Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Programs Guide

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Updated April 17, 2024 · 5 Min Read

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Discover doctoral programs in clinical psychology, the difference between a Ph.D. and Psy.D., and learn about licensure requirement

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What does a clinical psychologist do? Should you enroll in a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. program? Do you need a license to practice?

Explore this guide for answers to these questions and to learn about the benefits of earning a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. We cover common curricula, the advantages of American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation, and potential career paths.

Earning a Ph.D. vs. a Psy.D.

Two types of doctorates in clinical psychology can prepare you for careers and licensure as a clinical psychologist: a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). The differences between the two degrees include academic focus, length of time to completion, and admission criteria.

Ph.D. programs typically prepare students for teaching and research positions in clinical psychology, while Psy.D. options train students for counseling practice. Ph.D. programs take 5-8 years to complete and require a dissertation, while. Psy.D. programs can take 4-6 years, including internships and a dissertation.

Admission tends to be more competitive for Ph.D.s and often requires a higher GPA.

Degree Snapshot

  • Typical Admission Requirements: A master's degree in psychology or a related field; an admission essay; letters of recommendation; 2.7-3.0 GPA (Psy.D.) or 3.0-3.5 GPA (Ph.D.); GRE scores
  • Time to Completion: 4-8 years
  • Common Courses/Subjects: For Ph.D.s: psychology of personality, psychological tests and measures, and qualitative and quantitative research methods; for Psy.D.s: advanced psychotherapy, lifespan development, and personality assessment

Online Psychology PhD Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

Why Get a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology?

  • State licensure

    Most states require a doctorate to practice as a clinical psychologist and to provide clients with diagnoses and treatment services independently. Psy.D.s and Ph.D.s qualify for licensure.

  • Expertise

    Clinical psychology doctorates are terminal degrees in the field, and Ph.D.- and Psy.D.-holders are universally recognized as experts and authorities in clinical psychology.

  • High salaries

    According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, median annual wages for clinical and counseling psychologists were $106,600 as of May 2023. In the highest-paying state, New Jersey, clinical and counseling psychologists earned $148,370.

  • Career stability

    The BLS projects an employment increase of 11% for clinical and counseling psychologists during 2022-2032, which indicates stability and job growth.

  • Meaningful work

    Whether working directly with clients, teaching future clinical psychologists, or conducting research to inform therapeutic techniques and practice standards, clinical psychologists help people overcome mental health challenges.

Example Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program Courses

Doctorate in clinical psychology programs offer coursework that prepares graduates for clinical practice or teaching and research, depending on whether they pursue a Psy.D. or a Ph.D.

Psy.D. curricula focus on individual and group behavior, assessment and evaluation, and professional practice ethics and standards. Ph.D. courses cover topics, such as applied research, fundamentals of psychology, and statistics.

Core courses common in both types of degree programs may include cognitive foundations, psychobiological foundations, and foundations of human development.

Psy.D. courses include:

  • Advanced Psychotherapy: Topics include advanced counseling theories; assessment and treatment planning for individuals, families, and groups; categories of mental health disorders; clinical interventions; psychopathology; and therapeutic relationships.
  • Personality Assessment: Students learn to administer personality assessments; examine appropriate applications in terms of language, gender, and cultural bias; score and interpret results; and prepare clinical reports.

Ph.D. courses include:

  • Psychology of Personality: This course offers an introduction to the applications, issues, methods, research, and theories of personality psychology, along with the role of culture in personality processes.
  • Psychological Tests and Measures: With the goal of understanding the methods and theories of psychological testing, students practice writing essays and objective questions for achievement, aptitude, intelligence, and personality tests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Psychologists

What is the difference between a psychologist and a clinical psychologist?

Clinical psychology is a specialization area within the broad field of psychology. While many areas of psychology practice require a master's degree, clinical psychologists typically need a doctorate.

What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist?

Psychiatrists earn a doctor of medicine, while clinical psychologists obtain a psychology doctoral degree. Both treat patients for mental health disorders with therapy, but psychiatrists also use medication and medical interventions.

What is the best degree for clinical psychology?

If you want to practice clinical psychology and work directly with patients, a Psy.D. may be your best choice. Psy.D.s generally take less time to complete than academia-focused Ph.D.s.

How long does it take to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology?

Ph.D. programs can take 5-8 years to finish, including residencies and dissertations, while Psy.D. students usually complete their coursework, internships, and a thesis in 4-6 years.

Are clinical psychology degrees offered online?

Yes, you can find online and hybrid Psy.D.s and Ph.D.s with in-person practicums and internships. Many state licensure boards require degrees from APA-accredited programs, and the APA does not accredit fully online programs.

Do all clinical psychologists need a license?

Clinical psychologists who want to diagnose and treat patients independently need a license.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology?

Graduates of clinical psychology doctorate programs can become licensed clinical psychologists working directly with clients or seek employment in workplaces that may not require a license, such as clinics, correctional facilities, group practices, hospitals, and schools. Licensed clinical psychologists can open their own independent practices.

Universities employ clinical psychology Ph.D.s as professors and researchers. Private and government laboratories also hire researchers.

Clinical psychologists can also specialize in areas like forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and school psychology. They can also focus on a population, such as children, families, or the LGBTQ+ community.

Career Advancement

Becoming a clinical psychologist can advance your career to the top of the profession. A Ph.D. or a Psy.D. qualifies you to become licensed. Professional organizations offer networking, certification, and continuing education resources.

Licensure

Each state has its own licensure board with requirements for becoming a licensed clinical psychologist. Typical requirements include a doctorate in clinical psychology from a regionally accredited school and an APA-accredited program.

Candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and log 1,500-6,000 supervised post-doctorate clinical experience hours.

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Take the Next Steps

Hopefully, this guide has answered many of your questions about clinical psychology doctorates. Take the next step and start researching programs.

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