PsyD's and dissertations

[ramzax]

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Hi, I'm a big confused with the distinction between PsyD's and PhD's. I'm aware this is an overplayed question, but the question I want to specifically ask is are all PsyD's required to write a dissertation? I heard that some programs allow them to do a project considering how they are clinically based anyhow.

Thanks

 

[perfektspace]

I'm pretty sure this has been beaten to death... do a search and you will come up with lot's of info and debate

 

[Neuro-Dr]

There actually is a real answer to this question. The type of capstone project required for the doctoral degree depends on the regional and in the case of psychology, APA accreditation. Any regionally accredited university or college accredited by what is now known as the Higher Learning Commission must demonstrate that the required coursework feeds the capstone project. Thus, it could change from a dissertation to art project to robot depending on the nature of the curricula.

In the case of APA, all schools identify their own "model" in their self study. A scientist-scholar on the one end and scholar-practitioner on the other. If a program (most PsyDs) identified the scholar-practitioner model to APA and then REQUIRED all students to complete an empirical-design dissertation, they would need to demonstrate the level of coursework to support that (most have 2-4 stats/research methods courses and dissertation from 3-9 credits). If they have few stats/rm (say 6 credits) they would be in trouble with APA if they REQUIRED an empirical design. There are also questions of faculty teaching load, access to data, publication requirements, but you get the idea.

Your choice of program should reflect your goal in this area as in all others.

 

[PsyDGrrrl]

Don't do it, it's not worth it!

Oh, piss off already, Jon.

 

[ramzax]

Thank you Neuro-Dr. I will keep that in mind.

 

[PsyDRxPnow]

Hey, I'm just trying to save some poor soul from jumping over a cliff. 😉

Not sure what you mean but it seems that you have been grossly misguided about PsyDs. One reason psychology is not united is because comments like these. Individuals with this kind of thinking cause more division in the profession and hinder us from accomplishing our goals and evolving with a constantly evolving health care system.

I am currently in a PsyD program, closer to the finish and I am working on my "doctoral project". My program give me the option of conducting a traditional dissertation or a doctoral project. I chose a doc project because it allows me to choose from various options e.g. write a chapter in a book, conduct a program design and apply for grants, conduct a program evaluation and provide recommendations, etc. In my opinion, as a current and future clinician and consumer of research, the doctoral project options provide me with the ability to apply what I learn and can assist me in my future practice. Anyhow, I am not saying one is better then the other but the doc project works well for me.

Good luck