Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology - Verywell Mind.
While still a doctoral degree, Psy.D. programs emphasize practice over research. Psy.D. programs usually take about five years to complete, and though there is usually not a dissertation involved, several practica (courses where the student sees clients under supervision from advisors) and a smaller-scale research paper is typically required.
How to Choose a PhD Program Successfully completing a doctoral program requires commitment and perseverance. The most important step in this process is to consider whether academic life is right for you and what kind of doctoral program — from discipline to environment — will be the best fit for your goals and preferences.
Each Area of Specialization may have distinct application and graduation requirements. Because the graduate students are admitted to a Specialization, and transfers among programs are not permitted, the applicants to our graduate program are advised to examine the research programs in each area carefully before they apply to the PhD program in Psychology.
Different graduate programs also vary considerably in theoretical focus and educational philosophy. Before you choose the graduate program that is best for your needs, spend some time researching and comparing different psychology graduate programs. Talk to program advisors, visit each campus if possible, and try to meet with faculty members.
Common Degree Requirements Typically, U.S. Ph.D. programs in psychology will have various requirements one must satisfy on the way to earning one's doctorate in psychology apart from taking courses. All programs will offer the option, and often require, for students to write a dissertation thesis.
Many clinical psychology doctoral programs accept fewer than 15 students each year; be cautious when considering programs that accept larger classes as student-faculty ratios are important in determining the quality of training and clinical supervision you will receive, student success in obtaining an internship, and graduates’ performance on the national licensing exam (EPPP).
In order to qualify for these positions, learners must satisfy the proper counseling and psychology job requirements, such as earning a graduate degree in the field, obtaining state licensure, and pursuing a doctorate (in some cases). This guide helps prospective degree-seekers make sense of this process.