Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs both require a doctoral dissertation, or thesis, which is a document submitted by students to prove that they are knowledgeable and experienced in their field. Graduates of both degree programs can become licensed psychologists in all 50 states, and can obtain work within institutions, hospitals and schools.
Ph.D. programs focus more on research, while Psy.D. programs place more emphasis on clinical training. Psy.D. programs are specially designed for psychology students, whereas Ph.D. programs can educate students in other career fields. There is usually more financial aid available to students in Ph.D. programs than in Psy.D. programs. It is also typically easier for Ph.D. graduates to find work as professors in colleges and universities.
Both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs require that students display extensive knowledge and experience within their chosen career field, and neither program is easier or harder than the other. Individual schools will have different requirements for completing the programs. Some will focus more on research, and others on clinical training.
Students must obtain at least a four-year bachelor's degree prior to beginning a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program. While not required, some students also choose to obtain their master's degree beforehand, which usually takes about two years to complete. Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs generally take four to seven years, with Psy.D. programs averaging to be about one to one and one-half years shorter than Ph.D. programs.