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Updated November 17, 2022 Reviewed by Our Integrity NetworkPsychology.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers. Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for Psychology.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network. Explore our full list of Integrity Network members. Learn more about earning a terminal degree in psychology, including admission requirements, specialization options, and job opportunities for graduates. Credit: Wang Yukun | Moment | Getty Images Credit: Wang Yukun | Moment | Getty ImagesThe American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes three distinct categories of doctoral programs: clinical, counseling, and school psychology. Clinical psychology emphasizes compiling and analyzing research data about people, while counseling psychology students focus more on treating mental and emotional health issues. School psychology programs explore issues surrounding child and adolescent mental development. Students interested in teaching or research roles can earn a Ph.D. in psychology, while candidates planning to go into private practice or work with patients may pursue a Psy.D. This page covers everything you need to know about pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology. Learn how to choose the right school and degree program. Pros and Cons of Earning a Doctorate in PsychologyEarning a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. in psychology is a significant investment of time and money, and while psychologists earn above-average salaries, other fields such as medicine, law, finance, and engineering often pay more for the same level of education. However, psychology often offers more work-life balance than these fields, and many psychologists find it a uniquely fulfilling career. It Takes Longer to Earn a Doctorate Degree in PsychologyMost doctoral degree in psychology programs can be completed in four to seven years. This, of course, is the longest possible amount of time a psychology professional can expect to spend on their schooling. The time commitment requires a student's full attention, which makes some students move straight from their bachelor's in psychology to their Ph.D. in psychology. ProEarning a doctorate in psychology and qualifying for a state license is the only way to become a licensed psychologist. The demand for psychologists is high in most parts of the country, and once you are licensed, you can practice independently. However, if you enjoy collaborating with other professionals, you can work in a hospital, as part of a joint practice, or in other group settings. ConAt times, it can be very hard for Ph.D. in psychology students to juggle work, internships, clinical training and psychology studies. What's more, almost all Ph.D. in psychology candidates go on to continue their research and training for one to two years after graduation; these externships and practical experiences must be present in order to qualify most Ph.D.s for work. Once Graduated with a Ph.D. in Psychology, You Enter the Workforce as an Authority in the FieldPart of enrolling and earning a doctoral degree in psychology is making the time and the connections that will allow students to gain intensive practical experience after graduation. ProEmployers often prefer Ph.D. in psychology candidates with some experience to master's degree in psychology candidates who may have more hands-on skills. ConSome evidence suggests that Ph.D. in psychology candidates can oversaturate a market. In these cases, employers may be inclined to hire a candidate with more life experience (such as a master's degree) and lesser academic credentials. The Doctorate Degree in Psychology is VersatileBecause a Ph.D. in psychology is a terminal credential for the majority of occupational psychologists, earning a doctoral degree in psychology in this broad field can offer candidates a certain amount of flexibility when searching for a career. For example, while there may not be many opportunities in a graduate's chosen field right away, a doctoral in psychology is an excellent credential for those who may be interested in teaching at the college or university level. ProOnly graduates with a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. in psychology can become licensed psychologists (except for school psychologists). Similarly, if you want to become a professor of psychology in most colleges or universities, you will need to graduate from an accredited doctorate in psychology program. The APA does not accredit online programs. Because a psychology Ph.D. or Psy.D. is the terminal degree in psychology, those with a doctorate in psychology are considered more authoritative in jobs such as consulting, government or nonprofit work, or publishing. ConPsychology Ph.D. programs are long and hard work, 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.D. or Ph.D. in psychology, they are often not yet earning at their full potential and graduate with student loans. One of the core parts of any doctorate in psychology is conducting original research, which requires years of focus on a single project. Students in psychology Ph.D. programs who do not enjoy the research process may find this very draining. A Doctoral Degree Offers a High Return on InvestmentBecause of the high demand for the position and the time and cost psychology Psy.D. or Ph.D. programs involve, psychologist salaries are well above the national average. ProPsychologists often earn a median salary over $80,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median BLS salary for psychologists include both graduate and undergraduate level occupations. According to Payscale, of the 31 people reporting in October 2022, the average salary for graduates with a Ph.D. in psychology is $92,000. October Payscale data for 2022 reports the average salary for graduates with a Psy.D. as $87,000. Industrial-organizational psychologists or human resource managers often earn more than $100,000. This is considerably higher than the 2021 national median salary of $45,760, and for many psychologists, the financial and emotional rewards justify the cost and time spent in a doctorate of psychology program. ConWhile only those with a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology can become licensed psychologists, other careers, such as law, medicine, engineering, or finance often offer much higher salaries for programs that take as much time or less than a psychology Ph.D. program. Some high-paying psychology careers, such as industrial-organizational psychologists, may require just a master's degree. Featured Online Psychology ProgramsFiguring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today. What Are The Admission Requirements for Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D Programs?Psychology Ph.D. programs require a master's in psychology from an accredited program or an equivalent mix of education and experience. Many will accept students with a master's in a related field or a bachelor's degree with work experience. Students seeking a Ph.D. in psychology often need to demonstrate knowledge of psychology research, while students applying for a Psy.D. program need to show even more extensive research skills or aptitude.
Frequently Asked Questions About Doctoral Programs in PsychologyCan you prescribe medicine with a Ph.D. in psychology?While some states allow licensed psychologists to prescribe certain medications, psychologists do not have the same prescribing authority that doctors, psychiatrists, or advanced practice nurses have. Can you get a Ph.D. in psychology without a master's?In many cases, you do not need to hold a master's for admission to a Ph.D. program in psychology. Many programs accept candidates who hold a bachelor's in the field. Some may require work or internship experience in addition to a bachelor's degree, but this varies from program to program. Can you get a Ph.D. in psychology online?Yes! A variety of fully online psychology Ph.D. programs allow students to earn their degree anywhere, at any time. While these programs occasionally take longer to complete than the standard four-year timeline for full-time, full-residency programs, actual program lengths vary. Note that the APA does not accredit online-only programs. Why get a doctorate in psychology?Professionals in all states must hold either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. to obtain licensure and practice as a psychologist. A doctorate in psychology prepares candidates for clinical practice, and for more advanced roles in the field. Those with a Ph.D. also tend to earn more than those with a master's degree. How competitive are Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs?Doctoral programs in psychology tend to hold high admissions standards, making them very competitive. On-campus programs may be even harder to get into, as they sometimes offer competitive funding and assistantship positions. Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record with a high GPA. What's the difference between a Ph.D. in psychology vs. a Ph.D. in clinical psychology?Ph.D. programs in psychology tend to place a stronger emphasis on research, and often include more courses in research methods and statistics. Psy.D. programs emphasize clinical practice, and are best suited for individuals seeking more clinical experience. How Can I Guarantee My Acceptance Into a Doctorate Degree in Psychology Program?While there is no way to guarantee acceptance into a psychology Ph.D. or Psy.D. program, you can improve your chances through your classes, work, community engagement, professional development, and networking. The more you can show that you have strong professional ethics and are likely to succeed in research and as a professional psychologist, the better.
Should I Get a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.?The Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees differ in a variety of ways. Students should consider each option carefully before choosing a program. Ph.D. in psychology programs take between five to seven years to complete, and often include one year-long internship. These programs sometimes admit fewer students, as they tend to offer more funding opportunities. Ph.D. programs place a stronger emphasis on research, including more coursework in research methods and statistics, and more research-based opportunities during the program. Graduates may pursue careers in research or academia. The Psy.D. is a doctor of psychology degree instead of a doctor of philosophy degree. Psy.D. programs take between four and five years to complete, including an internship year. These programs are tailored more towards clinical practice, placing less of an emphasis on research. This track may particularly benefit students who wish to work directly with clients in clinical settings. Both degrees prepare candidates to seek licensure as clinical psychologists. However, Ph.D. programs may best suit individuals who wish to conduct research or teach in colleges and universities after graduating. What Should I Expect From a Doctorate Degree in Psychology Program?Degree Completion Specifics
Core ConceptsWhile you will expand your skills in each of these areas while earning your psychology Ph.D., programs expect you to have a solid understanding of these areas from your previous education and work or fieldwork experience.
ConcentrationsDoctorate psychology students often concentrate their studies in a particular clinical or academic discipline. Immersion in these topics solidifies existing knowledge and offers the chance to work side-by-side with other psychology professionals in the candidate's area of interest. Some popular concentrations include:
What Kinds of Psychology Careers Can I Pursue With a Doctorate Degree in Psychology?Most graduates from psychology Psy.D. or Ph.D. programs work as licensed psychologists or in academic settings as researchers and professors. However, there are other careers available in government or corporate roles, or as a consultant. Psy.D and Ph.D. Career Options
Page last reviewed November 7,2022. This page's information — not including school descriptions — was reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Psychology.org. Latest PostsDiscover Online Programs by SpecialtyFind the psychology program that best fits your career plans and budget. Which type of psychology degree focuses more on the clinical practice and less on research quizlet?Which type of psychology degree focuses more on the clinical practice and less on research? master's degree in psychology. Which type of psychologist would most likely meet with students with mental health needs at a college counseling center? clinical psychologist.
Which branch of psychology is most directly concerned with the study of how?Terms in this set (20) Which branch of psychology is most directly concerned with the study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another? Social psychology.
What type of psychologist is most likely to have a medical degree?The specialist most likely to have a medical degree is a(n): clinical psychologist.
What is the focus of cognitive psychology?Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology dedicated to studying how people think. The cognitive perspective in psychology focuses on how the interactions of thinking, emotion, creativity, and problem-solving abilities affect how and why you think the way you do.
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