Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in New Jersey
Find Doctoral Degree Programs in New Jersey
Throughout the United States, the importance of mental healthcare is gaining attention. As the fallout from limited mental health services makes headlines, more states are devoting funding to counseling, psychiatric treatment, and other health services.
In New Jersey, this has resulted in a need for psychologists who can work with mental health patients, substance abuse patients, troubled families, and children. While counselors may work with just a Master’s degree, you need a doctoral degree to become a psychologist. There are two types of doctorate in psychology New Jersey programs, and you can compare programs to find one that fits your talents and career objectives.
If you have a Bachelor’s degree and some psychology coursework behind you, psychology doctoral programs could be an excellent option for you.
Learn more about this degree, what it takes to get started, and how you can use a Ph.D. or Psy.D. to further your career.
Getting Your Doctorate Degree in Psychology in New Jersey
As an aspiring Ph.D. or Psy.D. student, finding a program that suits you is an important part of succeeding in your career. There are many doctoral options at New Jersey colleges and universities. You may narrow down your list of options by looking into admissions requirements.
While some schools may require a Bachelor’s in psychology, others only require applicants to have 12 credits of undergraduate psychology coursework and a Bachelor’s degree in any area of study. You may find that most schools expect you to have high scores on the GRE.
Another factor to consider is your area of research. A doctoral degree requires the completion of a dissertation. The dissertation can shape the rest of your career, so it’s crucial to choose a topic that you are passionate about. As you compare schools, look for faculty members with related expertise.
Course requirements differ between Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs, making it worth your while to think about both options. Ph.D. in psychology New Jersey programs, which are popular amongst students who want to go into teaching or research, often include these courses:
- Research Design and Analysis
- Clinical Ethics
- History and Systems of Psychology
- Cognitive Assessment
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Clinical Research and Treatment for Child Psychology
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Practice
On the flip side, Psy.D. programs tend to devote more credits to patient diagnosis, treatment, and documentation. Your courses may include:
- Analytic Foundations
- Adult Psychopathology
- Clinical Interviewing and Assessment
- Supervision and Professional Development
- Elements of Psychodynamic Therapy
- Systems Theory and Analysis
- Child Psychopathology
- Adult Psychopathology
Funding is an important issue for many students. If you have a strong academic history, clear research goals, and a promising application, you may get partial or full funding. Having several school options may help you garner a range of funding packages.
Working With Your Doctoral Degree in Psychology in New Jersey
The process of becoming a licensed psychologist goes through the New Jersey State Board of Psychological Examiners. You can submit your application, pay the licensing fee, and wait for a testing date. Passing the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology is a licensure requirement. Upon being approved by the State Board of Psychological Examiners, you must complete a specific amount of supervised work hours to get your full license.
Whether you go into clinical practice or research, your outlook and earning potential may be fairly similar. The Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that clinical psychologists earn an average of $90,520 per year, compared to an average salary of $86,790 per year for psychology professors (2016).
Clinical, school, and counseling psychologists may experience a 3% increase in job openings through the year 2022 (O*Net, 2016). Those who go into postsecondary teaching may benefit from a 9% boost in demand (O*Net, 2016).
If you’re ready to do more with your psychology education, a doctoral degree could help you reach your potential as an independent practitioner. Learn more about doctorate in psychology NJ options by contacting the schools below.
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