Home Doctorate in Psychology Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in Michigan

Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in Michigan

Find Doctoral Degree Programs in Michigan

At the undergraduate level, you get the chance to figure out if psychology is the right field for you. Even if you don’t choose it for your undergraduate major, you may decide that you are passionate about psychology and how it can improve people’s lives.

If you are ready to build on your undergraduate education and start a professional career in psychology, earning a doctoral degree could be the first step for you.

In Michigan, completing a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. can help you get into psychology practice in several different ways. You may enjoy research and use your research skills to uncover new findings in this field. You may become a clinician and help patients with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, or family problems.

Once you have experience and a strong academic reputation, you may teach psychology at the undergraduate or graduate level. Keep reading to learn more and contact doctorate in psychology programs in MI to get started.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree in Psychology in Michigan

As you start to learn about different educational options in psychology, it’s important to consider each doctoral option to find the right one for you. You may find that your previous educational background is a good starting spot.

If you have some experience in clinical settings and you know that you want to spend your career working with patients, consider a Psy.D. This degree was developed in response to the industry’s need for a clinician-specific psychology degree.

Perhaps you are interested in academia or you already know you are primarily interested in the research aspect of psychology. In that case, a Ph.D. could be the right move for you. If you have a teaching license or an education degree, top Ed.D. in psychology programs in MI may help you build on your teaching experience to become a professional psychologist.

In a Ph.D. program, you may take on large tasks like conducting empirical research, utilizing research in psychological treatment, analyzing human behavior, and developing an understanding of human development and thought.

While earning the 90 credits required for a Ph.D., you may take classes like:

  • Biological Bases of Behavior
  • Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
  • Clinical Psychology Forum
  • Psychodynamic Treatment
  • Behavioral Psychotherapy
  • Personality Assessment
  • Behavior Genetics
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Psychophysiology

Psy.D. in psychology degrees in Michigan, as noted, are geared more toward students who went to work in clinical settings.

As a Psy.D. student, you may take classes like:

  • History and Systems of Psychology
  • Social Bases of Behavior
  • Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
  • Psychopathology and Personality Change
  • Objective and Projective Personality Assessment
  • Multicultural Psychology
  • Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Psychology
  • Group Psychotherapy

Whether you pursue a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D., practical experience is a requirement of licensure. Overall, plan on spending more than 2000 hours in the community, in the research lab, and in various care settings.

Working With Your Doctoral Degree in Psychology in Michigan

Although you cannot earn your psychology license until you’ve officially matriculated, you can start preparing for the process as you near the end of your degree. The Michigan Board of Psychology requires you to take the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology before you are considered for licensure. Once you have submitted the appropriate documentation and test scores, you can wait for further instructions.

In Michigan as a whole, the job outlook is fairly stable for doctorate-level psychology professionals. Keep in mind, however, that the Upper and Lower Peninsulas have fairly different economies and healthcare needs. Through 2022, O*Net anticipates a 6% increase in clinical and counseling psychologist jobs and a 10% boost in psychology professor jobs (2016).

Salaries tend to fluctuate across Michigan, peaking in urban areas like Ann Arbor and falling slightly in rural areas. Michigan psychologists earn an average of $76,330 on an annual basis, and an average salary of $91,780 per year is reported for psychology professors (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).

With the educational options available to you in Michigan, there’s no reason to put off the next stage of your psychology career. Contact top doctorate in psychology programs in MI to get started.