This spring, students in the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) Psychology Program had the opportunity to learn about the inspiring career of program alum and soon-to-be faculty member Dr. Steven Samrock (MA Psychology ’18) during the latest installment of the program’s long-running Day in the Life webinar series.
The virtual event was moderated by Dr. Isabelle Elisha, the program’s associate director, who explained that the series’ purpose was to provide students an “opportunity to hear from professionals in the field about their journey.”
Dr. Elisha then introduced Dr. Samrock, a CUNY SPS alum who, after earning his PhD, is now experiencing a full-circle achievement as an incoming CUNY SPS faculty member and counseling psychologist.
During his presentation, Dr. Samrock shared the story of his academic journey which, as he explained, did not follow a direct path.
First, he earned his bachelor’s degree in communications at Boston University. After earning his undergraduate degree, Dr. Samrock took a ten-year break that included stints working “in tech, in creative advertising, and in fashion in New York,” before moving to Japan for three years, where he would assistant-teach K-12 in Kyoto.
While reflecting on his diverse background, Dr. Samrock was quick to point out that in the field of psychology, a broad spectrum of life experience is an asset. “These varied experiences that have shaped me into the psychologist that I am today and served me in my ability to understand different lived experiences outside of academia,” he said.
After his post-baccalaureate break, Dr. Samrock returned to his studies at CUNY SPS to pursue his MA in Psychology. He chose the School because he “was working full-time, and SPS offered that kind of [needed] flexibility,” he explained. “I think SPS is really tailored to that kind of nontraditional student learning experience.” While earning his degree, the program’s academic director Dr. Carla Marquez-Lewis, who served as his capstone advisor, encouraged him to pursue further work in research.
From CUNY SPS, Dr. Samrock went on to earn his doctorate in counseling psychology at Arizona State, and then complete his postdoctoral internship and fellowship at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is now “trained as a research scholar and as a clinical provider.”
This fall, Dr. Samrock returns to CUNY SPS, where he will bring his scholarship, clinical expertise, and rich life experience to students in his PSY 327.02: Clinical Psychology class.
To read further about Dr. Samrock, visit our blog for a fascinating interview.
To hear the complete segment of this most recent "A Day in the Life" event, watch the video below.
About the CUNY SPS MA in Psychology Program
The CUNY SPS MA in Psychology online degree program prepares students for employment opportunities and advanced studies that require a deeper understanding of behavior motivations, along with strong research, communication, and teamwork skills. The program’s fully online format makes it the first and only degree of its kind offered at the City University of New York (CUNY). The online format allows students to read course materials, participate in class discussions, and complete assignments on a more flexible schedule. In addition to the MA program, CUNY SPS also has a fully online BA in Psychology program that has been ranked #9 in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Psychology for 2026.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With over 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu