The Psy.D. or Doctor of Psychology is a professional doctorate in Clinical Psychology. There are two models through which a student can be trained in Clinical Psychology – one is the Psy.D doctorate which places more emphasis on clinical practice, the other is the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) which places more emphasis on research. Read more to discover what the Psy.D. degree entails and how it compares to the PhD in Clinical Psychology.
How was the PsyD degree established?
The Boulder Model
Until the late 1960s, professional training for psychologists followed the Boulder Model whereby a psychologist earned a PhD which qualified them as both a scientist and a professional. However, there was mounting concern that the PhD did not sufficiently prepare psychologists for clinical work.
The Vail Conference
In 1973, the Vail Conference recognized that the development of psychological science had sufficiently grown to warrant the introduction of explicitly professional programs, in addition to programs for training scientists and scientist-professionals. It was felt that professional training was required that would be responsive to society’s need for psychologists to function in a variety of practitioner roles.
The Ph.D. and the Psy.D. would now both be available as two different paths by which to be trained as a psychologist.
Both types of doctorate are growing in number, therefore it is important that you consider which degree is the most appealing to you.
PsyD and PhD Degree – Similarities
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Both Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs require internship placements
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All Ph.D. programs and most Psy.D. programs require a doctoral dissertation
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Both programs take about 4-7 years of full-time study to complete.
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In the USA - all States license Psychologists with a Psy.D. or Ph.D.
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Depending on intended career goals, both Psy.D. and Ph.D. graduates work with individuals, groups, and families, in institutions, hospitals, and schools, and in the corporate, public, educational, and religious sectors as consultants. Graduates can also find work in applied research, academia, administration, and as psychotherapists.
PsyD and PhD Degree - Differences
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Psy.D. graduates receive a Doctorate of Psychology upon graduating, while Ph.D. graduates receive a Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology.
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The most important difference between the two degrees is that the Ph.D. program focuses more on research, whereas the Psy.D. focuses more on clinical training.
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Most Psy.D. graduate students receive more training in psychological testing than do Ph.D. students.
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A Psy.D. prepares the student to work in a variety of clinical settings.
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A Ph.D. prepares the student to work as a researcher, teacher, and practitioner.
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Another important difference is between the kinds of money that a Psy.D. and Ph.D. program can offer. PhD programs tend to be able to give greater financial aid as the research involved in the degree can count as working for the university.
Will I be able to teach or work in academia with a PsyD Degree?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to be a professor at a college or university; however, graduates of Ph.D. programs tend to find it easier to secure a job in academia.
Are internship placements easier to get with a PhD than a PsyD?
Absolutely not. Many internship sites are looking for students who are capable of handling a wide range of clinical responsibilities. As part of a Psy.D. program, you will gain extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of clinical assessment and treatment. This is the type of expertise and diversity that many internship sites seek in a candidate.
APA accreditation
The APA (American Psychological Association) offers accreditation to both PhD and PsyD programs provided they meet and maintain certain APA developed standards. Many internship sites and employers require or prefer that the psychologist they hire come from APA approved programs. When considering which programs to apply to, make sure you pay attention to APA accreditation status.
