Before you start applying to graduate school in psychology, deciding whether you want to work in academia or prefer a more practical clinical setting is crucial. If you want to pursue a career in psychology, deciding between available educational options can feel overwhelming.
Not to worry.
We’ve broken down the biggest similarities and differences between a PhD in Psychology and a PsyD to offer insight into how each degree can help prepare you for your career path.
No matter which career trajectory you want, we examine the different features of a PhD vs. a PsyD in Psychology to help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Doctor of Philosophy Degree?
There are two main educational options at the doctoral level that will enable you to work at the highest levels of the field of psychology.
These are a Doctor of Philosophy or PhD and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).
A Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is the typical graduate degree for anyone earning the title of Doctor other than an MD.
A PhD will help students prepare for a career in scientific or statistical research or teaching in the academic sphere, as well as related jobs in patient care or forensic psychology.
What Is a Doctor of Psychology Degree?
In contrast to a PhD, a PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology degree that emphasizes practical practice.
This is often a good choice for those who want to focus on direct patient care or work in clinical settings. A PsyD program usually offers more straightforward clinical training right away, compared to a PhD program that includes more research experience.
The PsyD emerged in the 1970s as an option for students who wanted to skip psychological research and instead provide direct psych services to patients. A PsyD offers a practical application of psychology principles in a clinical setting versus working in scientific research areas.
What Is the Difference Between a PhD and a PsyD?
The major distinction between a PhD and a PsyD is the focus on training. A PsyD is geared toward active clinical training that will get you ready and qualified to take care of patients in person.
In contrast, a PhD is a research-based doctorate focusing on a theoretical understanding of clinical psychology. The goal of a PhD is to contribute new research that advances deeper understanding in the field of psychology and human behavior.
At the same time, a PsyD and a PhD enable students to qualify to work in therapy and clinical practice.
The biggest thing to consider when choosing an education path is whether you want to focus on an academic career in research or teaching or the active practice of working face-to-face with patients.
What Is the Length of Each Program?
Most students take 4 to 6 years to finish a Ph.D. program. Ph. D.s, on the other hand, can take 5 to 8 years to complete, thanks to their strong focus on academic research.
You will probably be happy to know that PhD students can often complete their degree at their own pace, within certain limitations, and according to any applicable funding rules.
A PhD candidate has to write and defend a dissertation, which takes up a significant portion of time toward the end of the doctoral program. While a PsyD may also require you to write a doctoral project, it may take less time and demonstrate different, more practical than academic skills.
Any programs or internships you pursue should have an APA accreditation. If you pick a program that needs accreditation, it can save years of hard work and make it challenging to get your license.
Which Program Is More Competitive?
Sometimes, comparing PhDs and PsyDs based on competitiveness is complicated.
The biggest difference centers around the fact that PhD programs accept fewer students. PhD programs are also more difficult to enter and take longer to prepare for, which can equal more job options and prestige. Meanwhile, fewer Ph.D. programs exist, but they also often accept more students into each cohort. A Ph.D. program, for example, features more open spots and can accommodate up to 100 students, depending on the institute. This gives Ph.D. programs a general 40% acceptance rate.
The bottom line is that a PhD is more prestigious and competitive. Still, a PsyD accepts more students, making this a more feasible and less time-consuming option for many interested in clinical work.
The best program is the one that matches your skillset and career goals.
Can I Become a Professor With a PsyD?
Do you love teaching? Do you want to work in the academic world?
A PhD may be the best degree fit for you. While PsyD graduates can teach at the university level, the path to this career is much smoother when equipped with a standard PhD in Psychology. That is because a doctoral degree focuses more on research than clinical work, which better prepares candidates for academia. The focus of a psychology PhD is often teaching and research-based rather than on clinical care.
If you’re interested in clinical work but would also like to work part-time in academia as an adjunct professor, a PsyD degree is typically sufficient to succeed.
Which Degree Should I Pursue if I Want to Be a Psychotherapist?
Both a PhD in clinical psychology or a PsyD are good choices for preparing you to work as a psychotherapist.
Certain psychoanalytic training institutions in some places, such as California, award PsyD degrees. Most institutes with psychoanalytic training are not located in universities, so you must research specific accredited programs to pursue this path. An accredited training program in psychoanalytics will give you the rigorous groundwork needed to become a psychotherapist via intense clinical training and hands-on student experience.
Which Degree Is Right for Me?
Picking the degree that is the best fit for you is a highly personal decision. Think about your end-of-the-road career goal.
Do you see yourself teaching students or engaging in research as a faculty member? Or do you prefer a clinical setting where you can diagnose, treat, and work with patients to manage disorders and improve mental health outcomes?
The good news is that there is no right or wrong choice here.
It depends on your aptitude, personal preferences, and where you see your career heading after graduation.
In this final section, we keep it simple.
If you are inclined toward research and academia (besides clinical practice), a PhD in Psychology is a good way to get many career options after graduation. That way, you aren’t pigeonholed into a strict teaching or clinical career. These options include science researchers, teachers, forensic psychologists, or clinical practitioners. Earning a PhD will require most students to complete a research-based dissertation. A PhD is also more rigorous and competitive than a PsyD and offers more programs within the field of psychology.
Suppose you prefer hands-on practice with a solid focus on clinical. In that case, a PsyD will prepare you to work directly with patients as a Clinical Psychologist in many clinical settings, from hospitals and private practices to mental health or behavioral wards. If you’re eager to get certified and jump straight into your career without spending more time, money, and research, a PsyD takes less time than a PhD. It also includes much less focus on research and statistics, favoring straightforward clinical work over dissertation projects. Remember that some PsyD programs may require candidates to complete a final project.
Whichever path you decide to take, understanding your strengths and goals, as well as the differences between a PhD and a PsyD, can help you decide which degree to pursue well before you hit the Apply button to start your journey.
