On average, a PsyD program takes slightly less time to complete than a PhD program. Students who want to enter clinical practice may find a PsyD program a better fit. However, the overall cost of getting a PsyD may be higher since tuition assistance is usually not offered.

Students take the GRE, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), in paper- or computer-delivered format. While some graduate schools no longer require the GRE or substitute other skills and qualifications for the test, most master’s programs in psychology require it.

Most PsyD programs will require that applicants take the general GRE exam. Most programs indicate minimum GRE scores as a total of the verbal and quantitative sections and require a minimum (with a few exceptions) score of 300 (quantitative and verbal).

PsyD programs often accommodate a higher number of students, sometimes as many as 100, though this varies widely by school. With more spots available per program, this makes for an average acceptance rate of about 40%. It’s important to note, however, that this doesn’t mean a PsyD degree is easier to get.

The mean GRE scores of first-year graduate students in psychology, using the scale begun in late 2011, is 158 verbal and 149 quantitative for psychology PhD programs; it is 153 verbal and 146 quantitative for Master’s programs.

Five Factors to Consider When Choosing a PsyD Program

• Program Emphasis on Clinical Practice or Research.
• Specializations or Focus Areas.
• Faculty.
• Practicum and Field Experience.
• Alumni.

PSYD Salary in Los Angeles, CA

PsyD programs generally don’t expect as much research. Most programs do require a dissertation or other significant research project. PsyD students are less likely to receive stipends or have their research compensated through grant money.

Psychiatry is by far the best-paying psychology career. The average salary is $245,673, according to the BLS. Job growth for psychiatrists is expected to be 15 percent by 2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

So why are they paid so little? Lack of innovation, specialization, a lot of psychologists popping up, and (probably most importantly) low pay from insurance companies. Incompetence. Lack of serious work ethic, a general lack of referral from primary care physicians and psychiatrists.

Best Countries to Study Psychology

• USA.
• Austria.
• UK.
• France.
• Denmark.
• The Netherlands.
• Australia.
• Canada.

Best Five Cities for Mental Health Counselors

1. Colorado Springs, Colorado. Recording a ValuePenguin score (52) that was 83% lower (and therefore better) than the study’s average, Colorado Springs comes out on top.
2. Fairbanks, Alaska.
3. Anchorage, Alaska.
4. Mankato, Minnesota*
5. Roanoke, Virginia.

How Much Does a Psychologist Make? Psychologists made a median salary of $101,790 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $114,870 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $75,740.

Study Highlights: The best overall city for psychologists’ work-life balance is McAllen, Texas. California has 13 cities in the top 100, the highest for any state. Texas is second with 8.