Doctorate Degrees In Psychology

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Whitney_Goldbach]Whitney Goldbach
The American Psychological Association decided in 1973 that they would endorse the Doctor in Psychology (PsyD) as an accepted program for professionals entering into the field of psychology, because it offered graduates practical knowledge of the field. This degree came much later than the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which developed in the 1800s. Many people do not know the difference between a PsyD and a PhD program. Although both are excellent degrees to acquire, there are significant differences.
Requirements
The requirements for a PsyD program and a PhD program differ. Although both programs take generally the same amount of time to complete (around four to seven years after the Bachelor's degree), the PsyD program is more practice based. The coursework for the program is directly related to the field of study that the individual is interested in. The classes are more about hands-on practice, as opposed to theoretical knowledge. The topic of dissertation for the program is typically more practical as well.
A PhD program, on the other hand, is more research based. The classes a student takes in this program are based more on theory than practice. Classes tend to be more focused on the science behind psychology and writing. The dissertation completed by a PhD candidate is based on original theoretical research.
Funding
Funding for a PsyD program generally comes from student loans, either private or government. There are numerous loans available for students in post-graduate degree programs from an accredited university or college. Because many PsyD students are not in school full-time, they take on full-time or part-time jobs in order to help acquire the money for tuition.
Students enrolled in a PhD program are more likely to attain money elsewhere. These students generally work alongside faculty with research grants. These faculty members hire students and offer some sort of combination of tuition and stipend. PhD students are less likely than PsyD students to have to enroll for multiple loans.
Careers
The types of jobs individuals with a PsyD can attain are very similar to those individuals with a PhD. However, because the PsyD program is more practice based, these individuals tend to get jobs in the private consulting sector in business, government, and non-profit.
Individuals with a PhD tend to attain jobs in teaching, research, and writing. Although teaching positions are open to graduates of both degrees, many people with a PhD opt for teaching positions.
It is up to the individual which degree program he or she wants to apply to. It is important to look at the differences between the two degrees and weigh the benefits of both. No matter what [http://www.elearners.com/online-degrees/doctorate/psychology.htm]doctorate in psychology the individual acquires, a rewarding career will be granted. It will be beneficial to the individual if he or she decides beforehand which sub-field to pursue. By knowing this before one chooses a degree program, the individual will have better knowledge as to what program would benefit him or her in the long run. Depending on the program, it may even be possible to earn an [http://www.elearners.com/]accredited online college degree.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Doctorate-Degrees-In-Psychology&id=6573797] Doctorate Degrees In Psychology