[KaceFace]

Hi, I'm a junior in college majoring in psychology. I want to become a child clinical psychologist. I plan on going to graduate school to get a doctorate degree but I want to get a Psy. D instead of a Ph. D.

Which one do would be the best way to go?

I was also wondering if anyone knew of any places that offer undergraduate internships.

Also would it be better to get a masters degree before going straight to getting a doctorate degree after undergrad?

[shezbut]

Yes, you need to get your Master's degree before going on for your Doctorate.

Difference between PsyD and PhD is explained well in this link:
The Difference Between a PhD in Psychology and a PsyD

LOTS of places offer undergraduate internships! Check out this link as well: Undergraduate Research Opportunities & Internships

[Travelinglady]

Hi, KaceFace! I actually went to psych grad school in a bypass the master's program. I had to do what was called a "major area paper" along the way, which was a bit like a master's thesis, but I didn't actually get a master's. I am talking about the 1970's and 1980's, but I would be surprised if the schools don't have them now. Having a doctorate in psychology is best. It can be hard to get into a doctorate program after getting a master's. But if you can't get into a doctoral program, then go for a master's. People can do counseling with degrees such as M.S.W.'s, too. A friend of mine got a master's in school psychology and works with a school system.

The Psy.D. is a degree where you don't do research, but more applied psych study, and would be for someone who wants to go out and practice psychology (counseling) and not ever teach it at a research university or write research papers and do research as part of a job.

Getting into a clinical psych program is notoriously difficult and has been for years--harder than getting into med school. Just pointing out the facts, alas. Are your grades top-notch? How about scoring on standardized tests? You will need to also do quite well on the G.R.E.

I don't know of any places that offer internships, but you can call around and ask. Some volunteer work with children would be possible, especially children with problems, and that would be great to show on a resume.

Let me know it you want to talk more about it.

[KaceFace]

My grades aren't necessarily top notch but I'm working on bringing them back up. My grades in my psychology courses are pretty good though.

I know I want to get a Psy. D and work with children but I'm not really sure what path I should take to get there as an undergrad, if that makes sense.

Are there schools with a Psy. D program that are better than others or are they all about the same?

[Travelinglady]

Oh, yes, schools vary in how good they are in all fields. And they can be great in one area and not so great in another. Maybe google something like "best Psy.D. Programs." You can also check to see what the average GPA's and GRE scores are for people they have admitted.

[Perna]

I would find a school that specializes in child psychology degrees and go there for whatever they offer rather than worry about which initials were better. Check out the APA's portion of their site for students, see what you can learn about good programs and how to move forward best for you: Graduate and Postdoctoral Education