An Explanation That Will Help You Decide
To better explain the similarities and differences between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. I will be using the University of Minnesota and Wheaton College as examples. To start, Wheaton College grants a Psy.D. which is a doctorate of psychology. Psy.D.'s focus on clinical work; working with patients and applying scholarly studies and research in their practice. As you know, a Ph.D. is also a doctorate, but one of philosophy. So, a Ph.D. in any subject such as psychology is truly a doctorate of philosophy in the study of psychology. Now, we would never say that considering it is a bit long, though, that is what it is. What is confusing is that a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. are very similar seeing that either one allows the doctor to practice psychology with patients in a clinical setting (if they are licensed in the state) as well as conduct research. In fact, many schools use a practitioner-scholar model. A model that trains practitioners, but focuses on research and the application of all sc...