Do I need a doctorate in psychology? Will the time and effort of earning this degree be worth it? If these questions are on your mind, this guide can help answer them.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 134,407 students earned bachelor's degrees in psychology, while just 6,969 graduated with doctorates in psychology.
But Peggy Christidis, senior research officer at the APA's Center for Workforce Studies, says, "A psychology doctorate is extremely marketable because you develop valuable and transferable skills, such as writing, communicating, investigating and understanding behavior, which will serve you well in many different employment settings."
If you want to pursue independent practice, research or teaching opportunities, or become a leader in your field, completing your doctorate could be well worth the investment.
Popular Online Psychology Doctoral Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Advantages of Earning a Doctorate in Psychology
You can choose between two types of psychology doctoral degrees: a Ph.D. in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). If you're interested in teaching and research, a Ph.D. is your best bet. If you'd like to work with patients in a clinical environment, a Psy.D. puts you on track.
Psychology doctorate programs take 4-8 years to complete. Clinical psychology licensure requires an additional 1-2 years of postdoctoral supervised clinical experience. However, the advantages of putting in the time to earn a doctorate in psychology are many.
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Licensure: Earning a psychology doctorate is the only path to independent practice as a licensed psychologist. -
Employment: Many employers, such as those in academia, prefer Ph.D. holders over candidates with psychology master's degrees. -
Expertise: Doctoral degree holders are recognized as authorities in psychological research and practice. -
Salary: September 2023 Payscale data reports average annual salaries above $90,000 for doctoral degree holders compared to $72,000 for those with bachelor's degrees. -
Versatility: Psychology doctorates offer opportunities in academic, clinical, consulting, government, and healthcare settings.
Jobs with a Doctorate in Psychology
What can you do with a doctorate in psychology? Doctorate in psychology jobs span a broad spectrum of career paths. Options include administration and leadership, clinical psychology, consulting and applied psychology, forensic and legal services, and teaching and research. This section explores the range of employment opportunities and includes examples of the highest-paying psychology jobs.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
The APA reports that 45% of graduates with a doctorate in psychology are practicing psychologists. Clinical psychologists work directly with clients and help them through developmental, emotional, and psychosocial issues.
Clinical psychologists must hold a state license, which requires a Psy.D. or Ph.D. from an APA-accredited program. Currently, the APA does not accredit fully online doctoral programs.
Clinical Director or Supervisor
Clinical directors and supervisors manage psychology departments or facilities. They develop goals, prepare budgets, oversee finances, and recruit, train, and direct staff. The BLS categorizes these professionals under medical and health services managers and projects a 28% employment growth rate from 2022-2032, much faster than average.
Psychology Professor
According to the APA, 18% of Ph.D. graduates identify teaching as their primary work activity, and 39% work in the education sector. Psychology professors teach courses at the college and university level. They also conduct their own research and publish their findings. A Ph.D. is the typical path to becoming a professor.
Research Psychologist
Research psychologists conduct studies on human behavior and share their results in publications, at conferences, or within their organizations. Many research psychologists are also professors with Ph.D.s who combine teaching and research. Others may work for government agencies and hospitals or in private practice and consulting.
Industrial Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologists help businesses improve productivity, develop staff, and manage organizational change. They typically need a master's degree, but earning a doctorate often leads to higher salaries and provides more preparation for research-driven work. Some states require I/O psychologists to become licensed. An APA-approved doctoral program meets the requirement for licensure.
Human Resources Manager or Director
According to the APA, 4% of psychology doctorate graduates become managers, executives, and administrators. While a doctoral degree is not required to become a human resources manager or director, a Ph.D. or Psy.D can help candidates stand out with valuable skills in understanding human behavior and building effective teams.
Business and Marketing Manager or Director
Business and marketing managers or directors focus on connecting products to customers, which requires an understanding of human behavior. The APA reports that 15% of psychology doctorate graduates work in the private/for-profit sector, including in such industries as advertising and public relations, software publishers, and management, scientific, and technical services.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychology is a growing field, which requires a state license to practice independently and use the "forensic psychologist" title. Ph.D. and Psy.D. holders who have earned their degrees from APA-approved programs can become licensed and assist legal professionals with the psychological aspects of their cases. They also provide expert testimony in court.
Is a Doctorate Degree in Psychology Right for You?
A doctorate in psychology may be right for you if you're interested in becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, earning higher salaries, and experiencing a wide range of doctorate in psychology career options.
The APA reports that 57% of psychology doctoral graduates said they were very satisfied with their job. Another 39% were somewhat satisfied.
It is also a good time to become a licensed clinical psychologist. According to the APA, the demand for psychologists continues to grow, but enrollment in psychology degree programs appears to be declining.
When you're ready to start researching potential psychology doctorate programs, explore our graduate application guide and our ranking of the best psychology doctorate programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About What You Can Do With a Doctorate in Psychology
What are the highest-paying careers with a doctorate in psychology?
Many doctorate in psychology jobs pay more than $100,000 a year. These positions include clinical and counseling psychologist, clinical director or supervisor, industrial-organizational psychologist, and research psychologist.
How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in psychology?
The typical timeframe for earning a Ph.D. is 5-8 years, including 2-3 years of practicum and a year-long internship. A Psy.D. can take just 4-7 years.
An advantage to pursuing a Ph.D. is that more funding is often available for students. However, Ph.D. programs are highly selective and admit fewer applicants compared to Psy.D. programs. Many states also require post-doctoral training experience to take the licensure exam.
Where can you work with a Ph.D. in psychology?
Work settings for graduates with a Ph.D. in psychology include private practices, colleges and universities, and organizations and companies.
Page last reviewed on February 12, 2024
