Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in Illinois
Find Doctoral Degree Programs in Illinois
At the undergraduate level, you master many core concepts of psychology. However, without further training and education, these concepts are just theory. You need additional training, experience, and supervision to put your knowledge to use.
In Illinois, earning a Ph.D. or Psy.D. may allow you to apply for a wide range of psychology jobs. These degrees are the top tier of psychology programs, giving you the freedom to work independently and claim the title of doctor. Illinois is home to some of the most well-known colleges and universities in the United States, many of which offer doctorate in psychology programs. By the time you graduate, you should have highly focused research goals and the skills you need to work with patients.
If you want to use your interest in psychology to work with patients, conduct research, and change the future of psychology, a doctoral degree could be the next step. Learn more about your options by contacting doctorate in psychology programs in IL.
Getting Your Doctorate Degree in Psychology in Illinois
As noted above, there are two degree options for doctoral psychology students. The first is a Ph.D. A Ph.D. combines research, teaching skills, and clinical skills to make you an effective clinician and researcher. In this type of program, you start getting clinical experience in your very first semester through a pre-practicum course. Throughout your remaining six to seven semesters, you continue your clinical experience in externships, practical rotations, and supervised internships.
Upon completing your degree, you should have a strong grasp of psychology theories and research. You should also be able to use that knowledge in clinical settings.
Ph.D. programs often require courses like those listed below:
- Biopsychology
- Hypothesis Testing in Psychological Research
- Experimental Social Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Personality Assessment
- Theory and Assessment of Intellectual Functioning
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Theories of Psychotherapy
Psy.D. programs in Illinois are quite similar to Ph.D. programs. In the early days of the Psy.D. degree, there were significant differences in these options, but both offer research and clinical experience now. However, you may find that Psy.D. programs tend to offer a bit more clinical work experience than Ph.D. options. As a Psy.D. student, you work closely with advisors to grow as a clinician, learn how to apply psychology theories through experiential learning, and understand the research process as it applies to psychology.
Your clinical curriculum may include courses like:
- Cognitive and Affective Processes
- Health and Dysfunction
- Biological Bases of Behavior
- Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations
- Consultation in Clinical Settings
- Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapy
- Cognitive Assessment
- Personality Assessment
- Clinical Psychopharmacology
Matching your research interests to a faculty member’s interests is an important part of your success. Each school offers information on faculty members’ research interests, so consider applying to schools that are aligned with your intended area of research.
Working With Your Doctoral Degree in Psychology in Illinois
After you earn your doctorate in psychology, the next step is getting licensed. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation oversees psychologist licensure. You must apply with a completed application, official transcripts, and proof of supervised work experience. You may earn your license after passing the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology.
Across Illinois, the job outlook is fairly strong for psychology professionals. Per O*Net, job openings for clinical psychologists are expected to increase 5% by the year 2022 (2016). In this timeframe, demand for psychology professors may jump 13% (O*Net, 2016).
Your salary is influenced by many different factors, including your area of specialty and where you live in Illinois. The Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that psychologists bring in an average of $77,700 per year (2016). Their data shows that psychology professors have an average salary of $95,780 annually (BLS, 2016).
Are you ready to apply your knowledge of psychology to a range of exciting employment opportunities? Learn more about your options now by contacting doctorate in psychology programs in Illinois.
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