Final answer:
It is true that newly minted Ph.D. holders often seek postdoctoral training before pursuing faculty positions. These programs allow them to enhance their research skills, while a PsyD is more focused on clinical practice. PhDs have diverse career options, including academia, industry, and legal settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that it is common for individuals who have recently earned their Ph.D., especially in fields such as psychology, to seek out positions in postdoctoral training programs before serving as faculty. These programs provide an opportunity for young scientists to further develop their research skills under the supervision of professionals in their field. Once they complete one or two postdoctoral programs, they might apply for full-time faculty positions, where they can divide their time between teaching, research, and service.
For those interested in clinical practice rather than research, a PsyD may be a more relevant degree. This degree focuses more on the application of psychological principles in a clinical context. PhD holders have a range of career options, including research-only faculty positions at research-focused universities, and roles outside academia such as in pharmaceutical companies or the legal system.
Tenured professors, contrary to common misconceptions, are often intensely driven to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Adjunct faculty and instructors with advanced degrees may also teach psychology courses, particularly when the full-time faculty cannot cover all courses.