What is the difference between a clinical PsyD and a clinical PhD?
• Research. The PsyD is less research-oriented than the PhD. Some PsyD programs do not require a dissertation, for example. If you are interested strictly in being a practicing psychologist and have no interest in teaching and research, you should seriously seek PsyD. Most PhD programs will consider you very unfavorably if you apply with the intention of being a clinical practitioner only. PhD programs invest alot in their students to train them as competent practitioners and researchers, so they expect you to be interested in research. • Length of time to completion of degree. With the added burden of completing important research, the PhD may take at least 5 or 6 years. The PsyD is usually shorter, although both must complete an APA-approved internship in the last year. • Financial Aid. The downside to not having to do research in a PsyD program is that you probably won’t have the opportunity to be a research assistant, and thus, receive financial support (PhD students, on the other
