What Is a PsyD? Your Degree Guide

Key takeaways

A PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology, is a doctoral degree that prepares you for clinical practice in psychology.

• PsyD programs typically take three to five years to complete, though some may take up to seven years depending on your chosen program and prior credits.

• Unlike a PhD, which emphasizes research and theory, a PsyD focuses on applying psychology to patient care, making it a path to clinical practice.

• You can pursue a range of psychology careers with a PsyD, from private practice to forensic and organizational psychology.

Learn more about the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree, including how long it takes to earn, what you will study, and how it compares to other terminal degrees.

What is a PsyD?

A PsyD is a doctoral degree held by many psychologists who work in private practice, academia, and public organizations. The degree is a terminal degree, similar to the PhD and EdD. In many states, the PsyD can lead to licensure if you meet the other requirements established by the state's licensing board.

PsyD is an abbreviation for the term Doctor of Psychology. The origins of the degree date back to the 1960s, when a group of psychologists identified a need for training programs to prepare for clinical practice instead of laboratory work and research. This doctoral degree is one of the options available to you when you want to work with patients in the psychology field.

What is covered in PsyD programs?

Coursework in a PsyD program covers various topics, including human development, biological and cognitive foundations of behavior, statistics, and research design. During your first year in the program, you will likely take foundation courses in human development and behavior, psychological theories, and research methods.

The courses you take during the rest of the program typically depend on your chosen concentration. For example, a forensic psychology concentration may include criminal and family law courses. If you choose a concentration in organizational psychology, you may take courses in applied psychology theory, including social, cognitive, and media psychology. Some programs also require clinical work or an internship.

How to get a PsyD: Admission requirements for a PsyD degree

Each school establishes its entry requirements for PsyD programs, and many of them require at least a bachelor's degree, an application, and a resume or letters of recommendation. Some schools require a minimum score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the GRE Psychology Subject Test. Individuals from outside the United States may need an English proficiency test.

If your bachelor's degree is in an area other than psychology, you may need to take prerequisite courses in psychology or a related field before taking the doctoral courses.

How long does it take to get a PsyD?

People usually complete a PsyD in three to five years, but some may need up to seven years. The time it takes you to complete the degree depends on several factors, including the number of credit hours you take each year and the program you choose. 

If you need to take prerequisite courses or choose a program that combines a master's degree with the PsyD, you may be in school for five years or longer. Those who finish the degree in three or four years typically already have a master's degree in psychology or credits they can apply toward the degree.

Doctorate in psychology concentrations

Individuals who earn a PsyD typically plan to work as counselors and consultants. Depending on the program, you may be able to select a concentration or specialization based on your career goals. Some possible concentrations include.

• Addiction psychology: Focus on applying psychological principles to help treat addictions

• Child psychology: Focus on the behavior, development, and social interactions of children

• Counseling: Focus on assessing and treating individuals, couples, families, or groups

• Forensic psychology: Focus on how principles of psychology relate to the law and legal cases

• Geropsychology: Focus on helping older people and their families cope with the aging process

• Organizational psychology: Focus on the way humans behave at work and in organized groups

• Psychoanalysis: Focus on working with patients one-on-one to explore unconscious and recurring thought and behavior patterns

• Rehabilitation psychology: Focus on assisting patients with emotional and mental issues related to injury and disability

• School psychology: Focus on assessing and developing interventions to help children learn

• Sleep psychology: Focus on assessing psychological factors of sleep disorders and developing treatments for patients 

Learn more: Mental Health Resources: Help for When You Need It

PsyD vs. PhD: What is the difference?

The main difference between a PsyD and a PhD in psychology program is the focus of the coursework. A PsyD program emphasizes how psychology applies to patient care, allowing learners to apply clinical psychology research and principles to work with people. A PhD program emphasizes research and theory, leading learners to complete a dissertation.

Another important difference between these degrees is the length of time it takes to finish them. You can typically complete a PsyD in five years or less, but you may need as many as eight years to earn a PhD in psychology. Factors like the type of master's degree you hold, full-time or part-time status, and degree pathways offered by the school can affect how long it will take you to earn the doctorate.

Am I a licensed psychologist with a PsyD?

Earning a PsyD degree does not automatically make you a licensed psychologist; you must apply for licensure in the state where you want to practice. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but they typically include the following: 

• Background check: You will likely need to submit your fingerprints and undergo a background check. 

• Coursework: The state may ask you to complete classes covering child and spousal abuse, aging, or substance abuse. 

• Examinations: Most states expect you to earn a passing score on exams like the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and an ethics exam.

• Professional experience: The state may ask you to complete a minimum number of hours working in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or as part of an internship.

You must have a doctoral degree from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association in many states. Check with the licensing board in the state where you want to practice for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What can I do with a PsyD?

Earning a PsyD is often a step toward a clinical psychologist or psychotherapist career. Some PsyD holders enter private practice as child psychologists or marriage and family therapists. Others may work for organizations as organizational psychologists, neuropsychologists, or forensic psychologists. You may also choose to go into teaching or research.

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