Graduate Degrees in Psychology

Masters Degrees
Doctorate Degrees
Masters Degrees

M.A. / M.S.

A post baccalaureate master’s degree typically requires two to three years of graduate-level coursework. The two most common types of master’s degrees earned for psychology are the Master of Arts (M.A.) and the Master of Science (M.S.). The M.A. degree tends to be granted from psychology programs that have emphasis on the liberal arts, whereas the M.S. degree could include more focus on science and research; however, the academic requirements are similar.

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Doctorate Degrees

There are three broad career paths, or models, that most doctoral graduate students in psychology pursue: the scientist model (a.k.a. the research model) and scientist-practitioner model, both of which lead to receiving a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and the practitioner model, in which the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) is granted.

Ph.D.

The scientist model typically has a teaching or research emphasis within the program curriculum. This does not lead to licensure. Areas of study in this model include Forensic, Educational, Industrial/Organizational, or Developmental Psychology, among others.

The scientist-practitioner model usually has a similar curriculum as in the scientist model but students in this model receive additional training to become eligible for licensure as a psychologist (e.g., to become a practicing psychologist). The Ph.D. is granted by university-based psychology departments and by some professional programs.

Psy.D.

The practitioner model has more emphasis and training on the practitioner side of psychology and tends to have less focus on science and research in psychology. The Psy.D. is usually granted by a university or professional school that specifically trains the practitioner model, and also leads to licensure eligibility as a psychologist.

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