Comparing Psy.D. vs. Ph.D. Programs

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Updated March 14, 2024 · 3 Min Read

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When choosing between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D., psychology students can find help from this guide. The best path hinges on interests and career goals.

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A doctorate in psychology can lead to challenging and rewarding clinical, academic, and research careers. But before enrolling in a doctoral program, you must decide whether to earn a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.

While both are doctoral programs, they prepare graduates for different career paths. A Ph.D. focuses on research and advancing the field, while a Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice.

Let's take a closer look at how these two doctoral programs compare.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an undergraduate degree in psychology to apply to a Psy.D. or Ph.D. program?

No, you don't need an undergraduate degree in psychology to get into a Psy.D. or Ph.D. psychology program. However, many doctoral programs require prerequisite courses in psychology. Some programs prefer to admit candidates with a master's degree.

What doctoral degree do I need to be a therapist?

You can become a therapist with a master's in counseling, a master's in psychology, or a doctorate in psychology. Careers as a clinical psychologist generally require a doctorate. Most professionals earn a Psy.D. to pursue clinical counseling and therapy roles.

What is the most common doctoral degree in psychology?

The most common doctoral degree in psychology is a clinical psychology doctorate, followed by counseling psychology, according to 2022-23 data from the American Psychological Association (APA). These competitive specializations report lower acceptance rates than psychology doctorates in industrial-organizational and school psychology.

How much can you make with a Psy.D. vs. a Ph.D.?

Professionals with a Psy.D. report a median annual pay of $88,000, while those with a Ph.D. in psychology report $100,000, according to Payscale survey data from January-February 2024.

Generally, your earning potential with a Psy.D. or Ph.D. depends on your experience, location, and job title or position.

Can someone with a Psy.D. diagnose and prescribe medicine?

Psychologists with a Psy.D. can diagnose mental health conditions, but most states do not allow those with a Psy.D. to prescribe medication. However, in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico, psychologists can pursue additional certification to do so, according to the APA.

Educational Differences Between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D.

Choosing a Psy.D. vs. a Ph.D. will shape your experience in graduate school. That's because the curricula, admission requirements, and program length differ depending on the type of doctorate. Your choice will also shape your career options after graduation.

Curriculum Differences

Ph.D. programs prepare graduates for research and academic careers, while Psy.D. programs train psychologists for clinical roles. As a result, you'll take very different classes in each program.

In a Ph.D. program, you'll take research, theory, and statistical analysis courses. Common topics include qualitative research methods, psychological tests and measures, and quantitative research methods.

In a Psy.D. program, you'll explore clinical practice standards with coursework on psychotherapy, ethics for psychologists, and diagnostic procedures.

Both Ph.D. and Psy.D. students complete a research-based dissertation towards the end of their program.

Admissions Differences

Both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs typically require a bachelor's or master's degree, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays. However, standardized testing, minimum GPA, and prerequisite coursework requirements may differ.

For example, Ph.D. programs are more likely to require GRE scores and set a higher minimum GPA. Psy.D. programs expect more coursework or applied experience in psychology.

Regardless of your degree, ensure your program holds accreditation from the APA Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation is an important component for obtaining licensing and securing employment. Ph.D. programs may also have credentials from the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System.

Program Length Differences

Earning a Psy.D. degree generally takes less time than earning a Ph.D. Most Psy.D. programs take 4-5 years, while earning a Ph.D. can take 5-7 years.

Several factors affect the program length. In both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs, students research, write, and defend a dissertation, which adds significant time to the process. Both programs also require students to complete clinical internships to gain hands-on experience.

When researching programs, consider the average time to degree for graduates.

How Much Do Psy.D. and Psychology Ph.D. Professionals Earn?

With a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology, you can become a psychologist, psychology professor, or counselor. Your earning potential depends on your job title, specific industry or work setting, experience, licensure status, and geographical location.

Here are some common career paths with salary data:

  • Clinical Psychologist: $90,130
  • Counseling Psychologist: $90,130
  • Psychology Professor: $78,810
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: $139,280
  • Mental Health Counselor: $49,710

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A doctorate in psychology can also lead to careers in social work, school counseling, family and marriage therapy, or behavioral disorder counseling.

Licensing and Certifications for Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Psychology Graduates

The licensing and certification requirements for Psy.D. and Ph.D. careers depend on your job title and location. Check with your state licensing board for specific requirements since they vary.

If you're a practicing psychologist, you'll typically need a license. A Psy.D. or Ph.D. meets the educational requirement for licensure. Clinical and counseling psychologists must also meet supervised work experience requirements, which a Psy.D. typically fulfills.

You can also pursue professional certification in 15 specialty areas through the American Board of Professional Psychology. Neuropsychologists can also earn certification through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology.

Psychology professors do not need a license. While you can teach at the college level with a Psy.D., a Ph.D. is a more common degree, especially at larger universities that require research as a part of the role.

Earning a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. can lead to different careers, depending on your professional interests. Before investing in a doctorate, consider your goals to find the right fit.


Page last reviewed on February 27, 2024

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