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• Clinical Psychology

The Clinical Psychology Program at Duke University is a Ph.D. program for students seeking excellence in academic, scientific, and clinical training.

This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). Our program has a strong history of training based on the scientist/practitioner (Boulder) model and more recently has adopted a clinical science model of training in which the science of psychology and its clinical application are mutually interdependent and mutually evolving.

The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at Duke University has been accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation since 1948.

Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 Telephone: (202) 336-5979   Email:  [email protected]   Web:  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Questions about the Duke clinical program itself should be directed to Director of Clinical Training - Moria Smoski, PhD,  [email protected] , (919) 684-6717

Additional Information

The Clinical Psychology Program at Duke University is a Ph.D. program for students seeking excellence in academic, scientific, and clinical training. This program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). Our program has a strong history of scientist practitioner (Boulder) model and more recently has adopted a clinical science model of training in which the science of psychology and its clinical application are mutually interdependent and mutually evolving. That is, our program is designed to train clinical scientists who are capable of functioning successfully in academic, research, clinical, and community settings. Within this multifaceted training framework, we seek to develop students who are interested in careers in which the science of psychology is applied to address public health issues related to mental and physical diseases both nationally and internationally. The program is not appropriate for students interested solely in clinical practice and not in research. Rather, we strive for excellence in both the science and practice of clinical psychology.

At Duke, graduate training in clinical psychology emphasizes three domains of knowledge: adult clinical, child clinical, and health psychology. The expertise of the faculty, drawn from the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Duke University Medical Center, extends to a large number of interdisciplinary problems involving human behavioral and physical adaptation in its varying social contexts. Duke University’s Clinical Psychology Program is annually ranked among the top clinical psychology programs in the United States. Duke’s doctoral program in Clinical Psychology is a member of The Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, which is a coalition of doctoral training programs that share a common goal of producing and applying scientific knowledge to the understanding, assessment, and amelioration of human problems.

Specific interests include intervention and prevention methods across the life course for such phenomena as aggression and antisocial behavior, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders and obesity, substance abuse, HIVAIDS, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain. Our faculty also study behavioral cardiology, behavioral medicine, global mental health, reducing disparities in minority mental and physical health services, assessment and intervention in pediatric psychology, and gene-environment interaction.

Clinical program faculty are also actively involved in University Institutes, including the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences (DIBS) , Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) , and Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) .

Each year the Department admits 2-5 clinical graduate students, which will result in approximately 25 students being advised by our faculty at one time. As of August, 2023, our faculty advise a total of 23 students receiving clinical training, (8 males and 15 females, 6 of whom are from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups).

In accordance with American Psychological Association requirements, a more complete description of the clinical program's goals, clinical training resources, and special requirements can be found in the on-line Clinical Graduate Student Handbook.

The Duke Psychology Clinic has been providing psychological services to the Triangle community for over twenty years and is committed to working with adults who are seeking services for a range of psychological and adjustment difficulties. As part of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University , the Clinic functions as a training center for the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. Psychotherapy is provided by advanced graduate students who are supervised by experienced clinicians. With our commitment to training and intensive supervision, the Clinic is dedicated to providing high-quality care to our clients.

The Duke Psychology Clinic offers short- and long-term individual psychotherapy for adults seeking treatment for a range of psychological difficulties. The Clinic treats a wide-range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, inattentiveness/hyperactivity, self-esteem, eating concerns, relationship difficulties, adjustment, and coping with stressors. In addition, the Clinic has a long-standing reputation in the community for effectively assisting individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Therapeutic work is individually-focused and clinicians work with their supervisors to tailor treatment to the needs of each client. The treatment approach utilized integrates principles from a range of evidence-based treatments in order to best address the client’s presenting concerns, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and interpersonal approaches.

• Respected community reputation in the treatment of mental health concerns

• Affordable session fees

• Convenient location and flexible hours

• Assessment to further tailor treatment

• Availability of long-term treatment 
• Enthusiastic therapists receiving supervision from experienced clinicians

Obtaining Services

Services are available to individuals throughout the community. Those seeking services or who would like to make a referral should begin by calling a Clinic Coordinator, (919) 660-5771. Because the Clinic is a training center, utmost care is taken to ensure we can provide appropriate services; clients in crisis or in need of a higher level of care are typically referred to a more suitable clinic.

The Clinic is located in Suite 312 of the Psychology/Sociology building on Duke's West Campus .

During the academic year, clinic hours are 9a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. Hours are slightly abbreviated during the summer months.

Timothy Strauman, Ph.D. Director, Duke Psychology Clinic Professor, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Licensed Psychologist

David Rabiner, Ph.D. Research Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Licensed Psychologist & Supervisor

Moria Smoski, Ph.D. Director of Clinical Training, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Licensed Psychologist

Rachel Guetta Graduate Student, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Clinic Coordinator

Current Practicum Supervisors

• David Rabiner 
• Melanie Bonner 
• Sarah Cook 
• Geraldine Dawson 
• Christian Mauro 
• Rhonda Merwin 
• Zach Rosenthal
• Moria Smoski
• Tamara Somers
• Rebecca Shelby 
• Julia Woodward
• Nancy Zucker
• Naomi Davis 
• John Mitchell 
• Julia Schacter  
• Sarah O’Rourke 
• Kyla Blalock 
• Nicole Heilbron 
• David Goldston 
• Jill Howard  
• Adrienne Inscoe
• Ashley Hill

Practicum descriptions

Internships:.

• Alpert Medical School of Brown University
• Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital
• Cambridge Hospital, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
• Central Regional Hospital, Butner, NC
• Children’s Hospital, Boston, Harvard University, Boston, MA
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
• Children's Hospital at Stanford / Children's Health Council
• Clarke Institute (Center for Addiction and Mental Health), Toronto, Ontario
• Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
• Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
• Emory, Atlanta, GA
• Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
• McLean Hospital, Harvard University, Belmont, MA
• Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston Consortium), Charleston, SC
• Miami/Dade County Department of Human Services, Miami, FL
• Miami Veterans Administration Health Care System, Miami, FL
• Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
• MUSC/Charleston Consortium Internship
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
• New York Univesity/Bellevue Hospital
• North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, FL
• Rush University Medical Center
• University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
• University of California-Los Angeles
• University of California-San Diego/Veterans Affairs, San Diego, CA
• University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
• University of Colorado Health Center, Boulder, CO
• University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville, FL
• University of Kansas Medical School
• University of Michigan/Rackham Institute
• University of Mississippi Medical/VA Jackson
• University of New Mexico Health Science Center
• University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill, NC
• University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry
• University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston
• University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
• University of Wisconsin Medical Center, Madison, WI
• Veterans Administration Medical Center, Durham, NC
• Veterans Administration Maryland Health Care System/Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
• Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY
• Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
• Veterans Administration Medical Center, Salem, VA
• Veterans Administration Puget Sound-American Lake, Tacoma, WA
• Virginia Treatment Center for Children, Virginia Commonwealth Univ., Richmond, VA
• Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

NOTE: Our program has made the GRE General Test  optional  for admission to the fall 2024 class. You may submit scores if you have them, and they will be considered by the admissions committee. Applications without GRE scores will be given equal consideration. 

Each year we receive between 350 and 400 completed applications for admission to our clinical psychology program. A variety of bases for admission are utilized, although some common themes emerge. In our search for qualified graduate students, we look for the potential to conduct original research, to engage in scholarship, to work effectively with others, including future clients, and to have an impact on the broader field of clinical psychology. We seek applicants who are interested both in research and in clinical practice. It is important for applicants to consider and to articulate potential matches with the research interests of one or more potential faculty mentors. While an undergraduate integrative psychology major is not required, most of our students were psychology majors, and most had post-baccalaureate research experience in psychology prior to application. Every year about 20 applicants are contacted for virtual interviews with our faculty. Interviews are required for clinical applicants. Interviews take place in late January - early February with invitations extended a few weeks prior to interviews.

All students accepted into the program are guaranteed five years of stipend support, as well as full tuition. Stipends may be based on fellowships, research or teaching assistant positions, or, for more senior students, their own external research support.

Applicants: Please see our Departmental Application FAQ .

Our program follows a mentorship model in which students are admitted to work with specific faculty members for their research training. 

Admitting students for the fall 2024 class

• David Goldston (Need to type in name on application)
• Timothy Strauman

Not admitting students for the fall 2024 class

• Gary Bennett
• Melanie Bonner
• Ernestine Briggs-King
• Karen Appleyard Carmody
• Scott Compton
• Francis Keefe
• Terrie Moffitt

Students and faculty in the Clinical Psychology Program established the Anti-Racism Community (ARC) in July 2020 as a response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the rampant police brutality at subsequent nationwide protests, and the preceding 401-year legacy of anti-Black racism in the United States. The mission of the ARC is to:

• Establish an anti-racist culture in all activities conducted by students, faculty, and staff
• Acknowledge the impact of centuries of systemic and individual racism at the national, statewide, and university levels, and
• Take all possible corrective action to eliminate these effects on our program

ARC members meet monthly to provide general updates and make requests for assistance in completing tasks. Currently, members of the ARC are organized into three Pillars. Members are welcome to join one or more Pillar based on their interests. Each Pillar meets separately to coordinate and work on their specific goals and actions. The goals of the three Pillars are to

Pillar 1 : Enhance recruitment and retention of BIPOC faculty, students, and staff that reflect national demographics

Pillar 2 : Ensure all academic activities reflect anti-racism as a core value of the program

Pillar 3 : Elevate multicultural awareness as a core competency of clinical training and professional development for all faculty, students, and staff

The ARC is an action-oriented community. Below are a few of the actions taken by the ARC since its inception:

• Creation of the Clinical Science Anti-Racism Series , a set of presentations and discussions on the ways clinical practice, research, and professional issues is informed by anti-racist approaches
• Launch an annual  Virtual Office Hours program , an opportunity for individuals underrepresented in psychology to receive individualized feedback on their applications to PhD programs in psychology
• Hosted a weekly writing group for faculty, post-docs, and graduate students, especially those from underrepresented communities and those looking to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our department
• Establishment of Peer Multicultural Consultation Team , a monthly meeting during which students seek culturally-informed perspectives from other students on diverse patients
• Evaluation of all P&N undergraduate syllabi for content that supports inclusion, reduction of "hidden curriculum" elements, and anti-racist principles. Provided feedback to the P&N Faculty with resources for improving DEI principles in syllabi
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Climate Handbook
• P&N Team Resources
• Degree Requirements
• Practicum and Ongoing Research Projects in Psychology
• Research Participation Requirements for Psychology Courses
• Summer Vertical Integration Program (VIP)
• Psychology Courses
• Graduate School Advice
• Career Options
• Forms & Resources
• Global Education
• Trinity Ambassadors
• Co-requisite Requirement
• Neuroscience Courses
• Neuroscience: Undergraduate Research Opportunities
• Neuroscience Research Practicum & Laboratories
• Summer Neuroscience Program
• Research Independent Study in Neuroscience
• Graduation with Distinction
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Neuroscience Teaching Lab
• Student Spotlights
• Neuroscience Graduation 2024 Program
• Other Job Boards
• Student Organizations
• Cognition & the Brain
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Systems and Integrative Neuroscience
• Admitting Faculty
• Application FAQ
• Financial Support
• Teaching Opportunities
• Departmental Graduate Requirements
• MAP/Dissertation Committee Guidelines
• MAP/Oral Exam Guidelines/Timeline
• Dissertation and Final Examination Guidelines
• Awards for Current Students
• Teaching Resources
• Instructor/TA Guidelines
• Faculty Mentorship Vision Statement
• All Courses
• Psychology: Course Sequence
• Psychology: Methods Courses
• Neuroscience: Course Clusters
• Neuroscience: Courses By Category
• Primary Faculty
• Joint Graduate Training Faculty
• Instructional Faculty
• Secondary Faculty
• Graduate Students
• Postdocs, Affiliates, and Research Scientists
• Faculty Research Labs
• Research News Stories
• Child Studies
• Community Volunteers
• Charles Lafitte Foundation: Funding Support
• Meet Our Alumni
• For Current Students
• Assisting Duke Students
• Neuroscience Graduation 2023 Program
• Psychology Graduation 2023 Program
• Giving to the Department

APA-Accredited Programs

Find a program that's right for you., search for accredited programs.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 SITE VISITS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, site visits for the majority of programs scheduled to be visited in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 have been shifted. Please note that the “next site visit date” listed for each program does not represent an expiration of accreditation. It represents a timeline for a program’s next periodic review. The accreditation status of the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 programs will not be impacted by site visit delays. Cycle shifts are listed here . 

Other Accreditation Statuses

Accredited program lists, related pages.

Choosing a Program

Get Accredited

Why APA Accreditation Matters

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation

750 first st, ne  washington, dc 20002-4242 [email protected], telephone: (202) 336-5979  tdd/tty: (202) 336-6123  fax: (202) 336-5978 .

Doctor of Psychology Programs in America

1-25 of 197 results

Stanford University Department of Humanities and Sciences

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Graduate School

Stanford University ,

Graduate School ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

The Graduate School at Duke

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Current Master's student: The program is the best in the nation. It is the origin of the profession and it has helped developed it to what it is today. They seem to ver much involve alumni and are involved in your future. ... Read 5 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The program is the best in the nation. It is the origin of the profession and it has helped developed it to what it is today. They seem to ver much involve alumni and are involved in your future. .

Read 5 reviews.

Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale

Graduate School •

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

• • Rating 4.64 out of 5   126

College of Arts, Sciences and Education - Florida International University

Florida International University •

College of Arts and Sciences - University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming •

LARAMIE, WY

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Rice School of Social Sciences

Houston, TX •

Rice University •

Blue checkmark.

Rice University ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

• Find college scholarships

College of Arts and Science

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

Hanover, NH •

Dartmouth College •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Alum: I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary learning. Guarini is well integrated within the College, which provides a unique world-class learning experience. Guarini went beyond my expectations and made this experience the best I had and will ever have in my life. The only thing I would like changed is having a GRAD diploma in Latin instead of English to keep up with College tradition. ... Read 1 review

Dartmouth College ,

HANOVER, NH ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had a beautiful life-changing experience at the grand Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. The Guarini graduate program MALS created so many beautiful opportunities in interdisciplinary... .

Read 1 reviews.

College of Arts and Letters - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research and career path matter. I loved this most. I feel taken seriously and supported with every possible resources for my mental, academic and career success. One gets many opportunities to grow talents through research, and presentations with helpful and supportive feedback from students and professors. For these reasons, I find it a place to be! On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research... On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. .

Read 2 reviews.

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Rackham School of Graduate Studies

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

Master's Student: The Landscape Architecture program at UMich School for Environment and Sustainability is rooted in advancing sustainable design and ecological function, rather than pure aesthetics. We have some amazing faculty very dedicated to this mission, some of whom are legends within the field. This program attracts and retains students who are diverse, passionate, friendly and helpful, and the experience at this school has been very rewarding. The curriculum is challenging but thought provoking, and everyone in the studios is happy and willing to help, fostering a warm sense of comradery and support. ... Read 5 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says The Landscape Architecture program at UMich School for Environment and Sustainability is rooted in advancing sustainable design and ecological function, rather than pure aesthetics. We have some... .

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Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Georgetown University

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We are informed of the professors office time and so we can email them to make inquiries and get assistance when needed. We make presentations during class which train us to become more bold and be able to communicate the concepts easily. We are able to discuss and critic writings independently. We work on projects in groups of about 3-4 and discuss findings to the entire class and professor. We review research papers and make meta-analyses inform of class projects. The program is well structured and i am gaining skills. My worst experience is having to worry about Tuition and other related school bills. ... Read 2 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We... .

UCLA College of Letters and Science

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

Dietrich College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Pittsburgh, PA •

Carnegie Mellon University •

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study ... Read 1 review

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

Laney Graduate School

Atlanta, GA •

Emory University •

Master's Student: I chose the graduate programs at Emory because they are ranked among the best in the country. The school of nursing also provides the clinical experiences, something many of the online only nurse practitioner programs do not do. ... Read 2 reviews

Emory University ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says I chose the graduate programs at Emory because they are ranked among the best in the country. The school of nursing also provides the clinical experiences, something many of the online only nurse... .

UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

College of Arts & Sciences - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ,

CHAPEL HILL, NC ,

College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

College of Arts and Sciences - Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA •

Lehigh University •

Lehigh University ,

BETHLEHEM, PA ,

Virginia Tech College of Science

Blacksburg, VA •

Virginia Tech •

Virginia Tech ,

BLACKSBURG, VA ,

College of Public Health & Health Professions - University of Florida

Gainesville, FL •

University of Florida •

University of Florida ,

GAINESVILLE, FL ,

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Boston University

Boston, MA •

Boston University •

Boston University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

University of Wyoming

• • Rating 4.42 out of 5   24

Lewis College of Science and Letters

Illinois Institute of Technology •

CHICAGO, IL

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2

Mississippi State University

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS

• • Rating 4.52 out of 5   50

Showing results 1 through 25 of 197

Best Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs

Ranked in 2020, part of Best Health Schools

Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental illness

Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental illness and psychological disorders. Graduates may find work in private practice, schools and health care facilities. These are the top clinical psychology programs at the Ph.D. and/or Psy.D. level. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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Psychology Graduate Program

• Psychology Department

The  Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences welcomes applications for admission from individuals who have or will have by the time of matriculation a BA, BS, or equivalent undergraduate degree (for prospective international students, a three- or four-year undergraduate degree from an institution of recognized standing) and actively seeks applicants from groups historically  underrepresented in graduate schools . All degree candidates are admitted for full-time study beginning in the fall term.

Immigration status does not factor into decisions about admissions and financial aid. For more information, see  Undocumented at Harvard .

If you already hold a PhD or its equivalent, or are an advanced doctoral candidate at another institution, you may apply to a PhD program only if it is in an unrelated field of study; however, preference for admissions and financial aid will be given to those who have not already had an opportunity to study for a doctoral degree at Harvard or elsewhere. You may also want to consider pursuing non-degree study through our  Special Student or Visiting Fellow  programs.

Eligible Harvard College students with advanced standing may apply in the fall of their junior year to earn an AM or SM degree during their final year of undergraduate study. Interested students must contact the  Office of Undergraduate Education  for eligibility details before applying.

Questions about the application or required materials should be directed to the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions Office at  [email protected] or 617-496-6100. 

Harvard Griffin GSAS does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification. 

Required Application Materials

Please refer to Completing Your Application on the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions site for details.  A complete application consists of:

Online application form

Application fee payment* ($105)

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation (at least 3)

Statement of purpose

Personal statement

Demonstration of English proficiency

GRE General exam scores ( please note that our GRE requirements have changed for candidates seeking Fall 2025 admission ):   -  required for applicants to the Clinical Science area  -  optional but recommended for applicants to the Social, Developmental, and CBB areas* As of May 2024, GRE General exam scores will be required for all applicants seeking Fall 2026 admission. 

Harvard Griffin GSAS may request additional academic documents, as needed.

Application fee waivers are available to those for whom payment of the application fee would be financially challenging. Applicants can determine eligibility for a fee waiver by completing a series of questions in the Application Fee section of the application. Once these questions have been completed, the application system will provide an immediate response regarding fee waiver eligibility.

*Graduate student admissions are among the most important decisions we make as a department. Like many other PhD programs around the US and abroad, we have wrestled with the question of whether we should continue to require that applicants to our PhD program submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of their application. After extensive review of the scientific literature and robust discussion among our faculty, we have decided to continue to make submission of GRE scores optional, but to Recommend that students submit GRE scores if they are able to do so. We wanted to share our candid thoughts on this here.  

A number of empirical and review papers have noted that performance on the GRE is not a strong predictor of performance on a number of graduate school metrics (e.g., correlation with graduate school GPA = .21-.31, which represent small to medium effect sizes; Woo et al., 2023) and that the fact that the significant group differences (by race/ethnicity and gender) in GRE scores suggest it may discourage those from underrepresented groups from applying to PhD programs. Other research has shown that although there are limitations to the GRE, other potential predictors of success in graduate school have even smaller correlations with such outcomes, and removing the GRE would lead us to rely on these other potentially biased factors, such as where a person received their undergraduate degree, what research lab they had the opportunity to train in, and letters of recommendation.(1) We have heard anecdotally from current and former PhD students (including those historically underrepresented in PhD programs) who argue that the GRE helped them demonstrate their abilities when they didn’t attend a top undergraduate institution or work in a well-known research lab.  

On balance, we acknowledge that the GRE is an imperfect test and should not be used as the single deciding factor in admissions; however, we fear that excluding it altogether will introduce more, not less, bias into the admissions decision-making process. Thus, we have decided to keep the submission of GRE scores optional, but to recommend that students submit their scores if they are able to do so.  

We know that many students might expect that we are looking for near-perfect scores as a requirement for admission. We are not. We do not use a rigid threshold for GRE scores, and take it into consideration with other factors (e.g., strong performance in undergraduate statistics might be used to demonstrate quantitative abilities in place of strong performance on the quantitative section of the GRE). To be transparent about this, we note that our past 10 years’ of admitted PhD applicants have had scores on the GRE ranging on the Quantitative section from the 38th to the 98th percentile, and on the Verbal section ranging from the 59th to the 99th percentile.(2 )

We will continue to work toward determining how to make admissions decisions in a way that identifies the candidates who match best with what our PhD training program has to offer and in doing so may make further adjustments to our admissions requirements in future admissions cycles.  

(1) For a review of these issues, see: Woo, S. E., LeBreton, J. M., Keith, M. G., & Tay, L. (2023). Bias, Fairness, and Validity in Graduate-School Admissions: A Psychometric Perspective. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(1), 3–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916211055374  

(2) Note: Test scores were not required for the past 3 years and so are largely unavailable for that period. 

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Course Descriptions 

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

  Hello and welcome to the Graduate Student section of our website.

Northwestern University's Psychology Department is one of the strongest and most prestigious departments in the United States. We offer Ph.D. programs in five areas: Clinical Psychology; Personality, Development, and Health Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Brain, Behavior, & Cognition (BBC); and Social Psychology. Faculty and graduate students in all five areas are conducting some of the most exciting and influential research being done in the psychological sciences today. Graduate students in our program receive rigorous training in methodology, statistics, and broad content areas in psychology and the behavioral sciences. From the first year onward, graduate students are involved in research projects under the supervision of Psychology Department faculty members. Early in their graduate school careers, they present the findings of their work at professional conferences and publish their research in leading psychological journals. They also receive invaluable experience as teachers and mentors of undergraduate students. Northwestern's Psychology Department aims to train the best and brightest of the next generation's scientists in Psychology and the related behavioral sciences. Our graduates have gone on to attain prestigious academic and research positions in universities, colleges, hospitals, and other venues where psychological research is conducted.

All Ph.D. students in the Psychology Department receive full funding (tuition and stipend) for five academic years (including four summers). Many graduate students also receive outside funding through NSF fellowships and other awards. Students work closely with faculty in the Psychology Department in class work and in the laboratory. In addition, students may take courses and do research with faculty in other departments at Northwestern University, including those in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and Social Policy, and the Medical School. Many students are involved in interdisciplinary research.

Northwestern's Psychology Department offers an exciting, dynamic, and friendly community of scientists and scholars, set on the beautiful lakefront campus of a world-class university, minutes from one of the world's greatest cities, Chicago. If you would like to learn more about our community and our programs, please contact us.

Program Areas for Graduate Study

• Brain, Behavior, and Cognition
• Personality, Development, and Health

For more information about graduate study at Northwestern:

The Graduate School http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/

Psychology Headlines

From around the world.

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Source: Psychology News Center

Northern Illinois University Department of Psychology College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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Graduate Programs

We invite you to join us in the graduate study of psychology. We offer programs in six areas:

• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive and instructional psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Neuroscience and behavior
• School psychology
• Social-industrial/organizational psychology

Our programs integrate basic and applied aspects of psychology. You'll gain an understanding of the theoretical content of your area, as well as the research skills needed to become a competent and creative investigator.

We'll prepare you to succeed in academic settings, as well as in a variety of mental health, educational, physical health and organizational settings. If you focus on clinical, school or industrial/organizational psychology, you'll receive practicum experience to develop your skills in those areas. If you focus on school psychology, you can pursue certification as a school psychologist at the same time.

Approximately 115 students enroll in our programs each year. This includes about 25 students who are either in internships or completing their dissertations while working off campus.

Related Links

• Application Materials
• Financial Assistance
• Graduate Catalog Course Descriptions
• Graduate Student Manual  (PDF)
• Research Resources
• Graduate School Fellowships Page
• M.A. in Psychology
• Ph.D. in Psychology

Degrees Offered

Our programs lead to Ph.D. degrees. You'll complete a master's degree with a research thesis as part of your program of study. The exception is school psychology, which offers a master’s +30, as well as the doctoral degree, both of which include professional educator licensure.

Enrollment Requirement

You must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours per semester) throughout your graduate program. We do not offer a part-time option. All classes take place on the DeKalb campus. We do not offer online or night classes.

Financial Support

In general, we'll provide you with financial assistance if you're making satisfactory progress in your program. The support is usually in the form of a research or teaching assistantship, which includes a partial waiver of your tuition costs.

Application Considerations

Your application materials will be reviewed by faculty members in your area of study, not by the department as a whole. You'll be evaluated with respect to your potential to complete a Ph.D. degree (except for applications to the school psychology master’s +30 program).

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted for fall admission only. All application materials must be received by the appropriate deadline below to ensure priority consideration.

Important Notes Regarding Graduate Applications for Fall 2024

If you are applying to begin one of our six graduate programs in fall 2024, please note the following:

• The graduate record exam (GRE) is not required.
• Some programs will hold virtual interviews with their top-ranked candidates. For more information on how your program of interest is planning to proceed, please visit their webpage.
• We are committed to communicating clearly with you. If you have any questions, we recommend emailing the director of your program of interest. You can find their name and email address on the program page.
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive and Instructional Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Neuroscience and Behavior
• School Psychology
• Social-Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Department of Psychology Psychology-Computer Science Building room 400 815-753-0372

Director of Graduate Studies Kevin Wu, Ph.D [email protected]

Graduate Studies Assistant [email protected]

Admission Questions [email protected]

Psychology, PhD (Social Psychology)

On this page:.

The doctoral program in Psychology with an emphasis on social psychology is designed to train researchers to use rigorous scientific methods to uncover the fundamental principles underlying social behavior and to address practical questions about everyday relations among people.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: Psychology, PhD

The doctoral program in Psychology with an emphasis on social psychology is a component of the  Robert B. Cialdini Social Psychology Laboratories  designed to train researchers to use rigorous scientific methods to uncover the fundamental principles underlying social behavior and to address practical questions about everyday relations among people. Our students combine continuous involvement in research with a series of courses designed to provide broad substantive knowledge, as well as methodological and quantitative expertise.

Since its implementation in 1973, the psychology Ph.D. program with an emphasis in social psychology at ASU has greatly grown and is now widely recognized as among the best such programs in the country. How do we account for this success?  Probably the best answer is that the faculty and students of the ASU social psychology program have been a highly productive group over the years in conducting research at the national and international level and in teaching at the university level. The unique collaboration between faculty mentors and graduate students provides a commitment to solutions for real-world problems, such as cultural biases and how we can all work towards universal goals. 

 The goals of our program are to:

• provide a setting in which students can grow toward mature roles as researchers, marketing professionals, social workers, counselors, teachers, and consultants in basic and applied areas of social psychology.
• advance basic knowledge in psychology and apply that knowledge to society; and
• make continuing contributions to our discipline through the achievements of the program’s graduates.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for PhD program, you must complete the application through ASU's online portal AND submit your material through  Slideroom .

The Robert B. Cialdini Social Psychology Research Laboratories

CARMA Lab  (Cohen)

Cooperation and Conflict Lab  (Aktipis)

Cultural Ecology Lab  (Varnum)

Culture and Decision Science Network Lab  (Kwan)

Evolutionary Social Psychology Co-Laboratory  (Kenrick-Neuberg-Becker-Varnum)

Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior Lab  (Neuberg)

SPLAT Lab  (Shiota)

Fellowships   Faculty Research Labs

Student Handbook

Concentrations

Areas of Interest

The productivity of the doctoral program in Psychology has been facilitated by two main factors:

1. Our faculty value one another's work and enjoy collaborating on research projects. It is common for faculty to publish jointly, and it is almost invariably the case that, when a faculty member produces an article or book chapter, at least one student from the program is a co-author;

2. The dialogue between traditional theoretical/academic perspectives on social psychology and the view that social psychology can be profitably applied to social problems, business, health, and family.

Several of the faculty combine social psychological theory with direct application to societal issues. Accordingly, the Program has developed an international reputation for providing a dual emphasis in these complementary arenas of theoretical and applied work. 

A minimum of 84 hours is required across five years. Students are expected to conduct a first-year project under the direct supervision of the student’s advisor. Following the first-year project, students will undertake a Master's Thesis. Additionally, all students will be required to complete a 12-credit dissertation and defense at the end of their PhD.  Please see accordion below for year breakdown:

Courses and electives

Students in the Social Psychology training area ordinarily receive coursework training in four distinguishable areas: 1. Social Psychology, 2. Quantitative Methods, 3. Psychological Foundations, 4. Research Activites.

The coursework for each student is individualized and based on the student's year, previous training, and faculty mentor. Each student will participate in research with faculty while completing their doctoral program. 

Students will take three core courses covering Social Psychology, four core courses covering Quantitative Methods, and three Social Psychology electives to expand their breadth of study, and one graduate level elective. Students will also be expected to participate in research courses and a doctoral dissertation. 

See the accordion below to see the breakdown of electives and requirements. 

At a Glance

• Location:   Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement:  No

Degree Requirements

The 84-hour program of study includes a first-year project, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive, a prospectus and a dissertation. Prospective doctoral candidates should have a passion and interest in social science, have demonstrated research skills in a senior thesis and have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA. 

Admission Requirements

The Department of Psychology application process is completed online through  ASU Graduate Admissions . Prospective students must submit the admission application form along with the fee and official transcripts.

For the department’s doctoral programs, students must submit supplemental application materials through  SlideRoom , which requires an additional fee. For complete instructions for applying to the PhD program, visit our  Doctoral Admission requirements  page.

In the initial year of residence , students take the first course of the social psychology proseminar series; a seminar for current topics in social psychology; and quantitative and methodology courses. Immediately upon entering the program students also become involved in one or more research programs where they directly work with faculty members. These research affiliations are flexible and it is expected that students will participate in research with several faculty members while completing the doctoral program. 

Fall Semester:

• PSY 551 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 530 ANOVA Statistics
• PSY 591a Current Topics in Social
• PSY 592 Research

Spring Semester:

• PSY 531 Mult. Corr & Regr. Statistics
• PSY 600 Experimental Design Research
• Social Psychology Recommended Elective

In the second year , students take the second course in the social psychology proseminar series; continue to develop their statistical knowledge and skills; and complete and defend an independent research project to be reported as a master's thesis in passing for the M.A. degree. In the second and third year of a student's residence, he/she is also expected to enroll in the advanced courses available in the social psychology program. In addition, students are required during their time in the program to take two courses in other areas of psychology and are encouraged to begin enrolling in other relevant courses within the department and across the university.

• PSY 550 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 532 Multivariate Statistics
• PSY 599 Thesis Research (3–6 hrs)
• Psychology Core Required Elective
• Q & M Required Elective
• PSY 599 Thesis Research (3–6 hours)
• Master’s Degree awarded

 In the third year, students concentrate much of their effort on the development of a major area paper.

There are currently three options for this project:

• Option 1  is to review and integrate a substantive topic in social psychology. This paper follows the model of articles in Psychological Bulletin, Psychological Review, or Personality and Social Psychology Review.
• Option 2  is to prepare a grant proposal—often a pre-doctoral fellowship application—for submission to a major federal agency or private foundation. Such proposals may be for a program of basic or applied research.
• Option 3  is to perform and report a meta–analysis, a quantitative technique for distilling major findings from existing literature.

When the project has been completed and accepted by the faculty, it becomes the basis for an oral exam that focuses in part on the content defined by the project and in part, on the student's level of preparation within other topics in social psychology and related topics across the entire discipline ("comprehensives”). Upon defending this examination, the student is advanced to Ph.D. candidacy.

• Social Psychology Required Elective
• Q&M Required Elective
• PSY 792 Research (3–6 hrs)
• PSY 792 Research (3–9 hours)

Comprehensive Examination

+ Year 4 & 5

Year 4 (& 5)

The fourth and, typically, fifth years of enrollment  are devoted to continuing research projects and the doctoral dissertation. The student may also acquire teaching experience and undertake additional coursework. The program offers a graduate teaching seminar that includes supervised teaching experience that students may take after earning their master's degree. In addition, the formal curriculum is supplemented by a bi–weekly informal research meeting in which all members of the program participate. The whole social psychology group meets in the evening at a faculty member’s home to share ideas about research projects in the formative stages of development. The seminar is highly interactive and lively, providing useful feedback while offering a training ground for young critics.

• Elective PSY 792 Research (9 hours)
• Dissertation Prospectus
• Elective PSY 799 Dissertation (9 hrs)
• PhD awarded. 

+ Projects, Thesis, Dissertation (12 credit hours)

First Year Project . The first year project involves designing, conducting, and reporting research under the direct supervision of the student’s advisor.  By the end of the student’s first semester, two additional faculty members, called "readers," are selected to assist in the development of the project. The student must meet with the readers (either separately or as a committee) at least once. Also by the end of the first semester, the student will give a presentation of the plans for the first year project. No later than two weeks before the end of the second semester, the student provides to all faculty a written draft describing the project. The readers provide feedback to the student. The student gives an oral presentation to the Seminar by the end of the student's second semester.

Master’s Thesis.  The master's thesis is typically undertaken in the second year and defended during the third year. It is an original piece of research, closely supervised by the research advisor and an advisory committee. The thesis leads to the MA degree, which is considered to be a "masters in passing."  After forming a master’s thesis committee, the student must complete a three-step process:  (1) defend a written prospectus; (2) after data collection, conduct a “data meeting” at which the analyses are reviewed by the committee; and (3) pass a defense of the thesis.

During the third or fourth year of doctoral studies, the student concentrates much of his or her effort on a scholarly review of the areas of Social Psychology. The student works with four committee members to put together a reading list upon which the Comprehensive Exams — written and oral — are based. The student has the choice of completing a "closed-book," two-day written exam or an "open-book," two-week written exam. The oral exam is conducted one week after the conclusion of the written exam and serves to clarify the student's answers to the written questions. Often, the literature review that the student conducts during this time period becomes the basis of the doctoral dissertation.

Doctoral Dissertation (12 hours)

The doctoral dissertation is an extensive piece of original research that demonstrates the capability of the student to act as an independent scholar and use experimental methods. The dissertation is closely supervised by the research advisor and three additional faculty members who constitute the dissertation committee. As with the master’s thesis, there are three components. First, the student writes a formal dissertation proposal and defends it to the committee. After the defense, the student is admitted to PhD candidacy by the Graduate College. Second, following data collection, there is a "data meeting" at which the analyses are reviewed by the committee. The process culminates with the student's defense of the dissertation before the committee and the academic community.

Ideally, the typical student’s program of study will take five years for completion. In recognition that the program enrolls students who have basic and applied interests that may require specialized training experiences involving additional coursework or will engage in time-consuming community-based research, the program allows for some flexibility in milestone timing for students who demonstrate excellence in other areas of performance.

This flexibility reflects negotiations with the student’s faculty advisor/mentor. The program faculty shall monitor student progress towards training goals. The student's annual evaluation will include specific feedback about what the student is expected to do to stay on track with regard to milestone timing. Students who do not meet timing expectations will be put on probation. After a year of probationary status, progress will be considered unsatisfactory if expectations continue to be unmet.

To be considered as making satisfactory progress, students who enter the psychology PhD program with a bachelor’s degree must:

Successfully defend their master's within three years,

Complete and defend the comprehensive examination within two years following completion of the Masters, oral defense, and

Complete and defend the dissertation within two years following completion of the comprehensive examination.

To be considered as making satisfactory progress, students who enter the psychology PhD program with a master’s degree must:

Complete and defend the comprehensive examination within four years, and

+ Core Courses (24 credit hours)

1. Social Psychology REQUIRED COURSES:

• PSY 550 Advanced Social Psychology
• PSY 591 Current Topics in Social Psychology

2. Quantitative / Methods   REQUIRED COURSES:

• PSY 530  Intermediate Statistics
• PSY 531  Multiple Regression in Psychological Research
• PSY 532  Analysis of Multivariate Data
• PSY 600  Design of Experiments in Social Psychology

+ Electives (6 credit hours)

1. Social Psychology REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will take at least three additional content courses in social psychology from among those courses and seminars offered by the social psychology faculty. 

2. Quantitative / Methods   REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will  take at least one additional graduate level course in quantitative and Methodological areas related to social psychological research to improve their technical skills. These courses may be taught by department faculty, or, with the approval of the program, be offered by related departments on campus. RECOMMENDED:

• PSY 555 Quasi–Experimental Designs for Research

3. Psychological Foundations   REQUIRED ELECTIVES: Students will take at least two courses in the development, biological, cognitive, or clinical bases of human behavior that will enable the student to bring a broader perspective to creative scholarship. These courses, from at least two of the bases of behavior mentioned above, are taught by psychology department faculty and must be approved by the program.

+ Research Activities (42 credit hours)

4. Research Activities Students are required to develop competence in one or more substantive areas of research and theory, in which the student attempts to make a unique scholarly contribution.

This is typically achieved by: 

1) involvement in the ongoing research program of one or more mentors, for which the student receives academic credit through the Supervised Research courses, such as:

2) Master's Thesis (PSY 599) and Dissertation (PSY 799) courses, and

3) passing the comprehensive examination requirement. The three sets of required electives stated above should be regarded as default assumptions, and are viewed as appropriate for the typical social psychology student in the program. Individual needs and goals may vary from this typical pattern, and exceptions and substitutions may be proposed to the program. Only under unusual circumstances will petitions be approved that attempt to make substitutions for the eight required courses listed above. Advisors should be consulted before enrolling in courses that are intended to meet breadth requirements.

PROGRESS REPORTS : All students submit progress reports and self–evaluations to the program each year. This document describes progress towards meeting the student's curricular goals as well as updating his/her research agenda. It proposes any modifications to the earlier curricular plan, together with justification for these changes. It identifies short–term plans for the next year that fit with the student's longer term training goals. This document is used by the program faculty as its basis for providing evaluative and, if needed, corrective feedback each year. 

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• PsyD vs PhD

The Comprehensive Guide to Psy.D. Programs

Distinct from a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, a Psy.D. is often the next academic step after a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or another behavioral science, and the end result quite often is becoming licensed to practice as a psychologist.

While not everyone who earns the degree will go on to earn licensure and practice as professional psychologists, for the bulk of students working toward that degree, such a role is their primary career objective.

It’s not difficult to see what makes psychologist jobs and practices so appealing. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a typical psychologist earns more than $80,000 per year, while industrial-organizational psychologists, or those with specialized training, can expect to make nearly $95,000. With a median annual wage in the U.S. of just $39,000, these jobs are comparatively lucrative.

These roles are in high demand, with no slowdown projected in job availability. In fact, through 2028, demand for psychologists is expected to grow by 14%, nearly triple the growth rate of all jobs (5%) in the American economy. And that’s before factoring in the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which has exacerbated an already serious mental health crisis in the United States.

What’s on This Page

Psy.d. vs. ph.d., different types of psy.d. degrees, psy.d. program accreditation.

• Best Psy.D. Programs
• Accredited Psy.D. Programs Near Me

Career Outlook for Psy.D. Graduates

• Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

What are the biggest differences between a Psy.D. and Ph.D . and why does the best fit for each person depend on the job they’d eventually like to get? While both are doctoral degrees and represent the highest possible achievement in the field, the student experience is wildly different.

Program focus

• Psy.D.: Mix of coursework and clinical experience, often in real-world mental health settings.
• Ph.D.: Mix of coursework and lab-based or other academic research

Ideal career outcome

• Psy.D.: Licensed psychologist
• Ph.D.: Professor or academic researcher

Program length

• Psy.D.: 4-6 years
• Ph.D.: 5-8 years

While it’s entirely possible for a student with either type of degree to become a licensed psychologist or an academic researcher — indeed, many people in the field do both — a good rule of thumb is that if your career goal is working directly with individuals to help them resolve their mental health or behavioral issues, a Psy.D. is most likely the best degree you can get. You’ll still undergo a rigorous course of academic study, but that will be paired with or help set up, depending on the program, experiences in a clinical setting.

It’s also important to note that in some cases, students may be able to enter Psy.D. programs right out of college, while that’s less common with a Ph.D. program. Some students may find it helpful to complete a master’s degree in psychology or a related field before pursuing a Psy.D., as the coursework can be intensely challenging, often including many of the following topics:

• Psychopathology
• Group and Organizational Dynamics
• Advanced Statistics
• Life Span Human Development
• Empirical Research
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Ethics and Professional Issues

Regardless of the specific type of degree they pursue, once the program is completed, prospective psychologists are required in every state to pass a licensure exam before they can begin legally practicing as psychologists, and many employers who hire individuals at jobs other than psychologist may require licensure despite the job title.

Depending on the institution, it may be possible to earn a highly focused or specialized Psy.D. degree . Let’s explore how the five most common types differ when it comes to the types of courses and eventual career.

• Clinical: These Psy.D. programs are by far the most common, and many schools that offer Psy.D. degrees only offer them in clinical psychology. While that makes these versatile degrees, enabling students to pursue licensure in psychology and seek a wide range of jobs, it also means that students may need to craft a specialty themselves with the electives they choose.
• School: Psy.D. degrees in school psychology are the second most commonly offered type of Psy.D. degree, with a programmatic focus on young people and education. In some cases, graduates will seek further education to become school counselors or psychologists, while others may choose to work with young people in mental health crises.
• Counseling: The third most commonly offered Psy.D. focuses on counseling, which is a degree that prepares individuals to conduct assessments and provide counseling services to all individuals, not only those with pathological or chronic behavioral health problems. Relevant coursework for these degrees can include classes like abusive relationships, group counseling and human sexuality.
• Forensic: Something of a specialty Psy.D., degrees in forensics are aimed at people who are interested in working within the legal or civil court system, including working with law enforcement, defense teams or as victim advocates. Coursework covers psychology but also touches upon courses dealing with law and courts.
• Correctional: Slightly related to a Psy.D. in forensic psychology, degrees in correctional psychology deal with criminal justice-related topics, but these degree programs tend to focus on those who have been accused or convicted of crimes and are housed in correctional settings like prisons or jails. In addition to general training in psychology, people pursuing a correctional Psy.D. would take coursework focusing on criminal justice, courts and the penal system.

For any degree-seeker at any level, attending a program that has been accredited by the major bodies in their field of study is crucial. After all, this signals to others, including potential new employers, that an applicant has graduated from a reputable, rigorous program that meets all the requirements set forth by the accrediting body. In other words, that a well-regarded institution vouches for the degree holder.

EXPERT VOICE : If the student wants to practice as a psychologist, then I would urged them to look to an APA accredited graduate degree program offering the doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree. If they desire a career that will prepare them for practice but primarily to teach and do research then a university offering an APA accredited PhD program is best . –  George Geysen , Psy.D.  Doctor of Clinical Psychology ,  University of Hartford. Currently  a psychologist in private practice. 

For Psy.D. degree programs, accreditation by the American Psychology Association (APA) is the gold standard, but this is not the only organization that offers accreditation to Psy.D. degree programs. Many very well known and successful psychologists have forgone an APA specific program and opted instead for the convenience of an Online program.

Other accreditation bodies to know include:

• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
• Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)
• Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
• Higher Learning Commission

What makes APA accreditation so sought-after? In a word: Selectivity. The organization accredits only a tiny percentage of the colleges and universities that apply, and those that do earn the endorsement are required to publish annually a series of data points related to how effective the program is at training psychologists. This includes things like total degrees granted, the typical number of years required to graduate, the percentage of students who get internships and, crucially, the percentage of graduates who earn professional licensure. For prospective students, these data points are critical in judging which programs are best among those they’re considering.

Best Psy.D Programs According to Professors

These are the highest-ranked Psy.D programs:

• Rutgers University
• PGSP/Stanford University Consortium
• Baylor University
• Loyola University Maryland
• Pepperdine University
• Long Island University
• Yeshiva University
• Xavier University
• University of Hartford

See all PsyD university reviews. 

Best Psy.D. Programs According to PsyDPrograms.org

Our mission at PsyPrograms.org is to foster a social community for clinical psychologists around the world in which to educate, inform and share. As part of that mission, we set out to rank the best PsyD programs in the United States and share that information with you, our community.

To do this, we surveyed dozens of our members currently searching for a PsyD program on what they consider to be important decision-making factors. Based on the survey results, we focused on four key metrics to determine the best programs: affordability, completion time, degrees conferred, and internship placement.

To determine our rankings, we evaluated over 80 APA accredited Psy.D programs and assigned points based on each metric.

See All 50 Best APA Accredited Psy.D. Programs for 2023

Psy.D. Programs by State

While Psy.D. degrees are growing in popularity, not every school offers this degree. Click below to see details about the best Psy.D. degree programs near you.

What jobs are out there for Psy.D. graduates, and what can sought-after applicants expect to earn? Let’s take a look at a few potential job titles and see what federal jobs data has to say about them.

Annual income

Employment growth, 2018-2028

Frequently Asked Psy.D. Questions

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions related to Psy.D. degree programs and institutions that offer them.

Q: Is a Psy.D. a doctor? A: Yes, a person who has completed a doctoral program, such as the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), is a doctor. Whether that person uses the abbreviation professionally is a personal choice, though, as many people who work as licensed psychologists, which is often the career goal of those who earn a Psy.D., prefer to use only their names and not the title of “Dr.” in front of their names.

Q: How many years is a Psy.D. program? A: This varies depending on the program and the degree, but it’s safe to assume it will take the average Psy.D. 4-5 years to get their degree. Many programs can be finished in as few as 4 years, but the bulk will take at least 5, including all academic coursework and required internships or practicum experiences.

Q: Are Psy.D. programs hard to get into? A: While Psy.D. programs tend to be easier to get into than Ph.D. programs, some Psy.D. programs are incredibly selective. Baylor’s Psy.D., for instance, admits only about six students per year, meaning there’s massive competition for just a handful of spots.

Q: How much do Psy.D.s make? A: Depending on the job they get and where they work, salaries for those who hold Psy.D. degrees range from about $47,000 to upwards of $100,000.

Q: Can a Psy.D. prescribe drugs? A: In Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, New Mexico and Louisiana, licensed psychologists who meet minimum educational standards can prescribe medications for certain mental health disorders. But in the remainder of states, these professionals are not permitted to prescribe drugs.

Q: Do you have to get a master’s before a Psy.D.? A: Not necessarily. In many Psy.D. degree programs, those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field are encouraged to apply, and in some programs, these post-college students will earn a master’s degree as part of their Psy.D. program. In other cases, applicants are strongly encouraged or required to earn a master’s degree before seeking admission to a Psy.D. program.

Q: Is a clinical psychologist an M.D.? A: No, M.D.s who practice in the mental health space are referred to as psychiatrists. These are individuals who have completed medical school, focusing their educational pursuits on mental health and the study of human behavior. So a psychologist is more likely a Psy.D. or Ph.D. than an M.D.

Q: What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? A: While both professionals are likely to deal with issues surrounding mental health and behavioral disorders, the biggest difference between the two is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor and a psychologist isn’t, or rather, is very unlikely to be a medical doctor. While it’s technically possible for a person to complete medical school and then go back to school to earn the Ph.D. or Psy.D. necessary to become a licensed psychologist, it’s an unlikely scenario.

See All Psy.D. FAQ’s

• American Psychological Association Accredited Schools Search
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
• Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy
• Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards

PhD vs Masters in Psychology

Key Takeaways

• A master’s degree in psychology takes about 2-4 years to complete, while a PhD takes 4-7 years to complete.
• A master’s degree in psychology prepares graduates for careers in counseling, therapy, or organizational psychology.
• A PhD in psychology can offer a deeper expertise and broader opportunities in research, academia, and specialized fields.

Are you stuck at a point in your career despite having a bachelor’s degree in psychology? Acquiring an advanced degree can help you progress and pursue rewarding career opportunities. This comprehensive guide on PhD vs master’s in psychology covers all that you’ll need to know to make an informed decision.

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Phd vs master’s in psychology.

Individuals seeking an advanced degree in psychology have two options: A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in psychology and a master’s in psychology (either an MA, Master of Arts, or an MS, Master of Science).

Your choice will significantly influence your career trajectory. A PhD is typically research-focused and oriented towards academia, while a master’s program is often more practice-oriented and can lead to licensure for clinical work.

When choosing between a master’s in psychology and a PhD, it’s crucial to consider your career aspirations, academic interests, time availability, and financial resources to make the best decision for your future.

Overview of PhD in Psychology

PhD in psychology , also known as a doctorate in psychology or doctoral degree, is a graduate degree that emphasizes original research and is designed for those aiming to become professors or researchers in academia or clinical psychologists. The program dives deep into complex statistics and research methodologies. You’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree and sometimes a master’s as a prerequisite.

A PhD program will often include comprehensive examinations, a thesis based on original research, and a longer timeline for completion, usually between 4 to 7 years. Due to the rigorous research component, many PhD programs offer various forms of funding, including assistantships, which may cover tuition and offer stipends.

Graduates with a PhD may pursue careers in a range of fields including health services, law, business, and government. Additionally, obtaining a doctoral degree is necessary for those looking to achieve licensure as a practicing psychologist.

Overview of Master’s in Psychology

Master’s in psychology, which can be obtained as a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS), generally takes a shorter time to complete than a doctorate—around 2 to 4 years. A master’s degree  typically requires about 30 credits of graduate-level coursework and may include a capstone project or thesis.

The master’s curriculum focuses on giving you practical experience through fieldwork or internships, preparing you for careers in areas such as school psychology, family therapy, or counseling psychology. With a master’s degree, you can expect to work in varied settings like hospitals, private practice, educational institutions, or business corporations.

Although a master’s degree may provide various career opportunities, for certain positions, especially those in clinical settings where you’re looking to work with patients, further licensure might be necessary. Additionally, those with a master’s degree may also work as research assistants in larger research projects, under the guidance of PhD holders.

A Comparison Between PhD and Master’s in Psychology

Before deciding between a PhD and a master’s in psychology, it’s important to understand how these degrees prepare you for different career paths and involve different financial and time commitment levels.

Similarities

• Prerequisite : Master’s and PhD degrees equip you with a deeper understanding of psychology  and a completed bachelor’s degree  is required to enroll.
• Research : In both programs, you will complete research projects to varying degrees and gain extensive knowledge of psychology.
• Employment : Both programs prepare you for diverse career opportunities within the field of psychology, such as positions in academia, clinical settings, or business.

Master’s and PhD degrees equip you with a deeper understanding of psychology, and require you to have completed a bachelor’s degree . In both graduate programs, you’ll be involved in research projects to varying degrees and gain foundational knowledge that can contribute to diverse career opportunities within the field of psychology, such as positions in academia, clinical settings, or business.

Differences

• Education : A PhD is usually focused on preparing you for a career in academia or advanced research positions. You will spend a significant amount of time conducting original research and completing a dissertation. Whereas, a master’s degree typically takes less time and is often seen as a stepping stone to a doctoral degree or a terminal degree.
• Licensure and career: If you’re aiming for roles that require licensure, like a licensed therapist or clinical psychologist, the path can differ. PhD programs usually include the required internships and practical experiences for licensure. Some master’s programs may also include them but most often require additional supervised clinical hours post-graduation.
• Time required: Completing a PhD can take anywhere from 4 to 7 years, whereas a master’s program can be finished in 1 to 3 years.
• Graduate school demand: Acceptance to PhD programs can be highly competitive due to funding opportunities like assistantships that cover tuition and offer stipends. For master’s programs, funding is less common, and they’re generally in higher demand.
• Tuition and funding : PhD students often receive tuition waivers and stipends through teaching or research assistantships, while master’s students may need to rely on scholarships, loans, or out-of-pocket payments to fund their program.

Major Distinguishing Factor

The most prominent distinction lies in the focus of the degree: A PhD is research-intensive, aiming to produce scholars who contribute original research to the field and may continue to teach or lead advanced studies. On the other hand, a master’s degree is more about direct practical application, preparing you for immediate employment within various psychology-related roles .

Whether you pursue a PhD in psychology for an academic or high-level research career or opt for a master’s to begin work sooner in a practical setting, understanding these differences is vital for aligning your education with your career aspirations.

When to Consider a PhD in Psychology

Enrolling in a PhD in psychology program signifies a commitment to deepen your expertise in the field and is a step in the right direction if your career aspirations include academia or high-level research positions. If you’re driven by a passion for original research and have a strong desire to contribute to the body of knowledge in mental health, a doctoral program is what you should aim for.

• Academic and teaching careers : With a PhD, you become qualified for faculty positions at universities where you can teach, mentor graduate students, and lead significant research projects.
• Higher salary potential : Although it depends on several factors, a PhD graduate may earn a higher salary than a master’s graduate, especially in roles like university professor or specialty researcher.
• Licensure and professional recognition : A PhD is often required for licensure as a clinical psychologist. This credential is important for practicing independently or holding senior clinical positions.

Here’s a quick breakdown of careers where a PhD is particularly beneficial:

With the demand for mental health professionals on the rise, job opportunities also expand. Your contribution to graduate studies could affect change and influence the direction of your chosen field. Additionally, funding for a doctoral program, though competitive, often covers tuition and provides a stipend, easing financial obstacles in your educational journey.

Remember, a PhD is a long-term investment in your education and career. It’s tailor-made for those who envision a future steeped in research, education, and advancing the psychological sciences.

When to Consider a Master’s in Psychology

If you’re contemplating higher education in psychology or aiming to improve and increase your career prospects without the extensive commitment of a doctoral program, a master’s in psychology  could be the right fit for you.

• Career and licensure:  If you desire to start practicing sooner, many roles in counseling, social work, and mental health require only a master’s degree for entry. This path can lead to licensure as a professional counselor or a marriage and family therapist, getting you into the field quicker.
• Education and teaching:  For teaching at a high school or community college level, a master’s degree is often enough. Educational institutions value the focused expertise a master’s program provides.
• Cost and duration:  Financial considerations are vital. Master’s programs generally take less time - typically 2 years - and psychology master’s programs present more affordable tuition options  compared to a PhD, meaning less potential student debt.
• Job opportunities:  With a growing demand for mental health professionals, a master’s degree can open various career opportunities in both government and private practice. Employers appreciate the diversity of skills that graduates bring to a wide array of jobs in the field.
• Funding:  While funding is more limited at the master’s level than for PhD programs, the general investment is often lower. This balances out, especially when considering the earlier salary earning potential due to a shorter education period.

Remember, you want to align your educational choices with your career aspirations. If your goal is to make an impact in the mental health sector without a focus on research or academia, a master’s degree could be your gateway to a rewarding professional journey.

PhD vs Master’s in Psychology: Which is Better?

When deciding between a PhD and a master’s in psychology, consider your career goals and the skills required. Each program equips you with a different set of credentials.

Master’s in psychology:

• Education : Requires less time, typically 1-2 years
• Career opportunities : Primarily suited for those seeking to enter the workforce quickly Job roles may include human resources, market research analysts, and social services managers
• Licensure : A master’s may lead to licensure for clinical practice in some states
• Tuition : Often less expensive due to the shorter duration of the program
• Salary and earnings potential : Pays less than a PhD graduate

PhD in Psychology:

• Education : A more extensive educational journey, often 4-7 years, including a dissertation
• Career opportunities : Ideal if you are aiming for a career in academia, teaching at the university level, or high-level research positions
• Licensure : Offers a pathway to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist
• Tuition : Psychology doctoral programs  can be more expensive, they may also offer more funding opportunities, such as stipends and teaching assistantships
• Salary and earnings potential : Generally higher due to the qualifications for specialized and senior roles

Industrial-organizational psychologists  and clinical psychologists  are examples of roles where a doctorate might significantly impact your earnings potential and job market competitiveness. A doctoral program prepares you for rigorous research and academic responsibilities, potentially in the field of mental health.

Deciding which is “better” between a PhD or a master’s degree heavily relies on your personal career trajectory and how you define success within the area of psychology. If your aim is to quickly join the workforce within a clinical setting or a corporate environment, a master’s could serve your needs. Should your aspirations include teaching at the university level or conducting advanced research, a PhD will offer you the necessary credentials.

Related Questions

Is a master’s in psychology the same as a phd.

Master’s programs in psychology and related fields vary in their emphasis on research. While some may include research components, others may focus more on practical applications. It’s important to research individual programs to determine their research orientation and align them with your career goals.

How long is a PhD in psychology?

Pursuing a PhD in psychology is a rigorous journey , typically lasting between 4 to 7 years. This duration includes advanced coursework, extensive research endeavors, and the completion of a dissertation. The exact timeline can vary based on factors such as program structure, research focus, and individual progress.

Is it better to have a Master’s or PhD?

Both degrees are valuable. A PhD offers deeper expertise and broader opportunities in research, academia, and specialized fields. A master’s degree provides valuable skills for careers in counseling, therapy, or organizational psychology.

When choosing between a PhD and master’s degree, it’s important to reflect on your professional aims and the kind of educational experience you prefer. While a master’s program provides foundational knowledge and professional skills, a PhD will allow you to go deeper into research methodologies and advanced scholarly study.

What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

Author: University of North Dakota May 22, 2024

Psychology has taken center stage.

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With anxiety and depression on the rise —alongside the diagnosis of various mental health disorders such as ADHD, bipolar, and autism—psychology has taken a front-row seat. There are people discussing mental health in all spaces of life, be it mainstream media, movies, books, social media, and conversations between friends and family. 

This exposure, while enlightening, only scratches the surface of the diverse field of psychology, the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychologists work across various environments and employ a multitude of methods to understand complex mental processes and behaviors. 

So, what can you do with a psychology degree? Well, given the vastness of the field, a degree in psychology opens up numerous pathways and roles, each offering unique contributions to society. Keep reading as we explore the numerous opportunities such a degree unlocks.

What is a Psychology Degree?

A psychology degree is centered on the intricate workings of the human mind and behavior. It aims to understand how and why we think and act the way we do. Common topics covered include cognitive processes, emotional and social dynamics, brain functions, and psychological disorders. 

Psychology career paths begin with a bachelor's degree as students are introduced to fundamental psychological theories and findings. Then, as students advance, they have the opportunity to specialize in more focused areas through graduate degrees or certifications, choosing paths like clinical psychology, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, or organizational psychology. 

Such advanced specializations enable graduates to apply their skills in various professional settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, corporate environments, and research institutions. Thus, a psychology degree provides a strong foundation for understanding human behavior as well as equips students with the versatility to pursue a wide range of impactful careers in both scientific and practical domains.

What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

To demonstrate the broad applicability of psychological principles across various domains and highlight the field's capacity to address diverse human needs through specialized knowledge and skills, let's examine some roles you can pursue with a degree in psychology. Each contributes uniquely to understanding human behavior and mental processes and directly impacts individual and community well-being.

1. Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are integral in mental health services, offering psychotherapy and behavioral interventions for mental illnesses ranging from depression to schizophrenia. As part of their work, they try to understand a patient's condition through psychological testing and crafting personalized treatment plans based on the results. 

Becoming a clinical psychologist requires a Psy.D. or Ph.D., followed by a supervised clinical internship of 1-2 years and successful completion of licensing exams. This extensive training prepares them to handle complex psychological issues in various settings such as clinics, hospitals, or private practice.

2. Counseling Psychologist

These psychologists perform many of the same functions as clinical psychologists but often deal with less severe psychological conditions. They focus on helping clients adjust to life transitions or cope with stress and anxiety, providing tools for personal development and better mental health management. 

Counseling psychologists work in diverse environments, including academic, health, corporate, and community sectors. To reach these professional environments, they need to have a license to practice, which typically involves obtaining a diploma from an accredited master’s or doctoral program in psychology, completing an internship, and passing state-regulated exams.

3. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological theories to organizations and the workplace to boost morale, increase productivity, and optimize organizational structure. They also engage in leadership development, training, policy planning, and recruitment strategies. Thus, these psychologists have an important role in society as they have the capacity to shape the way we work and interact during working hours. 

To take a role as an organizational psychologist, a master’s degree can be suffiecient. However, for higher-level positions a Ph.D. may be necessary.

4. School Psychologist

School psychologists are crucial in educational settings. They help students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Moreover, they collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments. 

Typical tasks may include conducting psychological assessments, counseling, and designing educational and behavior management programs. School psychologists typically require an Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.), which consists of three years of graduate study and a one-year internship.

5. Forensic Psychologist

The work of such psychologists blends psychological practices with the legal and criminal justice systems. They assess the psychological state of individuals involved in legal proceedings, prepare psychological evaluations for court cases, and provide expert witness testimony. They may also work with offenders, providing rehabilitation programs or risk assessment. 

Forensic psychologists need a doctoral degree, specialized training in forensic psychology, and a state license to practice. In addition to psychological knowledge, their work often requires them to understand legal standards, making their role particularly complex. 

6. Health Psychologist

Health psychologists focus on how behavior and social context influence health and wellness. They work to improve patient outcomes through behavioral change programs, stress management techniques, and by addressing psychosocial factors that affect health. 

This role is key in chronic disease management, preventative healthcare, and system-level intervention to promote health at a community or population level. Practitioners usually need a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in health psychology, and many also pursue postdoctoral work to specialize further, mainly if they aim to provide clinical services where licensure is required.

7. Research Psychologist

Research psychologists play a significant role in advancing the understanding of human behavior and mental processes through empirical research. These professionals design and implement studies, analyze data, and publish results that contribute to the scientific foundation of psychology. 

They often specialize in areas like cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, or social psychology and find careers in academic settings, government research institutions, and the private sector. A Ph.D. in psychology is typically necessary to lead research projects and teach at the collegiate level.

8. Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists focus on understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior. They assess cognitive function, diagnose conditions, and treat patients suffering from brain injuries or neurological disorders. 

These professionals work in hospitals, clinical settings, and research facilities. To enter the field and achieve board certification, they must undergo extensive training, including a doctoral degree in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology, followed by a postdoctoral residency in neuropsychology.

9. Rehabilitation Psychologist

These psychologists focus on helping individuals cope with disabilities and chronic health conditions, aiming to enhance their functional abilities and quality of life. They assess psychological needs, provide counseling, and develop treatment strategies that promote personal and social adjustment. 

A doctoral degree in psychology, typically specializing in rehabilitation, is necessary, along with a clinical internship and licensure to practice independently.

10. Social Worker

Lastly, social workers support individuals, families, and communities to overcome life's challenges, such as poverty, abuse, addiction, and mental illness. They provide therapy and crisis intervention as well as connect clients with other resources to improve their circumstances. 

While closely related to psychology, social work emphasizes social systems and social change, focusing on direct community involvement. A degree in social work (BSW for entry-level positions and MSW for clinical roles) is required, along with state licensure to practice clinically.

Benefits of a Psychology Degree

One of the primary benefits of a psychology degree is the vast career opportunities discussed so far. However, a psychology degree also equips individuals with a skill set that encompasses skills highly valued in any profession, making psychology graduates well-prepared for challenges and leadership roles in their chosen fields. 

Additionally, careers in psychology can be incredibly lucrative and personally satisfying. Psychologists often work directly with individuals or communities to improve their mental well-being, providing a unique opportunity to make a tangible, positive impact on others' lives. This rewarding aspect attracts many to the field.

Is a Psychology Degree Worth It?

Absolutely, a psychology degree is worth it. In addition to the rewarding career paths it encompasses, which can profoundly impact people's lives, the degrees also provide a strong foundational skill set applicable in virtually every industry today.

With the growing recognition of mental health's critical role in overall health, the demand for trained professionals in psychology is high, ensuring that graduates find meaningful and stable careers.

The Bottom Line

So, a psychology degree opens a world of possibilities, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations. Whether your passion lies in understanding the criminal mind, assisting those in need of mental health support, or exploring the depths of human cognition, UND provides the perfect starting point with its Bachelor in Psychology . 

For those aiming to specialize further, UND offers advanced opportunities, including a master's in Forensic Psychology , Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology , Counseling Psychology , and General Experimental Psychology , as well as an undergraduate certificate in Forensic Psychology . Each program is designed to deepen your expertise and enhance your professional impact. At UND, you won't just be studying psychology; you'll be preparing to help others.

What pays the most with a psychology degree? ( Open this section)

While salaries can vary widely in psychology, the highest earners typically are found in specialized areas such as clinical neuropsychology or industrial-organizational psychology, where professionals can earn six-figure salaries. These high earnings often depend on factors such as the specific role, industry, and geographic location.

Does psychology require math? ( Open this section)

Yes, psychology degrees generally require some math, particularly statistics, to support psychological research and data analysis.

What is the hardest field in psychology? ( Open this section)

Clinical psychology is often considered one of the hardest fields due to its demanding nature, intense emotional engagement, and the extensive education required to practice.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? ( Open this section)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and tend to focus on biological factors of mental health conditions, while psychologists primarily provide psychotherapy and treatment based on behavioral interventions.

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Political and Global Affairs, Full-Time Lecturer, Faculty

Job Details

• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

With an enrollment of 20,000 students, MTSU is the top producer of graduates for the Greater Nashville area, has been identified by the Princeton Review as one of the Best 385 Colleges in the U.S. for five consecutive years, and is also the top destination for transfer students in Tennessee. MTSU embraces its roles as a major comprehensive university and as the destination of choice for Tennessee undergraduates while expanding its reach nationally and internationally through signature programs and select master's, specialist, and doctoral programs. MTSU students, faculty, and staff generate, preserve, and disseminate knowledge and innovation and collaboratively promote excellence through teaching and learning, research, creative activity, and public engagement. MTSU holds the Carnegie Doctoral University: High Research Activity and Community Engagement classifications.

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching, robust research, and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty and administrators who value working with diverse students. 

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