2 answers
Tonya
Student
Rancho Cucamonga, California
2
Questions
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How does one decide? PhD or PsyD, that is the question?
How does one decide… concerning a terminal degree in psychology… PhD or PsyD? That is the question 🙋♀️
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2 answers
Ana Tovar
Psychologist and Medical Educator
2
Answers
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ana’s Answer
I will speak to this question from the perspective of a clinical psychologist who obtained a PhD. Generally speaking, although both types of degrees aim to train you as a scientist and practitioner, PhD programs place a greater emphasis on scientific inquiry and preparing you to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge in psychology. If you like research or plan on an academic career a PhD program is for you. That said, they can be more competitive and selective in their entrance criteria and will favor candidates that already have demonstrated a research interest and skills in this area. Many candidates have authored some papers or have prior research experience and the faculty members in PhD programs will be looking for this because they seek students who can collaborate with them in research endeavors. If your area of interest aligns pretty well with that of a faculty member in a program that you seek, that can be a plus. Will you be an asset to that program and help advance that type of work or an important area of work of your own? PhD programs tend to have more opportunities to offer financial assistance in the form of graduate research assistant or teaching assistant positions. Working as an RA or TA during those years helped with tuition.
If the above does not sound like you, and you are mainly interested in developing as a psychotherapist, I would direct you to a PsyD program. Courses in statistics, research methods and research requirements such as a dissertation are still mandatory but not the primary emphasis. In many of these programs, a greater amount of time is allotted for clinical practicum and supervision during the graduate years.
A PsyD was not an available option when decided on a career in psychology. My primary interest was in doing clinical work and providing direct patient care, but a PhD program prepared me as a researcher as well. This served me well in my career because I had the background to use these skills and allowed me the flexibility to step into an academic role which I am in now.
If the above does not sound like you, and you are mainly interested in developing as a psychotherapist, I would direct you to a PsyD program. Courses in statistics, research methods and research requirements such as a dissertation are still mandatory but not the primary emphasis. In many of these programs, a greater amount of time is allotted for clinical practicum and supervision during the graduate years.
A PsyD was not an available option when decided on a career in psychology. My primary interest was in doing clinical work and providing direct patient care, but a PhD program prepared me as a researcher as well. This served me well in my career because I had the background to use these skills and allowed me the flexibility to step into an academic role which I am in now.
Wow, thank you so much Dr. Tovar. This is insightful and helpful. If you would be so kind… Could you share your thoughts on how to best plot out an academic course for someone who is interested in doing both? For example, Carl Rogers built a new theoretical approach based on recording counseling sessions. By doing this, he not only added to the body of knowledge in the field, he also captured the dynamic that happens in the therapeutic environment. If one were interested in creating field work that examines the outcomes of social interactions, which degree path would you recommend?
Thank you for your insight and wisdom 🙏🏼
Tonya
Nathaniel Wander
anthropology/psychotherapy/writing
35
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Nathaniel’s Answer
I second everything Ana Tovar has written; her advice is comprehensive and succinct. I would add a few related points.
If you know where (at least by state) you would like to work after graduation, consider a school in the same area. Professional licensure is done on a state by state basis. A local school will teach towards state licensure requirements, and your internship and residency training will be accepted by that state without quibbling.
If you identify a few schools in the state you want to practice in, research the faculty. Find out whose interests align with your own. Finding a mentor is an important part of any graduate degree program. S/he will help guide your studies, help you connect with other like-minded professionals and students, and provide you with professional contacts that will lead to job offers.
If you are interested in the practice of Carl Rogers as more than a model for how to study therapy outcomes, you should know about the Center for Studies of the Person, in La Jolla, CA. Rogers founded it after retiring from the University of Chicago and it carries on his work in person-centered therapy. They are not a university, but run many valuable training programs.
If you know where (at least by state) you would like to work after graduation, consider a school in the same area. Professional licensure is done on a state by state basis. A local school will teach towards state licensure requirements, and your internship and residency training will be accepted by that state without quibbling.
If you identify a few schools in the state you want to practice in, research the faculty. Find out whose interests align with your own. Finding a mentor is an important part of any graduate degree program. S/he will help guide your studies, help you connect with other like-minded professionals and students, and provide you with professional contacts that will lead to job offers.
If you are interested in the practice of Carl Rogers as more than a model for how to study therapy outcomes, you should know about the Center for Studies of the Person, in La Jolla, CA. Rogers founded it after retiring from the University of Chicago and it carries on his work in person-centered therapy. They are not a university, but run many valuable training programs.
Thank you so such Mr Wander,
I truly appreciate your attention to the details. This helps me connect the dots and chart a path towards my terminal degree.
Warm regards☺️
Tonya
Most welcome Tonya. I wish you success in your career pursuits. Just remembers John Lennon's famous phrase:
"Life is what happens while you were busy making other plans."
Nathaniel Wander
Thank you for your well wishes and the John Lennon quote is amazing. I will be using that one from on. Merci Beaucoup☺️
Tonya