Psychology PhD

by Frank Hilley

Searching for a Psychology PhD Program?

Many careers allow you to move to the top of the field without earning your PhD. However, psychology is not one of them. The psychology field requires that you hold a PhD in order to qualify for many of the positions, including becoming a licensed psychologist. What can you expect from a psychology PhD program?

Walden University

Psychology PhD

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of The North Central Association.

Walden University offers Psychology degree programs that can help you determine the science and theory of mental development. Delve into the minds of diverse people and discover techniques to understand how the human minds work and why people behave the way they do.

Walden University offers the following Psychology Programs:

  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Counseling
  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – General
  • Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies
  • Master of Science in Education
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – Forensic Psychology in the Community
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – General
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – Mental Health Applications
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – Program Planning & Evaluation in Forensic Settings
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – Psychology & Legal Systems
  • Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling – Forensic Counseling
  • Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling – General
  • Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling – TrauMaster’s in and Crisis
  • Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling – Forensic Counseling
  • Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling – General
  • Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling – TrauMaster’s in and Crisis Counseling
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Health Psychology
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Media Psychology
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Organizational Psychology & Nonprofit Management
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Psychology of Culture
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Psychology, Public Administration & Social Change
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Social Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – Clinical Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – Counseling Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – General
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – General Educational Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – General Research Evaluation
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – Health Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – Organizational Psychology
  • Post-Doctoral Psychology Certificate – Clinical Child Psychology

Walden University offers classes year-round so that you can complete your degree at an accelerated pace. In addition, you can study anytime and anywhere that is convenient for you.

Read more or get a program guide from Walden University.

Psychology PhD

Degree Types

There are two types of doctorate degrees in psychology.  The first is the traditional PhD. This program focuses on the research and science of psychology. Many people choose this path if they want to teach at the university level or work as a researcher. The other type of doctorate is the PsyD. This degree focuses more on being a practitioner. While those with a PsyD can also teach and perform research, those with a PsyD tend to go into practice.

What to Expect

A traditional psychology PhD program takes approximately 5-7 years to complete. This is dependent on the school you wish to attend and the specialization you choose, if any. The PsyD takes approximately 4-6 years to complete. The two programs are quite similar in their coursework. The main difference is during the dissertation process. Those earning a PhD will have to write their dissertation based on original research that they conduct. PsyD students will take a known problem and apply practical theory to it. This tends to take a shorter period than the PhD dissertation.

After Graduation

Psychologists who work in a clinical or private setting will need to be licensed. Each state has specific certification and licensing requirements. They may vary slightly. However, all states require that students hold a PhD, have completed an approved internship, and have 1-2 years of professional experience. In addition, they will have to pass an exam administered by their state’s licensing board. Only after all the requirements are met will they be considered a fully fledged psychologist.