Guide to Getting Into Graduate School > Which Degree is Right For You?

There are several types of graduate degrees in Psychology that you may be interested in pursuing. First, let's discuss the counseling or clinical degrees. If your career goals are to be licensed to counsel, you should pursue one of these degrees. Extra licensing and certification may be required, but this is different on a state-by-state basis.

Master's Program (2-3 years)

A Masters Degree derives its name from the idea that a holder demonstrates a mastery of a body of knowledge, both in a theoretical and applied sense, as well as a high level of critical thinking, empirical analysis, and problem solving.

People with a Master's degree typically work in clinics, at a group practice as the employee of a more licensed doctor, or in specific clinical programs (drug rehab, battered wives, etc.). In most states, a Master's degree is not enough to be licensed for your own private practice. A Master's degree might be right for you if you are interested in counseling or therapy.

In Psychology, the differences between an M.A. And an M.S. often varies depending on the school conferring the degree, but as a general rule an M.A. curriculum will focus more on theoretical and applied topic while an M.S. focuses on more rigorous empirical research.

Counseling Psychology (4-5 years)

Counseling Psychology is typically a doctoral program that emphasizes training in counseling and therapy. Counseling Psychology programs will require internships and dissertations. Counseling Psychologists usually work in the same settings as people with a Master's degree, but they typically are better educated. Many Counseling Psychologists work as university professors.

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology (5-7 years)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the granddaddy of all graduate degree – the highest and most prestigious degree the world over. Ph.D.s in Psychology are offered in a variety of specialized fields of study, like clinical psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and experimental psychology. Psychology PhD programs focus on both the theoretical and the applied and the empirical research approach varies by field of study.

Clinical Ph.D. coursework usually takes five to seven years and is a very competitive program. They will typically complete a year-long dissertation and a year-long internship (usually full-time work at a hospital). Unlike a Psy.D. Degree, Ph.D. candidates are expected to be able to perform independent research and experiments to a very high standard. Clinical Psychologists tend to teach at university, work in hospitals or mental health institutions, or open a private practice.

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology (4-5 years)

The Doctorate of Psychology Degree (Psy.D.) is a relatively new offering, geared for those whose interests are limited to the practice of psychology and have minimal emphasis on quantitative research focusing instead of theoretical and applied topics. This degree is an alternative to the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. It typically focuses less on quantitative research and more on treatment and therapy. Psy.D. graduates usually work in clinics, hospitals, or in private practice.

Clinical Social Work (2-3 years)

This is typically a Master's degree program that leads to a MSW degree. Graduates in Clinical Social Work typically work in the social welfare system and in mental health facilities. Experimental methods and research are typically not stressed in this program. Instead, the program focuses on counseling and therapy.

School Psychology (2-5 years)

School Psychologists typically work with students and faculties at public or private schools. Some may have their own private practice. School Psychologists typically work with psychometric testing, screening for learning and behavioral disorders. There is an option of whether to earn an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. when pursuing a career in School Psychology.

Ph.D. In Psychology (4-5 years)

Psychology Ph.D.s typically teach and do research in an academic setting. Typically, with the exception of Clinical Psychology all the Ph.D. programs are similarly competitive. A few of the most popular Ph.D programs are Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Industrial Psychology, and Child Psychology.