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What’s the difference between a Ph.D. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology?

Considering a doctorate in clinical psychology? There are some key differences between the Ph.D. and Psy.D. that you’ll need to understand.

More so than other branches of psychology, the field of clinical psychology is particularly concerned with the assessment and treatment of patients diagnosed with mental illness. If you are considering earning a doctorate  in this field, it is first important to determine whether a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program is the best option for your future goals. What is the difference between a Psy.D. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology ? Below, we explore some key differences between the Ph.D. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs.

What is a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology?

Since 1948, the American Psychological Association (APA) has officially promoted Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology. A doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., generally focuses on  research practices and the philosophy of a given field. The intention of this program is usually to prepare students to teach and/or conduct essential scientific research that can help advance the field.

Most Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology programs take  five to seven  years to complete beyond the  undergraduate degree. Most programs incorporate a teaching element, and all require a written dissertation.

What is a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology?

Compared to the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, the doctor of psychology, or Psy.D., is primarily concerned with the practical applications of psychology. According to the APA, “the focus of Psy.D. programs is to train students to engage in careers that apply scientific knowledge of psychology and deliver empirically based service to individuals, groups, and organizations.”

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology typically takes four to six years to complete after earning an undergraduate degree. Students also have an opportunity to pursue specializations in certain areas, such as neuropsychology.

While Psy.D. programs are designed to prepare students for careers as practitioners in psychology, students are not prevented from pursuing a career in academia. Most Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs also feature practicums or internships, and many also require a written dissertation.

What’s the difference between Ph.D. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology?

The main difference between a Psy.D. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology is the specific focus and application of each program. In summary, there are several key differences between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. The most prominent difference is each program’s focus. If you seek a career in academia, a Ph.D. may be right for you. The Psy.D. was built specifically for those hoping to apply the principles of psychology in professional practice with patients.

Additionally, the program lengths differ. A Ph.D. typically takes five to eight years to complete, while a Psy.D. takes four to six years.

Psy.D. Ph.D.
Clinical focused and practice-based Research-based
Higher acceptance rates Competitive acceptance rates
4-6 years to graduate 5-8 years to graduate
Doctor of psychology Doctor of philosophy

What to Expect from a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Program

How is a psy.d. in clinical psychology program structured.

In general, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs are designed to advance a graduate’s understanding of how to provide tangible psychological services. Some Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs, including programs offered by The Chicago School , follow the Engaged-Practitioner model. This means students undergo training primarily for field practice in combination with a secondary focus on scholarship. APA -accredited Psy.D. programs often offer up to three years of practicum opportunities to prepare students for their APA-required internship.

The practicum provides essential hands-on experience for aspiring practitioners. Psy.D. programs offer this experience to better prepare graduates for their clinical careers—something Ph.D. students will not experience.

Expertise for both the clinic and the classroom

While Psy.D. in Clincal Psychology programs focus on practice, they still prepare students who pursue a career in academia.

Many  Psy.D. graduates become faculty members while managing a clinical practice. So, don’t worry that earning a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology will hinder you from entering academia. Graduates from Psy.D. programs can pursue clinical practice, teaching, or even both.

Greater student accommodation

Psy.D. programs are generally able to admit more students than Ph.D. programs at other schools. This is because Psy.D. programs are often housed within schools concentrated on psychology, as opposed to schools that admit doctoral students to a wide range of programs.

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is The Chicago School’s legacy program. It was our first program ever offered in 1979, which has allowed us to expand our offering of accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs at our campuses around the U.S. and provide greater access to this type of education to a wide range of applicants.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology?

Students in Psy.D. programs can expect to spend fewer years in the classroom than Ph.D. candidates. In general, a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program can take four to six years to complete.

At The Chicago School, students can usually expect to spend about five years in the program, although this time can vary depending on each person’s specific circumstance. The time also includes the APA-accredited internship.

For aspiring doctorate in psychology graduates, the first step is to apply to an APA-accredited Psy.D. program. This ensures that your degree will meet the qualifications for licensing in any state.

Learn more about The Chicago School

Are you interested in learning more about clinical psychology programs available at The Chicago School? Fill out the form below to request more information or apply today through our application portal .

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What's the Difference between a PhD and PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Congratulations! You've made the tough yet worthwhile decision to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. A doctorate in clinical psychology provides many potential career opportunities. You can receive training as a clinical psychologist, work in social work, sports psychology, educational psychology, mental health psychology and more. Now, what is the next step?

Before you dive into a doctoral program and clinical training, you'll need to clarify what type of doctoral degree in psychological clinical science you'd like to earn. In the field of Clinical Psychology, there are two distinctive doctoral-level degrees you can work towards: a PhD and a PsyD. What do these degrees mean and how do you choose which degree in psychology program is right for you? Find out more below...

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

The PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, degree, is traditionally a more common degree path in psychology. This type of doctorate in clinical psychology is founded in research, so the focus of your studies may be on developing research ideas and analyzing data. This training culminates in the completion of a doctoral dissertation project. Typical PhD program training takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. Depending on the school, these programs may be highly selective and only enroll a small number of students each year.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

The PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology, degree, is an alternative doctoral degree that focuses on the clinical and applied aspects of psychology. Unlike a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in psychology, which often emphasizes research, the PsyD meaning focuses more on applied training and practical experience in the behavioral sciences. PsyD study revolves around preparing students for professional practice and clinical placement. The coursework and practicum is directed at applying established standards of practice and evidence-based services that will be applied in future clinical work. PsyD students may also complete a doctoral project or dissertation that focuses on an applied clinical problem. Typical PsyD program training takes between 4 and 5 years to complete. These PsyD degree programs generally accept a higher number of students than PhD programs.

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How to choose between phd and psyd.

Understanding the difference between a PsyD vs PhD can be confusing. Which clinical psychology program you choose depends on the direction you’d like to steer your studies and, ultimately, your career. Think about what sort of work you’d like to do beyond graduation: research-focused or clinically-focused. Take a look at what graduates of both, the PhD program and the PsyD program, are doing to see if their careers align with your own interests.

All things considered, PhD graduates may use their research-based degrees to conduct experimental studies, work in academic settings, and consult with schools or hospitals. PsyD graduates may use their clinical-based degrees to work directly with patients who need behavioral health analysis, clinical psychology, and mental health services. They provide therapy and may pursue a career in private practice. All students enrolled in Clinical Psychology programs at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University receive advanced training in psychology in a clinical setting to allow them to confidently function as clinicians and researchers. This is an important step to becoming a licensed psychologist. Most importantly, both the PhD and PsyD programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA.)

Are you a doctoral candidate and conflicted about which Clinical Psychology degree is the best fit for you? Contact an Alliant admissions counselor by calling 1 (866) 825-5426 to learn more about our PsyD or PhD degree programs and the admission requirements.

Additionally, CSPP offers many master’s degree programs at our college campuses and online. Check out some testimonials from our graduate students of the programs and their experience below:

“I am so grateful to have been a part of the Fresno Clinical Psychology PhD Program at CSPP. The diverse faculty that I studied with throughout my tenure in graduate school made quite a lasting impression on me in terms of fostering my professional development and have helped shape me into the clinician and researcher that I am today.” Jennifer Lewey, Clinical Psychology, PhD

“The PsyD program at Alliant prepared me in two different ways. First, it socialized me into the profession of psychology. Second, it, and the Center for Integrative Psychology more specifically, taught me how to think in more powerful, inclusive, and effective ways.” Michael Lembaris, Clinical Psychology, PsyD

What to Expect in a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Program

Program structure.

This doctoral program aims to expand clinical students' understanding in delivering psychological services. The internship involves hands-on practice for aspiring professionals. This type of program provides a valuable clinical experience to better equip graduates for their careers in psychological science, which sets them apart from clinical psychology PhD program students who do not have a similar opportunity. The clinical program integrates scientific evidence with practice in responding to human problems of developmental deprivation, dysfunction, psychological disorders, and trauma. Students can follow their own clinical interests and further their individual career goals by selecting an emphasis area and taking a specialized series of courses, and by pursuing research and field placements that are consistent with their interests and long-term career goals.

Proficiency in Clinical Practice and Educational Settings

Even though the PsyD program emphasizes practical training, it still trains students who aspire to pursue an academic career. Graduates from the Psychology Department can choose to become faculty members while maintaining a clinical practice. In other words, earning a PsyD in Clinical Psychology should not hinder you from entering the academic field. You have the flexibility to pursue careers in clinical practice, teaching, or even a combination of both

Is it possible to pursue a career in academia or education?

Yes, of course, but while it's possible to become a professor in a college or university with a PsyD, those with a PhD degree typically have a better leverage in getting into these academic positions. 

Is it harder for PsyD students to secure internship positions compared to PhD students?

Absolutely not. A lot of internship sites need students or candidates who can handle various clinical duties, and because you have acquired extensive expertise and clinical skill in psychological assessment and therapy in your program, you'll get an internship position easily. 

What is APA accreditation?

The American Psychological Association accredits doctoral programs in practice-oriented areas such as clinical, counseling psychology, and school psychology, as long as they meet the APA's standards and maintain them. Many employers and internship sites prefer or require psychologists who graduated from APA-approved programs. Therefore, when deciding which programs to apply to, it's crucial to check the APA accreditation status. Alliant offers psychology programs that are APA-accredited.

David Stewart

David Stewart

Dean, California School of Professional Psychology

David G. Stewart, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Dean of the California School of...

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Masters vs. Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Know the facts when deciding between a master's or doctorate in clinical psych..

Posted June 13, 2016 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

In choosing a career related to clinical psychology, there are a lot of decisions that must be made. In a previous post we discussed the Ph.D.-PsyD decision. Today, we want to explore another tough decision: Master's (e.g., MA/MS in Psychology, Marriage , and Family (Counseling) Therapy , Mental Health Counseling or MSW) versus Doctorate (Ph.D. or PsyD).

Let’s start with some basic characteristics of each type of degree. First, a Master of Psychology can be in clinical (best suited for those with an interest in psychopathological populations and behavioral health), counseling (best for those interested in vocational and career processes, human diversity, and professional training) or educational (provide counseling services to students, including those with a learning disability or those with behavioral or social problems).

Second, a Master's of Social Work (MSW) degree can be in a clinical direct practice track, or a macro-practice track (i.e., focus on political advocacy, community organizing, policy analysis and/or human services management ).

Third, a PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology degree that is best suited for those with an interest in psychopathological populations and behavioral health, and places greater emphasis on the practice of psychology and less emphasis on research. Finally, a Ph.D. (a Doctor of Philosophy degree) can be obtained in the same domains as a Master’s degree, and puts greater emphasis on research than a PsyD.

Komsomolec/pixabay

The time frame for completing each of these graduate degrees is MSW: 2 years, MA: 2 years, PsyD: 4-6 years, and Ph.D.: 5-7 years. During these years of study, it is important to note that (in general) only Ph.D. students will receive support (tuition paid and a stipend) during their years in graduate school.

Of course, there are funding exceptions, especially in cases where a university only has a Master’s program. In addition, scholarships are sometimes available to MSW, MA and PsyD students, but this is generally rare. Support during graduate school might be very important for you, because you can rack up literally tens of thousands of dollars each year in financial assistance, and the amount of money you will earn with your graduate degree may not be as high as you imagined.

Master’s and PsyD programs, in general, are unable to provide the same type of support as a Ph.D. program. Part of this is tied to the fact that typically only Ph.D. students serve as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants. Also, because Ph.D. programs have far fewer graduate students than PsyD programs, schools are able to afford to support their Ph.D. students.

As far as deciding to go Master or Doctorate degree, there are several issues to keep in mind. First, the general state of affairs for graduate school acceptance is that there is a hierarchy, with Master's programs being easier to get into than PsyD programs and Ph.D programs being the hardest to get into. For the sake of this post, ease of being accepted is defined in terms of grades and GRE scores, although other factors (e.g., clinical and research experience) do come into play. Of course, there are exceptions to this hierarchy, and you may decide to seek a degree at a for-profit school where grades and GRE score are not deemed as important as a non-profit public or private institution.

Our point is simply that your decision about going for a Master’s or Doctorate degree in a graduate program may be a function of what type of program your grades can get you into. We are not saying this is fair, but we hope you understand that schools need some way to pare down the number of students they will accept, with grades and (especially) GRE scores are seen as two important criteria to make these decisions.

We want to add one more point about all of this. It may be the case that your undergraduate academic record is not strong enough to get into a Doctoral program, but you can get accepted into a Master’s program and you do very well in this program. This can work to your advantage if you still want a Doctorate. The thinking here is that if you do well in the Master’s program, you show a Doctoral program that your undergraduate academic record was not indicative of your true potential. However, your stellar record in your Master’s program can show you have what it takes to continue your education in a Doctoral program.

phd or psyd in clinical psychology

The second issue to think about is the length of time you will be in graduate school. As stated above, the time in graduate school is shorter for a Master’s student than a Ph.D. student. Of course, this means a typical Master’s student can be earning a real salary a few years before a Ph.D. student. Although this is true, one must keep in mind (1) a Master’s degree leads (on average) to a lower salary than a PhD, and (2) a Master’s student will typically have some debt incurred during their two years in school. Let me add that to find out tuition costs for any APA-accredited graduate program, go to their website and look for the link that says “Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data.” I think you will be very surprised to see the tuition costs at graduate programs—they’re pretty high. As stated earlier, a Ph.D. student will typically not have any tuition debt hanging over their head. Thus the extra salary for a Master’s student in the time they are out of graduate school working compared to the stipend of a Ph.D. student will probably be offset by the debt the Master’s student must repay.

Third, whether you go for a Master’s or Doctoral degree, you need to consider issues of accreditation of your graduate program and (for Doctoral degrees) your clinical internship. The reason for this is that graduating from an accredited program will offer a greater range of job opportunities. In fact, some employers will only hire those from accredited graduate programs (e.g., the Veterans Administration). If a school does not indicate that it is accredited (e.g., from the American Psychological Association) it should be viewed with caution. With all of this in mind, you should know that to be licensed (certified to practice by a state) in your chosen field it is often the case that you need an accredited graduate degree or internship. Also, note that licensure requires supervised professional experience, an examination at both the state and national levels. Specific courses may be required if a state deems it necessary.

Fourth, as discussed earlier, you must be clear about the issue of job opportunities and salary. In general, it is the case that Master’s degrees lead to fewer job opportunities and lower salaries than Doctoral degrees. One could argue that this is a function of the amount of training--employers are looking for potential employees who have more experience and supervised training. Some might argue that in this regard, a Doctoral student has a stronger foundation of training than a Master's student.

Fifth, you need to decide how much research training versus clinical practice training you want. If you are hoping for the former, then a Ph.D. is definitely for you. A Master’s in Psychology degree may include some research experience. An MSW and a PsyD will likely offer the least research training. One must keep in mind, however, that regardless of the clinical degree you pursue, there will always be some discussion of research, since the basis of diagnoses, testing, therapeutic techniques, etc. is based on research. The key point here is that certain clinical degrees do not require you to be actually conducting research.

Finally, give some thought to how much independence you want to have when you graduate. This all revolves around the issue of licensure that was raised earlier, and it gets very complicated because every state has its own laws regarding licensure for psychology-related degrees. Make sure you understand the laws for the state where you will practice. Of course, you might not know where you will end up, but you must be aware that the state where you end up living may have very different laws than what you expected or from where you originally were working. An important point to keep in mind about licensure is that once you are licensed, if you decide to go into private practice, your fee schedule is typically market-driven.

With all of this in mind, licensure issues require you to consider the following (also check out this info from the APA ):

You need to see what are the licenses your state approves. For a PsyD and PhD, this is not a problem, because all states will have a license for a Psychologist. The issue gets tricky when you have a Master's degree, because states tend to have different types of licensure for these individuals.

  • If your state does not have a license that meets your background, what requirements are needed to get a license in a different area? For example, your Master’s degree may not allow you to be licensed as a Psychologist, but after meeting additional requirements you might get licensed as a Licensed Clinical Counselor.
  • You need to be clear which licenses require you to be supervised (by a colleague with a certain license) and which allow for autonomous functioning (i.e., functioning on your own). Keep in mind that an employer typically likes an employee to be autonomous—they do not like paying for two hours of supervision (your time and that of your supervisor).
  • When you apply for a license that will eventually allow autonomous functioning, what are the requirements to ultimately receive this license (e.g., supervision hours, direct service hours) that you must fulfill?

In presenting these important factors to think about with regard to a Master's vs. Doctoral degree], we, of course, understand that each individual has unique circumstances that must be taken into account. Still, we hope that presenting these factors gives you some food for thought as you consider your ultimate career path in clinical psychology.

Please note that the comments of Dr. Golding, Dr. Lippert and the others who post on this blog express their own opinion and not that of the University of Kentucky.

Want more? Check out our website for more psychology-related career information.

Jonathan Golding, Ph.D. and Anne Lippert, PhD

Jonathan Golding, Ph.D. , is a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky. Anne Lippert, Ph.D. , is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Kentucky.

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Psy.D. Vs. Ph.D.: Which Is The Right Fit For You?

Brandon Galarita

Updated: Jan 2, 2024, 3:22pm

Psy.D. Vs. Ph.D.: Which Is The Right Fit For You?

Committing to a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. program can have a significant impact on your career path. Both will prepare you for a career in psychology , but there are significant differences between the two programs you should know about. In general, a Ph.D. in psychology focuses more on research and a Psy.D. focuses on practical application.

While both programs can lead to becoming a licensed psychologist , taking a closer look at what each degree track will provide will help you determine whether a Ph.D. or Psy.D. is best for you.

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What Is a Ph.D. in Psychology?

A Ph.D. in psychology, or a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology, is a doctoral degree that primarily focuses on training students in scientific research. Compared to a Psy.D, the Ph.D. is more common and can be found at many public and private universities.

Students in a Ph.D. in psychology program can expect to obtain and build on the knowledge and skills within general psychology or in a concentration. The American Psychological Association (APA) has an extensive list of subfields that range from clinical psychology to climate and environmental psychology.

Benefits of a Ph.D. in Psychology

A significant benefit of a Ph.D. in psychology is that it offers more financial aid options. Many programs offer scholarships, teaching assistantships or even full or partial tuition remission to cover expenses. Some programs also have research grants and fellowships that are sponsored by government agencies and private companies that you can apply for and become part of a research team.

Another benefit is that some programs offer training in both applied practice and in research, rather than focusing heavily on application as a Psy.D. program would. Having dual training may provide you more opportunities on the job market.

What Is a Psy.D.?

A Psy.D., or a Doctor of Psychology, is also a doctoral degree that focuses on application. A Psy.D. program prepares students to provide services for patients and clients, rather than a focus on research.

Unlike a Ph.D., Psy.D. programs are often found in professional schools of psychology that may be university-based, free-standing or in medical or health and science institutions.

Benefits of a Psy.D.

While a Psy.D. may not have the same financial benefits of a Ph.D. program, a Psy.D. will give you more experience with patients earlier in your program. Candidates will often begin coursework and clinical training in the first year of their program.

A Psy.D. program, such as one for aspiring clinical psychologists , features an intensive focus on client-focused skills. Courses can include supervision and consultation, treatment and assessment and other classes that will cover disorders.

In some Psy.D. programs, you may be expected to complete a doctoral-level research project instead of a dissertation.

What to Consider When Choosing a Program

The first consideration you should make when choosing a program is the kind of work you want to pursue post-graduation. Do you want to do research or teach? Do you want to provide services to clients and patients?

Here are some considerations you should make when making the big decision.

Look at Time Spent in School

Both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs require a heavy investment of your time in school. Programs often require applicants to have an undergraduate and master’s degree. However, some programs have combined master’s and doctorate degrees, reducing years of education and allowing students to enter the workforce sooner.

Students can expect to spend five years in school before obtaining a degree, with four years of coursework and one year of internship. Many candidates, however, take between five to seven years to graduate.

Find Your Focus

Your academic focus and concentration choice may sway your decision in applying for one doctoral degree over the other.

Concentrations in a Psy.D program are typically in clinical, counseling, school or industrial-organizational psychology . In contrast, the options of subfields within a Ph.D. program are more broad and focus heavily on research and experimentation to build knowledge within a discipline.

Consider Your Career Path

Considering your career path or interests will help you decide whether a Ph.D. or Psy.D. is right for you. While the most familiar psychology careers are commonly found in education and healthcare, psychologists are needed in other industries, such as business and technology. These in-demand specialties contribute to high psychologist salaries .

Accreditation

Accreditation of your Ph.D. or Psy.D. program ensures that your program is recognized by the governing bodies for licensure. While completing an accredited program will not guarantee you employment or licensure, it will equip you with necessary skills and knowledge.

The APA has a tool to help students find accredited doctoral programs, as well as internships and postdoctoral residencies across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can you do with psy.d..

A Psy.D. focuses on working directly with patients to provide psychological services. For example, a clinical Psy.D. will prepare students to provide mental and behavioral healthcare to individuals and families across all demographics and over individuals’ lifespans.

Which psychology field is most in-demand?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for psychologists from 2022 to 2032, with a 6% increase overall. Clinical and counseling psychologists will see the highest demand, with an expected growth rate of 11%, followed by industrial-organizational psychologists at 6%.

How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. in psychology?

Many Ph.D. programs project a five year completion time. However, many students can take upwards of seven years.

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COMMENTS

  1. The Difference Between a Ph.D. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psych ...

    Learn the differences between a Ph.D. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and determine which degree suits your goals and what to expect from the programs.

  2. Difference between a PhD and PsyD in Clinical Psychology

    The PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology, degree, is an alternative doctoral degree that focuses on the clinical and applied aspects of psychology. Unlike a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in psychology, which often emphasizes research, the PsyD meaning focuses more on applied training and practical experience in the behavioral sciences.

  3. Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program Guide

    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 ...

  4. Masters vs. Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

    Third, a PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology degree that is best suited for those with an interest in psychopathological populations and behavioral health, and places greater emphasis on the...

  5. Masters vs. PsyD vs. PhD in Clinical or Counseling Psychology

    PhD programs tend to be fairly focused on research, whereas PsyD programs tend to be less focused on research and more centered on direct clinical service provision. (Masters level programs tend to involve no or minimal research.)

  6. Psy.D. Vs. Ph.D.: Which Is The Right Fit For You? – Forbes ...

    A Ph.D. in psychology, or a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology, is a doctoral degree that primarily focuses on training students in scientific research. Compared to a Psy.D, the Ph.D. is more...