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If you are thinking about a career in clinical psychology, you are in store for a lot of decisions. One big one is is to get a Master's degree (MA/MS/MSW) or a Doctorate (PhD or PsyD). Here are some big issues to think about with regard to this distinction:
1) Are there basic differences between the two types of degrees? Yes, but even here the distinction gets a bit complex. First, only a PhD degree is focused on research. Both a Master's and PsyD are more interested in applied issues. This may seem confusing, since a PsyD is a Doctorate degee, but this is the nature of a PsyD degree. Second, the time frame for completing each of these graduate degrees differs: MSW: 2 years, MA: 2 years, PsyD: 4-6 years, and PhD: 5-7 years. Third, during graduate school, typically only PhD students will receive financial support (tuition paid and a stipend) rare. This discrepancy in financial aid is tied to PhD students typically serving as Teaching Assistants/Research Assistants., and that PhD programs have fewer graduate students than PsyD and Master's programs. The issue of finacial support may be extremely important for you, because without this support you will potentialy be taking out thousands of dollars in loans. You may not realize it, but graduate school is pretty expensive! Moreover, the amount of money you will ultimaytely earn with your graduate degree may be less than you had hoped. Check out more detailed information on these points at scoutiescareersinpsychology.org .
2) What about differences with regard to applying to Master's vs. Doctorate programs? Again, there are important distinctions. In general, the state of affairs for graduate school acceptance is that there is a hierarchy, Master's programs are easier to get into than PsyD programs and PhD programs are the hardest to get into. Difficulty of being accepted can be defined in various ways. For now, let's just say that ease of being accepted is defined in terms of grades and GRE scores. Keep in mind, however, that there are always exceptions to this hierarchy. Our point is simply that the type of program you apply to may be a function of whether your grades give you a chance to be accepted. Is this fair? That is a tough iquestion, but we hope you understand that grades and GRE scores need a way to determine who to accept and these are seen as two important criteria to make these decisions.
One point to add about acceptance is that it may be the case that your undergraduate academic record is not strong enough to get into a Doctoral program. However, you can get accepted into a Master's program. If you go the Master's route and do very well in this program, this can be the springboard to then applying to being accepted to a PhD program. In this case, your performance as Master's student shows PhD programs that you can do graduate level work and that your undergraduate academic record was not indicative of your true potential.
3) Should I go to an accredited program? Regardless of whether you shoot for a Master’s or Doctoral degree, you should probably lean toward an accredited program. The reason is that these programs offer a greater range of job opportunities. For example, some employers will only hire those from accredited graduate programs (e.g., the Veterans Administration). With this in mind, if a school does not indicate that it is accredited (e.g., from the American Psychological Association) view it with caution. One other point about accredited schools is that to be licensed (certified to practice by a state) in your chosen field you sometimes need an accredited graduate degree or internship.
4) There is the issue of job opportunities and salary. In general, it is again the case that there is a hierarchy. Master’s degrees typically lead to fewer job opportunities and lower salary than Doctoral degrees. Part of this is the result of employers looking for those who have more experience and supervised training.
5) Fifth, let's bring up the issue of esearch training versus clinical practice training agin. You really need to decide which path you want to follow. If you like to conduct research, a PhD is for you. However, a Master’s degree may include some research experience. With regard to an MSW and a PsyD, they likely will offer the least research training. Keep in mind that no matter what clinical degree you pursue there will always be some discussion of research.
6) There is the issue of how much independence you want to have when you graduate. This issue brings up the issue of licensure that was raised earlier. It is a complicated issue, because every state has their own laws regarding licensure for Psychology-related degrees. It is critical that you understand the state licensing laws for where you will practice. We know that you may not be clear on where you will end up working, but just be sure you know that the state where you end up living may have very different licensing laws than what you expected or from where you originally were working. keep in mind about licensure is that once you are licensed, if you decide to go into private practice, your fee schedule is typically market driven. Check out http://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2004/01/get-licensed.aspx ) for issues about licensing
In presenting these important factors to think about with regard to a Masters vs. Doctoral degree], we of course understand that each individual has unique circumstances that must be taken in account. Still, we hope that presenting these factors gives you some food for thought as you consider your ultimate career path in clinical Psychology.
Please note that the comments of Dr. Golding and the others who post on this blog express their own opinion and not that of the University of Kentucky.
Visit our website to learn more about possible careers for psychology majors or those interested in jobs that involve psychology .
Learn how to succeed in college with Professor Golding’s blog.
Check out Dr. Lippert’s website to learn about her work as a cognitive psychologist.
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Drawbacks of getting an msw vs a phd in clinical psychology.
I am very torn as to what degree to pursue. I have applied to both programs. However, I can’t see myself wanting to focus exclusively on research, and signing up for 5+ years in school seems daunting. Are the work settings clinically very different between the two fields?
Know the facts when deciding between a master's or doctorate in clinical psych..
Posted June 13, 2016 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan
In choosing a career related to clinical psychology, there are a lot of decisions that must be made. In a previous post we discussed the Ph.D.-PsyD decision. Today, we want to explore another tough decision: Master's (e.g., MA/MS in Psychology, Marriage , and Family (Counseling) Therapy , Mental Health Counseling or MSW) versus Doctorate (Ph.D. or PsyD).
Let’s start with some basic characteristics of each type of degree. First, a Master of Psychology can be in clinical (best suited for those with an interest in psychopathological populations and behavioral health), counseling (best for those interested in vocational and career processes, human diversity, and professional training) or educational (provide counseling services to students, including those with a learning disability or those with behavioral or social problems).
Second, a Master's of Social Work (MSW) degree can be in a clinical direct practice track, or a macro-practice track (i.e., focus on political advocacy, community organizing, policy analysis and/or human services management ).
Third, a PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology degree that is best suited for those with an interest in psychopathological populations and behavioral health, and places greater emphasis on the practice of psychology and less emphasis on research. Finally, a Ph.D. (a Doctor of Philosophy degree) can be obtained in the same domains as a Master’s degree, and puts greater emphasis on research than a PsyD.
The time frame for completing each of these graduate degrees is MSW: 2 years, MA: 2 years, PsyD: 4-6 years, and Ph.D.: 5-7 years. During these years of study, it is important to note that (in general) only Ph.D. students will receive support (tuition paid and a stipend) during their years in graduate school.
Of course, there are funding exceptions, especially in cases where a university only has a Master’s program. In addition, scholarships are sometimes available to MSW, MA and PsyD students, but this is generally rare. Support during graduate school might be very important for you, because you can rack up literally tens of thousands of dollars each year in financial assistance, and the amount of money you will earn with your graduate degree may not be as high as you imagined.
Master’s and PsyD programs, in general, are unable to provide the same type of support as a Ph.D. program. Part of this is tied to the fact that typically only Ph.D. students serve as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants. Also, because Ph.D. programs have far fewer graduate students than PsyD programs, schools are able to afford to support their Ph.D. students.
As far as deciding to go Master or Doctorate degree, there are several issues to keep in mind. First, the general state of affairs for graduate school acceptance is that there is a hierarchy, with Master's programs being easier to get into than PsyD programs and Ph.D programs being the hardest to get into. For the sake of this post, ease of being accepted is defined in terms of grades and GRE scores, although other factors (e.g., clinical and research experience) do come into play. Of course, there are exceptions to this hierarchy, and you may decide to seek a degree at a for-profit school where grades and GRE score are not deemed as important as a non-profit public or private institution.
Our point is simply that your decision about going for a Master’s or Doctorate degree in a graduate program may be a function of what type of program your grades can get you into. We are not saying this is fair, but we hope you understand that schools need some way to pare down the number of students they will accept, with grades and (especially) GRE scores are seen as two important criteria to make these decisions.
We want to add one more point about all of this. It may be the case that your undergraduate academic record is not strong enough to get into a Doctoral program, but you can get accepted into a Master’s program and you do very well in this program. This can work to your advantage if you still want a Doctorate. The thinking here is that if you do well in the Master’s program, you show a Doctoral program that your undergraduate academic record was not indicative of your true potential. However, your stellar record in your Master’s program can show you have what it takes to continue your education in a Doctoral program.
The second issue to think about is the length of time you will be in graduate school. As stated above, the time in graduate school is shorter for a Master’s student than a Ph.D. student. Of course, this means a typical Master’s student can be earning a real salary a few years before a Ph.D. student. Although this is true, one must keep in mind (1) a Master’s degree leads (on average) to a lower salary than a PhD, and (2) a Master’s student will typically have some debt incurred during their two years in school. Let me add that to find out tuition costs for any APA-accredited graduate program, go to their website and look for the link that says “Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data.” I think you will be very surprised to see the tuition costs at graduate programs—they’re pretty high. As stated earlier, a Ph.D. student will typically not have any tuition debt hanging over their head. Thus the extra salary for a Master’s student in the time they are out of graduate school working compared to the stipend of a Ph.D. student will probably be offset by the debt the Master’s student must repay.
Third, whether you go for a Master’s or Doctoral degree, you need to consider issues of accreditation of your graduate program and (for Doctoral degrees) your clinical internship. The reason for this is that graduating from an accredited program will offer a greater range of job opportunities. In fact, some employers will only hire those from accredited graduate programs (e.g., the Veterans Administration). If a school does not indicate that it is accredited (e.g., from the American Psychological Association) it should be viewed with caution. With all of this in mind, you should know that to be licensed (certified to practice by a state) in your chosen field it is often the case that you need an accredited graduate degree or internship. Also, note that licensure requires supervised professional experience, an examination at both the state and national levels. Specific courses may be required if a state deems it necessary.
Fourth, as discussed earlier, you must be clear about the issue of job opportunities and salary. In general, it is the case that Master’s degrees lead to fewer job opportunities and lower salaries than Doctoral degrees. One could argue that this is a function of the amount of training--employers are looking for potential employees who have more experience and supervised training. Some might argue that in this regard, a Doctoral student has a stronger foundation of training than a Master's student.
Fifth, you need to decide how much research training versus clinical practice training you want. If you are hoping for the former, then a Ph.D. is definitely for you. A Master’s in Psychology degree may include some research experience. An MSW and a PsyD will likely offer the least research training. One must keep in mind, however, that regardless of the clinical degree you pursue, there will always be some discussion of research, since the basis of diagnoses, testing, therapeutic techniques, etc. is based on research. The key point here is that certain clinical degrees do not require you to be actually conducting research.
Finally, give some thought to how much independence you want to have when you graduate. This all revolves around the issue of licensure that was raised earlier, and it gets very complicated because every state has its own laws regarding licensure for psychology-related degrees. Make sure you understand the laws for the state where you will practice. Of course, you might not know where you will end up, but you must be aware that the state where you end up living may have very different laws than what you expected or from where you originally were working. An important point to keep in mind about licensure is that once you are licensed, if you decide to go into private practice, your fee schedule is typically market-driven.
With all of this in mind, licensure issues require you to consider the following (also check out this info from the APA ):
You need to see what are the licenses your state approves. For a PsyD and PhD, this is not a problem, because all states will have a license for a Psychologist. The issue gets tricky when you have a Master's degree, because states tend to have different types of licensure for these individuals.
In presenting these important factors to think about with regard to a Master's vs. Doctoral degree], we, of course, understand that each individual has unique circumstances that must be taken into account. Still, we hope that presenting these factors gives you some food for thought as you consider your ultimate career path in clinical psychology.
Please note that the comments of Dr. Golding, Dr. Lippert and the others who post on this blog express their own opinion and not that of the University of Kentucky.
Want more? Check out our website for more psychology-related career information.
Jonathan Golding, Ph.D. , is a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky. Anne Lippert, Ph.D. , is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Kentucky.
Sticking up for yourself is no easy task. But there are concrete skills you can use to hone your assertiveness and advocate for yourself.
While not every person with a mental illness will require professional treatment, access to mental healthcare can often improve one’s quality of life. However, when seeking help, some people may be confused about the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Understanding the differences can impact how one approaches mental health treatment.
Exploring the distinct roles, educational training, and treatment strategies of psychologists and psychiatrists may provide a clear understanding to help individuals make knowledgeable choices for their mental well-being.
Mental illnesses are widespread in the United States, with estimates suggesting that over one in five US adults, or approximately 57.8 million people , may be affected. Many people choose to see a mental health professional to cope with these challenges. Both psychologists and psychiatrists contribute significantly to mental health services, though their roles differ considerably.
Psychologists typically emphasize psychotherapy and behavioral interventions. They assist individuals in examining their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through various therapeutic approaches. Psychologists also have the expertise to conduct and analyze psychological tests, which can reveal critical information about a person's mental health and inform treatment strategies.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Their extensive training enables them to comprehend the intricate connections between physical and mental health. This medical background allows psychiatrists to prescribe medications, setting them apart from psychologists. They frequently oversee comprehensive treatment plans for individuals with more severe mental health conditions, combining medication management with other therapeutic strategies.
Despite these differences, both psychologists and psychiatrists aim to improve mental health outcomes. These professionals often collaborate. Psychologists may provide therapy, while psychiatrists manage medical aspects of care. This teamwork ensures a holistic approach to mental health treatment, addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of mental disorders.
The educational paths for psychologists and psychiatrists are distinct, reflecting their different roles in mental health treatment.
Psychologists often begin their educational journey with a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. This degree is followed by graduate school, where they pursue a master's degree and, often, a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD). Doctoral programs involve rigorous coursework, research, and clinical training. After completing their degrees, psychologists must also obtain licensure, which requires passing a comprehensive exam and accumulating supervised clinical hours.
As a medical doctor, a psychiatrist follows a different educational route. They complete a bachelor's degree focusing on pre-medical courses, followed by medical school. This extensive training covers a wide range of medical knowledge and clinical skills. After earning their medical degree, psychiatrists undergo a residency in psychiatry, where they gain specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. This residency typically lasts four years and includes rotations in various clinical settings.
Both professions require continuous education to stay updated with advancements in the mental health field. This commitment to learning ensures psychologists and psychiatrists provide their patients with the most effective and evidence-based treatments. The rigorous training for both roles underscores their dedication to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges.
Psychologists and psychiatrists utilize different treatment approaches based on their specialized training and skills. Psychologists often concentrate on psychotherapy as a means of treating mental health concerns.
Psychotherapy involves discussions with clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, fostering greater self-awareness and facilitating changes. Therapists may use and be trained in over 400 types of therapy . However, the following modalities are the most common and evidence-based:
As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication to address mental disorders. Medication may be recommended for managing conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Psychiatrists often incorporate medication management alongside psychotherapy, either conducting the therapy themselves or partnering with psychologists and other mental health providers. This comprehensive strategy ensures psychological and biological elements of mental health are addressed.
Both psychologists and psychiatrists understand the value of personalized treatment plans. They carefully consider each person's specific situation, symptoms, and objectives while formulating a treatment strategy. This individualized approach can enhance treatment effectiveness, foster better outcomes, and improve the quality of life for those seeking care.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Collaboration between psychologists and psychiatrists may carry several advantages for clients. A team-based approach often offers more thorough care. For instance, someone with severe depression might consult a psychiatrist for medication management while also seeing a psychologist for weekly therapy. This cooperative model addresses all facets of an individual's mental health.
Communication is often a component of this collaborative approach. Psychologists and psychiatrists work closely to coordinate care, share insights, and adjust treatment plans as needed. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment for clients, making it easier to navigate their mental health journey.
The integration of different perspectives and expertise may enhance the overall treatment process. Psychologists and psychiatrists can offer a more robust support system by combining therapeutic and medical approaches. This collaboration underscores the shared goal of mental health professionals: to help individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Multiple factors can influence the decision to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist. A psychologist might offer the most comprehensive care for those dealing with complex emotions, relationship issues, or behavior problems. These professionals can provide therapeutic support to help you better understand and regulate your thoughts and feelings.
In cases where symptoms like severe depression, anxiety, or psychosis arise, and medication might be required, seeing a psychiatrist can be beneficial. These providers can medically assess your symptoms and determine whether adding medication to your treatment plan might be appropriate.
For some people, exploring the possibility of working with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist could be advantageous. This integrated approach tends to be effective for individuals facing complex or severe mental health challenges. By focusing on psychological and medical aspects of care, you can target multiple facets of your challenges.
Mental healthcare is often a continuous process rather than a single intervention. Psychologists and psychiatrists often provide ongoing support and regular follow-ups. Consistent weekly or monthly sessions ensure sustained progress and allow clients to quickly address new issues as they arise. This ongoing patient-provider relationship may build trust and encourage open communication, which can be part of effective treatment.
Support from mental health professionals goes beyond the therapy office. Psychologists and psychiatrists may also provide resources, coping strategies, and tools that individuals can use daily. This support may help individuals proactively manage their mental health and build resilience.
Some psychologists and psychiatrists work in in-person practice, offering specialized and individualized care. Individual practice allows these professionals to create a more personal and flexible approach to treatment, often providing a comfortable and discreet setting for clients. Patients might prefer in-person practice due to the tailored attention and the opportunity to build a strong therapeutic relationship with their mental health professional.
However, accessibility and cost can be concerns when seeking care from an in-person practice. Some people may have to check with their insurance provider about coverage for mental health services and discuss payment options with the practitioner. Some psychologists and psychiatrists offer sliding-scale fees based on income, which can make treatment more affordable for those with financial barriers.
Evidence points to a rising unmet demand for mental health services that has been escalating since 2020. Mental health professionals may strive to offer accessible care and find innovative ways to provide support. However, barriers to treatment like disability, severe symptoms, and financial challenges can make in-person care difficult to find. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can be a flexible and cost-effective option.
Online therapy offers several advantages in terms of cost and accessibility. Clients often find it more affordable than in-person therapy without insurance, making it a practical option. Furthermore, connecting with therapists from anywhere and scheduling sessions that fit their routines may enhance overall accessibility and the convenience of mental health care.
Recent findings suggest that online therapy may match the effectiveness of in-person treatment. Studies report no significant discrepancies in outcomes between telehealth and traditional therapy, demonstrating that clients may expect comparable benefits from online sessions. This confirmation of effectiveness establishes online therapy as a strong alternative to conventional practices, like in-person psychiatrists and psychologists.
Mental health issues can affect anyone, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Whether you choose to work with a psychologist or psychiatrist (or both), these professionals are committed to providing the best care possible. Their extensive training, evidence-based treatments, and ongoing support can make them allies on your mental wellness journey.
Understanding the roles, training, and treatment approaches of psychologists and psychiatrists can help you make informed decisions about your mental healthcare. These professionals provide complementary services, each bringing their own comprehensive expertise to treat mental health disorders. If you’re interested in personalized support, consider contacting a professional online or in your area to get started.
With a recent 10-year re-accreditation decision from the American Psychological Association , Illinois Tech’s Ph.D. in clinical psychology offers intensive training based on the Boulder Scientist/Practitioner model and cognitive-behavioral theoretical foundations. The program emphasizes a balance of clinical practice and the understanding and conduct of clinical psychological research, generally preparing you for licensure eligibility (although licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction). Practice experiences include exposure to diverse populations. A student’s training in practice and research begins in the first year and continues throughout their graduate career.
Clinical Psychology Program Statement Against Racism, Police Brutality, and Systematic Oppression Against Black People
Illinois Tech trains students from the cognitive-behavioral framework to be scientist-practitioners. You'll learn the scientific process of psychological research, and receive extensive clinical training to prepare you to become a clinical psychologist and thought leader in the field.
Our graduates typically work in universities, medical centers, and multidisciplinary clinical settings in the following roles:
This program incorporates a series of substantive courses required by the American Psychological Association, in addition to research requirements, electives, and clinical training . Information on course requirements can be found in the Graduate Bulletin .
Research training is an important aspect of your education. Here you will be educated in the scientific process of psychological research. Training begins in the first year working with faculty on their projects and continues through conducting your own research. This will prepare you to present posters and papers at conferences, which will provide valuable experience and professional contacts. Research activities are normally conducted with your adviser, but you may also work with other clinical and non-clinical faculty members. You also have flexibility to change your primary research mentor if your interests change during the course of training.
Clinical practicum experiences will prepare you for work as a clinician and provide you with valuable contacts in the field. They also allow you to develop your clinical expertise by working in the community, reinforcing skills taught in the classroom. In addition, an American Psychology Association (APA)-accredited internship culminates your training as a practitioner. This year-long experience will facilitate the integration of your graduate training with valuable real-world experience. Optional participation on a variety of program committees provides an additional professional opportunity for students.
The clinical psychology doctoral program is also pleased to partner with our counseling and rehabilitation science faculty to offer a concentration in rehabilitation. This concentration includes APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral training plus a unique emphasis for students who are interested in working with people across the lifespan affected by any injury or chronic condition that leads to disability.
Illinois Tech's Ph.D. in clinical psychology accepts applications for fall entrance only. Each year the program typically admits five to seven students.
The psychology faculty recruiting clinical psychology students to mentor in their research labs beginning fall 2024 include:
Please submit your online application as soon as possible. Your supplemental material cannot be entered into our database without a completed application. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted online by January 1, 2024 .
Requirements for admission to the program include:
The clinical psychology Ph.D. program at Illinois Tech no longer requires students to submit general GRE scores.
Please do not submit any extra materials, including writing samples, thesis papers, books, etc.
The clinical psychology faculty will review all applications and then invite a portion of applicants for virtual interviews at a later date. Invited applicants will receive more information closer to the interviews.
Tuition for the clinical psychology program at Illinois Tech is detailed on the Graduate School website on the Graduate Costs and Aid page.
Illinois Tech provides partial funding of Ph.D. students through a variety of mechanisms. Funding is typically arranged on a year-to-year basis.
Funding Opportunities
Incoming first-year clinical students have an opportunity to participate in a clinically relevant experience through Illinois Tech’s Center for Research and Service by testing children applying to the Chicago Public Schools Selective Enrollment Program. This is an assistantship opportunity with tuition assistance and compensation. There is an expectation of participation. After the first year, limited testing and supervising positions may be available with the center for students.
A limited number of departmental teaching assistantships are available each semester for graduate students. More advanced doctoral students (i.e., those who have completed the master’s degree) may have opportunities to teach undergraduate psychology courses as an adjunct instructor.
Individual faculty members may have research grants that fund student effort. Although not guaranteed, the Department of Psychology often offers funding opportunities to help cover costs of student research projects (e.g., recruitment expenditures, material costs, participant incentives).
Many clinical students work part-time in a clinical research setting for at least some of the time they are at Illinois Tech. Although not arranged by Illinois Tech, these positions are typically excellent psychology experiences (e.g., as research assistants or neuropsychology testing technicians) and are often passed down from Illinois Tech student to Illinois Tech student.
Although not guaranteed, the Department of Psychology often offers funds for student travel to conferences to facilitate the presentation of student-authored research.
Committee work is an important component of a job description in most clinical psychology settings (e.g., university departments, clinical practices or hospital settings, and professional non-profits organizations such as the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies). For this reason, we highly encourage doctoral students to participate in several of the program’s standing committees.
Diversity Committee
The Diversity Committee promotes activities and program priorities that emphasize the integration of knowledge and practice related to respecting human diversity of all kinds, such as different ethnicities, cultures, nationalities, sexual orientations, genders, and religions (a non-exhaustive list).
Colloquium Committee
The Colloquium Committee organizes lectures and talks for students and faculty in the program to enhance professional development and education.
Social Committee
The Social Committee organizes activities in the service of promoting a sense of community and cohesion in the program.
Ad Hoc Technology Committee
The Technology Committee facilitates the web-based presence of the clinical psychology doctoral program and other technology-driven tasks.
Illinois Tech's Ph.D. in clinical psychology has been fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1982. For more information on APA accreditation, please visit the APA's accreditation website or write to the address below.
750 First Street, NE Washington, DC, 20002-4242 Phone: 202.336.5979 TDD/TTY: 202.336.6123 Fax: 202.336.5978 Email: [email protected] g
For more information about the Illinois Tech's Ph.D. in clinical psychology, contact:
Alissa Haedt-Matt, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Training Clinical Psychology Program 201 Tech Central 3242 S. State Street Chicago, IL 60616 Phone: 312.567.3514 Email: [email protected]
Clinical psychology Ph.D. student Elizabeth Dougherty is investigating the link between mental health and eating disorders.
"My experience in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Illinois Tech has been an excellent balance of training in clinical work and research design and methodology. Above all, through the program’s courses, curriculum, rigor, and collaboration with faculty, I have cultivated an enduring skill and attitude of critical thinking. This is an invaluable asset to a dynamic career as a clinical psychologist working as a clinician, teacher, program manager, or researcher."
Arryn Guy (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Student)
The public is only growing more interested in the psychology of crime and of the justice system—but this fascination certainly isn’t new. 1
Perhaps that’s why interest in criminal and forensic psychology careers is also on the rise. Not to mention that working in the criminal justice system can offer a sense of fulfillment or higher purpose. If you’re interested in learning more about this field, start with the basics: like the differences between criminal psychology vs. forensic psychology.
In this guide, we’re exploring the distinctions and offering a birds-eye view of both careers. While criminal psychology primarily concerns the motivations of criminals and forensic psychology is applied more generally throughout the justice system, these definitions are only the tip of the iceberg.
Read on for a complete comparison of forensic psychology vs. criminal psychology.
Let’s start with criminal psychology; there’s more to this career than what’s depicted in popular media.
Criminal psychologists seek to assess, understand, and (potentially) diagnose people who have committed crimes. 2 The justice system calls upon criminal psychologists to:
Supply legal experts with a window into criminals’ psyches so that they can render judgments as fairly as possible
To paint a clearer picture of the criminal psychology field, let’s dive into some of the day-to-day responsibilities of people working in this role:
In short, a criminal psychologist’s job is to help law enforcement and justice workers understand criminals, make judgements fairly, and prevent future crimes against the public.
Criminal psychologists may work on both civil and criminal cases; they might also be permanently retained by law enforcement to provide general expertise.
For these reasons, there are a few potential work environments where you might find a criminal psychologist on staff:
On the other hand, there’s forensic psychology. Let’s dive into the specifics of this career track.
Forensic psychologists are experts in mental health, human behavior, and the criminal justice system. 3 They use their skills and training to:
Compared to clinical psychology, forensic psychology is a slightly broader field. Instead of specifically exploring criminals (and data relevant to criminals), forensic psychologists can be more general psychological advisors to the justice system as a whole. 4
What does a forensic psychologist do ? Forensic psychologists often:
Some forensic psychologists take on roles that are more similar to criminal psychologist specialties: crime scene analysis, predictive work, and law enforcement.
Like criminal psychologists, forensic psychologists may contribute to both criminal and civil cases.
However, forensic psychologists work in much broader contexts; you might find a forensic psychologist on staff in:
Since forensic psychologists are experts on human behavior in relation to the justice system as a whole (and not just accused and convicted criminals’ behavior specifically), their skills are applicable to a wider range of justice-related careers.
While we’ve touched on some differences between criminal psychology vs. forensic psychology, let’s explore a few others—starting with educational requirements.
While both criminal and forensic psychologists can take on more clinically-focused roles (which may require licensure), educational requirements more closely depend on your chosen career path:
As we’ve explored above, forensic psychologists and criminal psychologists often take on very different roles both within and outside of the justice system. While criminal psychologists often pursue careers related to criminal interactions specifically (which often translates to law enforcement employment), forensic psychologists can embrace a law enforcement career, work in other government systems, or pursue advocacy work.
In short, these differences come down to each career’s approach to interacting with the justice system: criminal psychologists’ work is mostly related to criminal activity and behavior while forensic psychology also seeks to more broadly contribute to the justice system as a whole.
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Clearly, there is some overlap between both of these careers:
If you’re considering a career in criminal psychology, the following positions may be of interest to you: 7
Once you’ve gained some experience in the field, you may be eligible to pursue more advanced careers like:
Additionally, there are a few ways for criminal psychologists to advance in their careers:
We also have guides on how to become a criminal profiler or how to become a crime analyst if you’re interested in these related jobs.
With training in forensic psychology, you might qualify for one of the following positions: 8
More advanced careers in this field include:
Like criminal psychologists, forensic psychologists typically move up in their careers by pursuing advanced education and professional development, getting more experience, and working under those in leadership roles.
In short, the key difference between forensic psychology vs. criminal psychology is scope—while forensic psychologists work to understand a wide variety of players in the justice system, criminal psychologists are mostly focused on criminal behavior.
No matter which career catches your eye, you’ll need to start with a high-quality degree program like the Alliant International University MS in Forensic Behavioral Science . This degree track is designed specifically for future psychologists working in law enforcement, the justice system, and related industries.
Our curriculum is hands-on and allows students to specialize in specific concentrations that interest them: professional protection, forensic victimology , trial consulting, and more. Our faculty is also composed of experienced experts in the field, and our instructors use the most up-to-date data and theoretical principles to train the next generation of psychologists.
Learn more about our psychology graduate admissions and apply today.
Dean and Associate Professor, California School of Forensic Studies
Diana M. Concannon, PsyD, is Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at Alliant International University, Associate Professor at the...
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What is victimology exploring key concepts.
When it comes to criminology, we tend to think of the crime itself, the perpetrator, and the motivation behind it. 1 These...
If you’re a scientist at heart exploring careers in criminal justice, you’re in luck—there are many career paths that combine both...
Forensic psychology has captivated our interest since Dr. Hannibal Lecter made his debut on the silver screen in 1991. Since then...
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Finally, a Ph.D. (a Doctor of Philosophy degree) can be obtained in the same domains as a Master's degree, and puts greater emphasis on research than a PsyD. The time frame for completing each ...
A PhD in psychology is more research oriented, whereas a Psy. D is more focused towards the practical and clinical sides. However, we are limiting our discussion to a PhD in psychology. Typically a PhD can take between 4 and 7 years depending on how you approach it and on your work schedule. A few years of course work and a final dissertation ...
The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has a video that explains the differences between a PhD vs PsyD. We recommend reading Chapter 2 "Choosing the PhD or PsyD program" in the Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. This book, written by Michael A. Sayette (a faculty member at Pitt ...
The choice between pursuing a Master's Degree in Psychology vs. a PhD in Psychology boils down to individual interests and career aspirations. Many students find a MS in Psychology sufficient for the types of jobs they want. ... The median yearly salary for a clinical psychologist in 2020 was $79,820 per the BLS. 7. Industrial-Organizational ...
4 years. Online + Campus. Students interested in Christian-centered psychology programs can apply to Divine Mercy University's master's degree in clinical psychology. This 33-credit, non-licensure program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Harvard University. Cambridge, MA. #10 in Clinical Psychology (tie) Save. 4.3. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental illness and psychological disorders. Graduates may find work in ...
Yes, a master's in clinical psychology qualifies you for counseling licensure in most states. However, you need a doctoral degree and licensure to earn the title of psychologist and practice independently as a clinical psychologist in most states. Some doctoral programs require a master's degree in clinical psychology for admittance.
A Psy.D. degree prepares students for careers as clinical psychologists while a Ph.D. trains students in research and teaching. The Psy.D. embraces the practitioner-scholar model and applies psychological science to individuals and groups while the Ph.D. emphasizes analytical research in the field. Psy.D. students work as clinical psychologists ...
A Ph.D. in psychology, or a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology, is a doctoral degree that primarily focuses on training students in scientific research. Compared to a Psy.D, the Ph.D. is more ...
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.
Earning a master's degree in clinical psychology typically takes six years of full-time study, including four years of undergraduate and two years of graduate studies. Program lengths can vary ...
The Clinical Psychology Program adheres to a clinical science model of training, and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. ... Credit for Prior Graduate Work A PhD student who has completed at least one full term of satisfactory work in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may file an application at the Registrar's ...
A Ph.D. typically takes five to eight years to complete, while a Psy.D. takes four to six years. Psy.D. Ph.D. Clinical focused and practice-based. Research-based. Higher acceptance rates. Competitive acceptance rates. 4-6 years to graduate. 5-8 years to graduate.
Finally, a PhD (a Doctor of Philosophy degree) can be obtained in the same domains as a Master's degree, and puts greater emphasis on research than a PsyD. The time frame for completing each of ...
3 (tie). Stony Brook University—SUNY. Location: Stony Brook, New York. Peer reputation score (scale of 1-5): 4.6. Key facts about the program: This Ph.D. program in clinical psychology is most ...
Credits to Graduate: 61. The University of Central Florida offers a traditional master's in clinical psychology program with two tracks. Students who choose the research thesis track must complete 38 credit hours. This track focuses on clinical research to prepare the student for doctoral-level study.
PhD graduates pursue academic careers as professors, researchers, and scholars. They might teach at universities, conduct research, and mentor students. Some work at research institutions, government agencies, and private organizations. PhD programs are typically longer than PsyD programs, taking five to seven years to complete.
The primary difference between the two types of programs is that a PsyD program generally places greater emphasis on clinical training early in the program while a PhD program, in many cases, will have greater emphasis on research involvement. For example, most PhD programs in clinical psychology require students to complete a master's ...
Degree Types: MA, PhD. The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is one of only a handful of programs in the United States based in an academic medical center and housed in a psychiatry department. This unique setting provides opportunities for translational research and practice ...
First, only a PhD degree is focused on research. Both a Master's and PsyD are more interested in applied issues. This may seem confusing, since a PsyD is a Doctorate degee, but this is the nature of a PsyD degree. Second, the time frame for completing each of these graduate degrees differs: MSW: 2 years, MA: 2 years, PsyD: 4-6 years, and PhD: 5 ...
The research training you get will be dramatically different, as you know. Research is a major component of a PhD and is likely to take up a very large portion your time. The training you receive in providing supervision to other clinicians could be dramatically different. Provision of supervision is a task that psychologists should be ...
Finally, a Ph.D. (a Doctor of Philosophy degree) can be obtained in the same domains as a Master's degree, and puts greater emphasis on research than a PsyD. The time frame for completing each ...
PsyD and PhD in psychology are the highest level academic degrees that can lead to a career as a psychologist. However, while PsyD graduates can pursue clinical practice in hospitals, counseling centers, or private practices, PhD graduates often focus on careers in academia and research institutions.
Finally, a Ph.D. (a Doctor of Philosophy degree) can be obtained in the same domains as a Master's degree, and puts greater emphasis on research than a PsyD. Source: Komsomolec/pixabay. The time ...
Psychologists often begin their educational journey with a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. This degree is followed by graduate school, where they pursue a master's degree and, often, a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD). Doctoral programs involve rigorous coursework, research, and clinical training.
The first Master's Degree in Psychology was awarded at Tulane in 1912. Immediately following World War II, the department established a doctoral program in psychology, awarding the first Ph.D. degree in 1949. ... Students in the Psychological Science PhD program additionally can complete a graduate certificate in Health Psychology. The School ...
With a recent 10-year re-accreditation decision from the American Psychological Association, Illinois Tech's Ph.D. in clinical psychology offers intensive training based on the Boulder Scientist/Practitioner model and cognitive-behavioral theoretical foundations.The program emphasizes a balance of clinical practice and the understanding and conduct of clinical psychological research ...
Clinical Psychology (PhD), Fresno; Clinical Psychology (PhD), Los Angeles; ... like the differences between criminal psychology vs. forensic psychology. In this guide, we're exploring the distinctions and offering a birds-eye view of both careers. ... many jobs require candidates to complete a bachelor's degree program, a master's program
SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM FACULTY RESEARCH SPECIALIST QUANTITATIVE SPECIALTY POSITION TITLE: Faculty Research Specialist - Quantitative Specialty (Two half-time positions) Reports to: Program Director, Clinical Psychology Program Position: Regular, half-time (.5 FTE), 12-month Hiring/Budgeted Salary or Hourly Range: The budgeted salary range that the university ...