PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology: Which Is Right for You? (2024)

FAQs

PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology: Which Is Right for You? ›

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.

PhD programs may have more students interested in becoming academic scholars and college faculty members (which do not necessarily require licensure), while PsyD programs may have more students interested in clinical practice and the delivery of psychological services with clients.

A PhD vs PsyD salary has similar projections. However, a student's preferred work setting can impact one's earning potential. For instance, PsyD graduates can earn more by having a private practice or working as corporate psychologists.

A PsyD in general psychology can prepare you for many different types of careers in the field. With this degree, you can qualify to work independently in your own practice or in leading clinical positions in healthcare institutions, schools, legal organizations, or private businesses.

A PhD degree in psychology can help you hone your research skills, pinpoint the research area you're passionate about and create a solid foundation for a fulfilling career in this industry.

If you like to conduct research, a PhD is for you. However, a Master's degree may include some research experience. With regard to an MSW and a PsyD, they likely will offer the least research training. Keep in mind that no matter what clinical degree you pursue there will always be some discussion of research.

The Psy. D. is designed primarily to train psychologists to be clinicians able to work in a wide range of clinical settings. Generally the emphasis is on clinical work and focuses less heavily on research than Ph. D.

Psychiatry is among the highest-paying psychology professions, with an average annual salary of approximately $246,582 in the United States, ranging from $185,000 to $336,000. This substantial income reflects the dedication and significance of their work in addressing and treating mental health conditions.

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $311,000 and as low as $44,500, the majority of Psychologist Psyd salaries currently range between $87,500 (25th percentile) to $223,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $310,000 annually across the United States.

The field of psychiatry, a specialized branch of psychology, typically makes the most money. Their estimated salary is well over $200,000 annually. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, including the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders.

Why are PsyD programs so expensive? ›

PsyD/professional school programs are usually expensive, in part because there are fewer opportunities to earn money through working as a teaching or research assistant. These schools tend to select students with more experience working in clinical settings such as psychiatric hospitals or halfway houses.

The Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation of the American Psychological Association is a trusted resource for checking a Psy. D. program's current accreditation status and viewing a list of other accredited programs.

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.

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.

Though not required by most states for school psychologist certification, a PhD can increase your opportunities for leadership positions. You can also gain the following benefits from earning a PhD in school psych: Credentials to work in many types of settings, in addition to schools.

While psychologists can treat clients using therapeutic approaches such as behavioral modification, talk therapy, and mindfulness practice, psychiatrists can take treatment one step further by determining whether medication would help and, if so, prescribing it.

As noted by the APA career guide, a PsyD is a doctoral degree, while a master's in psychology is a graduate degree. Admission to a master's program requires an undergraduate degree with coursework covering psychology, statistics, and lab work, as well as completing the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).