Let’s face it, deciding to pursue your doctorate is not a simple decision. There are many variables involved, including time, money, and program type. Not all PsyD degree programs are structed the same. The trend is actually moving towards more adaptive learning processes in PsyD programs.  It is difficult to take in all this information and then make a sound decision. It is important to keep things in perspective. Here are the top 5 reasons to consider a PsyD Degree:

Top Five Reasons 

1. Hands on Training: The focus of most PsyD programs is community based. This means that you will spend more time practicing in the field with real people, rather than doing abstract research only. The PsyD degree was created to be an applied training degree versus the more traditional research and classroom approach. If you prefer to learn by doing, then a PsyD degree is probably a good fit for you.
2. Program Flexibility: A traditional PhD program can be a long term committment. Especially for clinicians who have been in the field for quite a while, taking so much time off of work is not an option. Fortunately, there are many PsyD programs that work around this by providing flexible summer intensives or part-time classes to accomodate working professionals.
3. Less Theoretical Research: There is certainly a place for research, but the PsyD degree was originally crafted to expand experiential learning. This means there is generally less emphasis placed on doing theoretical research. Some programs do not require dissertations.
4. Great for Clinicians with Experience: For younger students fresh out of a Masters program, a PhD might be preferable to a PsyD degree. But for those with experience in the field, going back into a purely academic setting can be frustrating and limiting. Think about it. Would you want to be applying what you have learned over the years or re-learning the theory from the textbook?
5. Rewarding Work in Communities: If helping people and interfacing on a one on one basis is what got you into the field, then the Psyd degree is a good fit for you. Many of the seminars are conducting in the field serving local communities.

This is not to say that a PhD program in clinical psych should not be considered. It really depends on the individual and what your goals are. Before deciding if Psyd programs are what you are looking for, figure out what your goals are first.

This is a frequent question that I get asked about the PsyD degree. Everyone knows what a PhD is because it is similar across different fields and degrees. A PsyD, however, is a unique acronym in psychology that even some clinicians do not really know the definition of.

Let’s clear it up once and for all. A Psy D stands for:

Definition of a PsyD: “Doctor of Psychology”

This is as opposed to a PhD which is a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology.

I hope this helps clear up any questions you had. Feel free to check out the rest of the blog, in particular PsyD Programs, for more information on this degree

Before considering with PsyD programs are the right fit for you, it is important to understand the whole PsyD versus PhD debate. The goal is that the perspective doctoral candidate can make an informed choice knowing the key differences between the two degrees. Keep in mind, unless someone has both degrees they will tend to be biased towards the program they went through. It is natural to do so, but here are the key facts you need to be aware of.

The PsyD versus PhD is a debate essentially around the issue of methods. In particular, how will you – the clinical psychologist – be in the best position to serve the community based on your own unique strengths. The answer really comes down to what type of psychology you are most comfortable with.

You will generally be a good fit for a Psyd degree program if:

• You enjoy working face-to-face with patients
• You are a “hands-on” learner (learn by doing)
• You learn better outside of the classroom
• You have a background in applied psychology
• You plan on working in the field after graduating
• You need more flexibility in terms of taking the courses

You will generally be a good fit for a PhD program in clinical psych if:

• You desire a more traditional classroom doctoral environment
• You would like to do a doctoral dissertation
• You enjoy doing research and theoretical development
• You are planning on joining academia or conducting research after graduating
•  You have more time available to get the degree down sooner in one lump sum
• You would like a research great or substantial financial aid

The Bottom Line

If research and analytical work is more of what you are interest in, go with the PhD program. If applied clinical psychology and practical hands on training is what you are tending towards, go with the PsyD programs. That is not to say that the two programs do not cross over and borrow elements from each other, but it does mean that the focus will be different.