A doctorate is the highest level of an academic degree that can be achieved. There are different types, including the PhD.
Earning a PhD can be a challenging process, but you may also find it to be rewarding. This degree is focused on research and statistics. It is a competitive program that requires a lot of commitment from students, but there are several benefits to a PhD in psychology.
A PhD program can help prepare students to pursue employment in a variety of settings, such as research-related and academic fields. Some graduates may pursue teaching positions, while others may lend their expertise to corporate development projects.1
The PhD in psychology is distinguishable from the master’s in psychology with the addition of the dissertation. While master’s students may write a thesis, they do not need to conduct original research. In contrast, students pursuing a PhD are required to conduct original research that culminates in a dissertation.
It’s possible to specialize in different areas with a PhD. Many colleges offer specialized PhD programs that are tailored to specific interests and skill sets — for example, a PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology or a PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology. You can also often choose whether you’d rather focus more on qualitative or quantitative research in your program.