Thinking about pursuing a doctorate in psychology? First you need to make a choice. Should you go for a PhD in Psychology or a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)?
A doctorate in psychology isn’t just prestigious—it’s marketable. There’s a continuing demand in today’s workforce for those with a doctorate in psychology, whether it’s a PsyD or a PhD in Psychology. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% growth in the demand for psychologists from 2016-2026 over the next decade—particularly for those with a doctorate.
From careers in research and academia to hands-on clinical practice and patient care, earning your PsyD or PhD in Psychology can help you cultivate a meaningful career that effects positive change in your life and in the lives of others.
PhD in Psychology vs. PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)
Once you’ve decided to seek your doctorate in psychology, you need to decide which degree best fits your needs: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD in Psychology) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). But what’s the difference between a PhD in Psychology and a PsyD?
PhD in Psychology
Let’s start with the PhD in Psychology.
PhD psychology programs are plentiful, but also fairly competitive, with more rigorous admission criteria. Because of the strong focus on research, they’re ideal for students not only interested in clinical practice but also in academia and research. PhD psychology programs also provide valuable training for those who want to practice psychology in clinical settings. A PhD in Psychology can open up a multitude of career paths—from teaching to patient care to forensic psychology.
“I knew my work was making a difference when I heard from a patient how our integrated behavioral healthprogram changed her life. Her husband had been depressed for many years. After a few months in our program, she reported that ‘she got her husband back.’ This is the kind of outcome that spurs me to help others make positive changes.”
—Dean Moritz
Walden University
PhD in Psychology Graduate
PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)
Developed in the late 1960s as an alternative to PhD psychology programs, a PsyD is typically pursued by individuals interested solely in the hands-on, straightforward practice of psychology, without dedicating professional time to research or academia.
Like a PhD in Psychology, the Doctor of Psychology degree (PsyD) prepares students to practice psychology in a wide range of clinical settings. A PsyD, however, focuses more on clinical practice and less on research. As a result, this degree requires fewer research and statistics courses and thus takes less time.
| PhD in Psychology | PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) |
|---|
| Ideal for those interested in clinical practice, academia, and research. | Ideal for those interested in hands on, straightforward practice of Psychology without dedicating professional time to research or academia. |
| Strong focus on research | Strong focus on clinical |
| Prepares students to practice in a wide range of clinical settings. | Prepares students to practice in a wide range of clinical settings. |
Multiple career path options: - Teaching
- Patient care
- Forensic Psychology
- Scientific researcher
- Scientific researcher & Clinical practice
| Primary career path is Clinical Psychology and working directly with patients. |
| Fairly competitive | Requires less time to complete |
| Rigorous admission criteria | Requires fewer research and statistics courses |
| Plentiful Programs | Alternative to PhD Psychology Programs |
Which degree is right for you?
The answer depends on your interests and your career goals.
Are you interested solely in clinical psychology and working directly with patients? If so, a PsyD program may be the best path for you.
Do you envision yourself conducting your own scientific research? How about a career as a tenured psychology professor? Do you see yourself as a professional researcher in addition to maintaining a clinical practice? If so, consider a PhD in Psychology.
Think a PhD in Psychology is out of reach? Think again! Explore Walden University’s online PhD in Psychology program.
1Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
FAQs
The training you receive in a PhD program will focus on research that leads you to producing new scientific knowledge. PsyD programs emphasize training that allows you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting, though you'll likely still conduct some research.
Is a PhD or PsyD better for psychology? ›
While both prepare you for promising careers in psychology, a PsyD degree positions you well for "in-the-field" careers, such as a clinical psychologist. The PhD degree is typically more geared toward academics.
Is getting a PhD worth it for psychology? ›
Doctorate-level psychologists typically have higher earning potential compared to those with a master's degree or bachelor's degree in the field. Gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in your chosen area of specialization within psychology.
How does a PsyD degree differ from the PhD degree in psychology quizlet? ›
A PhD is a doctor of philosophy in psychology. These programs tend to have a stronger emphasis on research, smaller class sizes, more full-time faculty, and higher admissions standards. A PsyD is a clinical doctor program, which focuses more heavily on psychological practices.
Do clinical psychologists need a PhD EDD or PsyD in order to practice? ›
In order to work independently as a psychologist, you must earn a doctoral degree within the field of psychology from an accredited institution. The degree will include an internship that should focus on earning a minimum of 1,500 supervised clinical hours.
Do you make more money with a PhD or a PsyD? ›
PsyD graduates can earn more in clinical settings or private practice, while PhD graduates can command high salaries in academia, research, and applied psychology fields.
Is a PsyD respected? ›
A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology while a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. Both doctoral degrees are respected in the industry and can be used to obtain a psychology license in the state in which you would like to practice.
What is the highest paying job with a PhD in psychology? ›
In addition to being in demand, psychiatrist positions are by far the highest-paying jobs for psychology majors. When you work where a majority of psychiatrists are employed — within an outpatient care center or within a physician's office — the BLS reports 2022 mean salaries of $299,470 or $280,600, respectively.
How much can you make a year with a PhD in psychology? ›
Doctorate Psychology Salary
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|
| Top Earners | $89,000 | $43 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,500 | $36 |
| Average | $59,773 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,000 | $19 |
Psychology Ph. D. programs are long and hard, and even when you graduate you must work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist before you can work independently. While many students work while earning their Psy.
Unlike a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in psychology, which often emphasizes research, the PsyD meaning focuses more on applied training and practical experience in the behavioral sciences. PsyD study revolves around preparing students for professional practice and clinical placement.
What is the most awarded doctoral degree in psychology? ›
Explanation: In the field of psychology, the most awarded doctoral degree is the Doctor of Psychology or the PsyD. Unlike most doctoral programs that emphasize research-oriented skills, the PsyD focuses more on the application of psychological principles in a clinical context.
What are the two types of doctoral degrees in psychology? ›
Doctoral degrees in psychology offer individuals preparation to conduct scientific research, professional practice or both. Most individuals receive either the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree.
Should my therapist have a PhD or PsyD? ›
While both degrees qualify individuals for clinical practice and therapy, the choice between a PsyD and a PhD depends on career goals and preferences. Those seeking a strong clinical focus may opt for a PsyD, while those interested in research and academia may choose a PhD.
Can you call yourself Dr with a PsyD? ›
Yes, as a doctorate-holder, a person who has earned a PsyD could definitely refer to themselves as “Dr.,” though it's good to note that PsyDs are not medical doctors and in most states cannot prescribe medication or conduct medical treatments.
Does a PhD take longer than a PsyD? ›
While PhD programs train students to generate original knowledge, PsyD programs have traditionally been centered on applying said knowledge in the field. PsyD programs are a bit shorter than PhD programs—they take four to six years to complete—and do not tend to be funded.
Is it better to get a PhD or a masters in clinical psychology? ›
Master's degrees typically lead to fewer job opportunities and lower salary than Doctoral degrees. Part of this is the result of employers looking for those who have more experience and supervised training.
Do most psychologists have a PhD? ›
Clinical psychologists must have a doctorate, either a Ph. D. or a Psy D., and usually require training to get licensure to practice, commonly taking one or two years. In total, it could take up to ten years to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
Should I get a PhD or PsyD for forensic psychology? ›
While both degrees will prepare you to work as a forensic psychologist, there are some key differences. A PsyD degree is more focused on clinical settings and interactions with individual clients. A PhD is more focused on research, statistics, and on larger trends in the field.
Can I get a PhD in psychology without a Masters? ›
Some general psychology PhD programs accept students without a master's, but you'll need at least a bachelor's degree for admission.
