How Do You Become a Psychologist. What Degree Do You Need?
I'm interested in psychology as a career. What degree do I need to become a licensed psychologist, and what steps come after school?
To practice independently as a psychologist in most U.S. states, you typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, supervised clinical training, and a state license. A bachelor's degree alone is not enough for that title. Psychologists diagnose mental disorders, conduct psychological testing, and provide clinical treatment, which is why states generally require doctoral-level education and licensure.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, clinical and counseling psychologists usually complete a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Ph.D. programs emphasize research and a dissertation, while Psy.D. programs focus more on applied clinical practice. Both routes typically include a supervised internship. Graduating from an APA-accredited doctoral program can make licensure and internship placement easier in many states. School psychology may allow a master's, education specialist (Ed.S.), or doctoral path, plus a school credential that varies by state.
Start with a bachelor's degree, often in psychology or a related field. For undergraduate and online options, browse best online psychology programs.
Typical pathway: Bachelor's → Ph.D. or Psy.D. → Predoctoral internship → Postdoctoral supervised experience (if required) → EPPP and state licensure.
From beginning a bachelor's degree through full licensure, the process commonly takes 8 to 10 years, depending on the program and your state's requirements. Exact hour totals and exams vary by board, so check the jurisdiction where you plan to practice before you enroll.
Psychologist vs. psychiatrist: Psychologists earn doctoral degrees in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and provide psychological assessment and therapy. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who attend medical school, complete a psychiatry residency, and can prescribe medication.
If your goal is counseling or therapy rather than the psychologist license specifically, related master's paths include clinical mental health counseling, clinical social work, or marriage and family therapy. Those are different licenses with different degree and supervision rules.
If you are comparing degree levels next, see undergraduate vs graduate education.
Bottom line: Becoming a licensed psychologist usually means a Ph.D. or Psy.D., supervised internship and postdoctoral experience, and a state license. Confirm your state board's rules early so your degree path lines up with licensure.
The answers are generated with AI and reviewed by the EDsmart editorial team before publication.
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EDsmart's Q&A provides practical answers to common education and career questions. Responses are generated using AI and reviewed by the EDsmart editorial team for accuracy, clarity, and consistency before publication. While we strive for accuracy, this information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, or financial advice.