Cincinnati PsyD Clinical Psychology and PhD Clinical Psychology Degrees

PsyD in Clinical Psychology vs PhD Clinical Psychology

Students will want to consider their career goals before deciding on the type of clinical psychology doctorate degree to pursue. There are two types of clinical psychology doctorate programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association: the PhD in Clinical Psychology and the PsyD in Clinical Psychology.

Both Psy.D. and Ph.D. degree programs in clinical psychology involve lecture-based courses, clinical practical experience and a dissertation project. While PsyD Clinical Psychology programs commonly emphasize clinical practice; Clinical Psychology PhD Programs are frequently more research-oriented. Nonetheless, students in both PsyD and PhD programs usually engage in clinical practica and internships.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology PsyD Programs

The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology is a practice-based graduate degree program that introduces students to a number of advanced clinical topics in the field. PsyD Clinical Psychology curriculum usually involves coursework specific to the field and practical clinical experience in medical centers. Students take seminar style courses to expand their knowledge base and may study topics such as:

• Behavioral neuroscience
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Neuropsychological assessment
• Group psychotherapy
• Psychotherapy for children
• Mental illness
• Clinical skills
• Assessment and Intervention

Clinical Psychology PhD Programs

The Doctor of Philosophy PhD Clinical Psychology Programs are research-based graduate degree programs that introduce students to a wide range of advanced theoretical topics in the field. PhD in Clinical Psychology program curriculum emphasizes the scientific study of psychology, including related theories and methodologies and prepare students for a career in clinical psychology. Students in a clinical psychology Ph.D. program may study topics such as:

• Clinical research methods
• Theoretical aspects of clinical psychology
• Clinical psychology and statistics
• Psychodynamic psychology
• Psychopharmacology

Potential Career Paths in Clinical Psychology

There are different potential career paths for graduates, depending on which degree they have achieved. For instance, graduates of PsyD Clinical Psychology degree programs may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals or community health centers. They may be qualified to pursue clinical-based careers; namely:

• Neuropsychology
• Forensic psychology
• Health psychology

Clinical Psychology PhD Programs

Graduates of a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program may be qualified for a variety of potential clinical and academic careers. Most graduates pursue scholarly or researched-based careers; namely:

• College psychology professor
• Psychology statistician
• Substance abuse therapist
• Pediatric psychologist

List of Clinical Psychology PhD & PsyD Potential Careers

If you would like to prepare yourself with for multiple potential careers in clinical psychology, GradSchools.com can help graduate students finr programs that aligns with your goals; start reviewing your choices for PsyD Clinical Psychology and PhD Programs in Clinical Psychology Programs today!

Sources: onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3031.02 | bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm | bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm | apa.org