THE BASIS OF THE DOCTORAL DEGREE FOR PSYCHOLOGY LICENSURE

The doctoral degree has been established as the educational requiremen t for psychology licensure in most states. It has been accepted as the standard for independent practice by most psychological organizations since the profession emerged, but it continues to be a source of cont roversy. The rationale for the doctoral standard and historical develo pments are reviewed. The benefits of maintaining the doctoral standard are also presented. Comparisons between master's and doctoral-level t raining and practitioners are reviewed. Potential roles for nondoctora l practitioners are discussed.