The Great PhD Debate: Can Liberty University’s Psychology Degree Unlock the Gates of Licensure?
So, you’re thinking about diving headfirst into the world of psychology, armed with a PhD from Liberty University. You envision yourself as the next Dr. Phil, dispensing wisdom and calming troubled minds. But hold your horses, my friend! Before you start booking your therapy sessions, let’s address the elephant in the room: Does a PhD from Liberty University actually qualify you for psychologist licensure?
The short answer? It depends.
Let’s Break It Down, Shall We?
Liberty University’s online PhD in Psychology is a fascinating beast. It’s accredited, which is a good sign. It’s also non-clinical, which is a whole other story. It means that while you’ll get a fancy degree, it won’t automatically grant you the magical powers of a licensed psychologist.
Think of it like this: Imagine you’re learning how to make pizza. You can get a degree in pizzaology (not a real thing, but let’s roll with it). You’ll learn about dough, toppings, ovens – all the good stuff. But that doesn’t make you a certified pizza chef. To be a certified pizza chef, you need to learn the specific skills and techniques required to make a pizza that doesn’t resemble a burnt brick.
The same goes for psychology. You need a degree that focuses on the specific skills and knowledge needed to practice clinically.
So, what does a psychologist need to do to get licensed?
- Get a Psychology Degree: The first step is to get your PhD or PsyD. However, not all degrees are created equal. You need a degree that focuses on clinical psychology, not just general psychology. This means a program that includes supervised clinical practice, internships, and training in assessment and therapy.
- Pass the Exam: Once you have your degree, you need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). This is a tough exam that tests your knowledge of psychology, research methods, and clinical practice.
- Meet Licensure Requirements: Every state has its own specific requirements for psychologist licensure. This may include things like a certain number of supervised hours, continuing education courses, and a background check.
Now, back to Liberty University.
Their online PhD in Psychology might be great for research or teaching, but it’s not designed to prepare you for clinical practice. So, if you’re hoping to get licensed as a psychologist, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
To be clear, I’m not saying Liberty University is a bad school. They have a great reputation for their online programs, and I’m sure their PhD in Psychology can open doors for you in other areas. It’s just important to be realistic about what it can and cannot do.
The Takeaway:
Don’t let the shiny object of a PhD in Psychology from Liberty University distract you from your ultimate goal of becoming a licensed psychologist. Choose your degree wisely, focusing on programs that specifically train you for a clinical career.
Remember, your journey to becoming a licensed psychologist is like baking a pizza: You need the right ingredients, the right tools, and the right training to create something delicious and satisfying.
So, do your research, choose your program carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Because when it comes to your mental health, you want a psychologist who’s truly qualified.