What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a PsyD?

PsyD degree holders typically use their expertise to work with people who are in need of therapy, or for more severe clinical applications concerning the needs of seriously mentally ill patients in psychiatric hospitals. Knowledge from the work done in this degree program is applied to providing the service of therapy, rather than continuing psychology research.

Here are the key differences between a Ph.D. and a PsyD:

• A Ph.D. in psychology is more focused on psychology research in the field

• A PsyD is more focused on hands-on clinical training in conjunction with research

• The primary objective for a Ph.D. in Psychology is to advance the knowledge of mental health issues, as well as the methods used to treat them

• A PsyD, is a more streamlined, and hands-on degree for the practice of psychology

• Ph.D. in Psychology degree holders can choose to teach psychology or work with other psychology researchers on experimental trials and studies