Do You Need a Master’s to Pursue a PsyD?

Do You Need a Master’s to Pursue a PsyD?

Different Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs have different requirements for admission. This article focuses on one of those prerequisites in particular—namely, do you need a master’s degree to pursue a PsyD, or is it possible to apply to a PsyD program without having a master’s? The short answer is that a master’s is often a prerequisite, but not always. The more detailed answer is discussed below.

What Is the Difference Between a PsyD and PhD in Psychology?

Because this article explores whether you need a master’s to pursue a PsyD, and not whether you need one to pursue a PhD, it is worth taking a moment to differentiate between these doctoral degrees. It is true that a PsyD and a PhD in Psychology are both doctorates in psychology, and both types of programs are designed to help candidates prepare to become clinical psychologists. But Doctor of Psychology programs focus on applying psychological principles to working with clients or patients, whereas Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology programs usually emphasize research culminating in a dissertation.¹ This is a significant distinction—someone who is interested in treating patients with psychological disorders but is not particularly passionate about conducting original research might find that a PsyD is a better fit for them, while someone who is passionate about research and wants to work in academia might be better served by pursuing the PhD path instead.

Additionally, acceptance rates, type of doctoral project, and funding sources for PsyD and PhD programs tend to differ.

Can You Pursue a PsyD Without a Master’s Degree?

Whether it is necessary to hold a master’s degree to apply to a PsyD program varies by institution. Some schools require only a bachelor’s degree. Others offer master’s/PsyD combined programs for learners who hold only a bachelor’s degree in psychology—these PsyD programs do not require a master’s degree “up front” because candidates can earn their master’s in psychology while pursuing their doctorate. However, most PsyD programs do require that applicants hold a master’s degree, typically in psychology or a related field.¹

Fully online PsyD programs tend to require that applicants hold a master’s degree. Online PsyD programs without a master’s degree requirement may be fully online but are sometimes offered as hybrid programs (that is, they contain both online and in-person components).

CalSouthern’s Doctor of Psychology program is 100% online. Applicants to the online PsyD program are required to hold a master’s degree in psychology or a related field. For those learners who have not already earned a master’s degree in a relevant field, our Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology could be a good fit. That is because graduates of this program who decide to pursue a PsyD at CalSouthern may be eligible to apply course credits from the MS program to the PsyD program, and in doing so, can reduce their time to degree completion.

California Southern University’s Psychology Degree Programs

All of CalSouthern’s degree programs are 100% online, have affordable tuition, have monthly class-starts and offer personalized one-on-one guidance.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD-G)

The Doctor of Psychology: General (PsyD-G) program is designed for learners who hold a master’s degree in psychology or a related field and want to advance their clinical and applied knowledge in the field of psychology. It is a 66-credit program that takes an average of four to five years to complete, assuming full-time status.² The curriculum comprises required core courses, elective courses, a comprehensive examination and doctoral project courses. For those with psychologist license eligibility in mind, CalSouthern also offers a Clinical Specialization for its PsyD program (PsyD-C). Given that license eligibility varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change, learners are advised to contact state licensing agencies directly for details regarding all requirements. The PsyD-C specialization provides optional opportunities for supervised clinical experience emphasizing the service orientation of a professional clinical degree.³

CalSouthern also offers several options for learners who would like to pursue a PsyD but do not already hold a :

Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology

This program places an emphasis on psychology theory and research for those seeking opportunities in various fields that require a master’s degree, which may include consulting or research. Program graduates may also pursue positions such as undergraduate psychology instructors. Learners who are interested in pursuing a PsyD at CalSouthern but hold a master’s degree in an unrelated field may wish to explore this Master of Science (MS) in General Psychology degree program, which is designed to provide a firm foundation in psychology necessary to pursue doctoral level study at CalSouthern (PsyD). Graduates of the MS in General Psychology program who go on to pursue our PsyD program may directly apply eligible credits (up to four courses) from this master’s program to their doctoral program, and in doing so, can reduce their time to graduation.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology

The Master of Science (MS) in Psychology degree program is an option for learners who have earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and want to pursue a concentration as part of their master’s degree program. The MS in Psychology focuses on scientific research as applied to non-clinical settings and allows learners to choose a concentration in Advanced Addiction Studies, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Pastoral Counseling or Sport Psychology.

Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology

The Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program emphasizes issues and applications in clinical psychology. It is designed for learners who hold a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field and who are interested in pursuing a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and/or as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What steps must you take to pursue a PsyD?

A: To be eligible to pursue a PsyD, an applicant must first satisfy all prerequisites/admission requirements. To apply to the CalSouthern PsyD program, applicants must hold both a bahelor’s and master’s degree in psychology or a related field. They must also submit an Enrollment Application for Admission, official transcripts, a Personal Statement and the application fee.

Q: What career paths may be pursued with a PsyD?

A: PsyD holders may pursue career paths in industries such as psychology, consulting and education. For individuals who complete the Clinical Specialization, additional paths may be found in private and group practice.

Most clinical, counseling and research psychologists must hold a PsyD or PhD in Psychology. In the United States, psychologists who practice independently must be licensed in the state in which they work. Furthermore, most states require licensure to practice psychology or use the title “psychologist,” regardless of whether someone practices independently or not. Licensing involves meeting both educational requirements, such as completing a doctoral program in psychology and experience requirements (completing an internship and a minimum of one to two years of supervised professional experience); it also entails passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. However, licensing laws vary by state and type of position so for more information, you should contact your state’s licensing board. Continuing education is often required to maintain a license.¹

Q: Can I apply to CalSouthern’s PsyD program without a master’s degree in psychology or related field?

A: No. To be eligible for the PsyD program, an applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field of study and a master’s degree in psychology or a related field of study.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Psychologists,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (last visited 7/3/2024). Licensure Disclosure
² Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. Program completion time also depends on an individual learner’s time needed to complete all required doctoral project requirements which varies by learner.
³ This program is not available to residents of all jurisdictions; additional information is provided in the Licensure Disclosure section on the website.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, licensure, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.

REQ1994648  7/2024