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Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Verywell / Evan Polenghi

Ph.D. vs. Psy.D.

Job opportunities, earning a degree, specialty areas, alternatives.

Getting a Ph.D. in psychology can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. For many careers paths in psychology-related career paths, a doctoral degree is necessary to obtain work and certification. A Ph.D. is one option, but it is not the only educational path that's available to reach some of these goals.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is one of the highest level degrees you can earn in the field of psychology . If you're considering pursuing a graduate degree, you might be wondering how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. in psychology . Generally, a bachelor's degree takes four years of study. While a master's degree requires an additional two to three years of study beyond the bachelor's, a doctoral degree can take between four to six years of additional graduate study after earning your bachelor's degree.

Recently, a new degree option known as the Psy.D. , or doctor of psychology, has grown in popularity as an alternative to the Ph.D. The type of degree you decide to pursue depends on a variety of factors, including your own interests and your career aspirations.

Before deciding which is right for you, research your options and decide if graduate school in psychology is even the best choice for you. Depending on your career goals, you might need to earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology in order to practice in your chosen field. In other instances, a degree in a similar subject such as counseling or social work may be more appropriate.

A doctorate in psychology is required if you want to open your own private practice.

If you want to become a licensed psychologist, you must earn either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology.

In most cases, you will also need a doctorate if you want to teach and conduct research at the college or university level. While there are some opportunities available for people with a master's degree in various specialty fields, such as industrial-organizational psychology and health psychology , those with a doctorate will generally find higher pay, greater job demand, and more opportunity for growth.

In order to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, you need to first begin by earning your bachelor's degree. While earning your undergraduate degree in psychology can be helpful, students with bachelor's degrees in other subjects can also apply their knowledge to psychology Ph.D. programs . Some students in doctorate programs may have a master's degree in psychology , but most doctorate programs do not require it.

After you’ve been admitted to a graduate program, it generally takes at least four years to earn a Ph.D. and another year to complete an internship. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, you can take state and national exams to become licensed to practice psychology in the state where you wish to work.

Once you enter the graduate level of psychology, you will need to choose an area of specialization, such as clinical psychology , counseling psychology, health psychology, or cognitive psychology . The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits graduate programs in three areas: clinical, counseling, and school psychology.   If you are interested in going into one of these specialty areas, it's important to choose a school that has received accreditation through the APA.

For many students, the choice may come down to a clinical psychology program versus a counseling psychology program. There are many similarities between these two Ph.D. options, but there are important distinctions that students should consider. Clinical programs may have more of a research focus while counseling programs tend to focus more on professional practice. The path you choose will depend largely on what you plan to do after you complete your degree.

Of course, the Ph.D. in psychology is not the only graduate degree option. The Psy.D. is a doctorate degree option that you might also want to consider. While there are many similarities between these two degrees, traditional Ph.D. programs tend to be more research-oriented while Psy.D. programs are often more practice-oriented.

The Ph.D. option may be your top choice if you want to mix professional practice with teaching and research, while the Psy.D. option may be preferred if you want to open your own private psychology practice.

In the book "An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology," authors John C. Norcross and Michael A. Sayette suggest that one of the key differences between the two-degree options is that the Ph.D. programs train producers of research while Psy.D. programs train consumers of research. However, professional opportunities for practice are very similar with both degree types.

Research suggests that there are few discernible differences in terms of professional recognition, employment opportunities, or clinical skills between students trained in the Ph.D. or Psy.D. models. One of the few differences is that those with a Ph.D. degree are far more likely to be employed in academic settings and medical schools.

Social work, counseling, education, and the health sciences are other graduate options that you may want to consider if you decide that a doctorate degree is not the best fit for your interests and career goals.

A Word From Verywell

If you are considering a Ph.D. in psychology, spend some time carefully researching your options and thinking about your future goals. A doctoral degree is a major commitment of time, resources, and effort, so it is worth it to take time to consider the right option for your goals. The Ph.D. in psychology can be a great choice if you are interested in being a scientist-practitioner in the field and want to combine doing research with professional practice. It's also great training if you're interested in working at a university where you would teach classes and conduct research on psychological topics.

University of Pennsylvania; School of Arts and Sciences. Information for applicants .

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?

U.S. Department of Labor.  Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Norcross JC, Sayette MA. An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (2020/2021 ed.) . New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2020.

Davis SF, Giordano PJ, Licht CA. Your Career in Psychology: Putting Your Graduate Degree to Work . John Wiley & Sons; 2012. doi:10.1002/9781444315929

US Department of Education. Bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by sex of student and discipline division: 2016-17 .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

9 Highest Paying Jobs With a Psychology Degree

Author: University of North Dakota May 28, 2024

Psychologists play a crucial role in improving lives, whether they're helping someone navigate significant life changes or supporting those battling chronic mental health conditions.

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Despite the noble nature of this profession, those pursuing a career in psychology are also compensated for their vital contributions to society and individual well-being.

Indeed, not all psychology roles are created equal in terms of monetary rewards. If you're curious about which positions top the financial spectrum, continue reading as we explore the highest paying jobs with a psychology degree and see whether your area of interest aligns with these lucrative career opportunities.

9 Highest Paying Psychology Jobs

Education in psychology typically starts with obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology. However, this field's actual depth and specialization come at the graduate level, where students can pursue various specialized roles through master's and doctoral programs. 

In the following sections, we will explore ten of the highest paying psychology jobs, detailing what each role entails, the necessary education requirements, and, of course, the potential salaries associated with each position.

1. Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists specialize in the relationship between the physical brain and behavior. They diagnose and treat individuals with neurological, medical, or neurodevelopmental disorders that affect cognitive functions and behaviors. Their expertise is often critical in diagnosing conditions that affect memory, language, attention, and problem-solving abilities. 

Neuropsychologists perform detailed assessments to understand brain functioning and guide treatment plans for rehabilitation from brain injuries or management of brain diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.

Salary: $122,928 per year

Education Requirements: Ph.D. or Psy.D. in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology, followed by a postdoctoral residency.

2. Health Psychologist

Health psychologists explore the psychological and behavioral processes in health, illness, and healthcare. They strive to understand how to promote health and improve healthcare systems by researching how individuals respond to and cope with illness. 

Health psychologists tend to work in medical settings, academia, public health organizations, or private practice, with the aim to integrate psychological treatment into medical and social care.

Salary: $120,811 per year

Education Requirements: Ph.D. or Psy.D. in health psychology, often with a clinical focus; licensure required.

3. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological theories and research methods to solve workplace problems and improve the quality of work life. They study workplace productivity and management styles and work closely with human resources to develop programs that enhance work performance and employee satisfaction. 

Their work may include conducting employee training, developing assessment methods for personnel selection and placement, planning organizational restructuring, and helping organizations manage change during mergers or downsizing.

Salary: $120,524 per year

Education Requirements: Master's or Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology.

4. Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are one of the most common group of psychologists. They treat a wide range of mental health issues across different population groups. Clinical psychologists employ various psychotherapeutic methods and psychological tests to understand and treat psychological problems and behavioral dysfunctions.

In addition to providing psychotherapy, they may conduct scientific studies, develop treatment plans, and offer psychoeducation to help individuals manage chronic health conditions. While they are not allowed to prescribe medications, in some states such as Louisiana and New Mexico they can do so after they obtain certain licenses. 

Salary: $109,894 per year

Education Requirements: Ph.D. in clinical psychology , including internships and residencies; licensure required.

5. General/Experimental Psychology

General or Experimental Psychologists primarily engage in research and theory testing to understand how and why humans and animals behave the way they do. They might explore fundamental processes like learning, sensory perception, motivation, and emotion in various environments. 

Their work often contributes to developing new knowledge that can be applied to improving educational, technological, and healthcare strategies. These psychologists typically work in university settings, private research organizations, or government agencies, contributing to a broad understanding of behavioral science.

Salary: $92,813 per year

Education Requirements:   Ph.D. in general/experimental psychology .

6. Engineering Psychologist

Engineering psychologists focus on optimizing human capabilities by designing user-friendly systems and devices. By applying psychological science to the design of products such as computer interfaces, cars, and medical equipment, they improve usability, increase productivity, and minimize error. 

Their work may involve conducting user experience research to understand how improvements in product design can enhance safety and overall user satisfaction in various technological applications. 

Education Requirements: Master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering psychology.

7. School Psychologist

School psychologists work in educational settings, addressing students' social, emotional, academic, and psychological needs. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments. 

These psychologists assess and counsel students, manage behavior, support learning, and work on intervention strategies for students with special needs. They also help with crisis management and evaluate programs that teach students with learning and behavioral problems.

Education Requirements: Advanced degree in school psychology, typically an Ed.S. (Educational Specialist) or Ph.D./Psy.D., along with state certification or licensure.

8. Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologists blend psychology with the legal system, assessing individuals involved in legal proceedings and providing expert psychological evaluations. They may work on child custody disputes, insurance claims, and lawsuits to assess psychological harm or criminal cases to evaluate mental competency or criminal responsibility.

Forensic psychologists are also involved in designing correctional programs, profiling criminal behavior, and understanding the psychological problems associated with criminal behavior. 

Salary: $87,877 per year

Education Requirements: Ph.D. or Psy.D. in forensic psychology; additional certification in forensic psychology may be required for court work. Certain states will allow graduates with only a master's in forensic psychology to practice but under the supervision of a psychologist with a doctoral-level degree.

9. Counseling Psychologist

Counseling Psychologists specialize in helping individuals improve their personal and interpersonal functioning throughout their lives. They place particular emphasis on addressing emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, developmental, and organizational concerns. 

Counseling psychologists may work with individuals, families, groups, or couples to improve their well-being, alleviate distress and maladjustment, and resolve crises. Additionally, they might participate in research and teaching related to counselor training.

Salary: $83,804 per year

Education Requirements: Master's or Ph.D. in counseling psychology ; licensure required.

Factors That Influence Your Salary

The salary of professionals with a psychology degree can vary significantly based on several factors. First, geographic location plays a crucial role, as demonstrated by the disparities in average annual salaries across different states . For instance, in Oregon, Alaska, and North Dakota, psychologists enjoy some of the highest average salaries in the United States, with figures nearing or surpassing $176,000.

In contrast, states like West Virginia and Florida offer much lower average salaries, around $111,019 and $106,610, respectively. Additionally, salaries can vary within states, highlighting the influence of location even further.

Education level and years of experience also heavily influence earning potential in psychology. Higher educational qualifications and extensive experience enhance a professional's expertise and credibility as well as open up opportunities for advancement into leadership or specialized roles, which typically offer higher compensation.

For example, professionals with a doctoral degree or those who have completed specialized training and certifications are often considered for more senior positions, which command higher salaries.

Moreover, as we've seen, specialization within psychology affects salary prospects. Different areas of practice and expertise come with varying demands and remuneration. Clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, and industrial-organizational psychologists, among others, tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in more general roles. This variance is due to the specialized skills and knowledge required in these fields, the complexity of the cases handled, and the direct impact these roles have on organizational performance or individual health outcomes.

Choosing a career that not only sparks your interest but also provides immense satisfaction through its impact is crucial. However, the financial aspects also play a vital role, as they support your own life and future aspirations.

At UND, the Department of Psychology, with over a century of academic excellence , is fully equipped to support you on your journey to becoming a professional in the field. After all, understanding the power of the mind can unlock the potential of the future.

How do I decide which specialization within psychology is right for me? ( Open this section)

To decide which psychology specialization fits you, it’s best to explore your interests in different areas of psychology by taking a variety of courses, as well as considering what issues you are passionate about solving. At the same time, engaging in internships or volunteer work can also provide practical insights that help solidify your decision.

What is the job outlook for psychologists in the current market? ( Open this section)

The job outlook for psychologists is promising, with an expected growth rate of 6% for the 2022 - 2023 period, with about 12,000 new job openings every year. The growth is about as fast as the average for all occupations, mainly driven by increased demand for psychological services in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and social services.

What skills are important for success in psychology careers? ( Open this section)

Key skills for success in psychology include strong analytical thinking, exceptional communication abilities, empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills. Other valuable skills in the profession are the he capacity to handle complex data and a deep understanding of human behavior.

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• PsyD vs PhD

Salary Outlook Ph.D in Counseling Psychology

In most areas of study, a doctoral degree is the highest possible level of achievement in academics. For those studying counseling psychology, this could mean getting a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree, or it could mean earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

While the degrees generally have different basic philosophies, very often, the end result is the same, and this generally is true for those pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. In comparison to other types of psychology degrees, counseling psychology is heavily focused on the practice of counseling others to help them cope with day-to-day struggles.

What are the degree options for counseling psychology students and what types of salaries can they expect to earn at the professional level?

Counseling Psychology Doctorate Options

The right degree option can make all the difference. That’s because, while doctoral programs in psychology can be quite similar between Ph.D. and Psy.D. tracks, the basic design of the coursework and academic focus are usually different in a few key ways.

Generally, people who pursue a Ph.D. in a field of psychology, including counseling psychology, do so because they want to engage in detailed study and academic research into the field. On the other hand, those who are considering a Psy.D. degree may be more inclined to careers in psychology where they practice counseling psychology one-on-one with patients or clients. Of course, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and it’s definitely true that qualified people with either type of degree can cross over and have successful careers with a variety of daily tasks.

SEE ALSO: 5+ Online PhD in Counseling Psychology Programs

Often, the choice comes down to which programs are available where the student lives, and Ph.D. programs, in general, are slightly more common than Psy.D. degree tracks, though this is changing as the Psy.D. gains credibility in the industry.

Still, for students who want to have the broadest possible career options, a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology may help provide that.

Counseling Psychology PhD Career Tracks

With a Ph.D., a wide range of possible career paths become available, and for those studying counseling psychology, that’s definitely the case. While a career as a counseling psychologist , perhaps the most obvious related job title, is certainly possible, it’s far from the only possible occupation an individual could pursue after earning their Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.

SEE ALSO: How to Become a Counseling Psychologist

Let’s take a look at just a few of the possibilities:

• Psychology Professor
• School Counselor
• Career Counselor
• Research Director
• Mental Health Counselor
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Substance Abuse Counselor

Counseling psychology programs tend to focus more heavily on helping individuals who don’t have major psychiatric or behavioral health disorders, and so career tracks will lean more heavily in that direction when it comes to jobs with a clinical component.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology Salary Overview

Statistically speaking, the mere presence of a Ph.D. greatly boosts a person’s potential earnings. In fact, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, the average Ph.D. graduate makes about double their high school graduate counterparts.

SEE ALSO: Clinical vs. Counseling Psychology Degree Differences

To understand the income potential for Ph.D. graduates in the counseling psychology field, we calculated an average annual income rate for a total of five jobs for which national data is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Here’s a look at the counseling psychology jobs we studied:

• School and Career Counselor
• College Professor

California has the highest average annual salary across the five counseling psychology Ph.D. jobs we examined, followed closely by New Jersey. D.C., New York and Oregon round out the top five. The average annual income rate in West Virginia was by far the lowest.

Average annual counseling psychology Ph.D. salary by state

Counseling psychologists have the highest annual average salary rate across the five jobs, with an average amount of about $81,000. Considering all five jobs, the overall average is just under $80,000, while salary rates for Counselors, which includes any counselors not classified elsewhere, are the lowest at just over $48,000.

Average annual U.S. salary, selected counseling psychology Ph.D. jobs

The next several years are expected to bring a veritable boom in counseling psychology employment. According to U.S. Department of Labor data , the five counseling jobs we studied will see their ranks expand by about 33% in Utah, the highest rate in the country. Four other states are expected to see counseling psychology jobs grow by more than one-quarter — New York, Georgia, Nevada and Colorado. Alaska’s 3.8% growth rate projection is the lowest.

Average projected growth in counseling psychology PhD job openings by state, 2018-2028

The five selected jobs should see average growth of just under 14% through 2028, with openings for Marriage and Family Therapists rising at the quickest rate (22.4%) and jobs for School and Career Counselors climbing at the slowest rate (8.4%).

Average U.S. projected growth in counseling psychology Ph.D. job openings, 2018-2028

As Americans increasingly accept the need to seek help coping with the stresses of their lives and relationships, it’s more and more likely that they’ll turn to professional counselors for help. For psychology students weighing their doctoral options, earning a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology can open doors, both professionally and personally.