The PsyD: Psychology’s Applied Doctorate
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) differs from the PhD in that, whereas the PhD is focused primarily on academic research and scholarly publication, the PsyD degree is an applied degree that is clinically focused. It emphasizes counseling and therapy and gives you great leverage and opportunity in your career—you can move into virtually any position in any organizational hierarchy with the PsyD.
The PsyD also is a degree that can lead to licensure as a clinical psychologist; CalSouthern’s online PsyD program meets the educational requirements for licensure in California and CalSouthern alumni have been successful in obtaining licensure via the PsyD program. (The requirements vary state-by-state, and we encourage you to inquire about your state’s policies. Of course, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have regarding licensure.)
CalSouthern’s nationally accredited, online PsyD program attracts students from across the country and around the world. It’s an innovative degree program that combines a comprehensive selection of foundational courses as well as a variety of elective coursework that emphasizes the service orientation of a professional clinical degree.
The PsyD program culminates not in a dissertation, but in a doctoral project that is challenging and rigorous—and one of the most rewarding academic pursuits you’ll ever experience. The doctoral project—which may include a community-based action-research project, a critical analysis of the literature in a field of study, or a clinical application and analysis—can focus on a topic of the greatest interest to you and about which you are most passionate.
We encourage you to review the courses that comprise the PsyD program, read the bios of the School of Behavioral Sciences faculty (all faculty mentors in the PsyD program have a doctoral degree as well as extensive experience as a mental health care practitioner), and peruse a few of the alumni profiles. We’re confident you’ll find that CalSouthern’s online PsyD degree program is an excellent choice and well-suited for a variety of educational and career goals.