How to Earn a PHD in Psychology

The academic specialization you pursue will determine the institution you will attend and the curriculum required to earn a PhD in Psychology. The license requirements for counseling psychologists differ by state and you should have a thorough understanding of these requirements before beginning the PhD program. The academic requirements vary by field of psychological study. so research these as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Masters degree in psychology with at least a 3.0 GPA
• Statement of Intent
• Official transcripts from all previous coursework

1. Define your specific field of interest and research the universities that offer your chosen field. Review Psychology journals and other peer-reviewed journals to help you select who you would like to study under. Most universities will want to see that you are familiar with specific field work and are serious about your pursuit of the Psychology PhD.
2. The PhD candidate can expect to spend 1 to 2 years completing psychology coursework and assisting faculty with research. These first two years help round out your knowledge and give you a solid foundation on which to build your own research.
3. Prepare for examinations. Different institutions have different exams, but most will require an oral examination and submittal of original research papers. Review the policies of your chosen institution so that you are prepared for the oral examination.
4. Develop your thesis idea. All of your research from this point on will be based on your thesis. You will conduct in depth research and write your doctoral thesis for completion of the program. You can expect your thesis to be more than 400 pages. Some institutions require the thesis be published.
5. Present and defend your thesis to a board of Psychology experts. A successful presentation completes your PhD studies.

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