What is the difference between the PsyD and PhD?
The difference between these two degrees in clinical psychology tends to be one of emphasis. The PhD traditionally emphasizes research in topics within the field, whereas the PsyD tends to emphasize practice. However, most clinical psychology PhD programs provide clinical practice experience and many PsyD programs provide research. At George Fox University, the PsyD program includes research and our students are encouraged to complete their dissertation by the fourth year. All GDCP dissertations need not be empirical; most will be similar to those from many PhD programs. If you are interested in more client contact and supervision, the PsyD degree would likely be the better fit for you.
