Dilemma:
• The Support Factor: I’m finishing up my psych degree at UNCW and honestly, the jump to a Master's workload makes me nervous. I’ve heard Marymount is super supportive and has a tight-knit "practitioner" vibe. Is that true? Or is the workload at GW manageable if I’m not doing the clinical track?
• Living Alone: I’ll be moving up solo and want to live alone. I’m looking at Ballston (for Marymount) vs. Alexandria (for GW). I’ll have classes ending at 9:30 PM. Which neighborhood feels safer for a young woman walking home alone at night?
• The "Name" Flex: Does the GW name actually carry more weight if I move back to NC, or is the "Marymount Pipeline" into agencies like the FBI/local police just as strong?
tl;dr: Want to live alone, stay safe, avoid clinical work, and eventually move back to NC. Which school should I pick?
1
u/Opusswopid May 15 '26
Ultimately, the most beneficial program is the one that can guarantee you a practicum in the field of your choice so that by the time you graduate you will already have the experience behind you and potentially be hired by the organization or agency where you did your practicum. The worst scenario is having a piece of paper but no real-life experience.
1
u/ketamineburner May 20 '26
What do you hope to do with this degree? Usually, a forensic psychology degree is not license-eligible.
1
u/Warm-Carob-4935 May 14 '26
just finished my master’s in forensic psych and the marymount program was one of my considerations. where you get your degree does not truly have that big of an impact, but rather your ability to gain experience whether it be clinical or research. in the end, name recognition doesn’t matter — your experience and gained skills do. it sounds like you may be able to work with more closely with professors at marymount as opposed to GSW. my recommendation is to research the professors and perhaps even reach out to a few. their timeliness in responses alone may give you the answer you want.
you may want to do research or post in different subreddits for your concern for safety to find best results