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

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

Find Doctoral Degree Programs in Ohio

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in psychology or another social science, there are many ways you can expand your career options and make the most of your education. One of the most popular options is entering a doctorate in psychology Ohio program.

Doctorate programs are the highest level of education in psychology. Due to the depth and breadth of this field, it’s essential to complete a comprehensive education before becoming a licensed psychologist and working independently with patients in clinical settings.

Although many use a doctoral degree to go into clinical work, it’s not the only option with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. The courses you take cover undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, and statistical analysis, providing further options in your career.

There are many steps involved in becoming a licensed psychologist in Ohio.

Keep reading to learn more about the educational expectations at this level and find out how you can start your degree.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree in Psychology in Ohio

Doctoral programs typically run from five to seven years, with most programs capping program lengths at the seven-year mark. During this time, you should complete between 110 and 120 credits in various areas of psychology. Many of those credits come from clinical rotations, resulting in the completion of at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical work.

Beyond the core similarities between programs, each school has different courses and learning outcomes. You may come across both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs in your search.

Ph.D. programs balance research and clinical experience, often requiring courses like those listed below:

  • Research Design and Methods in Clinical Psychology
  • Psychometrics
  • Quantitative Methods in Psychology
  • Qualitative Methods in Psychology
  • Empirically Supported Treatments
  • Psychological Praise
  • Health Psychology

A Psy.D. program is intended for students whose interest lies solely in clinical work, not postsecondary teaching or research. Although you may occasionally use this degree in other settings, you should only consider this option if you are dedicated to a career in clinical work.

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

  • Theories of Personality
  • Objective Personality Assessment
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Child Assessment
  • Projective Assessment
  • Research Methods
  • Dynamic and Interpersonal Therapy
  • Professional Psychology Ethics
  • Psychopathology

Between your clinical rotations and research work, Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs are a full-time commitment. Look into the learning goals and outcomes of various options to find a school that fits your needs. You should develop competence in a variety of areas of practice while preparing for the process of psychologist licensure in Ohio.

Working With Your Doctoral Degree in Psychology in Ohio

After earning a Ph.D. in psychology, Ohio practitioners must earn a license through the Ohio State Board of Psychology before practicing independently. This licensing agency requires the payment of a $300 licensing fee, full transcripts, three reference letters from licensed psychologists, and a completed application. After passing this step, you pay $600 to take the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology. Once you pass this exam and an oral examination given by the State Board of Psychology, you may be approved for a license.

The main career paths in psychology are fairly stable in Ohio. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that clinical psychologists earn an average of $72,670 per year, compared to an average salary of $80,890 for psychology professors (2016).

Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net anticipates a 5% jump in job openings for psychologists (2016). This time period may also see a 15% increase in psychology professor job openings (O*Net, 2016).

The setting in which you decide to work plays a role in your job outlook and income. For example, if you gain some experience and decide to open your own practice, you may have a greater income potential than someone who decides to earn a salary through an established medical center. There are benefits and drawbacks to each employment option.

As you learn about Ph.D. psychology programs, Ohio schools should be part of your list. Request information from schools listed below for more information.