Clinical Psychology Doctoral Degrees

Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

The Clinical PsyD program is a practitioner-focused alternative to the more research-oriented PhD in Psychology. Earning a PsyD is a culmination of extensive classroom and practical training, as well as successful completion of a dissertation and clinical internship.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) - Emphasis in Family Psychology

This is a broad-based specialty that includes working with individuals, couples and families in psychotherapy and also working within other systemic contexts to provide indirect and direct service in multiple settings, including: school systems, primary health care, the justice system, and family businesses.

As part of this type of degree program, students gain expertise in Family Forensic Psychology. This emphasis is designed to prepare psychologists who are increasingly called upon to intervene with families involved with the legal system. It also prepares psychologists to work in a consulting capacity with legal professionals. Future professionals learn to assess and intervene with families who are facing divorce, child custody disputes, elder care and conservancy, custodianships, parenting challenges, adoption, family violence, community violence or involvement with the juvenile justice system.

Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (PhD)

This type of degree program prepares clinical psychologists to serve as social scientists and practitioners. This program is designed to prepare scholar-practitioners to meet real-world challenges and facilitate positive change in individuals, groups, organizations, and in local, national, and global communities. Specifically, the program prepares lifelong learners to integrate psychological theory, research, established methods of scientific inquiry, and evidence-based practice that incorporates cultural and individual diversity.

PhD vs. PsyD

Some programs offer a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree in lieu of the traditional research doctoral degree, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Learn about the Difference Between a PhD & a PsyD