Cortnie Baity

Why FSU?

I earned my Bachelor’s of Science degree from Florida State University’s Psychology Department. After graduation, I worked for the Graduate School for nine months. I used working on campus to my advantage by making appointments with faculty across campus in various departments to learn more about graduate degree programs that might suit my career interests. After meeting with a former department chair of family and child sciences, I decided I would pursue my clinical master’s degree in marriage and family therapy (MFT) out of state, because the clinical master’s MFT program was not offered within the department, only the doctoral MFT program. The original plan was to earn my master’s in MFT elsewhere so that I could then apply for the doctoral MFT program at FSU. I followed this plan somewhat, returning to the same department, family and child sciences, after earning my master’s in MFT from the University of Kentucky, but decided to pursue the Human Development and Family Sciences program.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

Being an African American woman from the South, I represent multiple social and economically marginalized groups. God presented an opportunity for me to serve as a representative of scholarship and achievement among members of these groups, and I could not deny those opportunities. Additionally, I serve as a role model for my family. Lastly, there are just not enough researchers and faculty of color in higher education institutions. I wanted to increase minority faculty presence because I know the impact that relatable role models can have on a developing young person's life choices and trajectory.

Importance of your research and work

My area of research is personal and family finances and how the two impact mental and physical health as well as interpersonal relationships. This work is important because money is a part of our daily lives. Research shows that finances have the power to predict mental and physical health outcomes, as well as relationship quality. As a human scientist, I aim to discover ways to improve the quality of human life. It is my goal to heal and improve mental and physical health outcomes, as well as family relationships via personal finance intervention.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

If you receive a nudge from God/the universe/a gut feeling about pursuing graduate school, take it into careful consideration. Everyone does not get that nudge, so know that it serves a purpose and is worth exploring.

Accomplishments during graduate school

So far, I am most proud of reaching doctoral candidacy status! I appreciate variety in my skill sets and daily schedule. Thus I aspire to become 1) a higher education professor, 2) a licensed marriage and family therapist with a specialization in personal finance healing, 3) and an applied social scientist.