What to Expect from A PsyD Program

Earning a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) degree is generally the first step in becoming a licensed clinical psychologist. Individuals who complete these degrees can practice in a variety of settings and have many career options. The majority of PsyD programs combine classroom-based learning with internships or practicums. They are designed to prepare students for professional work in the field of psychology.

The course of study for a psychology degree will vary from school to school. However, the majority of individuals in PsyD programs will complete the same types of courses, no matter the institution that they attend. Professional ethics, therapy methods and clinical diagnosis courses will be required in almost all programs. Students generally also learn about psychotherapy and behavioral therapy.

A PsyD program can sometimes be confused with a PhD program. Both are advanced degrees in the field of psychology, but a PhD program focuses more on the theory and philosophies of psychology, whereas a PsyD program takes a more clinical, practical approach. Students who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in psychology should understand the differences between the two types of programs and match the program with their individual career goals before committing to one type of the other.

Areas of Study for PsyD Students

PsyD students can choose to specialize in a number of exciting areas. Choosing a specialty area will help students focus their studies and best prepare for their future careers. There are a number of specialties that students can choose from when pursuing the PsyD.

• Child & Adolescent Psychology
• Geropsychology
• Marriage/Couples & Family Therapy
• Neuropsychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Client-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapies
• Diversity & Multicultural Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Organizational Consulting
• Psychoanalytic Psychology
• Psychology & Spirituality

Specific study area offerings vary from school to school. Some psychology degree programs offer students the option to specialize in two to three areas. Choosing multiple specialty areas can contribute to a student's strength in this field.

Career Paths for Clinical Psychologists

When choosing specialty areas for their PsyD degrees, students may want to keep their career goals in mind. Clinical psychologists work in many settings. They may work in social services at the local, state and federal levels, in law enforcement settings, as independent consultants who testify in legal proceedings, in education settings as school psychologists and counselors, in private practice as therapist, in administrative roles in healthcare facilities; or in a variety of other setting in both the public and private sectors.

This article was written by Argosy University for the advertising benefit of Argosy University. Eyeflow LLC has been compensated to produce this article.

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