More so than other branches of psychology, the field of clinical psychology is particularly concerned with the assessment and treatment of patients diagnosed with mental illness. If you are considering earning a doctorate in this field, it is first important to determine whether a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program is the best option for your future goals. What is the difference between a Psy.D. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology? Below, we explore some key differences between the Ph.D. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs.
What is a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology?
Since 1948, the American Psychological Association (APA) has officially promoted Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology. A doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., generally focuses on research practices and the philosophy of a given field. The intention of this program is usually to prepare students to teach and/or conduct essential scientific research that can help advance the field.
Most Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology programs take five to seven years to complete beyond the undergraduate degree. Most programs incorporate a teaching element, and all require a written dissertation.
What is a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology?
Compared to the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, the doctor of psychology, or Psy.D., is primarily concerned with the practical applications of psychology. According to the APA, “the focus of Psy.D. programs is to train students to engage in careers that apply scientific knowledge of psychology and deliver empirically based service to individuals, groups, and organizations.”
The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology typically takes four to six years to complete after earning an undergraduate degree. Students also have an opportunity to pursue specializations in certain areas, such as neuropsychology.
While Psy.D. programs are designed to prepare students for careers as practitioners in psychology, students are not prevented from pursuing a career in academia. Most Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs also feature practic*ms or internships, and many also require a written dissertation.
What’s the difference between Ph.D. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology?
The main difference between a Psy.D. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology is the specific focus and application of each program. In summary, there are several key differences between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. The most prominent difference is each program’s focus. If you seek a career in academia, a Ph.D. may be right for you. The Psy.D. was built specifically for those hoping to apply the principles of psychology in professional practice with patients.
Additionally, the program lengths differ. A Ph.D. typically takes five to eight years to complete, while a Psy.D. takes four to six years.
| Psy.D. | Ph.D. |
|---|---|
| Clinical focused and practice-based | Research-based |
| Higher acceptance rates | Competitive acceptance rates |
| 4-6 years to graduate | 5-8 years to graduate |
| Doctor of psychology | Doctor of philosophy |
What to Expect from a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Program
How is a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Program Structured?
In general, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs are designed to advance a graduate’s understanding of how to provide tangible psychological services. Some Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs, including programs offered by The Chicago School, follow the Engaged-Practitioner model. This means students undergo training primarily for field practice in combination with a secondary focus on scholarship. APA-accredited Psy.D. programs often offer up to three years of practicum opportunities to prepare students for their APA-required internship.
The practicum provides essential hands-on experience for aspiring practitioners. Psy.D. programs offer this experience to better prepare graduates for their clinical careers—something Ph.D. students will not experience.
Expertise for both the clinic and the classroom
While Psy.D. in Clincal Psychology programs focus on practice, they still prepare students who pursue a career in academia.
Many Psy.D. graduates become faculty members while managing a clinical practice. So, don’t worry that earning a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology will hinder you from entering academia. Graduates from Psy.D. programs can pursue clinical practice, teaching, or even both.
Greater student accommodation
Psy.D. programs are generally able to admit more students than Ph.D. programs at other schools. This is because Psy.D. programs are often housed within schools concentrated on psychology, as opposed to schools that admit doctoral students to a wide range of programs.
The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is The Chicago School’s legacy program. It was our first program ever offered in 1979, which has allowed us to expand our offering of accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs at our campuses around the U.S. and provide greater access to this type of education to a wide range of applicants.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology?
Students in Psy.D. programs can expect to spend fewer years in the classroom than Ph.D. candidates. In general, a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program can take four to six years to complete.
At The Chicago School, students can usually expect to spend about five years in the program, although this time can vary depending on each person’s specific circ*mstance. The time also includes the APA-accredited internship.
For aspiring doctorate in psychology graduates, the first step is to apply to an APA-accredited Psy.D. program. This ensures that your degree will meet the qualifications for licensing in any state.
Learn more about The Chicago School
Are you interested in learning more about clinical psychology programs available at The Chicago School? Fill out the form below to request more information or apply today through our application portal.
