{"id":39910,"date":"2019-03-21T06:00:42","date_gmt":"2019-03-21T13:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=39910"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:00:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T18:00:14","slug":"whats-the-difference-between-a-psyd-and-a-phd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/whats-the-difference-between-psyd-and-phd-0321197","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between a PsyD and a PhD?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CloseupWhat\u2019s the Difference Between a PsyD and a PhD In Psychology?<\/p>\n

\nMarch 21, 2019 \u2022 By Crystal Raypole\n<\/p>\n

\nA doctoral degree isn\u2019t required to provide therapy, and many qualified mental health professionals<\/a> who work with clients don\u2019t have one. But some professionals in the field of psychology further their studies in research, professional psychology, or both by obtaining a doctoral degree.\n<\/p>\n

\nEven in terms of psychology<\/a>, doctoral degrees aren\u2019t all the same and differ in a few key ways. In brief terms, people with a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) degree generally use their psychology training to work with people seeking therapy. People who hold PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees typically teach, conduct research, or consult professionally in mental health fields.\n<\/p>\n

\nWhether you\u2019re narrowing down a career path<\/a> or trying to make sense of a potential therapist\u2019s credentials, it can help to know more about what distinguishes a PsyD from a PhD.\n<\/p>\n

RESEARCH DOCTORATES VS. PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATES<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\nCompleting any apa-accredited doctoral degree involves conducting research, but the research focus will usually depend on the type of degree being pursued.\n<\/p>\n

\nFor example, students in a research doctorate (PhD) program will work toward the development and discovery of new knowledge and theories. This research work is helpful in preparation for postdoctoral educational careers or work with other researchers conducting experimental trials and studies.\n<\/p>\n

\nStudents in a professional doctorate (PsyD) program work to apply existing research to better understand (and attempt to solve) issues in their field of study. This application may lead to the development of new ideas and research methods, but original research is not the primary goal. This applied research work helps students with professional development and prepare for careers as mental health clinicians in a variety of settings.\n<\/p>\n

\nIn terms of psychology, people holding a PhD are more likely to have careers teaching psychology or working with other researchers to develop experimental trials and studies looking at mental health issues and treatment. People who have a PsyD are more likely to become clinical psychologist\u2019s.\n<\/p>\n

\nBut this isn\u2019t always the case. Some people with PhDs may choose to apply specialized knowledge and research to a clinical setting and work hands-on with people. Similarly, some people holding a PsyD may enter a research-based field to learn more about the contributing factors in mental health concerns and evidence for or against certain treatments. Both research and professional doctorate programs can lead to success in either area of professional practice.\n<\/p>\n

WHAT IS A PHD in Psychology?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\nBefore 1970, a PhD was the only option for students who wanted to get a doctoral degree in a psychology field. Today, mental health professionals interested in research, clinical trials, or psychology education may choose to get a PhD.\n<\/p>\n

Before 1970, a PhD was the only option for students who wanted to get a doctoral degree in a psychology field.<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\nSome professionals with a PhD will still provide therapy full-time. For example, a therapist who treats a certain mental health issue may have obtained a PhD conducting evidence-based research on the issue and potential treatments in order to provide the best care. In other words, a therapist whose PhD research focused on a particular mental health issue or type of therapy may provide more specialized treatment than a therapist who treats a range of concerns.\n<\/p>\n

\nA master\u2019s degree is usually needed to enter a PhD program, though a bachelor\u2019s degree might be accepted in graduate school programs that allow students to complete a master\u2019s and doctoral degree at the same time.\n<\/p>\n

\nBecause space is limited in PhD programs, the acceptance rate is generally 15% at most. To be accepted, good GRE scores, a high GPA, and strong letters of recommendation are generally necessary.\n<\/p>\n

\nThe length of a PhD program varies, but between 5 and 8 years is fairly standard. The cost may be quite high, depending on the school, but many schools offer tuition waivers and\/or stipends to students who teach or assist with research. A dissertation is required for graduation. Students must become licensed after graduation.\n<\/p>\n

WHAT IS A PSYD?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\nClinical psychology programs are designed for students who want to develop their knowledge of psychology research and apply it when providing therapy.\n<\/p>\n

\nWhile it\u2019s not necessary to have a PsyD in order to work with clients, some people may prefer to further their education and become licensed psychologists before establishing a therapy practice or working for a private practice. Having a doctorate can mean an increase in income and a wider range of job opportunities to choose from.\n<\/p>\n

\nAlthough PsyD programs are more focused on clinical skills and care than on research, mental health professionals with a PsyD are required to apply research in their studies. Professionals who have a PsyD may have more specialized knowledge than professionals with only a master\u2019s degree. This could be important to some people seeking help for a rare or difficult-to-treat mental health issue.\n<\/p>\n

\nAs with a PhD program, a master\u2019s degree may be required to enter a PsyD program. Acceptance rates for PsyD programs tend to be higher than those for PhD programs. About 40% of people applying are accepted. On average, a PsyD program takes slightly less time to complete than a PhD program. PsyD students who want to enter clinical practice may find a PsyD program a better fit. However, the overall cost of getting a PsyD may be higher since financial aid is usually not offered. A dissertation or project is required coursework for graduation, and students must also become licensed after graduation.\n<\/p>\n

\nInsert Table\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n <\/td>\nPHD In Psychology<\/strong>\n <\/td>\nPSYD (Doctor of Psychology)<\/strong>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What\u2019s the focus? <\/strong>\n <\/td>\nStrong focus on research. Ideal for those interested in clinical practice, academia, and research.\n <\/td>\nStrong focus on clinical. Ideal for those interested in hands-on, straightforward practice of Psychology without dedicating professional time to research or academia.\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Competitive?<\/strong>\n <\/td>\nFairly competitive. Acceptance rate is generally 15% at most\n <\/td>\nRequires less time to complete and About 40% of people applying are accepted\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Program options?<\/strong>\n <\/td>\nPlentiful Programs\n <\/td>\nAlternative to PhD Psychology Programs\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Funding<\/strong>\n <\/td>\nMany Schools Offer Tuition Waivers And\/or Stipends\n <\/td>\nFinancial Aid Is Usually Not Offered\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Career path Options<\/strong>\n <\/td>\nMultiple career path options:<\/p>\n
    \n
  • Teaching\n<\/li>\n
  • Patient care\n<\/li>\n
  • Forensic Psychology\n<\/li>\n
  • Scientific researcher\n<\/li>\n
  • Scientific researcher & Clinical practice\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Primary career path is Clinical Psychology and working directly with patients.\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

SHOULD I PURSUE A PHD OR A PSYD?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\nSome people may consider a PhD the highest degree available in psychology or believe a PhD is superior to other psychology degrees, but this isn\u2019t necessarily the case. What sets the two degrees apart is the skill sets they\u2019re most likely to develop.\n<\/p>\n

\nIf you\u2019re trying to decide between degree programs, consider what direction you\u2019d like your career path to take. Do you want to teach? Does research interest you? A PhD program may be the better fit. If you already know you want to work with clients, a PSYD degree may be ideal.\n<\/p>\n

\nA PhD and PsyD differ, but they are still similar degrees. They both help psychology students develop research skills and knowledge they can apply to education or clinical practice.\n<\/p>\n

\nIf you are a recent graduate and starting your career as a mental health professional, click here<\/a> to learn how GoodTherapy can help you start connecting with referrals and the resources you need to jump-start your career.\n<\/p>\n

\nReferences:\n<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Michalski, D. S., & Fowler, G. (2016). Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different? American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.apa.org\/ed\/precollege\/psn\/2016\/01\/doctoral-degrees\n<\/li>\n
  2. PsyD vs. PhD: What\u2019s the difference? (n.d.). Retrieved from https:\/\/www.allpsychologyschools.com\/psychology\/psyd-vs-phd-programs\n<\/li>\n
  3. What\u2019s the difference between a PsyD and a PhD in psychology? (2017, April 25). Retrieved from https:\/\/www.capella.edu\/blogs\/cublog\/doctor-of-psychology-or-phd-in-psychology\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \n\u00a9 Copyright 2019 GoodTherapy.org. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Whether you are considering a career in the field of psychology or wondering what your counselor’s credentials mean, it can help to know how a PsyD and PhD differ.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2924,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[627,542,628],"tags":[1461,579,1147,193],"class_list":["post-39910","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-business-of-therapy","category-featured-articles","category-general","tag-credentials","tag-for-therapists","tag-graduate-student","tag-psychology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39910","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2924"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39910"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39910\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39910"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39910"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39910"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}