Overview of Doctorate in Psychology Degree Programs in Massachusetts
After studying psychology or another social science at the undergraduate level, doctorate in psychology programs in MA may be the next logical step for you in your education. You can easily transition into a doctoral program, build on your current understanding of psychological concepts and theories, and learn the skills you need to effectively treat patients in evidence-based, ethical ways.
There are two main degree options in Massachusetts, although both options are quite similar. The state is home to both PhD in psychology programs and PsyD programs. Upon completion of an APA accredited degree program, you can start the process of earning your license and getting the supervised experience you need to work independently.
Starting education at a school that fits your learning style can make this process much smoother. Keep reading to learn more about picking a doctoral psychology program or check out the list below to contact doctorate in psychology programs in MA.
Getting Your Doctorate Degree in Psychology in Massachusetts
Psychology is a fairly unique field in terms of its doctoral programs. While some fields of study expect you to earn a Master's degree prior to pursuing a PhD, the majority of top doctorate in psychology programs in MA are designed with Bachelor's degree graduates in mind. Beyond your undergraduate degree, plan on spending between five and seven years on your psychology PhD or PsyD.
While earning a PhD, you should take courses focusing on clinical psychology work, research goals and techniques, and the history of psychology. Classes that are often required include:
- Assessment and Testing
- Culture and Mental Health
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Lifespan Psychopathology
- Forensic Psychology
- Psychological Responses and Recovery
- Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior
- Psychopharmacology
- History and Systems of Psychology
If you know that you would prefer to spend your career in a clinical setting, you may not need extensive training in research and teaching. In that case, a PsyD could be a good option to consider. Like PhD programs, PsyD programs include between 90 and 120 credits. However, your experience should take you into a greater variety of clinical settings and require less research work.
Since a PsyD prepares you for clinical work, you may find that your curriculum includes courses like:
- Fundamental Clinical Practice Skills
- Social Bases of Behavior
- Cognitive Assessment
- Psychodynamic Theory
- Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
- Ethics, Standards, and Professional Practice
- Diversity and Cross-cultural Psychology
- Clinical Practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
- Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence
Working With Your Doctoral Degree in Psychology in Massachusetts
When you graduate with your PhD or PsyD, your next stop is the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists. Before they consider licensing you, they require you to send in an application, official transcripts, an academic program director form, three professional references, and an internship program director form. When you are approved to take your test, you must take and pass the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology.
Licensure gives you the freedom to work in just about any psychology career in Massachusetts. You may become a clinical, school, or counseling psychologist. Professionals in this area earn an average of $
The field of psychology is constantly growing, and you may become part of it with a doctorate degree. Get in touch with local schools now by requesting information from PsyD and PhD in psychology degrees in MA.
