What jobs can i get with a phd in psychology

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree is an applied doctorate designed to prepare psychology students for a direct practice career as a licensed clinical psychologist rather than a career in research or academia. The PsyD prepares graduates to apply for psychology careers, including licensed clinical psychologist certification, and work in a variety of settings or private practice. Most people who are looking for a research-focused or academic career opt for a PhD in psychology. Doctor of Psychology programs are most often found at professional schools of psychology rather than public or research universities (where PhD programs are typically found).

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Reasons to Pursue a Doctor of Psychology Degree

Since the pursuit of a PsyD represents a major time commitment, most people who begin such a program have clear career and licensure goals. Therefore, there are two major reasons to start a PsyD program:

1. To become licensed. All 50 states require a doctoral degree in psychology to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Prospective clinical psychologists have two educational options when it comes to a doctoral degree: the PhD or the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. As previously mentioned, while both degree types qualify you to become licensed, there are also significant differences to consider.

2. To begin a career as a psychologist. Students who enroll in a PsyD program typically have a clear career goal to become clinical psychologists. Considering the substantial investment (of both time and money) such a degree requires, it is important for students to be certain about their desired career path before beginning the program.

Doctor of Psychology Program Options

The degree typically takes a minimum of four years to complete through full-time study with successful completion of several comprehensive exams required in order to progress, but according to Psychology Today, the average PsyD student is in school for between four and six years total.1 The program curriculum typically focuses on clinical, counseling, or school psychology theories, such as cognitive behavior and psychodynamics, that provide an in-depth understanding of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness in the general population. Students can also choose to specialize in specific types of therapies or populations, such as children or athletes. Common PsyD degrees are in school psychology, child psychology, health psychology, and counseling psychology. Completion of a doctoral paper, thesis, or research dissertation is also required. In addition to specialty options offered, prospective students should also consider a program’s accreditation status with the American Psychological Association (APA).

Common specializations (also known as concentrations, specialties, or emphases) for PsyD programs include:

• Business Psychology
• Cognitive Behavioral Psychology
• Child Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• School Psychology
• Sport Psychology

Online Degree Formats

As the PsyD program is a more recent addition to the range of psychology programs offered at the college level, relatively few schools currently offer this program type online compared to the research-focused PhD degree in psychology. However, many traditional programs can be found across the country if you are interested in this unique graduate degree.

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree is the minimum requirement to apply, but some universities require a master’s degree as well. The major usually does not need to be in psychology as long as the prerequisite courses have been completed successfully. These may include introductory psychological theory, statistics, and cognitive, behavioral, and social psychology. A minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) is typically required for entry to the PsyD, although each university will have its own minimum requirement and the most competitive applicants may have a higher GPA. In addition to the required coursework, applicants must complete the general GRE and the GRE psychology subject test and submit their scores. Again, each university determines the minimum score requirement each year. As the PsyD is a professional program, the application process also requires you to send proof of academic and personal suitability. Generally, this includes transcripts from all previous study, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. You will also likely need to pay an application fee, which can vary from $50 to over $100 per school.

One advantage PsyD programs have over their PhD in psychology counterparts is that they are typically a bit less selective, thus, theoretically easier to be admitted to. The APA published a survey reporting that around 40% of PsyD applicants are offered admission each year, compared to only 11% of PhD applicants.3 PsyD programs also produce more graduates each year, with an average of 22 graduates per year in a given PsyD program versus just seven graduates per year in a PhD program.3

Core Concepts and Coursework

PsyD students take a variety of psychology courses in the first, second, and third years of the program. Courses in the first year of the program focus on foundational theories of human behavior and psychology as well as the formation of a professional identity as a psychologist. In the second year, students progress to clinical techniques and skills, such as assessment and interviewing, which can be used in practicum with various populations. The third year coursework allows students to gain more specialized knowledge of various theories and interventions relevant to their career goals. The fourth year of the program, which is typically the final year, rarely requires coursework and instead comprises a full-time internship and completion of the research dissertation. Coursework in a PsyD program may include:

• Advanced Psychodynamic Theory
• Behavioral Assessments
• Biological Foundations of Human Behavior
• Child Development and Psychopathology
• Clinical Interviewing
• Cognitive Assessments
• Ethics and Professional Development in Psychology
• Practicum
• Psychological Theory and Foundations
• Statistics

Doctor of Psychology Programs

Traditional Programs

Pepperdine University

The Graduate School of Education & Psychology at Pepperdine University offers a full-time Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology that takes four years to complete including the required dissertation and internships. The program is licensed by the APA and is designed to prepare graduates for clinical work in a variety of settings and with a variety of populations. Applicants must have a master’s degree with prerequisite courses in biology, psychology, and statistics to be eligible and must complete an admissions interview either in person or via telephone prior to admittance. While Pepperdine is a Christian institution, the program curriculum has a multicultural and multi-faith approach to psychology and integrates an evidence-based, scientific framework with attention to individual differences in assessment and intervention. Students begin placements in university-run community clinics in the first year and continue to engage in supervised practicums and internships in the southern California area throughout the program in order to apply classroom learning. A required final dissertation is completed with the support of one of the university’s Applied Scholarship Communities. Pepperdine also offers a Master of Science (MS) in Behavioral Psychology.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Rutgers offers two Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs accredited by the APA starting in the fall term through the Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology: the Clinical PsyD and the School PsyD. The Clinical PsyD program allows students to explore a variety of intervention methods and their underlying philosophies and permits either concentrated study in a specific area of psychology or a broader approach. The School PsyD program specifically prepares students to work in the school system or with children and youth in clinical settings. A concentration in multicultural psychology is also open to all students, which focuses on how human diversity affects the assessment and treatment of mental health. Students in both programs complete supervised practicums in settings across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania throughout the program to develop practice skills, progressing from one day per week in the first year to a full-time placement in the final years. As this is an intensive schedule, only full-time study is possible. Up to 30 transfer credits may be approved for students with prior graduate-level training in psychology.

University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU) has offered its PsyD program since 1976 that has been accredited by the APA since 1979, making it one of the oldest accredited programs in the country. Over time, the Graduate School of Professional Psychology has developed several unique features and specializations within the program. For example, all students are required to take a four-course module on multiculturalism and choose a specialty area, such as Military Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Latinx Psychology, and Perinatal to Five Mental Health. At the beginning of the program, students are assigned a faculty mentor to assist them with academic matters as well as a clinical supervisor in placement. The 135-quarter credit program focuses on training students in four areas: coursework, clinical work, community-based clinical work, and mentorship. Courses cover a broad range of topics including theoretical foundations; biological, behavioral, and social development theories; research methodology; assessment and diagnosis; ethics; treatment; and diversity. It is also possible to take relevant courses from other departments in the university to supplement the PsyD curriculum. Rather than a dissertation, students must complete a doctoral paper, which can be research-based or another format, such as a case study. The university also offers various master’s-level degrees in psychology.

Hybrid and Online Programs

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers one of the few PsyD degree programs available fully online with no residency requirements. The program concentrates on human and organizational psychology, including themes from leadership, ethics, and industrial psychology. This program is designed for individuals who plan to work in organizations as advisors or leaders and–unlike many other PsyD programs–it does not meet the requirements for licensure for clinical work. The “scholar-practitioner” model is used to help students understand how academic theories can help to address issues in workplaces and other types of organizations. Students spend the first two years studying various research methods and theories before progressing to the dissertation proposal. Courses include Applied Social Psychology, Evidence-Based Practices, and Developing a Research Topic. The research proposal must be approved by a committee before the student can begin the independent research project. The final year is spent working on the dissertation. Applicants must have a master’s degree in psychology with a minimum 3.4 GPA and GRE test scores are not required.

William James College

William James College offers a four-year PsyD program specializing in Leadership Psychology with optional concentrations/emphasis areas in Educational Leadership; Leading Nonprofits and NGOs; and Neuroscience of Leadership Psychology These options will appeal to applicants interested in working in the areas of diversity, cultural competency, and mental health in diverse organizations. The program follows a cohort model, which means full-time students progress through courses together in order to graduate at the same time. While the majority of coursework is completed online, the program does require three four-day residencies in Boston each year as well as a mandatory orientation before the start of the program. Courses include the Psychology of Leadership and Followership; Ethics and Standards of Organizational Practice; and Organizational Assessment, Development, and Change. Students complete at least 600 hours of practicum and 300 hours of internship as well as a graduate portfolio and dissertation. Placement sites are based on the student’s location, and career goals and are overseen by a matched mentor to ensure the quality of the learning experience. If the nonprofit emphasis is chosen, students can opt to take an international learning credit in Guatemala, Kenya, or Haiti. The school also offers several other master’s and bachelor’s degree programs in psychology.

Jobs with a Doctorate in Psychology

There are many job opportunities for PsyD graduates, particularly if you pursue licensure as a clinical professional. Some examples of jobs with a doctorate in psychology include:

• Addictions Counselor
• Applied Researcher
• Clinical Psychologist
• Government Researcher
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Mental Health Clinician
• Professional Consultant
• School Psychologist
• Sport Psychologist

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree in psychology to apply?

Not always. Many schools accept students from different academic backgrounds provided the prerequisite courses have been met, including substantial course content in psychology and statistics.

Can I get a Doctor of Psychology degree online?

Due to the applied nature of the PsyD degree, there are fewer online programs offered. The APA does not accredit fully-online doctoral psychology programs, but it does accredit some hybrid programs. The APA recommends that when you are choosing an online PsyD program, you should look for a school that is accredited by a US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation approved agency; consider the access you will have to campus resources and services compared to traditional students; consider the access you will have to faculty; consider whether you will receive placement assistance for your practicum; and consider whether your program will lead to licensure in your state if that is what you are seeking. You can read more about pursuing your psychology degree online on our Guide to Earning an Online Psychology Degree page. Though it focuses on bachelor’s degrees, the page provides information that is relevant to anyone considering an online psychology degree. The following PsyD programs are known for their specialization options and minimal residency requirements.

Do I need to attend an accredited college or university to receive my PsyD degree?

Choosing an accredited school is necessary if you plan to apply for a clinical psychologist license. Check with the APA to find accredited programs and state requirements to ensure you meet the licensure requirements.

Can I become licensed with a Doctor in Psychology?

As the PsyD is designed to train students to become licensed clinical psychologists, most students choose to work towards full licensure after graduation. If you plan to apply for licensure, be sure to choose a PsyD program accredited by the APA in order to be eligible. The licensing process varies by state, therefore, it is advisable to check the licensure requirements of the state where you intend to practice before beginning a PsyD program to ensure you will meet the requirements. In some states, you may need to complete an additional internship or post-doctoral placement to accrue enough hours to meet the requirements. Licensure requirements typically include successful completion of an accredited degree program with a supervised internship and successfully passing the Exam for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). It is possible to work in a psychology-related position without licensure, although you will likely not be able to complete clinical assessments or diagnose and treat mental illnesses. For more information on becoming licensed as a psychologist, read our How to Become a Psychologist page.

What’s the typical salary for a Doctor of Psychology graduate?

The salary will vary depending on the type of psychologist you choose to become and where you work. According to O*NET OnLine, clinical psychologists earned a median wage of $76,990 in 2018 and they have a higher-than-average projected job growth rate, at 14% through 2026.2 According to the BLS, clinical, counseling, and school psychologists reportedly earned a median salary of $79,820 in 2020; however, the median salaries for psychologists working in outpatient care centers and child day care services were higher ($109,100 and $105,670 respectively).4 For more information regarding jobs for PsyD graduates, check out our Careers page.

Can I complete the program online or part time?

Due to the applied nature of the PsyD program, most schools require students to attend full-time on-campus. Some schools may offer flexibility with scheduling and attendance in exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We have profiled a few select online PsyD programs above.

References:
1. Psychology Today, “Choosing Between a PhD and PsyD: Some Factors to Consider:” https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/careers-in-psych/201603/choosing-between-phd-and-psyd-some-factors-consider
2. O*NET OnLine: Clinical Psychologists: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3033.00
3. American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation 2018 Annual Report Online, Summary Data: Doctoral Programs: https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/about/research/2018-doctoral-summary.pdf
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm