How I transformed my career with a Doctor of Psychology

Meet Mount Psychology student, Malkie:

Name: Malkie Hematillake

Age: 25 years old

Location: Long Beach, CA

Education: 

• Undergrad: University of Kansas, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Graduate School: California State University, Long Beach, Master of Arts in psychological research

When did you first get interested in the field of Psychology?

I originally majored in astronomy and physics, but I switched to psychology in my sophomore year. I took a psychology class in undergrad, and I loved it. After taking the course, I joined a psychology research lab. I realized I loved psychology research, and I switched my major soon afterwards.

Why did you choose to obtain the Doctor of Psychology at Mount Saint Mary's University?

I was drawn to Mount Saint Mary’s University’s commitment to inclusiveness, and I liked the program’s emphasis on studying various perspectives. The Mount’s program has provided me with both the necessary theoretical foundation and the clinical training necessary to reach my career goals.

If you had one piece of advice for a prospective student of one of the Mount's Graduate psychology programs, what would it be?

Take some time to reflect on your research interests and clinical interests before starting the program. It’s helpful to have a population of interest or topic of interest in mind before starting the dissertation and practicum process.