Note: The information on this page is designed to provide an overview of what to expect when applying to graduate school in psychology. If you are seriously considering applying to graduate school, you should connect with a faculty member from the Department of Psychological Science or PSYC Advising as soon as possible.
Types of Psychology Graduate Degrees
There are three main types of graduate degrees within the field of psychology: Master’s, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). The following table compares and contrasts the different focuses and lengths for Master’s, PhD, and PsyD programs.
| Types of Psychology Graduate Degrees | Master's Degree (MA, MS) | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Description | First level of graduate study; program focus (e.g., research, counseling, forensic psychology, I/O psychology) will vary; 2-3 year program | Typically has a heavy research focus, though overall program focus may vary (e.g., research, counseling, forensic psychology, I/O psychology); 5-7 year program (may be less if you have obtained a Master's degree) | Clinically oriented with little to no research; 3-4 year program |
To learn more about pursuing a graduate degree or career in psychology, visit the American Psychological Association (APA) website.
Differences Between Psychology and Psychiatry
While psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to identify and treat mental health disorders, the required education and training for these career paths differ. The following table compares and contrasts the different requirements for and responsibilities of psychologists and psychiatrists.
| Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Physician Assistants (PAs) | Psychologists | Psychiatrists | Physician Assistants (PAs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Description | Requires a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD); extensive training in research and/or clinical practice; can specialize in psychological testing and evaluation; 3-7 year program | Requires a medical degree (MD, DO); assess mental and physical features of psychological issues; conduct and prescribe medical treatments; ~8 year program (1) | Requires a Master's degree (MPAS, MCHS); can specialize in a variety of areas (e.g., psychiatry/mental health); work under the supervision of a physician to conduct and prescribe medical treatments (2); 2-3 year program (3) |
If you are interested in becoming a medical doctor or physician assistant, you should connect with an advisor from the College of Health Sciences (COHS) as soon as possible.
Which Type of Program Is Right for Me?
The type of graduate degree that you need will depend on the career you want to pursue. For example, if you want to become a forensic psychologist, you will need to obtain a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD). If you want to become a counselor, however, you only need to obtain a Master’s degree (MA, MS). Before deciding which type of degree you want to pursue, you need to determine the type of career you are interested in. That way, you can ensure you are getting the appropriate level of education and training needed.
1 UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. (n.d.). Psychologist vs psychiatrist – What is the difference? https://medschool.ucla.edu/news/psychologist-vs-psychiatrist-what-is-the-difference Â
2 American Academy of Physician Assistants. (n.d.). What is a PA? https://www.aapa.org/about/what-is-a-pa/
3 Indeed. (2023, January 24). What degree do you need to become a PA? (Plus licenses). https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-degree-does-pa-need#:~:text=To%20earn%20a%20PA%20master’s,Health%20Services%20(MCHS)%20title.