Choosing between a PhD and a PsyD in Clinical Psychology is a big decision, and it's completely understandable to have questions. Both paths prepare you to become a licensed clinical psychologist, but they differ in training focus, timeline, and career direction. Here are answers to the questions prospective students ask most, to help you find the path that fits your goals.
The Basics
What's the difference between a PhD and a PsyD in Clinical Psychology?
Both degrees prepare graduates to become licensed clinical psychologists, but they utilize different training models. The PhD follows the scientist-practitioner model which, at LLU, means giving equal weight to research and clinical practice. The PsyD follows the practitioner-scholar model, placing greater emphasis on clinical practice while still building a strong foundation in research and scientific inquiry. The right degree comes down to how much of your future career you want centered on research versus direct patient care.
Are both degrees accredited and recognized?
Yes. Both the PhD and PsyD programs in Clinical Psychology at LLU SBH are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), meeting the same rigorous standards for health service psychology training. Graduates of either program hold a degree that is widely recognized by postdoctoral training sites, licensing boards, and employers.
Can I become a licensed psychologist with either degree?
Yes. Both the PhD and PsyD meet the foundational educational requirements that enable graduates to pursue licensure as a psychologist in any state, territory, or jurisdiction in the U.S. Specific licensure requirements (e.g., supervised professional experience, state law/ethics examinations, and other state-specific criteria) vary by state, so it is important to understand the requirements of each state.
What education and experience does a competitive applicant have?
Competitive applicants typically hold a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, a strong academic record, and exposure to research and/or clinical or human-services settings, such as research assistantships, practicum placements, and/or work experience that is relevant to the degree program to which the applicant is applying. Letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors who can speak to your readiness for doctoral-level work also strengthen an application. Generally, successful applicants in both programs also have at least one year of research lab experience while PhDs tend to also have authored posters/presentations at scientific/professional conferences.
Training & Day-to-Day Experience
What does the PhD program focus on?
The PhD program trains you as both a practicing clinician and a researcher. You'll work closely with faculty mentors on original research, build clinical skills through practicum training, and graduate prepared for careers that involve both practice and scholarship, including academic and research-focused roles.
What does the PsyD program focus on?
The PsyD program centers on preparing highly skilled clinicians. You'll still complete research training and coursework grounded in psychological science, but the bulk of your time is spent developing advanced clinical skills through practicum and fieldwork, preparing you for a career centered on direct patient care.
Will I still see clients in the PhD program? Do PsyD students still do research?
Yes to both. PhD students complete extensive practicum training and see clients throughout the program, just as PsyD students do. PsyD students complete coursework in research methods and complete a doctoral research project, so scholarship remains part of their training even though clinical practice is the primary focus.
Timeline & Commitment
How long does each program take?
The PhD program is designed to be completed in six years, including a required year-long predoctoral internship. The PsyD program is designed to be completed in five years, also including a year-long internship. Actual timelines can vary based on individual progress and practicum or internship placement.
Is there a major research project in both programs?
Yes. In the PhD program, the dissertation typically reflects original, independent research. In the PsyD program, the doctoral project still demonstrates research competence but often takes an applied form connected to clinical practice.
Career Paths
What careers do PhD graduates typically pursue?
PhD graduates often pursue careers that combine clinical work with research, teaching, or academic leadership. Potential career paths include university faculty positions, research scientist roles, and clinical positions in academic medical centers, VA hospitals, community mental health centers, children’s hospitals, university counseling centers, and other practice settings.
What careers do PsyD graduates typically pursue?
PsyD graduates typically move into roles centered on direct clinical practice, such as providing therapy and psychological assessment in hospitals, community mental health settings, private practice, or integrated health care settings.
Can I work in a hospital or agency setting with either degree?
Yes. Both PhD and PsyD graduates are well prepared to work in hospitals, community mental health centers, university counseling centers, and other clinical settings. Employers value the clinical training built into both programs.
What if I want to teach at a university someday?
The PhD is generally the stronger fit if a faculty career is a primary goal, since it's built around sustained research training and mentorship in scholarly work. That said, PsyD graduates with strong clinical expertise can and do teach, particularly in applied or practice-focused courses.
Choosing the Right Fit
How do I know which program is right for me?
Consider where you want to spend most of your career. If you're drawn to generating new knowledge, publishing research, and possibly teaching or leading academic programs alongside clinical work, the PhD may be the better fit. If your primary goal is providing direct clinical care to patients, the PsyD may align more closely with your goals. Talking with faculty from both programs can help you weigh the decision.
What does LLU SBH's approach look like in each program?
Both programs are rooted in a Christian commitment to whole person care, compassion, and respect for all persons. Students in both programs train within one of the region's most comprehensive academic health systems, gaining clinical experience across medical, community, and mental health settings, and exploring specialty areas such as health psychology, clinical neuropsychology, or child and adolescent psychology.
What's the application process like, and are there different requirements?
Both programs share the same general application process through LLU SBH and the Faculty of Graduate Studies, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Applicants should review each program's specific admissions requirements, since expectations around research or clinical experience differ between the two programs. Visit the Admissions FAQ page for full details.
Ready to take the next step? Explore the Clinical Psychology PhD and Clinical Psychology PsyD programs, review Admissions FAQs, or start your application.