Doctorate in Psychology (Ph.D. and Psy.D.) – everything you need to know in 2024

What’s in this guide?

By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

Our career guides are produced by staff writers in conjunction with our expert career coaches. We may earn a referral fee from some links.

Overview

A doctorate in psychology is a terminal degree typically lasting 4-7 years. It prepares graduates for independent research, clinical practice, or university-level teaching careers in psychology.

There are many reasons you may want to pursue a doctorate degree in Psychology, the following guide will provide everything you need to know; from the options, costs, timeframes, career advantages and more.

Ph.D. or Psy.D.?

First up, what are the two types of doctorate degree you can get and what are the differences?

The two doctorate degrees you can get in psychology are Ph.D. and Psy.D.

In simple terms, a Ph.D. in psychology is more research-focused, while a Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice. The best choice between the two depends on your career goals and whether you prefer research and academia or direct clinical work.

Why study for a doctorate in psychology?

  • Doctorate-level psychologists typically have higher earning potential compared to those with a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in the field.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in your chosen area of specialization within psychology.
  • Potentially make significant contributions to the field.
  • Advanced career opportunities in various settings, such as academia, research institutions, government agencies, hospitals, and private practice.
  • Connect with other professionals, researchers, and academics in the field of psychology, expanding your professional network
“A PhD in psychology is an intellectual marathon, not a sprint. It requires unwavering dedication, relentless curiosity, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Prepare to become intimately acquainted with statistics, delve deep into complex theories, and question everything you thought you knew. Sleep will become a luxury, self-doubt a constant companion, and moments of breakthrough pure exhilaration. Be prepared to stumble, to fall, and to pick yourself back up, driven by the insatiable desire to understand the human mind. If you persevere, you’ll emerge not just with a degree, but with the resilience, critical thinking, and research skills that empower you to make a real difference in the world.”
Dr. Kimberly Williams, a licensed psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements to study a doctorate degree in psychology will vary from institution to institution. However, there are several common requirements:

  1. Bachelor’s degree: all programs require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree, in psychology or a related field. Some programs may accept candidates with a degree in another discipline if they have completed prerequisite coursework in psychology.
  2. Master’s degree: Some doctoral programs require applicants to have a master’s degree in psychology or a related field. Others may admit students directly from their bachelor’s degree and incorporate a master’s degree into the doctorate program.
  3. GPA: Many programs have a minimum GPA requirement, usually 3.0 or higher. Some competitive programs require a higher GPA.
  4. Letters of recommendation: Applicants typically need to submit letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can speak to their academic and research abilities.
  5. Research experience: Prior research experience is often valued by doctoral programs in psychology. This may include experience working on research projects, completing a thesis, or participating in research internships or assistantships.
  6. Personal statement: Applicants usually need to submit a personal statement or statement of purpose that outlines their academic and research interests, career goals, and why they are interested in the specific doctoral program.

Doctorate in psychology jobs

*Outside of the licensed psychologist jobs listed above many of the above roles do not require a doctorate but it is important to note that employers for these roles are increasingly favoring candidates with a doctorate. 

How Long Does It Take To Study?

For the majority of students, a doctorate in Psychology may take anywhere from 4-7 years to finish, which will include a research dissertation and most likely residency or an internship in clinical or medical environments.

How to choose a program

By far and away the question our career coaches get asked most frequently about doctorate degrees is how to choose a program. The choice of institutions and programs is truly overwhelming.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Accreditation – Ensuring the program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Accreditation affects the quality of education you will receive, your eligibility for professional licensure, and your job prospects after graduation.
  2. Program Focus and Curriculum – Different programs may emphasize various aspects of psychology, such as clinical practice, counseling, research, or specific subfields like neuropsychology or health psychology. Match the program’s strengths and curriculum to your career interests and goals. Investigate whether the program offers courses and training that are critical to your desired career path.
  3. Faculty Expertise – Look into the backgrounds and areas of expertise of the faculty within the program. Consider how these align with your research interests or the professional skills you wish to acquire. Having mentors who are experts in your area of interest can provide invaluable guidance and opportunities for collaboration.
  4. Research Opportunities – For those interested in research, evaluate the resources available, such as labs, funding, and support for attending conferences or conducting fieldwork. Check if the program encourages or requires publications and what kind of support it offers to achieve these milestones.
  5. Clinical Training and Internships – For clinically oriented programs, look at the quality and variety of their practicum and internship placements. These are often required for licensure.
  6. Funding and Financial Support – Understand the types of financial support offered by the program, including teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and grants. Funding can significantly impact your experience by allowing you to focus more fully on your studies and research without needing to seek employment externally.
  7. Alumni Success and Networking Opportunities – Investigate where alumni of the program are currently working. This can give you a sense of the program’s reputation and effectiveness in placing graduates in jobs. Additionally, networking opportunities through alumni networks, professional associations, and academic conferences can be critical for career development.
  8. Program Size and Student Support Services – Consider the size of the program and the ratio of faculty to students, which can affect the amount of individual attention and mentoring you receive.
  9. Location – Certain locations might offer better practicum, internship, and employment opportunities in your field of interest due to the presence of significant healthcare facilities, research institutions, or industries.

How much does it cost?

Depending upon the institution, method of study, location and type of program then you can expect to pay $25,000-$80,000 per year to study for a doctorate in psychology.

An online program would likely fall at the lower end of this range whilst an out of state student in a private university might expect to pay the upper end of this range.

Many psychology doctoral programs, particularly in research-oriented universities, offer funding packages to their students. These can include full or partial tuition waivers, health insurance coverage, and a stipend to help with living expenses

Earning Potential 

The average salary for an individual with a doctorate in psychology is $114,768.

Earning potential varies considerably by specialty, location and industry but we see roles requiring a doctorate advertised in the $80,000-$130,000 range.

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