Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs usually take between four and seven years to complete. Degrees in specialty areas take longer to complete.
Ph.D. and Psy.D. students take courses in core psychology and experimental methods. Students also take courses in their specialty areas.
Ph.D. students complete a dissertation at the end of their degree programs. Psy.D. students complete hands-on clinical work before completing their programs.
Students complete internships in general psychology or in their chosen specialty area. These internships are accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Psychologists who complete a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program are eligible to work as teachers, as clinical psychologists or conductors of psychology research. Psychologists who hold a Ph.D. are more likely to find teaching jobs.