is a phd or psyd better for clinical psychology

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What are the Differences Between a Psy.D. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Though most people are likely more familiar with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology , a Psy.D. also offers you the opportunity to study at a high level in this field. In fact, a Psy.D. is a terminal degree, just like a Ph.D.

However, there are many differences between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. that make one a better choice in some situations over the other. These differences, which are explained in detail below, include different time commitments in college, different coursework, and different job opportunities, to name a few.

If you are on the fence about pursuing a Psy.D. or a Ph.D., consult the guide below to learn more about these similar yet very different degree paths!

PsyD Vs PhD in Clinical Psychology

A PsyD in Clinical Psychology is a practice-focused degree emphasizing clinical work, while a PhD in Clinical Psychology is more research-focused, preparing students for academia or research roles. Both qualify graduates for licensure as clinical psychologists .

A Psy.D. focuses on practical training. For example, as a prospective clinical psychologist, your Psy.D. program would focus on helping you develop the skills needed to provide competent psychological services to clients. In other words, a Psy.D. prepares you to work directly with clients by focusing on acquiring clinical psychology skills, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, marriage and family therapy, and psychoanalysis.

Meanwhile, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology usually focuses more on the theoretical bases of clinical psychology and clinical psychology research. While you will still gain the skills needed to work directly with clients, the bulk of the program is spent conducting clinical psychology research and preparing you for non-clinical applications of your knowledge.

For example, with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, you might take courses in psychological research, research ethics, and statistics. The skills you gain in these and other research-oriented experiences prepare you for work in research labs, think tanks, or as a college professor.

Differences in Coursework

Since a Psy.D. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology both prepare you for clinical work, there are some similarities in the courses you take. A good example of this are in the theoretical and scientific bases of psychology, which include courses like:

• History and Systems of Psychology , which explores the foundations of psychology as a science.
• Psychoanalytic Models of Psychology , which focuses on the theories of Freud and his followers and their application in treating psychological disorders.
• Biological Models of Psychology , which examines the theories of psychologists like William James, who espoused that human behavior is largely influenced by biological forces.

But since a Psy.D. prepares you for clinical work and a Ph.D. focuses more on research and academic work, there are far more courses that are different between these two degrees. More specifically, the purpose of courses is different.

For example, as a Psy.D. student, you will likely take courses that examine the social aspects of human behavior. Social psychology is a prime example. In this course, you will develop an understanding of how society influences individual behavior. But more importantly, you will learn how to take those forces into account in a therapeutic setting.

Additionally, you will learn how to use theories and approaches from social psychology as tools for treating psychological disorders. An example of this might be using family systems theory to examine how members of a family (or even a community) interact with one another and reframing maladaptive ways of interacting with more positive ones.

But, as a Ph.D. student in a clinical psychology program, your social psychology course would likely focus more on the theoretical underpinnings of the field. In addition to studying seminal work in social psychology, you would also participate in clinical social psychology research.

For example, you might work with a professor that’s studying how group thinking influences individual decision-making. So, rather than studying therapeutic techniques like a Psy.D. student, your purpose would be to investigate how the decisions we make are (or are not) influenced by other people.

Let’s explore another example of the differences in coursework.

As a Psy.D. student, you are likely to take a number of courses in the realms of diagnosis and psychopathology. Again, your focus is on learning how to diagnose mental illnesses and how to identify psychopathology in various populations. To do so, you might take advanced courses in the diagnosis of childhood mental health disorders, including field experiences in which you work with mentally ill children.

But, as a Ph.D. student in clinical psychology, your courses in diagnosis and psychopathology might focus more on the origins of diagnosis and the questions yet unanswered in the realm of psychopathology.

So, while you might learn how to effectively use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5 TR) , your greater focus might be on how the DSM was developed and what research questions remain about the DSM system.

Furthermore, your learning experiences in psychopathology might focus less on how to treat it and more on gaining the skills necessary to study psychopathology and advance the field’s understanding of abnormal human behavior.

Another primary difference in coursework between a Psy.D. and Ph.D. program is the culminating learning experience. As a Psy.D. student, you will likely have to complete a dissertation, but more and more Psy.D. programs are focusing more on final research projects with greater emphasis on the practical application of what you have learned in the program.

A good example of this is a culminating experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Rather than conducting research and writing a dissertation on new treatment modalities for paranoid schizophrenia (as a Ph.D. student might do), you might be asked to present how you would treat a client with paranoid schizophrenia.

In other words, your Psy.D. program, which focuses on gaining practical skills for working with clients from the get-go, might end with less research and more experience actually putting your knowledge and skills to the test.

Conversely, as a Ph.D. student in clinical psychology, you will very likely have to conduct doctoral research and defend your findings in a dissertation. Much like a practical culminating experience aligns with the Psy.D. program and prepares you for future clinical work, a dissertation brings together the research-related skills you have learned in your Ph.D. program and prepares you to continue that research focus after you graduate.

In many cases, Psy.D. programs are shorter than Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology. On average, a Psy.D. takes about four to six years, while a Ph.D. might take as many as eight years. A major reason for this difference is that Ph.D. programs have much more significant research requirements to graduate.

Differences in Career Opportunities

The careers you might pursue after graduation with a Psy.D. or Ph.D. differ much like the coursework for these programs. On the one hand, you might be more likely to pursue clinical work with clients with a Psy.D. On the other hand, you might pursue teaching or research positions with a Ph.D.

With a Psy.D., you might work in a community mental health setting with clients who are experiencing low-level mental health issues like periodic depression or work-related anxiety or who are experiencing difficulties in their marriage. But with doctoral-level training, you can also work with seriously mentally ill people.

For example, you might be employed by a residential mental health center where you specialize in treating patients with a dissociative disorder. In this capacity, you would likely work with a team of specialists to provide holistic patient care, including mental health treatment, physical health and wellness interventions, and psychopharmacology .

As a Psy.D. graduate, you could also choose to work in private practice . With your knowledge of psychological theory and your understanding of diagnosis and treatment strategies, you could choose to work with a broad spectrum of clients. Conversely, you could choose to specialize and work with a very narrowly defined client base, such as adolescents with ADHD, trauma victims, or people with psychotic disorders.

As a Ph.D. graduate, these clinical applications might be open to you. But you would also have the research knowledge and experience to work in the field of psychological research.

For example, you might work for a pharmaceutical company and run clinical trials for emerging drug treatments for psychological illnesses. As another example, you might work for a government agency or non-profit researching common psychological problems, like what effect divorce has on the emotional development of children or the ways in which social media influences personality development in pre-teen girls.

It’s important to note that these pathways are not set in stone, particularly for Ph.D. students. Many people who get a Ph.D. in clinical psychology go into practice – be that privately or in a community mental health setting – and never conduct psychological research after they graduate. Since a Psy.D. more narrowly focuses on clinical applications, it is far less common for a Psy.D. graduate to conduct research.

Is a PhD or PsyD Better for Clinical Psychology?

If you think about a future as a psychologist that works directly with clients and helps them work through psychological difficulties, your better bet might be to get a Psy.D. Not only are Psy.D. programs more focused on clinical applications, but they also tend to be shorter.

Meanwhile, if being a psychological researcher is what you aspire to be, a Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is a more appropriate pathway. Likewise, Ph.D. programs tend to be better aligned for careers in academics, either as a researcher or as a teacher.

If you are not sure of your future career goals, it’s important to talk to an academic advisor, a professor, or another trusted source. Combined with reading guides like this, you can use their expertise to help better define what you want to learn, how you want to use your skills, and what you want to do for your career.

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What's the Difference between a PhD and PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Congratulations! You've made the tough yet worthwhile decision to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. A doctorate in clinical psychology provides many potential career opportunities. You can receive training as a clinical psychologist, work in social work, sports psychology, educational psychology, mental health psychology and more. Now, what is the next step?

Before you dive into a doctoral program and clinical training, you'll need to clarify what type of doctoral degree in psychological clinical science you'd like to earn. In the field of Clinical Psychology, there are two distinctive doctoral-level degrees you can work towards: a PhD and a PsyD. What do these degrees mean and how do you choose which degree in psychology program is right for you? Find out more below...

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

The PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, degree, is traditionally a more common degree path in psychology. This type of doctorate in clinical psychology is founded in research, so the focus of your studies may be on developing research ideas, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. This training culminates in the completion of a doctoral dissertation project. Typical PhD program training takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. Depending on the school, these programs may be highly selective and only enroll a small number of students each year.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

The PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology, degree, is an alternative doctoral degree that focuses on the clinical and applied aspects of psychology. PsyD study revolves around preparing students for professional practice and clinical placement. The coursework and practicum is directed at applying established standards of practice and evidence-based services that will be applied in future clinical work. PsyD students may also complete a doctoral project or dissertation that focuses on an applied clinical problem. Typical PsyD program training takes between 4 and 5 years to complete. These PsyD degree programs generally accept a higher number of students than PhD programs.

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How to choose between phd and psyd.

Understanding the difference between a PsyD vs PhD can be confusing. Which clinical psychology program you choose depends on the direction you’d like to steer your studies and, ultimately, your career. Think about what sort of work you’d like to do beyond graduation: research-focused or clinically-focused. Take a look at what graduates of both, the PhD program and the PsyD program, are doing to see if their careers align with your own interests.

All things considered, PhD graduates may use their research-based degrees to conduct experimental studies, work in academic settings, and consult with schools or hospitals. PsyD graduates may use their clinical-based degrees to work directly with patients who need clinical psychology services. All students enrolled in Clinical Psychology programs at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University receive advanced training in psychology in a clinical setting to allow them to confidently function as clinicians and researchers. Most importantly, both the PhD and PsyD programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA.)

Are you a doctoral candidate and conflicted about which Clinical Psychology degree is the best fit for you? Contact an Alliant admissions counselor by calling 1-866-825-5426 to learn more about our PsyD or PhD degree programs and the admission requirements.

Additionally, CSPP offers many master’s degree programs at our college campuses and online. Check out some testimonials from our graduate students of the programs and their experience below:

“I am so grateful to have been a part of the Fresno Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program at CSPP. The diverse faculty that I studied with throughout my tenure in graduate school made quite a lasting impression on me in terms of fostering my professional development and have helped shape me into the clinician and researcher that I am today.” Jennifer Lewey, Clinical Psychology, PhD

“The Psy.D. program at Alliant prepared me in two different ways. First, it socialized me into the profession of psychology. Second, it, and the Center for Integrative Psychology more specifically, taught me how to think in more powerful, inclusive, and effective ways.” Michael Lembaris, Clinical Psychology, PsyD

What to Expect in a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Program

Program structure.

This doctoral program aims to expand clinical students' understanding in delivering psychological services. The internship involves hands-on practice for aspiring professionals. This type of program provides a valuable clinical experience to better equip graduates for their careers in psychological science, which sets them apart from clinical psychology PhD program students who do not have a similar opportunity. The clinical program integrates scientific evidence with practice in responding to human problems of developmental deprivation, dysfunction, psychological disorders, and trauma. Students can follow their own clinical interests and further their individual career goals by selecting an emphasis area and taking a specialized series of courses, and by pursuing research and field placements that are consistent with their interests and long-term career goals.

Proficiency in Clinical Practice and Educational Settings

Even though the PsyD program emphasizes practical training, it still trains students who aspire to pursue an academic career. Graduates from the Psychology Department can choose to become faculty members while maintaining a clinical practice. In other words, earning a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology should not hinder you from entering the academic field. You have the flexibility to pursue careers in clinical practice, teaching, or even a combination of both

Is it possible to pursue a career in academia or education?

Yes, of course, but while it's possible to become a professor in a college or university with a PsyD, those with a PhD degree typically have a better leverage in getting into these academic positions. 

Is it harder for PsyD students to secure internship positions compared to Ph.D. students?

Absolutely not. A lot of internship sites need students or candidates who can handle various clinical duties, and because you have acquired extensive expertise and clinical skill in psychological assessment and therapy in your program, you'll get an internship position easily. 

What is APA accreditation?

The American Psychological Association accredits doctoral programs in practice-oriented areas such as clinical, counseling psychology, and school psychology, as long as they meet the APA's standards and maintain them. Many employers and internship sites prefer or require psychologists who graduated from APA-approved programs. Therefore, when deciding which programs to apply to, it's crucial to check the APA accreditation status. Alliant offers psychology programs that are APA-accredited.

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PsyD vs PhD: Which Psychology Degree Should You Get?

Studying psychology provides a window into human behavior. Doctoral psychology programs teach both an understanding of how people think and analytical and reasoning skills to further success in various careers. But deciding to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology means dedicating yourself to the highest level of education available in the field and represents a commitment of several years and significant effort.

While both a doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree and a doctor of philosophy (PhD) promise remarkable opportunities for advancement, the two offer very different career outcomes. While a PhD puts you on a path to pursue research and further understanding, a PsyD allows you to practice as a psychologist. 

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics , demand for psychologists with both degrees is expected to continue growing at a rate of approximately 8% over the next decade as more and more individuals, organizations, and academic institutions have greater need of counseling services and insights into the way that people act, think, and engage with one another.

What Are PsyD and PhD In Psychology Degrees For?

While both a PsyD and a PhD provide you with a doctoral degree and the highest level of education in the field, the two provide different types of expertise, and it is important for you to understand their distinctions so that you can make the choice that best matches your goals.

A PhD in psychology trains you in research and statistical analysis in preparation for adding to the body of knowledge, either through your own scientific pursuits or by helping to educate others studying psychology . By contrast, PsyD studies focuses more extensively on providing psychological services, whether counseling or applying psychology’s principles to further an organization’s goals.

Though pursuing either one will not preclude you from crossing over to a career that’s more aligned to the other, choosing the degree that best suits your long-term interests provides you with the education that is best suited to your aspirations.

Picking Between A Doctor of Psychology or PhD In Psychology Program

To help you determine which of the two doctoral degrees is the best choice for you, let’s take a look at what each type of program entails and what type of future each prepares you for.

What is a PsyD?

A  doctor of psychology program  generally takes between 4-6 years to complete and prepares you for a career in clinical practice. It has less of an emphasis on research than human behavior and development, psychological assessment, and intervention.

Most programs require completion of approximately sixty credits of study, participation in 2,000-to-3,000 hours of clinical practice and internship, and preparation and presentation of a dissertation. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates demonstrate the understanding and skills needed to guide one-on-one, family and group therapy sessions, to guide organizational strategies around anticipated human behaviors and engagement, to conduct neuropsychological assessments, and to treat mental health problems and issues.

Who Should Get a PsyD?

Doctoral candidates best suited for a PsyD are those who want to engage directly with individuals, families or groups, using their education and training to provide service rather than conducting research.

Those enrolled in PsyD programs receive extensive training in assessment and intervention, on human development, and on the role of cultural and economic contributors, all with the goal of better facilitating their understanding of behavior. PsyD students also study the practical aspects of clinical psychology, including legal, ethical, and professional issues.

PsyD Careers and Salaries

With a PsyD degree you become prepared for professional practice within any number of applications of psychology science. A PsyD degree trains you to use your knowledge and training in service and practice, with an emphasis on assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and making improvements in the condition of and relations between humans in a variety of environments. Depending upon the career that they choose, their practice can include engaging with people in a clinical setting, at their workplace, in school, or elsewhere.

Typical careers held by those with a PsyD degree include:

• Median Salary: $51,340
• Career Outlook: +16% (2020-2030)

Family and marriage therapists work with couples and families with the goal of mediating and guiding the way that they engage with one another while providing coping strategies to improve family dynamics and to help those within these relationships deal with a wide range of issues, including behavioral problems, grief, domestic violence, marital conflicts, and substance abuse. 

Marriage and family therapists observe the interactions between the individuals in these groups and provide them with insights about troubling patterns, guidance on navigating crises, diagnosing mental health issues and disorders, and replacing disruptive or dysfunctional behaviors with alternatives that offer more positive engagement.

• Median Salary: $105,780
• Career Outlook: +8% (2020-2030)

The services of those holding doctoral degrees in psychology are increasingly in demand from a wide range of organizations and corporations seeking assistance with improving organizational behavior or providing coaching to managers and executives. These professionals apply their clinical skills in areas such as integrating systems theory or family therapy to companies hoping to address cultural issues or improve communication and cooperation within and between teams.

What is a PhD in Psychology?

A doctor of philosophy in psychology degree generally takes between 5-7 years to complete, and prepares you for a career in research and academia. The focus of a PhD in psychology program tends to be on statistics along with qualitative and quantitative research methods. The career goals of most students point towards teaching or scientific inquiry rather than private practice or direct engagement with patients.

Most PhD in psychology program require approximately a year-long internship and credit requirements that range between 60 and 125 credits. The programs require a significant level of concentration and are often so demanding that students need to dedicate themselves to the program on a full-time basis. The admission criteria into a PhD program tends to be more competitive than that of PsyD programs.

Once students in PhD in psychology programs successfully prepared and presented their dissertation, they have proven their command of the biological, intellectual and cognitive foundations of behavior, assessment, statistics and research techniques, research strategies, and more. They graduate prepared for careers in specialty areas including behavioral neuroscience, clinical psychology, human growth and development, with a particular emphasis on research and its application.

Who Should Get a PhD in Psychology?

In assessing whether you should pursue a PhD in psychology, you need to determine what type of career you hope to have and how you plan to apply your education. If your goal is to become a tenure-track professor at a research-oriented university or to dedicate yourself to academic research, then there is no doubt that a PhD is the right degree for you. The same is true if you hope to work in a business-oriented field such as market research or product development with an emphasis on consumer insights. 

The benefit of a PhD in psychology is its emphasis on research design and analytical skills, and that training can be applied to numerous fields that do not involve direct engagement with, assessment, diagnosis, or interventions with patients.

PhD in Psychology Careers and Salaries

Those who pursue a PhD in psychology tend to be less focused on the monetary benefits of their education than in the intellectual stimulation that they receive or the benefits that their education can provide to clients or to greater understanding of human behaviors gained through their efforts.

The career goals of those who opt for a PhD can include clinical roles, but more frequently veer towards professions that place them in a position of conducting research and applying their knowledge to educating students and providing insights that can be used by other fields. Possible careers for PhD graduates include:

• Median Salary: $82,180

The field of forensic psychology applies general principles of research in the field of clinical psychology to legal issues. This can include assessment, treatment, and evaluation of topics such as eyewitness identification, suggestibility, competence to testify, motivation and threat assessment. Forensic psychologists are often called on to provide custody evaluations, counseling services to crime victims, screening of law enforcement applicants and intervention and treatment for juvenile and adult offenders.

• Median Salary: $80,560
• Career Outlook: +12% (2020-2030)

Those who teach psychology are also frequently researchers who split their time between conducting scientific inquiry within an academic environment and teaching it to students at the undergraduate and graduate level. Professors with a PhD in Psychology gather, document and communicate psychological knowledge.

• Median Salary: $125,350
• Career Outlook: +9% (2020-2030)

The knowledge and training gained with a PhD in psychology is extremely valuable to numerous industries seeking greater understanding of human behavior, and this is particularly true of the world of politics. PhDs in psychology are well-positioned to guide candidates in the way that they present themselves to voters and to help legislators craft laws or discuss issues with their constituents, assessing what their priorities and perspectives are and how marketing efforts, speeches, votes and political positions could be received.

Best Psychology Schools

Choosing the right psychology program can be stressful, especially with so many options available. Using a  rigorous methodology , Universities.com considers these to be the 10 best psychology schools in the nation:

• Northwestern University
• Columbia University in the City of New York
• Lindsey Wilson College
• University of Pennsylvania
• Webster University
• Lamar University
• Liberty University
• Capella University
• Walden University
• University of Central Florida

To find more psychology schools, check out  our complete ranking of all psychology schools  in the nation.

If you’re looking for other schools that offer PdD programs on psychology, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the  perfect school for you !

PsyD Vs PhD At A Glance

Choosing between a PsyD and a PhD is a matter of personal choice, and your answer depends upon your personal goals. Though both doctor of psychology degrees provide you with the education, training and credentials to put you at the pinnacle of the field, there are important differences, including:

• A PsyD program better prepares you for a service-based psychology career geared towards counseling, while a PhD program better prepares you for a career geared towards discovery through research and academia.
• Acceptance into PsyD programs are generally less competitive than PhD programs.
• PsyD programs are better suited to online learning, while PhD programs favor in-person learning.
• PsyD program lengths generally take four-to-six years to complete, while PhD programs generally take five-to-eight years to complete.
• A PsyD curriculum is likely to include classes focused on assessment and intervention, while a PhD curriculum is likely to focus on statistics and analysis.

What to Look for In Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs

Doctoral degrees in psychology are offered in traditional, on-campus settings as well as online. Both options provide similarly high levels of education and the same curriculum requirements, often pairing students with an individual faculty advisor responsible for guiding their path to a doctoral degree.

There are many advantages to pursuing a degree online, including providing students the ability to choose a program based on its focus rather than on geographic proximity and allowing them to continue upholding family responsibilities. Despite this convenience, many students pursuing either a PsyD or a PhD choose an in-person program that allows them to fully immerse themselves in their studies.

As is the case with choosing between a PsyD or a PhD, there is no right or wrong choice. Students that choose online programs graduate with the same credentials as those who choose in-person programs, so each candidate should choose the option that best suits their personal needs.

Though requirements vary, most states require that psychologists counseling patients complete a doctoral degree in psychology and have a state-issued license. The requirements for these licenses generally include:

• Earning either a PsyD or a PhD from an institution of higher learning that has been accredited by the American Psychological Association
• Passing the  Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP )
• Fulfilling a minimum number of supervised clinical practice hours.

Many graduates  recommend  investigating the credentialing requirements of the states where they are interested in working to ensure that their doctoral degree properly prepares them and meets their standards.

The best way to ensure that the PsyD or PhD program you select prepares you for licensure is to select a program that has gone beyond the basic regional accreditation of institutions of higher learning and been recognized by the  American Psychological Association . This specialized accreditation is recognized by both the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education, and specifically addresses the high standards needed for professional education and training in psychology.

The APA currently  accredits  hundreds of programs throughout the nation, providing those interested in pursuing their doctoral degree an extensive range of offerings for their professional future.

Applying to Psychology Doctoral Programs

Choosing to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology represents a significant investment of time, money and effort with the anticipated outcome of becoming either a noted academician and scholar or an accomplished, difference-making professional. Entry to these programs is competitive, particularly for those seeking entry into one of the programs offering a PhD in psychology program, which generally only accept 10-15% of applicants.

The first step in the application process is similar to the one you likely pursued when applying to undergraduate programs: You need to identify the programs that best match your long-term goals and your personal needs, then address each of their application requirements by assembling needed materials including letters of recommendations and personal statements and ensuring that they are in each program’s possession well in advance of their deadlines.

Admission Requirements for PsyD and PhD Programs

Individuals choosing to pursue either a PsyD or a PhD come from a wide range of backgrounds and interests, and this is reflected in the fact that programs do not necessarily require that applicants possess an undergraduate degree in Psychology, though those who have not taken foundational courses likely need to investigate how they’ll need to supplement their education before proceeding with their doctoral degrees.

Acceptance into both PsyD and PhD programs generally requires:

• Transcripts from accredited baccalaureate program showing a minimum 3.0 GPA,  preferably in psychology
• Personal statement or statement of purpose
• Submission of scores on both the general GRE exam and the GRE subject exam in Psychology
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal Interview (in person or by phone or video conference)
• A PsyD is a doctoral degree in psychology. It is an indication that an individual has attained the highest level of education available in the study of psychology, but they are not a medical doctor.
• PsyD and PhD are both terminal degrees in psychology that indicate having attained the highest level of education and expertise in the field. The determination of which is better depends upon the goals of the individual pursuing the degree.
• The PsyD degree provides education and training geared towards clinical practice and a professional career in treating patients, while a PhD education focuses more heavily on research and academic pursuits. The PhD generally takes longer to attain.
• In the majority of states, psychologists are not able to write prescriptions for medication. Illinois, Louisiana and New Mexico permit licensed psychologists to qualify for prescribing authority after taking additional courses in psychopharmacology.

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PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology [2024 Guide]

Are you contemplating the career benefits of a PsyD vs. PhD?

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Both of these often respected and fulfilling degree paths can lead to exciting things. Let’s explore the differences.

Comparing a PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology – Key Differences

You may be considering a doctorate degree in psychology because you’re simply fascinated by the human mind. You may also be confident that you can use your passion for helping people to carve out a very fulfilling career.

It’s important to be very methodical and targeted when choosing your degree path if you’re going to be working in a doctorate-level role. Let’s compare and contrast PsyD and PhD degrees.

A PsyD is considered an “alternate” degree path that puts an emphasis on the clinical and applied aspects of the field. A PsyD is likely a good fit if your goal is to work within a professional practice or counseling setting.

PsyD graduates typically work in clinical settings like psychiatry practices, rehabilitation centers, public schools, universities, or prisons. The coursework for a PsyD revolves heavily around applying things like evidenced-based research and standards of practice in real-world settings.

PsyD programs are designed to help students learn how to apply many decades of research to patient settings. Original research is not the primary goal of someone pursuing a PsyD. Yes, you will likely do independent research as part of your learning path. However, most of your focus will likely be on learning to apply your education in clinical settings.

A traditional or online PhD in psychology is often a natural fit for someone with an acute interest in the research side. This path may appeal to you if you love to break down data to discover insights. The insights that you discover through your independent research could help to move the field forward.

Many PhD holders work in research settings where they design and conduct tests and surveys to gain better understandings of things like human behavior, the effectiveness of various treatments, and underlying causes of psychological disorders.

PhD graduates are also qualified to work as instructors at colleges and universities. That means that they can apply what they’ve learned through study and research to help train the next generation of psychologists and researchers.

Many healthcare and government institutions also hire PhDs for consulting duties. The expertise that a PhD in the field of psychology can bring to the table is important for forming policies and decisions at both private and public institutions.

Ultimately, it is important to know what is a PsyD and what is a PhD in psychology before determining the best degree path for yourself.

Doctoral Psychology Careers & Salaries

What types of job roles are open to people with doctoral degrees in psychology? Roles can be filled at private practices, mental health facilities, schools, universities, and research facilities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual wage for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is $79,820. Here’s a look at some specific annual salary expectations based on government data:

Salary expectations should be based on years of experience and the type of institution you’re employed by during your career.

PsyD vs PhD Salary Differences

It’s not an apples-to-apples comparison when it comes to salaries for these two degree paths. The setting that you choose to work in will heavily influence your salary.

Potential for promotions and raises when moving from a general counseling role or social-work role. A private practice can often be the most lucrative option because you are earning revenue based on patient volume.

PsyD graduates can often expect generous pay when working as corporate or sports psychologists.

PhD graduates can typically command the highest salaries when leading research projects. Some PhD graduates earn six figures as tenured college professors.

Both PsyD and PhD candidates have very similar overall salary projections. However, the reality of your salary potential with either psychology degree online comes down to the type of setting you choose to work in.

Psychology Specializations & Concentrations

Most people who pursue PsyD and PhD degrees want to apply their skills to some very specific passions and interests. Here’s a look at some areas of focus for doctoral candidates:

• Clinical psychologists work one-on-one with patients to treat and diagnose mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They often work in practices, hospitals, and care facilities.
• Forensic psychologists apply their skills to the legal arena. They lend their expertise to things like investigations and court cases. Government agencies and local law enforcement routinely consult with forensic psychologists when working on cases or investigating crimes.
• Mental health psychologists use their highly specialized training to evaluate a person’s mental health. This is done through recognized and respected methods for interviewing, evaluating, and testing.
• Organizational psychologists provide services to organizations and businesses looking to increase productivity through psychological principles. An organizational psychologist would come into the picture to study productivity trends, management style, and employee morale to get an understanding of a company. Next, strategic recommendations are given for how to make improvements using techniques for motivation, cooperation, and productivity.
• Sports psychologists are experts at understanding how performance is impacted by both psychological and physical factors. This multifaceted specialty requires an understanding of the relationships between physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and psychology. Sports psychologists often work with coaches and trainers to create comprehensive plans for individual athletes and teams. They are often employed by sports teams, gyms, high schools, and universities.

A psychologist’s training and skills are tested every day on the job! The rewarding part is that all of these roles allow psychology professionals to see the impact of their work.

Psychology Licensing and Certification

Yes, you should become very familiar with the various licensing and accreditation bodies once you get deeper into your pursuit of becoming a working, licensed psychologist. It’s important to take licensing and certification seriously because your ability to legally act and speak as a psychologist depends on them!

• The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is what you might call the primary certifying body for professional psychologists in the United States. This certification shows a psychologist is credible and can be taken seriously. In addition, this certification is essentially a default requirement for being employed or representing yourself as a psychologist.
• The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) oversees standards for the licensing and certification of all psychologists throughout both the United States and Canada. Yes, every single practicing psychologist in both countries needs to meet the association’s standards before being allowed to formally practice in their field. The ASPPB administers the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
• The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the licensing exam developed by the ASPPB. The exam exists to certify that post-doctoral students are legally permitted to practice psychology. The ASPPB’s recommended minimum passing score is 500 out of a potential score of 800.

The bottom line is that you cannot be a practicing psychologist in the United States without having approval from the ABPP and ASPPB. Fulfilling all requirements and passing required exams are as important as graduating from a doctoral program!

It’s also worth looking into a school with regional accreditation through an organization recognized by CHEA.org .

Choosing Between a PhD in Psychology or a PsyD Degree

It’s time to get serious about making that hard choice between a PhD and PsyD. Choosing as early as possible can help you to narrow down your school search and get all of your paperwork in. Let’s look at the requirements for each program.

• A dissertation is required.
• Lower acceptance rate (approximately 15 percent).
• More funding, stipends, and support are generally provided by institutions.
• Generally requires 90 to 120 credit hours.
• A dissertation isn’t always required.
• Higher acceptance rate (approximately 40 percent).
• No special stipends are generally given to PsyD candidates apart from standard FAFSA
• Generally requires 70 to 114 credit hours.

It can seem that a PsyD is easier to obtain at first glance. However, it’s more important to focus on which type of program is going to provide you with the preparation and training you need to be able to contribute to your chosen field of expertise.

It’s not that a PhD is more difficult to obtain. What we’re really looking at is the fact that a PhD simply requires candidates to dive into research in a more specific way than clinically minded PsyD candidates.

Yes, it does typically take less time to obtain a PsyD. This may make this degree path more attractive to you if you’re interested in getting into your field as quickly as possible.

PsyD vs PhD Admissions Requirements

The admissions requirements for PsyD and PhD candidates are similar. However, they are not interchangeable. It is typically much more difficult to be accepted into a PhD program than a PsyD program. The main reason is that PhD programs accept a fraction of the candidates.

Actual admissions requirements vary by school. However, many of the requirements are universal across all institutions. Here’s a peek at what you’ll probably need to prepare.

• A bachelor’s degree
• Transcripts from all previous universities attended
• Letters of recommendation
• A minimum undergraduate GPA (varies by school)
• Personal essay
• GRE scores (varies by school)
• A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a related field
• A minimum undergraduate GPA (typically 3.0)

What’s the Difference in PsyD vs. PhD reputation?

Both are usually highly respected. A PhD is typically viewed as a research-oriented degree.

A PsyD is typically viewed as an appropriate degree for someone with clinical aspirations.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Doctoral Degree in Psychology?

A variety of clinical and research positions are available to professionals with doctoral degrees in psychology.

The list includes psychologists, psychology researchers, school psychologists, sports psychologists, organizational psychologists, and forensic psychologists.

What is a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)?

A PsyD is a professional doctoral degree that is designed to prepare graduates for careers in clinical settings.

Graduates often take leadership roles in institutions that diagnose and support mental health.

What is a PhD in Psychology?

A psychology PhD is a doctor of philosophy in the field of psychology.

The rigorous training and research involved in this program is designed to prepare a student to work in clinical, research, and academic settings.

Should I Continue With a Graduate Psychology Degree Program?

A graduate psychology degree program can greatly expand your career prospects. This may be a worthwhile pursuit if your goal is to become a respected expert in your field.

Getting an additional degree may enable you to go from “support” roles to leadership roles in the field of psychology.

What are the PsyD Requirements to Graduate?

You will need to complete all of the required credit hours. This typically ranges from 70 to 114 total hours. In addition, you may be required to complete a dissertation.

Most PsyD programs require an internship or practicum to provide hands-on experience.

What are the PhD in Psychology Requirements to Graduate?

It will be necessary to complete all credit hours required by your program. This may be as many as 120 credit hours for a PhD program.

You will also need to complete a dissertation related to the specialty you’re pursuing.

What are Key Differences Between a PhD and PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Choosing between a PhD and PsyD in clinical psychology comes down to a choice of research versus hands-on application.

Someone who is interested in research or academic pursuits is probably better suited for a PhD. Someone looking to practice in a clinical setting that relies on one-on-one interactions with patients is probably better suited for a PsyD.

That’s not to say that there’s no overlap. Yes, a person with a PhD can fulfill roles that require clinical expertise. Additionally, graduates of PsyD programs do sometimes end up in research roles.

Getting Your PsyD or PhD Online

Can you really dive into the human psyche on a doctoral level from home? Yes, many colleges and universities now provide doctoral programs in psychology that can be completed remotely.

Both PsyD and PhD programs usually require heavy reading and research. That means that you’ll probably be doing a lot of self-guided study as you pursue your degree. This is one of the reasons why a doctorate in this field may actually be ideal for a syllabus comprised of online coursework.

An PhD or PsyD programs online can balance the self-guided nature of doctorate-level psychology studies with the expertise and guidance of trained, qualified professors in the field.

It may be necessary to complete hands-on training in a clinical setting as part of your degree requirements. This is something that colleges and universities can assist you with once you enter into a doctorate program. It’s possible that you’ll be able to complete clinical work that satisfies your degree requirement locally.

Great minds are interested in studying minds! You may be a perfect fit for an online PsyD or PhD program. Find a school that will help you make big contributions to the field of psychology to get on the perfect degree path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Psyd in clinical psychology, how does a psyd differ from a phd.

A PsyD is a doctorate in professional psychology whereas a PhD in Clinical Psychology is a doctorate degree in philosophy with a specialization in clinical psychology.

Hear from Dr. Stacey Lambert, chair of the Clinical Psychology Department and vice president of academic affairs, about how a student can determine whether a PsyD or PhD is a better fit for them. Watch below!

The primary difference between the two types of programs is that a PsyD program generally places greater emphasis on clinical training early in the program while a PhD program, in many cases, will have greater emphasis on research involvement. For example, most PhD programs in clinical psychology require students to complete a master’s research project as well as a doctoral research project dissertation. In most PsyD programs, students complete a doctoral-level research project, which tends to be smaller in scope than a dissertation. 

All APA-accredited doctoral programs are expected to assure trainees demonstrate research competencies, and William James is no exception. With our PsyD in Clinical Psychology program, you will be involved in clinical coursework and training starting in your first year. We also encourage you to become involved in faculty research early in preparation for your doctoral project. While called a doctoral project rather than dissertation, the length and quality of the projects completed by our students are very similar to dissertations produced by PhD students. In fact, a number of our students have published articles stemming from their doctoral research projects.

Finally, as you are making your decision between a PhD and PsyD, consider that many PhD programs have greater funding opportunities, but tend to have much smaller programs and much lower acceptance rates. If you would like to talk more in depth on whether the William James PsyD in Clinical Psychology is the right fit for you, please reach out to our admissions team at [email protected] .

Can I apply for this program without a master’s degree?

Yes! The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program does not require a master’s degree for admission. In 2021, approximately 67% of the incoming clinical psychology students did not report a graduate GPA in their application.

Prerequisites for this program are:

• A four-year baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
• Basic coursework necessary to apply. ( See details here ).
• Academic achievement at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels. While there is no minimum GPA requirement to apply, a 3.0 out of 4.0 is expected.

Is the GRE required?

The GRE is optional for students applying to the PsyD in Clinical Psychology for Fall 2024. It is not required for admission. If you have taken the GRE and feel that your strong scores would enhance your application, please feel free to submit. Please note: If you choose to enter self-reported General GRE scores, an official test score report will become a required component of your application.

When will I be working in the field during the program?

As a student in the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program, you will begin working in the field during your first year. Fourth-year and fifth-year students can choose between two different options for their clinical training experience.

See the chart below for specific details about each year’s field education requirements or learn more here .

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PsyD vs. PhD: Which Is Right for Me?

by Celeste Jones, PsyD, ABPP

What’s the difference between a PhD and a PsyD degree in clinical psychology ?

In short, while both degrees afford training opportunities in both research and clinical work, the curriculum is designed differently to address the following emphases:

• The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology is a research doctorate designed to advance the knowledge base of the discipline through research and writing, typically within an academic setting.
• The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)  is a professional doctorate designed to train psychologists for clinical practice, including providing psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and consultation in a variety of clinical settings.

View the PsyD program at George Fox University in Oregon

The Field of Clinical Psychology

There are many different career paths and areas of specialty within psychology, all aimed toward scholarship and/or service that bring psychological healing and wellness to a world that desperately needs it. For this reason, there are also many types of psychological training programs, including both clinical and non-clinical specializations.

The study of clinical psychology specifically explores the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of mental and behavioral health concerns of individuals and families , ranging from mild to severe psychopathology. Clinical psychology also includes work in consultation, training, supervision, teaching and research.

Some non-clinical psychology doctoral degrees include PhDs in social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and experimental psychology, which are designed to develop academic scholars and researchers in these areas.

Within clinical psychology, one of the primary differentiators between training programs is the distinction between PhD (“scientist-practitioner” model) and PsyD (“practitioner-scholar” model) programs. There is considerable overlap between them in both research and clinical training, and both can be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) . To further complicate matters, psychologists from both types of programs are often convincing and passionate about the effectiveness of whichever they endorse.

So let’s consider the general differences between the PhD and PsyD in clinical psychology.

PhD clinical psychology programs most often use a mentor-based model of doctoral training, where a student is matched to a single research mentor who they work most closely with throughout their doctoral training. The PhD mentor is responsible to monitor their student’s academic progress and oversee the completion of their doctoral dissertation, often based on the mentor’s area of research interest.

PhD clinical psychology programs are six years long , starting with two years of course work, traditionally with 20 to 40% of course work in statistics and research. After two years of course work, there are three years of clinical practicum, the last two of which also include completion of a doctoral dissertation.

In PhD programs, there are fewer courses, with more time dedicated to research and scholarship . Year six is dedicated to completion of a year-long, full-time supervised internship. While specific rates vary, generally about half of the individuals who graduate from PhD clinical psychology programs become academics or researchers, and the other half engage in the practice of clinical psychology.

PsyD clinical psychology programs most often involve more course work than the PhD programs , aiming to focus in more depth on clinical skills and foundations needed for clinical practice in a wide range of populations and settings. Most PsyD programs match students to a research mentor to facilitate completion of the doctoral dissertation, but there is less time spent on research in general.

PsyD programs are completed in five years , with the first year dedicated to foundational course work, followed by three years of a combination of course work, clinical practicum and dissertation research. The fifth year is dedicated to completion of a year-long, full-time supervised internship. Clinical training toward service delivery is the emphasis of these training programs, with students gaining enough competency in research to be able to apply research effectively in their clinical practice.

Social Context

As psychologists are aware, social context matters immensely to one’s overall well-being, and graduate training programs in clinical psychology are no exception. Many prospective students wonder what kinds of social support are provided in graduate training programs, and PhD and PsyD programs often have different organizing structures around the training relationships students are involved in.

Traditionally, PhD programs are smaller programs , with a mentor taking one to two new students each training year.  Depending on the number of faculty in a program, there may be five to 10 students in each graduating class. With fewer courses and more limited relationships with other faculty, the most important relationship in this kind of program is with the mentor, with a second level of support coming from other students working in the same mentor’s research lab.

PsyD programs are typically a bit larger , with 20 to 50 students per graduating class.  Generally, the PsyD programs that are on the lower end of those class sizes are more likely to be “high-touch” programs, emphasizing close-knit faculty-student and community relationships as formative to the developing psychologist. With less time committed to research and more course work with various faculty, PsyD students have the opportunity to develop close relationships with many mentors  (research advisor, clinical practicum supervisors, other faculty).

Many PsyD programs also use “cohort model” training, in which an incoming student class generally takes all of their required course work together with the students they entered the program with, an intentional design to promote student relationship-building and the formation of healthy group dynamics that facilitate student learning and development.

Career Opportunities

One of the draws of gaining a doctorate in clinical psychology, whether PhD or PsyD, is the wide variety of career opportunities a clinical psychologist is equipped for.

PhD programs may have more students interested in becoming academic scholars and college faculty members (which do not necessarily require licensure), while PsyD programs may have more students interested in clinical practice and the delivery of psychological services with clients.

Within clinical service, the settings in which psychologists work include:

• Private practices
• Group practices
• Community mental health agencies
• Prisons and corrections settings
• Psychiatric inpatient treatment
• Residential treatment centers
• Primary care offices

Their work can include diagnosis, assessment and treatment of common psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and ADHD, as well as rarer and/or more severe psychopathology such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or personality disorders (e.g., narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder).

Psychologists are often valued members of interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with primary care physicians, specialists, occupational therapists, social workers, speech and language pathologists, teachers, and other allied health professionals.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

State licensure as a clinical psychologist requires completion of a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.  A few states have an option of completing additional supervision and oversight after earning a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology degree in order to attain licensure at the master’s level, but for the most part a doctoral degree is required to practice psychology.

Licensure at the MA level most often requires additional training and supervision. This is called a “non-terminal” master’s degree, which means that the MA curriculum is not designed to meet any particular licensure requirements. Rather, the MA degree is an academic stepping stone to attaining licensure after the subsequent doctoral degree is earned.

Students typically apply to doctoral training programs that include a non-terminal MA degree – such as George Fox University’s PsyD program  – directly after earning their bachelor’s degree. Doctoral programs most often include earning an MA as part of the same program.

Financial Cost/Return on Investment

While the meaning and purpose found in a career as a clinical psychologist can be deeply satisfying, it’s also helpful for prospective students to consider salaries and costs of training. For both the PsyD and PhD, the year-long internship in the final year of training is funded, so students only take a minimal number of credits. Let’s consider the costs of the first five years (PhD) or four years (PsyD) of training.

Some PhD programs are tuition-based, but more traditional PhD programs offer grant-funded stipends  for the students working in a particular mentor’s research lab. With fewer courses and grant-funded research, funded positions in PhD programs often provide an affordable way to complete a doctorate in clinical psychology. This is important to the ongoing development of career academics and researchers whose salaries are often significantly lower than those in clinical practice, at least until later in their academic career.

While PsyD programs are tuition-based (costing upwards of $100,000 in the end), salaries in clinical practice are higher , making student loan repayment very affordable. A program’s financial aid office often has information on a program’s “default rate,” which is the percentage of students who are unable to successfully pay off their student loans – a number worth looking into prior to investing in a PsyD degree. In addition, there are federal programs like the National Health Service Corps that exchange loan repayment for graduates who work in underserved areas.

Closing Thoughts

The field of clinical psychology is a highly satisfying career, rich in meaning and purpose and providing a wide variety of career opportunities.

Once you decide to become a clinical psychologist, there are many factors to consider in determining whether a PhD or PsyD program would be the best fit. While there are many areas of overlap and both can be accredited by the APA, there are some general differences in the training models based on the training goals and curriculum design and structure.

Prospective students are encouraged to thoughtfully consider these training program attributes in determining the best fit for their graduate training aims.

Celeste Jones is the former program director for George Fox University’s PsyD program in Oregon.

The Differences Between a PhD in Psychology and PsyD

Written by Jennifer Cione-Kroeschel

Sponsored School(s)

Mental health professionals looking to further their education in the field have two major degrees to choose from: A PhD in Psychology, which is a Doctor of Philosophy degree, and a PsyD, which is Doctor of Psychology degree. They sound nearly the same, so what is the difference between a PhD and PsyD?

Do psychologists have a PhD or PsyD? Well, either, but an increasing number of psychologists in clinical practice or who see patients in a traditional therapy setting are earning a PsyD. In order to be a psychologist, you need a doctoral-level degree in the field, which both of these are, but a PsyD is more oriented toward becoming a practicing clinician. However, most PhDs also go on to work with clients in a clinical setting and apply their specialized research and knowledge to providing therapy for the specific issues they study.

In the end, both satisfy the requirements for full authority licensure and neither limits you from clinical practice or research work, but the training in a PhD is a bit more traditionally oriented to academia while the PsyD focuses more narrowly on clinical practice.

What Is a PhD in Psychology?

A PhD in Psychology is a doctorate degree designed to lead to the development of new information in the field, though it can just as well be used to go into clinical practice. Someone who holds a PhD, though, will be well prepared to teach psychology or work with other researchers on experimental trials and studies. The goal of having a PhD in Psychology is to advance the knowledge of mental health issues as well as the methods used to treat them.

While it used to be the only doctoral level degree in the field, now that a PsyD is available, a PhD is beginning to be viewed a bit more as being better suited for people who want to go into psychology education, clinical trials, or research.

But ultimately, pursuing a PhD in Psychology prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the field of psychology, whether in research, consulting, teaching, or clinical practice.

What Is a PsyD?

Professionals with a PsyD usually use their degrees to work with people who seek therapy, or for more serious clinical interventions for the severely mentally ill in psychiatric hospitals. Knowledge from the studies done in the degree program is applied to providing therapy, rather than continuing research. As opposed to a PhD, a PsyD is a more straightforward, hands-on degree for the practice of psychology.

Is someone with a PsyD a doctor? Short answer: Yes, but not a medical doctor. Anyone with a doctoral-level degree holds the title of doctor, but unless they have a medical degree, they can’t prescribe medication or conduct medical treatments. The same goes for those with a PhD in Psychology.

Earning a PsyD degree puts you on a direct path to practicing psychology in a clinical setting.

Similarities and Differences

The main difference between a PhD in Psychology and PsyD is that a PhD emphasizes research while a PsyD prepares student for practicing psychology.

PsyD programs focus on applying scientific knowledge directly to the practice of psychology, while PhD programs study the theories behind psychology. While PsyD students will have classes in human behavior, therapy, and mental health conditions, PhD candidates will have coursework like research methodology and statistical models. Although, PsyD students will still have some exposure to research and analyzing data, and PhD students will also have plenty of coursework that deals with clinical practice.

Both degrees develop research skills and build knowledge and skill sets that can be applied to either clinical practice or education. While there is overlap, there are also clear differences, like acceptance rates, cost, coursework, and common career outcomes

Things to Consider When Choosing a PhD and PsyD

Before pursing either of these degrees, some important factors need to be considered, like your interests and expectations. They’re not identical degrees, and one might be better suited to a student than the other on an individual basis.

Generally, PhD programs may be more difficult to get into and the program usually lasts between 5 and 8 years. PsyD programs, while still competitive, have a relatively higher acceptance rate and take 1-2 years fewer to complete. While tuition for both programs can be high, PhD students are often offered tuition assistance in exchange for teaching and research assistance.

Is a PsyD better than a PhD? Nobody could really make a case that a PsyD is categorically better than a PhD, but it might be a little more geared to exactly what you want to do with your career. If you really want to focus in on the application of your psychology skills working directly with clients or in a clinical setting with people suffering with more serious mental health problems, a PsyD will give you the focus you’re looking for. If you want a more traditional doctorate experience that also includes a research focus and dissertation, a PhD is the more fitting choice.

Let’s talk money. Realistically, earning potential does factor into which degree program to choose and which path to go down. It’s fair to assume that most people reading this are wondering, do PsyD or PhD make more money? The answer is that there is absolutely nothing to suggest that one or the other will result in making more money. Both PsyD and PhD graduates have the same kind of career prospects, and the same salary potential based on which career path they might take.

But there’s more to this question than just whether one or the other will result in making more money. A PsyD will typically take less time, allowing the holder to start making a salary sooner, but a PhD may have less tuition to pay back if they receive any waivers or stipends for teaching and research during the program. The amount of money either makes will depend on what type of job they choose. If a PhD becomes a tenured professor, clinician, or lead researcher at a university, in private practice, or at a medical facility. If comparing apples to apples, practicing psychologists with a PhD earn slightly more than those with a PsyD, but the difference is small.

The difference between PsyD and PhD is enough to make someone stop and think about which would be best for them, while both are valuable degrees that share similarities and can lead to rewarding careers.

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August 30, 2023

Graduate School in Psychology: PsyD or Psy Phd, Which Is Right for You?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook states, “Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations,” though the anticipated bump for specialists in clinical and counseling psychology is slightly higher, at a projected 10%.

The publication continues, “About 14,100 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.” 

Are you considering graduate school in psychology?  

There are master of science degree programs in clinical counseling that provide the education and pathway to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed social worker (LSW), both of which are essentially secure careers as mental health counselor professionals. An LPC must work under the supervision of an LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor), whereas an LSW must work under the supervision of an LISW (licensed independent social worker). Both the LPC and the LSW have career paths that require a master’s degree from an accredited university, a minimum of 3,000 hours of clinical work supervised by an independent practitioner, and certification with an advanced licensing exam. Once an LPC or LSW has met the criteria to advance in their field and practice without mandatory supervision, they may become an LPCC or LISW counselor and are able to diagnose and treat mental health issues, though they are not able to prescribe medications.

According to a May 2020 Psychology Today article called “Careers in Psychology 2020,” “Master’s-level programs overlap more with undergraduate education. People may pursue a master’s education as an end in itself, to deepen and broaden their knowledge in a certain area.” Some mental health caseworkers pursue a graduate degree through a work incentive to achieve licensing; others do so because they’re ladder climbers and can find themselves – upon completing an accredited master’s program in psychology – eager to keep climbing after encountering the work of a clinical psychologist or clinical psychology researcher. 

Do you want a medical degree (MD, DO) or a doctorate or PhD in psychology?

Some people come to clinical psychology after weighing the options: psychiatry versus a doctorate in clinical psychology versus a PhD in clinical psychology.  

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who completes medical school and pursues a specialization in psychiatry. Following medical school, they complete a residency in psychiatry, which involves specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Psychiatrists often work in clinical settings, hospitals, and private practices. Psychiatrists are qualified to provide talk therapy, but they more commonly focus on medical management of mental health conditions. They can prescribe medication to address psychiatric disorders and might use a combination of therapy and medication for treatment. Their approach to assessment might lean more toward medical and biological factors when determining whether medication is appropriate. Patient care is often managed in tandem with a clinical counselor or therapist who provides therapy and counseling services.

Psychology doctoral programs demand a different level of motivation and commitment than master’s degree programs, and they require one to be quite clear about one’s life and career goals. A PhD in psychology (Psy PhD), a doctorate degree in psychology (PsyD), and a doctorate in education (EdD) in psychology are all pathways to professional counseling careers, though not with the same career goals. 

Generally, the application and graduation requirements for EdD and PsyD programs can be less rigorous than those for PhD programs. However, any doctoral-level grad school degree is highly competitive and a means to a rewarding and reputable career.

The EdD appeals to teachers and administrators who will continue to work in higher education and schools. According to Psychology.org , “The Ed.D. remains a popular option for professional educators like teachers, administrators, and counselors wanting to gain more expertise, qualify for an additional license, or move into a leadership position.” The site notes that school psychologists who hope to enter independent clinical practice would benefit more from completing a PsyD. 

Choosing between a Psy PhD and a PsyD program depends on one’s career goals, interests, and preferences. Both programs lead to a doctoral degree in psychology, but they have different emphases and outcomes. 

If your primary goal is to work as a clinical psychologist providing therapy and counseling, a PsyD program aligns better with your career aspirations. Licensed clinical psychologists work in clinical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and private practice. They primarily use talk therapy and counseling techniques to help individuals address emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues using various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, and humanistic therapy, to help clients understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Clinical psychologists are trained in conducting psychological assessments and diagnostic testing to evaluate a person’s mental health and cognitive functioning.

PsyD programs typically take four to six years to complete. They can involve fewer research requirements than PhD programs, and although some PsyD programs do include research activity, the focus is primarily on developing clinical skills and practical experience. 

If you are more interested in conducting research , teaching, and potentially pursing an academic career, a PhD program is a better fit. PhD programs in psychology emphasize research and academic scholarship. Students are trained to conduct original research, contribute to the field’s knowledge base, and publish scientific papers. PhD graduates pursue academic careers as professors, researchers, and scholars. They might teach at universities, conduct research, and mentor students. Some work at research institutions, government agencies, and private organizations.

PhD programs are typically longer than PsyD programs, taking five to seven years to complete. They require comprehensive exams and a dissertation on original research.

Either way, know the specific focus of the schools and programs you’re interested in attending. Look for accredited schools with certifications in subspecialities conferred by professional associations, including the American Board of Professional Psychology and the American Psychological Association.

Know the clinical counseling focus and philosophy of a PsyD program and the career aims of those orientations. Some schools have a wide reach in that their curriculum and research cover many tracks, from neuropsychology to multiculturalism, whereas other schools’ research interests are narrow. 

Take Rutgers University’s PsyD program, for instance. The program focuses primarily on two tracks, clinical counseling and school psychology. As a result, the research focus is on these areas of specialization, offering research exposure and experience in applied behavioral analysis, autism spectrum disorders, and addiction.

The University of Hartford, on the other hand, is a general program serving students who want a population focus in child and adolescent development and psychology broadly. 

Aim to find a school that presents a program, curriculum, service learning, and faculty that are committed to your field of interest. Additionally, for Psy PhD programs, know the research focus and philosophy goals of the professors and their laboratories. PhD research in clinical psychology often falls into the following categories: clinical, counseling, school, cognitive, social, industrial organizational, marriage and the family, behavioral neuroscience psychology, and forensic.

For PsyD programs, know their curriculum orientation within the scope of employment you’ll be seeking, because they often differentiate between adult clinical, child clinical, and health tracks. Many schools have subspecialities and corollary tracks.

Whether the EdD, PsyD, or Psy PhD degree is for you, always seek out an accredited program . Do your school research, looking at specializations, the scope of the educational experience, the orientation to the field and subfields, the expertise of the faculty, graduation rates, and work placement success – and start that application early.

Dr. Mary Mahoney, PhD, is the medical humanities director at Elmira College and has more than 20 years of experience as an advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants. She is a tenured English professor with an MFA in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a PhD in literature and writing from the University of Houston. For the past 20 years, Mary has served as a grad school advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants.  Want Mary to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• Acing the PsyD Interview: The 3-P Plan
• Insider Tips on Applying to PsyD Programs
• The “Sizzle Factor”: 5 Tips for Writing PsyD Personal Statements

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• PsyD vs PhD – Differences Explained
• Types of Doctorates

A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology, whilst a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. Both are doctoral degrees, but their focuses and goals differ. A PsyD focuses on the application of knowledge and aims to train students in clinical psychology. A PhD in psychology focuses on research and adding new knowledge, often leading to a career in research or academia, rather than clinical work.

Introduction

Many graduate students who possess a psychology degree look to improve their career outlook through postgraduate study. In particular, aspiring psychologists look to complete a doctoral degree. There are two popular choices for these psychology students, the PsyD and the PhD. Please note this article has been written for the perspective of a US audience.

What is a PsyD and a PhD?

There are two types of doctoral degrees in psychology: a PsyD and a PhD. Here is what they stand for:

• A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology.
• A PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy.

Both doctoral degree programs prepare students for careers in psychology, but their goals and purposes differ.

A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree focuses on the practical and clinical applications of psychology. The PsyD program provides clinical training to doctoral students teaching you how to apply scientific knowledge of psychology and how to work with patients in a professional environment. A PhD in psychology places a greater emphasis on research methods and the theoretical concepts of the subject, requiring students to contribute novel findings to their area of research.

Is Someone With a PsyD a Doctor?

A PsyD is a doctoral degree, in the same way a PhD is, and those who possess one use the title of doctor in their name (e.g. Dr. Surname). To be clear however, PsyD holders are not medical doctors unless they also hold a medical degree, such as an MD in the US or MBBS in the UK.

Both doctorates are valuable to possess, but PsyDs have less international recognition and are more commonplace in the US.

Is a PsyD or PhD Better?

Neither degree is better than the other, but one may be more suitable for you, based on your career goals.

Generally, PsyD programs are suited to students who wish to pursue a career in providing psychological services in a clinical setting. In comparison, PhD programs are suited to those who wish to pursue a career path in research or academia.

This does not mean that those with a PsyD degree cannot pursue a career in research or academia, nor does it mean that those with a PhD cannot practice clinical psychology.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PsyD?

We are often asked “how many years is a PsyD?”. Although the duration of a PsyD varies depending on the institution, the typical program lasts 4 to 6 years. This usually includes a yearlong clinical internship toward the end of the program.

In comparison, a PhD in Psychology typically takes 6 to 8 years to complete.

A PsyD program is usually less expensive than a PhD psychology program. However, funding is more widely available for PhD programs, which means PsyD programs are often associated with higher levels of student debt.

What is the Difference Between a PsyD and PhD Program?

As mentioned previously, PsyD programs are designed to focus on the direct application of scientific knowledge. Coursework and topics of study include human behavior, providing clinical care to patients, assessment & diagnosis, therapy, and mental health conditions. This may involve a clinical training program and trainees undertaking clinical placements.

PhD programs focus on the theory behind psychology. Topics of study include analyzing data, statistical models, and research methodology.

There is some overlap between the two doctoral programs. PsyD students may still study data analyzation, and PhD students will still learn about the clinical practice of psychology and may gain clinical experience to aid their professional development.

Though the application process may be similar, PhD programs in psychology tend to be more competitive and have lower acceptance rates than PsyD programs

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Does a PsyD Require a Dissertation?

Some PsyD programs require students to complete a written dissertation or thesis . Those that do will require the dissertation or thesis to address an applied clinical problem.

Most PsyD programs do not require submission of a dissertation or thesis. Instead, a PsyD student is required to complete an internship (also referred to as a practicum) and carry out clinical work at the end of their doctorate degree program. These internships are typically a year long and assess your clinical skills in a professional practice on actual patients.

What Jobs Can You Get With a PsyD?

The PsyD program follows the ‘practitioner-scholar’ model, engaging in practice-oriented study. This allows those with a doctor of psychology degree to pursue a wide range of career options, including:

• Clinical Psychologist,
• Counselling psychologist,
• Mental health counselor,
• School psychologist,
• Psychotherapist,
• Consultant,
• Licensed psychologist.

It should be noted that PsyD holders can operate in a broad range of professional environments and clinical settings such as hospitals, correctional facilities, private practices, mental health clinics, social work and schools.

In comparison, the PhD program follows the ‘scientist-practitioner’ model which prepares the doctoral student for a career in research & academia. Typical destinations for a PhD student include:

• Higher Education (university professor/lecturer),
• Licensed Psychologist,
• Researcher.

The career opportunities with a doctoral degree in psychology are also dependent on the specific research area of the doctoral program. Research areas can include forensic psychology, health psychology, counselling psychology, social psychology, social science, applied psychology, educational psychology, psychological assessment, social care, cognitive behavioral psychology and psychological therapies.

Whichever method you choose to attain your doctorate in psychology, know that you will have invaluable skills and experience that make you a valuable asset in a number of industries not just within clinical psychology.

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• PhD/Doctorate

The difference between a PsyD and PhD in psychology

April 25, 2017

What’s the difference between a PsyD and a PhD in psychology?

When trying to decide between these degrees, a good place to start is by asking yourself: Would I rather see patients in a clinical practice, or work in research, administration, or an academic setting?

Generally speaking:

• a PsyD prepares you for clinical practice
• a PhD prepares you to teach

Below, take a closer look at each degree and see a side-by-side comparison.

A PsyD prepares you for clinical practice

This degree focuses on assessing and treating patients. Research is secondary but still important. The PsyD helps students prepare for state licensure with extensive training in therapeutic techniques, assessment, and intervention skills.

A PsyD program includes coursework such as:

• Advanced biological psychology
• Cognitive/affective psychology
• Advanced psychopathology
• Evidence-based practice in psychology
• Strategies of clinical supervision and consultation

Career paths to explore:

• Private practice psychologist
• Clinical psychologist
• Psychotherapist
• School psychologist

A PhD in psychology prepares you to teach

This degree areas gives you the knowledge and skills you need to advance as a teacher, researcher, and/or administrator in the field of psychology. You might pursue an academic career as a college faculty member, or an administrative career in a higher education institution, a research facility, or a human services organization.

A PhD in psychology program includes coursework such as:

• Ethics and multicultural issues in psychology
• Tests and measurements
• Advanced inferential statistics
• Qualitative analysis
• Quantitative research methods in psychology
• College or university faculty member
• Higher education administrator
• Human services administrator
• Market research analyst
• Data analyst

Compare the PsyD and PhD and side by side

These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

Whether your ultimate goal is to be a therapist, teacher, researcher, or administrator, Capella University offers degree programs that can help you get there. Explore Capella’s  PhD in Psychology ,   PsyD in Clinical Psychology,  and a  PsyD in School Psychology .

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Health, Brain, and Cognition Lab

Persistence pays: successful applicant to a clinical psychology phd. program tells what it’s like.

In the Voss lab, we have a diverse range of graduate students earning a PhD in either Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroscience, or like our newest graduate student addition Liam, in Clinical Science. Applying to a PhD program can be incredibly confusing as the process varies depending on the program type and the specific school. For the sake of this post, I will be focusing on the application process to clinical psychology (aka clinical science) programs specifically. 

Clinical psychology PhD programs are unique as they can produce individuals who conduct research, practice as a clinician, or do a little bit of both in a multitude of settings. This is unlike a Master’s program where the training is much shorter and allows graduates to practice just as a clinician or requires additional training in a PhD program to be able to conduct research. Further, PsyD programs are similar to PhD programs, however they differ as their primary focus is on clinical practice and typically produce sole clinicians. The combination of training to reach expert levels in both clinical work and research conduction is specific to clinical psychology programs. 

Clinical psychology programs are rigorous and commonly last 6 years where 5 years are a combination of classes, clinical work, research, and working on and defending your dissertation. The 6 th year is spent ‘on internship’ where an in-depth clinical training experience, typically at a different institution, takes place. It is common to find clinical psychologists in academic medical centers, hospitals, colleges, or universities, primary or secondary education schools, and private practices. Whether conducting research in a laboratory setting or working with patients in a clinical setting, clinical psychologists typically work in the realm of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in a range of individuals (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). 

Each program will provide students with clinical and research training, but each program has its own training model: some schools emphasize research relatively more than clinical training, clinical over research, or have an even split between the two. Deciding where to apply typically depends on one’s career goals. When applying, the applicant technically first must meet the requirements of the program although they are more so applying to a specific lab within the program. The options of where to apply can be limited depending on the application cycle as: 1) the school must have a clinical psychology training program, 2) the lab one is interested in needs to be accepting a student (labs do not take a student every year, typically due to funding), and 3) the lab should ideally fit with the applicant’s prior experiences and/or research interests. In my experience, I have seen clinical programs report receiving anywhere from 300-800 applications. The number of applications a program receives is the cumulative number of applications each lab at the school receives that year. On average, I have seen schools report taking cohort sizes of around 8-12 students. Typically, specific labs say that they receive at least 100 applications and usually have spots for only 1 or 2 students. Averaging these numbers makes a 1.8% chance of being accepted into a program and about a 1% chance of being accepted into a specific lab (this is the number that matters as you have to be accepted into a lab to be in the program). 

The application process can be expensive costing anywhere from $30 to more than $100 per application. In my experience, individuals apply to upwards of 8-12 schools but I have heard of individuals applying to as many as 20 schools in a given application cycle. Additionally, with the odds of being admitted into a program being so low, it is typical to not get accepted the first or even second time applying to programs, making repeat applicants common. To be as competitive as possible it is recommended (not required) to have postbaccalaureate research experience. Typically, you need to be in this position long enough to produce independent research projects to present as a poster or an oral presentation at national or international conferences. Additionally, it is common to see individuals with first author publications. Getting these experiences typically takes 2+ years with substantial time dedicated to research. 

Filling out applications is not a streamlined process. Each program has its own unique application form. In addition to asking for basic information such as your name, address, schools attended, classes taken, GPA, etc., it is standard for programs to ask for transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation (at least one is expected to be written by the supervisor of a lab you worked in or supervisors from clinical experience), a curriculum vitae, and perhaps the most important piece, the personal statement. 

The personal statement is typically 2-3 pages where you explain  why  you are interested in earning a PhD in clinical psychology,  what   area of research you’d like to pursue,  why   you are applying to this particular program and lab, and  how  your past experiences fit this narrative. This is perhaps the most important part of the application process, and it can take months to come up with a final draft. This statement typically has slightly different requirements per school and certainly needs to be unique to the lab you are applying to. This is an opportunity to convince the lab that you have experiences that relate to their work and offer a unique perspective that wins you an interview. For this reason, it is good to identify programs you are most interested in early, being the summer and the fall before you apply, so that you can reach out to the lab and the program. This ensures the lab you are interested in is taking a student this cycle and to assess your fit.

I personally found it impactful to email early, keep it short by briefly mentioning who I work with, my career goals, the broad scope of my projects, what I hope to do in graduate school in relation to their lab specifically, and find a way to include a fact that will help them remember me! For example, for one of the labs I ended up interviewing with, I mentioned how I am familiar with their work as the Voss Lab modified one of their cognitive computer tasks that I know well as I have administered and scored it. 

Typical due dates for clinical psychology applications are either November 15 th or December 1 st . Once materials are submitted, schools will reach out within a month or two. At this point, more and more labs are conducting ‘preliminary interviews’ where you ‘interview’ to get a spot for the official interview day, which can be virtual or in person. 

Given you are lucky enough to be offered a spot at one program or a few, it is time to decide if their stipend, program, research, location, etc. will be something you are happy with for at least 5 years. If you do not get any offers, it is time to decide if you want to go through this again and if so, start preparing for next year. 

As a multi-time applicant, I believe I made the biggest impact on my application in between the 2022 and 2023 application cycle (the most recent cycle). Everyone’s journey into a PhD program is unique and there is no one correct way to get in, which can be frustrating. In my personal experience the accomplishments that were most positively commented on by interviewers were: my diversified lab experiences, my submitted co-first author paper, giving a presentation at a high-profile conference in my field, submitting my first grant (National Science Foundation- Graduate Research Fellowship Program), and my plethora of experiences with research participants and clinical populations. Lastly, my network of individuals who are currently in PhD programs, are in the field of clinical psychology or related fields, or those who are just great at writing, has grown. Because of this, I was able to receive numerous different perspectives on how to best convey my experiences in a persuasive, clear, and professional way. I cannot thank all of the participants, patients, mentors, friends, and family enough who have supported me in my journey of applying to PhD programs!

Kelsey Baller has recently been accepted into the clinical psychology PhD program at Washington University in St. Louis. A graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a minor in Spanish, she has worked as a post-baccalaureate research assistant at the Health, Brain, and Cognition Lab for the past three years.

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Is a Psychology Degree Worth It?

Know before you read At SNHU, we want to make sure you have the information you need to make decisions about your education and your future—no matter where you choose to go to school. That's why our informational articles may reference careers for which we do not offer academic programs, along with salary data for those careers. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

If you're interested in the human mind, you might want to pursue a psychology degree. But you may also be wondering how you might use a psychology degree and if it’ll be worth it in the end.

Can a Psychology Degree Be Useful?

There are a few different types of psychology degrees  you may consider pursuing, depending on your interests and career goals.

A few of those include:

• Associate of Arts (AA) in Psychology (Not currently offered at SNHU)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
• Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD-PSY) (Not currently offered at SNHU)
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) (Not currently offered at SNHU)

Dr. Leslie Buddington , an online adjunct psychology instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), suggested a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology  degree if you’d like to apply psychology concepts to the workplace.

Although there are several different areas you can focus on, most psychology programs have some common skills you can learn.

According to Buddington, while pursuing a psychology degree, you may learn about:

• Applying research
• Conducting experiments
• Data analysis and research methods
• Individual differences
• Making measurable changes in an environment  
• Social justice and inequities  

“Those are incredible skills that are useful in any future career,” said Buddington.

Many employers look for individuals with those kinds of skills, across a variety of fields. According to Buddington, psychology is a well-rounded field that demonstrates that you understand people, how situations contribute to behavior, how to predict and change behaviors and how to apply that information in order to make changes to a system. “That is going to help you stand out as a job candidate in multiple careers," she said.

Exploring experiential learning opportunities  can help you to stand out even further, providing real-world experience while you're a student. Buddington noted that you can also work with your school's career center to find an internship.  “An internship or experiential learning opportunity is definitely worthwhile to pursue," she said.

Find Your Program

How hard is a psychology degree.

"Because in psychology there are multiple perspectives (cognitive, developmental, behavioral, evolutionary and so forth), there is often no one ‘correct’ answer,” said Buddington. “Sometimes the fact that an answer is not just black or white doesn’t fit with how some people think.”

Buddington also said that students can sometimes be surprised by the amount of statistics and research work a psychology program involves.

The course load and program requirements may vary from school to school. Taking the time to research and ask questions about the programs you’re interested in can give you a better idea of what to expect while pursuing a psychology degree.

“I don’t necessarily think a psychology degree is hard, but it can sometimes be different from what you are expecting,” said Buddington.

Is a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Worth It?

Buddington said that a BA in Psychology can allow you to work in many careers. Some options you may consider include:

• Data analysis
• Human resources
• Law enforcement
• Sports coaching

“I think because the principles you are learning apply to people, situations, behavior, society, as well as data analysis, they are universal skills that are needed across multiple career fields,” said Buddington.

And the reasons for entering this field of study are just as varied.

With her degree, Molinari hopes to work at a healthcare organization. She wants to help anyone who needs discretion, empathy and care, such as those transitioning or those who don’t have healthcare.

“I would just like to lend a helping hand to anybody who needs it,” she said.

A psychology degree can also help you to change careers.

“I always had an interest in the human mind,” said Parker. Psychology was the obvious choice when choosing his major.

After working 14-hour shifts, traveling all over the country, he would start doing his schoolwork. Since earning his degree, he now works as an HR business partner.

“It’s amazing, the job opportunities you can get with a psychology degree,” said Parker.

Is a Master of Science in Psychology Worth It?

“With an MS in Psychology, you are able to concentrate more fully on a field,” said Buddington.  

You might become a therapist or forensic psychologist, according to Buddington. She said that a master’s degree may also allow you to teach at some community colleges.

Parker said that his degree has already opened doors for him, including the opportunity to pursue further education. He’s currently enrolled in the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at SNHU. (SNHU is not currently enrolling new students in the graduate counseling program.)

“My ultimate goal is to go back into drug and alcohol counseling, try to help people who suffer with addiction,” he said.

Are Psychologists in Demand?

“Post-pandemic there is more need than ever for psychologists,” said Buddington.

Becoming a psychologist typically requires a master's degree or higher, and licensing requirements vary by state. BLS predicts that job growth for psychologists will grow by 6% through 2032.*

“Teletherapy allows more individuals to have access to therapy that they otherwise may not have had,” said Buddington.

For example, people living in rural areas might not have therapists available nearby. Teletherapy allows those individuals to have access to therapy, said Buddington. “The fact that you can become teletherapy certified is an equity and inclusion triumph,” she said.

Like most fields, psychology is open to more diverse and inclusive perspectives. A psychology degree can provide you with the ability to better understand those from different backgrounds from you.

According to a study on diverse populations by the American Psychiatric Association, people from racial or ethnic minority groups are less likely to receive mental health care ( American Psychiatric Association PDF Source ). Some factors contributing to this include:

• Lack of diversity among mental health providers
• Language barriers
• Mental health stigma

Psychologists with unique cultural perspectives can help more people to feel understood.

A degree can change your life. Find the SNHU psychology program  that can best help you meet your career goals.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Ashleigh Worley '22 is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at SNHU. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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