Verywell / Evan Polenghi
Getting a Ph.D. in psychology can open up a whole new world of career opportunities.
For many careers paths in psychology-related career paths, a doctoral degree is necessary to obtain work and certification.
Ph.D. vs. Psy.D.
Verywell / Evan Polenghi
Generally, abachelor’s degreetakes four years of study.
Job Opportunities
A doctorate in psychology is required if you want to open your own private practice.
If you want to become a licensed psychologist, you must earn either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.
in clinical or counseling psychology.
For many students, the choice may come down to aclinical psychologyprogram versus acounseling psychologyprogram.
There are many similarities between these two Ph.D. options, but there are important distinctions that students should consider.
Clinical programs may have more of a research focus while counseling programs tend to focus more on professional practice.
The path you choose will depend largely on what you plan to do after you complete your degree.
Alternatives
Of course, the Ph.D. in psychology is not the only graduate degree option.
is a doctorate degree option that you might also want to consider.
programs are often more practice-oriented.
option may be preferred if you want to open your own private psychology practice.
programs train consumers of research.However, professional opportunities for practice are very similar with both degree types.
University of Pennsylvania; School of Arts and Sciences.Information for applicants.
American Psychological Association.Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?
U.S. Department of Labor.Psychologists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2020.
Davis SF, Giordano PJ, Licht CA.Your Career in Psychology: Putting Your Graduate Degree to Work.
