Master's vs. Doctorate in Psychology: Exploring the Main Differences
Dec 07, 2023
Are you considering pursuing higher education in psychology? It's a wise choice that can open up a world of opportunities and help you achieve your professional goals. But with so many options available, deciding between a master's vs. doctorate in psychology can be overwhelming.
In this article, we'll delve into the main differences between these two degrees and help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Basics
When considering advancing your education in psychology, it's essential to understand the significant differences between earning a master's degree and a doctorate degree. Both degrees offer a plethora of professional opportunities, so let's dive into the details.
What is a master's in psychology?
A master's in psychology is a graduate degree that delves deep into the field of psychology, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various roles, such as mental health counseling, social work, research, academia, and more.
The two most common types of master's degrees in psychology are Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS).
Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology
The Master of Arts in Psychology is designed to provide graduates with the essential professional skills that will enable them to excel in the field of psychology, promote personal growth, and positively impact their communities. The program is rigorous and focuses on developing research and conceptual abilities in students, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and analysis in this field. It offers concentrations such as the following:
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Human Animal Interaction
- Sexual Orientation and Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Communities
- Spiritual Counseling and Care
Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
A Master of Science in Psychology is a graduate program that typically takes two to three years to complete. It provides students with a diverse range of exciting opportunities to explore psychological theory, research methods, and statistics. The program also offers specializations in areas such as forensic, abnormal, experimental, or cognitive psychology.
What is a doctorate in psychology?
A doctorate in psychology is the highest academic degree you can earn in the field. The program is rigorous, taking an average of 4-7 years to complete, and involves advanced coursework, research, and a dissertation.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology
A Ph.D. in psychology is an advanced degree typically involving five to seven years of graduate study and is one of the most prestigious degrees in the field of psychology. There are different types of Ph.D. programs, including clinical, counseling, or school psychology programs, each with various concentrations and subspecialties.
Ph.D. programs in psychology are renowned for their emphasis on research. As an aspiring Ph.D. student, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with experienced faculty members who share your research interests.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
Unlike a Ph.D. in Psychology, which emphasizes research, the PsyD program is designed to provide practical training to students aspiring to become licensed clinical or counseling psychologists. With a focus on clinical practice, the program offers a comprehensive understanding of mental illness, treatment options, and assessment practices.
As a PsyD student, you will receive extensive training in various psychotherapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy.
The Main Differences Between a Master’s vs. A Doctorate in Psychology
Pursuing a master’s or a doctorate in psychology represents distinct academic and professional paths, each with its own set of characteristics and requirements.
Depth of study
When considering a career in psychology, it is important to understand the depth of study required to become a practicing professional.
Master’s in psychology
A master's in psychology is an advanced level of study, building upon foundational knowledge acquired at the undergraduate level. The program focuses on core concepts of psychology, such as research methods, statistical analysis, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology. It involves in-depth coursework and practical training tailored to a specific chosen field, honing your skills through coursework and hands-on research experiences. In addition, these programs often incorporate practical experiences such as internships, fieldwork, or supervised clinical practice, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
This degree involves a more specialized and in-depth exploration of psychological concepts compared to undergraduate studies, preparing students for various careers in psychology and serving as a stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
Doctorate in psychology
Doctoral programs in psychology are designed to provide advanced and specialized coursework beyond the foundational knowledge gained at the undergraduate and master's levels. These programs cover various subfields of psychology, theory development, and specialized areas of interest. Students are expected to conduct research projects and enhance their research and analytical skills. In addition, those pursuing a PsyD are required to complete clinical training involving supervised practical experiences, such as internships and practicums.
Research focus
While both master's and doctoral programs in psychology include research components, the nature and scope of research activities differ between the two.
Master’s in psychology
While research is a component of master's studies, such programs typically place less emphasis on it as the primary objective is to equip students with a practical understanding of psychological theories and methodologies.
Master-level research projects tend to be more modest in scope, allowing students to engage in hands-on experiences without the expectation of substantially contributing to the existing body of psychological knowledge.
Doctorate in psychology
Extensive research is a defining feature of doctoral training. Doctoral candidates are expected to contribute meaningfully to the field through original research, often culminating in a doctoral dissertation.
The research focus in a doctoral program reflects a commitment to producing scholars and practitioners capable of shaping the future of psychology through their unique contributions to the field.
Career opportunities
Psychology offers a range of career opportunities. Let's explore some options available to those with a master's or doctorate in this field.
Master’s in psychology
Some of the careers you can pursue with a master's in psychology include:
- Mental health therapist
- Licensed professional counselor (LPC)
- Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
- School psychologist
- Industrial-organizational psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
- Addiction counselor
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Educational psychologist
- Developmental psychologist
If you earn a master's degree in psychology but later decide to pursue a career outside of the field, there are many alternative career paths available, such as user experience researcher, market research analyst, organizational development specialist, human resources manager, career counselor, and more.
Keep in mind that for some of these roles, you may need to fulfill additional requirements, such as further training, certification, or supervised hours.
Doctorate in psychology
A doctorate in psychology opens up various career options in clinical settings, research positions, academic roles, and corporate development projects. Below are some potential career paths:
- Psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Counseling psychologist
- Industrial and organizational psychologist
- School psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Educational psychologist
- Sport psychologist
- Family therapist
- Mental health counselor
- Health psychologist
- Researcher
Program length
Several factors, including the degree level, influence the length of the program. As a result, there are variations between the duration of master's and doctorate programs in psychology.
Master’s in psychology
A master's degree in psychology typically ranges from two to three years. Still, it may vary depending on the program's curriculum, the student's chosen concentration, and their study pace. Some programs offer accelerated options that enable students to complete their degrees in a shorter time frame. In contrast, others provide part-time or online options that can be more flexible but may take longer to complete.
Doctorate in psychology
Usually, it takes around five to seven years to finish a doctoral psychology program, which includes coursework and research. However, the duration of the program, similar to master's programs, depends on the area of specialization, the type of program, and whether the student is studying full-time or part-time. Furthermore, students may need to fulfill an internship or practicum requirement, which can add to the time required to complete the program.
Cost
One of the most significant factors students must consider when pursuing higher education is the cost. The cost of tuition for any degree program can vary significantly depending on the institution, program, and location.
Master’s in psychology
The cost of tuition for a master's program in psychology can vary depending on the institution and the program's length and location. On average, tuition for master's degree programs in the United States ranges between .
Doctorate in psychology
The cost of a doctorate in psychology can also vary greatly depending on the university and program. On average, doctorate programs in the United States cost .
Licensing and practice
Earning a master's degree or a doctorate in psychology imposes different requirements to become licensed. So, let's explore the requirements for each option.
Master’s in psychology
After obtaining your degree, to become licensed, you will need to complete additional requirements, which include:
- Supervised clinical experience
- Applying for licensure
It's worth noting that in certain states and limited terms of practice, a master's degree in psychology can qualify you for a career as a licensed therapist or counselor.
Doctorate in psychology
A doctorate in psychology provides greater opportunities for licensed practice and the ability to diagnose and treat a broader range of mental health conditions. Specific requirements must be met to obtain licensure, including:
- Completion of a certain amount of supervised hours, depending on the state.
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
- A jurisprudence exam, if applicable.
- Bank your credentials through organizations like or .
Financial Considerations
When considering the financial aspects of pursuing a master's or doctorate in psychology, weighing the costs against the potential return on investment (ROI) is essential. Doctorate programs are generally more expensive but often lead to higher-paying roles, enhancing the overall ROI. Data from the highlights this discrepancy, illustrating that graduates with a master's degree earn a weekly salary of $1,661. In contrast, those with a doctoral degree earn $2,083 per week.
Future Outlook
The BLS also foresees a in overall employment of psychologists, resulting in 12,800 annual job openings. This growth indicates a broader societal recognition of the crucial role mental health plays in overall well-being. As mental health awareness continues to gain prominence, the demand for skilled professionals in the field rises, driving the need for both master's and doctoral-level psychologists.
The Bottom Line
It is clear that there are significant differences between a master's and a doctorate in psychology—some of the main ones include the depth of study, program length, and career opportunities, among others.
If you're interested in a career in psychology, Our Lady of the Lake University offers a variety of options to meet your educational and career goals. These include a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in School Psychology , a Master of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) , and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree with a concentration in Counseling Psychology . Start your journey with º«¹úAV today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are masters and doctorates the same?
No, they are not. Doctorates offer a more advanced and comprehensive level of education.
What does PsyD stand for?
PsyD is an abbreviation for "Doctor of Psychology".
Do you need a master's to get a PsyD?
No, it's not mandatory to have a master's degree to pursue a PsyD. Some PsyD programs permit individuals to apply with a bachelor's degree, provided they have completed specific undergraduate courses or possess significant work experience.
How many years is a master's degree in psychology?
A master's degree in psychology typically takes 2-3 years to complete.
How many years is a doctorate in psychology?
A doctorate in psychology takes 4-7 years to finish.
Is it better to have a master's or doctorate?
Doctorate degrees are seen as more advanced than master's degrees and can offer more job opportunities than a master's degree. However, there are plenty of job opportunities for those with a master's as well.