Ph.D. in Psychology vs Clinical Psychology: Research, Careers & Specialization Paths

Introduction

Whether you’re passionate about understanding the human mind and behaviour or want to take your psychology education to the highest level, you may find yourself asking: Should I pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology, or a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology?

Both alternatives are similar and fall under the umbrella of doctoral studies in India, but the two variants have divergent focuses, training schedules, and career outcomes. One of them makes you ready to direct in any field of psychology research, and the other makes you prepared to become a licensed clinical psychologist.

Students at SGT University can also follow both streams with appropriate academic guidance, facilities, and on-field exposure. Now it is time to look at the main distinctions between these two programs and the career perspectives they present through this blog.

Course Overviews: Ph.D. in Psychology vs Clinical Psychology

PhD in Psychology

The program is Research based, and students will find it appropriate, especially those ones who want to study psychology research theories and practical applications across discipline such as cognitive, developmental, social, industrial or health psychology.

Here you will learn about:

• Advanced research methodology and statistics
• Psychological theories and models
• Carrying out primary research Designs and methods
• Data analysis and Academic Publishing

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (RCI)

A professional doctorate in therapeutic skills, clinical assessment and supervised patient care. It is a program for those people who want to become a licensed clinical psychologist.

You will come to know about:

• Psychopathology and diagnosis
• Psychotherapeutic practices (CBT, REBT and others)
• History taking, clinical case work and treatment planning
• Neuropsychological and psychometrics tests
• Rehabilitation, ethics and laws

Both programs entail dissertation, but the clinical Ph.D. also involves a large amount of fieldwork and client contact with licensed supervision.

Specialisation Paths & Career Differences

Ph.D. in Psychology: Career Scope

• Industrial-organizational psychologist
• Academic researcher or professor
• Educational or developmental psychology specialist
• psychological testing and evaluation expert
• Academic journals as an author or an editor

Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology: Career Scope

• Certified licensed clinical psychologist (RCI)
• Hospital, rehab, or private practice therapist
• Clinical institutions supervisor or trainer
• Forensic consultant (court assigned psychologist)
• Neuropsychology specialist or rehabilitation specialist
• Head of mental health department

Key Takeaway:

When your interest is more to study human behaviour and publishing the results then opt for psychology research. If you’re drawn more to therapy, evaluation and clinical intervention, clinical psychology PhD is the path for you

Research or Practice: Which is the right choice?

Before making such a decision ask yourself these questions:

• Are you interested in writing, teaching and experimental work? → Select Ph. D. in Psychology
• Would you like to diagnose and treat mental disorders head-on? → Select Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Would you like to work as a university employee? For that, there are two choices, whether you would like to teach or provide therapy.
• Do you wish to practice independently in clinical settings? → You will require licensure as an RCI by completing Clinical Psychology in PhD.

Why Choose SGT University to Study Doctorate?

SGT University, one of the best private universities in Delhi-NCR, is among the limited universities that provide doctorate courses in general and clinical psychology with expert supervision and on requirements in India.

What is Special in SGT University:

• UGC- approved and RCI- recognised programmes
• Full time faculty academic and clinical expertise
• Latest psychology facilities and treatment centres
• 800+ bedded in-house multi-specialty hospital for clinical Ph.D. training
• Access to live cases, patient interactions, and advance diagnostic tools
• Ethics development and dissertation supervision

SGT helps students to integrate the excellence in their academic career along with the competence in the real world, and thus it provides a comprehensive atmosphere to pursue doctoral studies.

Course Details

• Course name: Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology/Clinical Psychology)
• Duration: As per UCG norms
• Eligibility: Masters in psychology / Clinical Psychology with 55% marks (NET/JRF preferred)
• Mode: Full-time or part-time (research based)
• Fee: INR 1,50,000 per annum (approximately)
• Subjects: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Research methodology and Psychopathology
• Note: Qualifies one to RCI registration on completion
• Scholarships: Research Fellowship and Financial aid to SC/ST, girl students and merit holders

Final Thoughts

Ph.D. in Psychology and the clinical psychology PhD are both honourable advanced doctorate degrees and both qualifications are prestigious, however they must be considered in line with your career aspirations

Choose the research Ph.D. in case you are a discovery-oriented and academically curious person. And, in case you want to heal, and change the lives of people in the form of therapy, then the clinical path is what you should pursue.

At SGT University, you do not need to compromise between quality and opportunity, and you have them both. Under the supervision, practice experience, and determination in excellence, SGT is the place where you can realize your path to the top of psychological practice.

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions

Is an M.Phil. required for Ph.D. Clinical Psychology?

Yes. M.Phil. In Clinical Psychology is compulsory to be able to enrol into RCI Approved clinical psychology Ph.D. programs

Can I become a licensed clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. in general psychology?

No. You can only be licensed after undergoing the clinical program approved by RCI.

Which one is superior to pursue career in teaching or research?

Ph.D. in Psychology is ideal for academic, research jobs.

Is there SGT dissertation support and supervision?

Yes. Both programs are based on the presence of supervisors, research mentors and access to the resources in the data collection.

Can I apply for fellowships during Ph.D.?

Yes. The help of SGT University assists the student in applying to the UGC-JRF, ICSSR, internal funding on research.