What Areas of Employment Can I Pursue With a PsyD Degree?

psyd jobs
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a professional doctorate degree designed to prepare graduates for practice in professional psychology.

What Is a PsyD Degree?

The PsyD Degree can be awarded in Clinical Psychology as well as other specialty areas of psychology including Business Psychology, Organizational Development, Counseling Psychology and School Psychology. These Doctoral Programs typically require four to seven years for completion. Students receive an interdisciplinary education in scientific psychology and evidence-based treatment. In addition to the traditional core coursework some programs offer specialized training in areas such as neuropsychology, forensic psychology, psychodynamic psychology. To graduate from a PsyD program, students must complete extensive clinical training through placements in various settings. In order to complete the PsyD degree according to the rules of the American Psychological Association (APA), students must demonstrate competency in the following areas:

  • Knowledge mastery through passing comprehensive exams
  • Clinical skill through successful completion of a pre-doctoral internship
  • Scholarship through a doctoral research project

What Distinguishes the PsyD From The PhD?

Until the 1960s, a PhD in Psychology was the only degree option available for individuals who planned to pursue a career as professional psychologists. At that time there was growing concern that the course of study in many PhD programs were geared more towards training in research and academia. Out of this concern, the PsyD Degree Options was created. This program of study was based in both research and empirical academics but also more thorough training in the area of clinical practice.

What Can I Do With A PsyD Degree?

After earning a PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology students much successfully complete required licensing exams. Upon completion of those exams a graduate can diagnose and treat mental disorders including administering evaluations, conducting psychological tests and providing counseling services. Some of the jobs that you can pursue with a PsyD Degree include:

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • School Psychologist
  • Social Worker
  • Counselor
  • School Psychologist

Individuals with a PsyD can work in many different settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation facilities, government agencies and schools. Some professional psychologists may choose to form their own counseling practice or work as a consultant for a private company or organization.

How Much Money Can I Earn With a PsyD Degree?

According to Payscale.com the average range of salaries for professional psychologists with a PsyD Degree are as follows:

Psychologist – $42,724 – $101,935

Clinical Psychologist – $50,414 – $102,931

Clinical Director – $56,766 – $98,968

While a PhD in Psychology is an excellent start to a career in the field, a PsyD Degree is a great choice for students who plan to pursue a career in counseling as opposed to a career in research or academia. There is a wide range of positions that someone with a PsyD Degree can pursue within the vast field of Professional Psychology.