PhD vs. PsyD Some clinical psychology programs offer a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree in lieu of the traditional research doctoral degree, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) The PhD degree is the oldest doctorate and is generally regarded as a research degree. Although many independent schools of professional psychology award the PhD degree, they typically emphasize research training integrated with applied or practice training. Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Similar to the MD in Medicine, PsyD is becoming increasingly popular among professional independent programs as a professional degree in psychology. Programs awarding the PsyD place strong emphasis on preparing their graduates for professional practice as practitioner-scholars, but typically with less research training. Pursuing the Appropriate Degree So, with all of this information, how do you decide which degree is best for you? Well, in the academic world, the PhD is preferable to the PsyD; however, in the world of clinical practice, both degrees have about the same status and functionality. And, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), currently about 75 percent of all doctoral degrees in psychology are PhD degrees.  
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