Comparing Psychology Degrees: PsyD vs. PhD

By Taner Ergin
Contributing Writer to RNDegrees.net

As one considers the possibility of continuing their education in psychology beyond a 4-year college degree, there are several options to keep in mind, such as choosing between PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), and a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) degree. Although the PhD degree is usually the most commonly pursued among the two choices, being the oldest doctorate available, the PsyD degree has seen a rise in popularity over recent years. The PhD is a more traditional, research-based professional degree, while the purpose of the PsyD is seen as placing greater focus on preparing the individual for professional practice, with less research training built into the curriculum. With this in mind, the decision to work towards either degree depends on what the individual plans on doing with his or her life. For a career in academia the PhD is seen as more advantageous because of the research-based emphasis. However, if one plans on entering a career centered on applied, clinical practice, both the PsyD and PhD are equal in terms of status and functional.

Similar Characteristics Yet Different

Both degrees in psychology have basic components in common like the basic science behind the study of psychology, and the practical skills that go along with it, but they differ greatly in terms of emphasis placed on research and clinical experience. Following the Vail Conference of 1973, where the PsyD was officially recognized as a professional doctorate, it brought an increased clinical perspective to the field of psychology. The American Psychological Association endorsed the recognition of the PsyD at the Vail Conference for it was stated that this degree was useful in giving psychologists increased flexibility to be useful in various different practitioner roles. Both degrees are widely accepted with licensure, but the PsyD prepares the individual for a future career in clinical, counseling, or school psychology, leaving the door open for the individual to also focus in on specific areas including child psychology, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, etc. In the end, both degrees are recognized worldwide, and both train people to be psychologists in an accredited manner. The added option of the PsyD in recent decades as a professional doctorate is so that those who want to become practitioners of psychology in the future have the ability to complete a doctorate geared more towards their desire to work in a clinical setting. In short, the PsyD degree focuses on the clinical application of psychology while the emphasis of the PhD lies in research training, with both degrees maintaining the similar basic components of study in science and practical skills of psychology.

Psychology Versus Psychiatry

Clinical psychology is one option which someone with a PsyD could pursue, but this should not be confused with psychiatry. Although both are similar in their goals of trying to alleviate mental suffering in patients, several key differences separate both. Clinical psychology involves applying psychology with the goal of understanding, preventing, or treating psychologically-based disorders and ailments. Psychological assessment and psychotherapy are seen as key components to the field of clinical psychology. Psychiatrists on the other hand are physicians with medical degrees and their approach to curing or relieving mental disorders is based mostly on medication although some elements of psychotherapy are integrated at times. Clinical psychology focuses more on the patient’s psychological development and is geared more towards gaining a greater understanding of the patient’s psychologically-based disorder.

Psychology Careers Offers Broad Options

The field of psychology is so broad that those working towards a professional degree have great freedom in choosing an area that they want to focus in on. For example, an industrial/organizational psychologist works with businesses and corporations, usually in the human resources department, using knowledge gathered from scientific study and utilizing said information to solve problems in the work place in the form of maximizing profits, production rates, employee satisfaction, decreasing employee absences, etc. They usually deal with issues such as improving communication within a business, and methods to hiring better employees, among other tasks.

Continue To Part Two: What Can I Specialize In With A Psychology Degree?

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Kaplan University

Campus

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Fort Lauderdale

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

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Post University

Campus

Getting your Online degree does not have to be impersonal. At Post University Online, you will engage in meaningful career-oriented programs with like-minded students and receive personal attention from our dedicated faculty within a caring and supportive learning environment. Earn your bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate in one of the many programs offered by Post University entirely online.

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• B.A. in Psychology
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Campus Locations:

Waterbury

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in Everyday Life
• M.S. in Psychology - Program Evaluation & Research
• Ph.D. in Psychology - General Research Evaluation

Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
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Campus Locations:

Lisle

Northcentral University

Campus

At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.

Programs:

• General Psychology - PhD of Psychology
• Health Psychology - MA in Psychology
• Health Psychology - PhD of Psychology

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

Argosy University Online

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, bachelor's and associate's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies.

Programs:

• BA Psychology
• Psychology - Organizational Psychology concentration (BA)
• Forensic Psychology - Treatment Concentration (MA)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Golden Gate University

Campus

For more than 110 years, non-profit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas.

Programs:

• Psychology - Masters

Campus Locations:

San Francisco
Santa Clara

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

• Psychology (BA)
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• Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Alameda
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University of the Rockies

Online

Join the community of thought leaders at University of the Rockies. Pursue your graduate degree from the University’s School of Professional Psychology or School of Organizational Leadership.

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• Doctor of Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies
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• MA in Psychology, General Psychology

The University of Liverpool

Campus

Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.

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• MSc in Applied Psychology (General Psychology)
• MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation
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Campus Locations:

Online

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.S. in Psychology: General Psychology
• Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction
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Phoenix

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Associate of Science Degree in Psychology

Campus Locations:

Norcross

Hypnosis Motivation Institute

Campus

Get your career started with the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. Our extensive program can be completed in one year and includes training and a clinical internship for hands-on learning.

Programs:

• Hypnotherapist Certification

Campus Locations:

Tarzana

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

• Bachelor's (BBA) - Generalist

Campus Locations:

Schaumburg

Western International University

Online

Pursue your degree with Western International University. We offer programs at three campuses in Arizona and a live, interactive online classes taught by experienced industry professionals.

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• Bachelor of Science in Business / Minor in Criminal Behavior
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Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

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• Child Psychology

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Psychology, BA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale