Home Doctorate in Psychology Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in District of Columbia

Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in District of Columbia

Find Doctoral Degree Programs in District of Columbia

If you’re interested in a clinical career in psychology, you have a number of options to consider. You may have some clinician career opportunities at the graduate level, but you need a doctoral degree for a large scope of practice. At APA-accredited programs all over Washington DC, you can learn about research analysis, the conduction of research, clinical ethics and practices, and teaching.

In the Washington DC area, you have the benefit of a very strong postsecondary education community. There are many renowned public and private institutions that provide training at this level. Depending on which type of psychology career you wish to pursue, you may choose from a variety of specialties offered at schools near you.

Finding the right school and the best advisor for your area of study is crucial. Find out more about this degree below and contact Ph.D. in psychology programs in District of Columbia.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree in Psychology in District of Columbia

Although there are many psychology doctoral programs in this area, the process of earning a doctoral degree is roughly the same at any school. First, you must meet the school’s admissions requirements. These generally include a Bachelor’s degree, a set amount of undergraduate psychology coursework, strong GRE scores, and good references.

Although most doctoral programs are created with Bachelor’s degree graduates in mind, you can still check out your options if you have a Master’s degree. If your Master’s degree is in a field related to psychology, you may save up to two years on your degree.

Before narrowing down your list of schools, decide whether you want to earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D. The first option is a Ph.D., which is usually the first choice for students who are interested in teaching or conducting research. However, this degree should still provide sufficient training for those who want to do clinical work.

District of Columbia Student Studying Online For Psychology Doctorate Degree at Coffee Shop

Some schools have different specialty options. For example, while earning a Ph.D. in counseling psychology, you may take the following courses:

  • Psychological Research Methods and Procedures
  • Statistical Modeling and Analysis
  • Social Cognition
  • Experimental Foundations of Psychology
  • Psychological Assessment
  • Practice of Psychology
  • Community Psychology
  • Evidence-Based Interventions
  • Lifespan Developmental Psychopathology

A Psy.D., on the other hand, is far more focused on clinical work. This degree was created in the 1960s after experts decided that Ph.D. programs did not prepare students for clinical work.

At some of the best Psy.D. programs District of Columbia has, plan on taking courses like:

  • Psychological Assessment
  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
  • Group and Organizational Dynamics
  • Theories of the Mind
  • Cognitive and Affective Bases of Clinical Psychology
  • History and Systems of Clinical Psychology
  • Ethics and Professional Issues

Roughly the same amount of clinical hours are required in both paths. You may enroll in assessment practical courses, a therapy practicum, and one to two internships or externships.

Working With Your Doctoral Degree in Psychology in Washington DC

The District of Columbia Board of Psychology is your next step after earning your degree. You must submit a completed application, three character references, and a Verification of Supervised Employment form. You can then receive your license after passing the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology.

In general, psychology salaries in Washington DC are higher than what you may find in other areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that clinical psychologists earn an average salary of $85,340 per year, while psychology professors earn an average of $72,400 per year (2016). The job outlook is stable for both. Through 2022, demand for psychologists may increase 10% and demand for psychology professors may increase 16% (O*Net, 2016).

Since psychology Ph.D. programs DC requirements include one or two internships, you may have some employment contacts by the time you graduate. Consider finding out whether or not your internship position may become a full-time job. Barring that, you may ask your internship supervisor about openings that are similar to your internship position.

Doctorate in psychology programs in District of Columbia may help you achieve your goals and become a licensed psychologist. Finding a program that fits you is the first step—begin by contacting programs below.