Whether you need a degree at the doctoral level really depends on your interests. A PhD (doctor of philosophy) psychologist typically focuses on research, though some may provide therapy (Norcross & Castle, 2002). Earning a PhD requires graduate-level course work: 3 to 6 years of advanced college courses and training in addition to a bachelor’s degree. PhD course work and research culminate in a dissertation, which you might think of as a huge research paper in your field of study. PhD programs are highly competitive; it is not unusual for an applicant to apply to multiple schools, but only gain acceptance to one or two. The good news is that programs typically provide 70–80% of students with tuition assistance (Norcross & Castle, 2002). For some helpful tips on applying to PhD programs, you can visit the APA Web site at http://www.apa.org/education/grad/applying.aspx and LaunchPad at www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/sciampresenting1e.

If your interest is more clinically focused, then you may consider the other doctoral-level degree in psychology, a PsyD (doctor of psychology). It emphasizes clinical practice rather than research, and typically requires 1 to 1.5 fewer years than a PhD program. This is not to say that PsyD programs do not require course work in statistics and research methods; it is just not the primary focus. PsyD programs traditionally emphasize clinical study, practice, and experience (Norcross & Castle, 2002). Because most PsyD degrees are offered by professional schools of psychology or private colleges and universities, students in these programs graduate with an average debt of $120,000 (Novotney, 2013, January). There also tends to be less financial aid available for PsyD students.