Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
A faster than average job growth rate means great things for bright minds looking for positions in the field of psychology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates job growth in psychology to increase by 19% in a 10-year span (through 2024), with specialties in the field (such as clinical, counseling, or school psychology) growing at a rate of 20%. However, in order to truly compete for such roles, you'll need a doctorate in psychology and for most career paths in your state you'll also be required to hold certification or licensure, which requires a doctorate degree in psychology (either a PhD or PsyD).
Choosing a Program
WILL THIS PROGRAM PROVIDE ME WITH THE SKILLS I NEED TO ADVANCE MY CAREER?
Yes. As mentioned above, you must first earn a PhD or PsyD (or in the case of school psychologists, an EdS) for state licensure to qualify for psychology work, whether in research, academia, a healthcare setting, or in a private practice. The process of earning an online doctoral degree in psychology provides the necessary background on theories, methodologies, and skills (from analytical to observational to interpersonal), and knowledge you'll need to carry out research, studies, tests, treatment, and reports in the field.
DO I NEED PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE TO GET IN?
Admission requirements to psychology doctorate online programs vary by school and department. Many institutions require at least three years of previous related work experience. When it comes to learners interested in earning their doctorate in psychology, this requirement isn't difficult to achieve because many applicants have already taken on internships and practicum courses in a lab or applied setting within the field.
CAN I WORK WHILE I COMPLETE MY ONLINE DOCTORATE IN PSYCHOLOGY?
Typically, an online degree program is structured for maximum flexibility in order to accommodate one's schedule, which can include family obligations and, yes, work. A doctorate in psychology online program is no different, affording students more time for their other commitments. Note that even 100% online programs will require a hands-on internship, research work, fieldwork, or even a full-time residency, which will of course influence the time you will have for obligations such as work.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO EARNING MY DOCTORATE ONLINE?
As with most online programs, one of the advantages of an online doctorate in psychology is schedule flexibility. This also ties into location, as some students are limited by where they reside. Enrolling in an online psychology doctorate program is always a time and finance commitment, but going to school online can save on both. Depending on the program and how much free time you have to dedicate to coursework, earning a PhD, PsyD, or EdS can take anywhere from three to seven years.
Accredited Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
| School | Cost | Description | Toggle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University East Lansing, MI | Cost: $$$$$ |
A premier public institution based in East Lansing, MSU prides itself on scholarship, leadership, and service. The school's college of education, founded in 1902, boasts a distinguished faculty with multiple awards for excellence in teaching, diversity, and community engagement. Research project areas include environmental literacy, civic engagement, and mathematics discourse in secondary classrooms. The college also operates centers and institutes that explore curriculum policy, neurodevelopmental disabilities, Chinese language and culture, and youth sports. MSU's hybrid online Ph.D. in educational psychology and educational technology operates on a cohort model tailored to the needs of working professionals. Working at a pace of one course per semester with two integrated courses in the summer, students complete the educational technology concentration over five or more years of part-time study. Summer courses also feature a two-week campus-based intensive. To personalize their studies for the online Ph.D., psychology students can select from two optional doctoral focuses: language and literacy education, and urban education. Coursework includes educational inquiry, qualitative research, and intellectual history of educational psychology. Application requirements include GRE scores and a bachelor's degree; many successful applicants have earned master's degrees in related disciplines. While the program admits students with outstanding achievements, credentials, and recommendations, the admission office evaluates all candidates holistically rather than through the use of specific numerical benchmarks. The program begins in the summer of even-numbered years; applicants must submit all materials by December 1 of the previous year. Transfer credits, although uncommon, may apply to program requirements in some cases. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | Cost: $$$$$ |
A leading nonprofit institution offering higher education in psychology and behavioral science since 1979, the school maintains five campuses in the U.S. Recognized as an innovator, the school operates on an engaged professional education model, enabling students to obtain clinical training across a range of community settings. The online Ph.D. in international psychology program prepares graduates for leadership roles in multinational organizations. The curriculum places strong emphasis on interconnected global systems perspectives, offering a unique approach among online Ph.D. programs in psychology. Coursework includes acculturation psychology, mental health interventions in international trauma settings, and psychology of organizations and systems from a global perspective. Students complete coursework through the Canvas platform, with 24/7 technical support available. The program also includes two nine-day, faculty-supervised, face-to-face international field placements for service learning. The school pairs with 20 global partners to offer these study abroad experiences. Prospective students may apply on a rolling basis, with program start dates every eight weeks. Although most doctoral students maintain at least a 3.2 GPA, the admissions office does not specify minimum GPA or GRE scores. Eligible service members receive a discounted military tuition rate, and the school also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Military spouses may apply for special scholarships. The school holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, and recognition for its cultural diversity from the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology. The online campus also boasts a Quality Matters certification for online learner support. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CA | Cost: $$$$$ |
Founded in 1998 as a Jewish-sponsored nonprofit school, TUW offers a diverse liberal arts education within a global-minded context. Based in Los Alamitos, California, the school prides itself on its commitment to addressing the needs of underserved populations through philanthropic duty and social justice -- all in keeping with Judaic tradition. TUW delivers all programs entirely online. The Psy.D. in human and organizational psychology program offers an affordable and convenient path toward earning a doctorate in psychology online. Designed for working professionals, the program takes an evidence-based approach to applied psychology. Core courses include applications of the scholar-practitioner model, applied media psychology, and quantitative research methods. Students may also select an organizational leadership concentration. Students complete all coursework in eight-week terms, and they can select from six start dates per year. The program requires a minimum of 22 classes comprising 66 credits. Although the degree typically takes three years to complete, the program operates on a modified "spiral format" that enables students to proceed at their own pace. Prospective applicants must hold a master's degree with a 3.4 minimum GPA. The program accepts up to six doctoral-level transfer credits, and the accelerated admissions process requires no GRE or GMAT scores. Eligible partner institutions, military service members, family members, and veterans may take advantage of special tuition discounts. Tuition rates include all required books and library resources. The program does not prepare students for any form of professional licensure. TUW holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
What Else can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Psychology Program?
A psychology doctorate online program will either award a general degree or one designed for a subset in the field, such as I/O (industrial-organizational) or counseling. See the following table for examples of a few of the more popular concentrations or specializations that doctorate in psychology holders pursue. Note that details may vary depending on the school and program chosen, but these represent a sample of what can be expected.
CONCENTRATIONS OFFERED FOR AN ONLINE DOCTORATE IN PSYCHOLOGY
| Concentration | Description | Careers this concentration prepares for |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychology | A doctorate degree in psychology online with a concentration in I/O prepares graduates to work in an organizational setting, such as a start-up or corporation, assisting in areas like team morale, employee satisfaction, workplace productivity, and operational efficiency. | I/O psychologist (working with human resources, marketing, sales, and management) |
| Health Psychology | The health psychology specialization of an online psychology doctorate program focuses on the relationship between health, wellness, and illness and psychological, behavioral, and social factors. Grads enter the field ready to help patients cope with illness, recovery, and loss, as well as address certain behaviors, moods, and habits. | Health psychologist (specialty of clinical psychology) |
| Counseling Psychology | Through this concentration, students train for future work in both one-on-one and group counseling, which can be further specialized (family therapy or working with adolescents, for example). Licensure from one's state is required to practice as a counseling psychologist (also known as a psychological counselor or clinical psychologist). | Counseling psychologist (at hospitals, clinics, or schools) |
CURRICULUM FOR AN ONLINE DOCTORATE IN PSYCHOLOGY
While the curriculum varies for online psychology doctorate programs, the basic theories, concepts, and methodologies they cover are generally the same. Here are a few sample courses typically offered, each designed to ready students for careers in psychology (or one of the field's specialties).
- Individuals/Groups in Organization: Explore how an organization's success/failure relates to its culture and the behaviors of its workforce and management teams. Learn how to observe, interpret, and analyze individual behaviors and cognitions, and how to apply new, emerging theories in the I/O field.
- Stress and Coping: Intended for online doctorate in psychology candidates working toward become health psychologists, this course addresses the topical issues of stress, stressors, and coping strategies and how these behaviors can impact our health and physiology.
- Human Motivation: Explore what's behind the drive, ambition, and initiative of individuals, and how motivation can come from within as well as external sources. Develop understanding of established and current theories on human motivation, and learn how such knowledge can help groups, organizations, and individuals such as students achieve success.
- Cognitive Neuroscience: Particularly relevant for those in health psychology, cognitive neuroscience pays special attention to neural activity and mental processes. From social cognition to perception to emotion, students explore behavior and change and how to help people gain control over -- and, in turn, improve -- their health.
- Personality and Behavior: This doctorate degree in psychology course examines behavior through the lens of personality. Students ask what role personality plays in the decisions people make, and how character impacts our everyday interactions. This is a notable course for the prospective I/O or school psychologist.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ONLINE DOCTORATE IN PSYCHOLOGY?
In a recent survey of psychology doctoral candidates, the National Science Foundation found that on average, learners took six years to complete a PhD or PsyD. Students pursuing their online doctoral degree in psychology can take anywhere from three to seven years to receive their degree. Factors, such as whether the student is attending full- or part-time, naturally influence program length. For a doctorate in psychology, particularly the PsyD (and for school psychologists, the EdS), fieldwork is a requirement that may be achieved through an internship, supervised research project, or residency.
As with any advanced degree, a doctoral dissertation is an enormous undertaking that requires a significant amount of time and effort to complete. For psychology doctorate online candidates, transfer credits can also affect program length. Some programs allow a maximum number of transfer credits from a student's master's degree work, while others may not. Finally, some programs are based on a cohort model, which means students go through the program together as a group, removing the option of moving through a program at an individual pace.
Accreditation for Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Accreditation is a designation awarded to an institution from a respected authority. Institutions that successfully receive accreditation meet standards of quality established by an accrediting authority. Accreditation comes in three varieties: national, regional, and professional. When choosing a school, prospective doctorate psychology online students are wise to carefully consider the accreditation that an institution or program has earned (or lacks!).
National accreditation is a recognition awarded by agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These agencies award accreditation on a national level to specific types of schools, such as vocational or trade institutions. Common agencies of this type include DETC, ACICS, and ACCSC.
Regional accreditation is generally considered the premier form of designation. Agencies recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA award regional accreditation. Six agencies in six regions award regional accreditation: MSA, NEASC, NCA, NAC, SACS, and WACS. Credits earned from a regionally accredited school easily transfer to other institutions and regional accreditation qualifies schools for most forms of financial support.
In addition to national and regional accreditation, doctorate in psychology candidates must also weigh a third accreditation: specialized and/or professional accreditation. The field of psychology's most important professional accreditation agency is the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA accredits clinical, counseling, and school psychology programs, and to receive licensure in some states, learners must first attend an APA-accredited program.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is the federal agency in charge of educational policy for the nation. In addition to helping to implement new laws enacted by Congress, the ED also administers federal financial aid and awards accreditation to higher education institutions that meet acceptable levels of quality.
CHEA promotes academic quality through accreditation, and recognizes 60 accrediting agencies. Its agencies award accreditation at the national level. The ED and CHEA back regional accreditation, and by being recognized by the federal government, post-secondary institutions and programs of this type qualify for federal student aid. To review accredited schools, please visit the databases at both the DOE and CHEA.
Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Psychology Graduates
While a master's degree in psychology can qualify you for some positions in the field, such as a research assistant, the most desired prospects are reserved for those who hold a doctorate in psychology. To practice as a legally-recognized "psychologist," one must be licensed and state licensure requires a doctoral degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that graduates who earn their degree in a specialty, such as I/O or forensics, hold an even greater advantage. Demand for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow at a rate higher than average over a 10-year span (though 2024). The current median age at which a doctorate degree in psychology is conferred is 31.
| Psychology Specialty | Jobs Growth in Field (projected) from 2014-2024 | Change in Jobs (estimated) from 2014-2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical | 20% | 26,400 |
| Marriage/Family Therapist | 19% | 5,000 |
| School | 20% | 22,500 |
| Industrial-Organization | 19% | 400 |
| All others | 10% | 1,600 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
DOCTORATE IN PSYCHOLOGY SALARY
In addition to a chosen specialty, professional experience level impacts annual earnings of employees in the field of psychology. Patient counseling and psychological testing skills are the most prized by employers and can sometimes influence salaries by double digits. The next table features job data from PayScale regarding expected salaries for clinical psychologists, school psychologists, and other psychology professionals at different stages of their respective careers.
| Job Title | Overall Median Salary | Median Salary for Entry-Level Employees (0-5 years) | Median Salary for Mid-Career Employees (5-10 years) | Median Salary for Late-Career Employees (20+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology (all) | $73,721 | $65,368 | $80,697 | $90,017 |
| Clinical Psychologist | $73,791 | $68,436 | $59,953 | $88,768 |
| School Psychologist | $58,388 | $53,750 | $59,953 | $71,341 |
| Assistant Professor | $65,144 | $65,047 | $65,836 | $63,826 |
| Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor | $45,945 | $41,270 | $46,262 | $48,651 |
DOCTORATE IN PSYCHOLOGY CAREERS
A doctorate in psychology prepares you for a career in the field of psychology, usually in a specialty such as industrial-organizational, counseling, or health. Most organizations in the field require a potential employee to hold a PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, and a PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology. These degrees are also a requirement for state licensure. Professions who hold the appropriate psychology degrees are often highly sought after -- not just in healthcare and social work settings, but also by schools, organizations, and the military, for example.
- Health Psychologist
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A health psychologist is a type of clinical psychologist who studies how psychological and behavioral factors interact with health, wellness, and healthcare. Health psychologists generally work in either private practice or in a healthcare setting such as hospitals, clinics, or community centers. They examine the influence of psychological factors on our health/physiology.
Median Annual Salary - $78,690
Median Annual Wage Difference for Specialty vs. General Degree in Psychology - 4.5%
Projected Growth Rate - 20% - Forensic Psychologist
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A newer speciality of the doctorate degree in psychology, forensic psychologists work in the legal and criminal justice system, primarily assisting on cases to help explain psychological aspects, such as motivation and defense. While many work in private practice, forensic psychologists may also be on staff at hospitals, mental health centers, courts, and educational institutions.
Median Annual Salary - $94,650
Median Annual Wage Difference for Specialty vs. General Degree in Psychology - 21.5%
Projected Growth Rate - 10% - Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologist
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An I/O psychologist helps an organization relate to employees, which facilitates greater workplace productivity and job satisfaction. I/O psychologists work together with HR and management to help in the areas of hiring and retention, team moral, company culture, and training.
Median Annual Salary - $104,570
Median Annual Wage Difference for Specialty vs. General Degree in Psychology - 29.1%
Projected Growth Rate - 19% - School Psychologist
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School psychologists helps an organization relate to employees, which facilitates greater workplace productivity and job satisfaction. I/O psychologists work together with HR and management to help in the areas of hiring and retention, team moral, company culture, and training.
Median Annual Salary - $75,670
Median Annual Wage Difference for Specialty vs. General Degree in Psychology - 0.5%
Projected Growth Rate - 20% - Developmental Psychologist
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From ways of thinking to behavior to circumstance, humans change over a lifetime. Developmental psychologists can assist in dealing, coping, and adjusting. Developmental psychologists primarily work with two groups: children and adolescents, and the elderly. In turn, many developmental psychologists practice in healthcare facilities, centers for the homeless, and retirement homes.
Median Annual Salary - $75,020
Median Annual Wage Difference for Specialty vs. General Degree in Psychology - -1.0%
Projected Growth Rate - 10%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Professional organizations exist to further the interests of their members and to advocate for their field or industry. Joining such an organization can be helpful for networking, job hunting (in particular for students and recent graduates), and the continued development of skills as members participate in workshops, seminars, annual conferences, and more. An online doctorate in psychology candidate for instance can expect to find resources, financial opportunities, and even mentors.
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American Psychological Association
Founded in 1892, the American Psychological Association is the premier organization for professionals and students working in the field of psychology. Its membership of more than 115,500 includes includes the top researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students in the field.
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American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association promotes the rights and interests of patients of psychiatric care and their families around the world. The organization's roster represents over 100 countries.
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National Association of School Psychologists
The NASP boasts a membership of more than 25,000 psychologists, graduate students, and related professionals trained in the specialty of school psychology. Members share the goal of helping students in all aspects of their life while in school and beyond. Members are primarily based in the U.S., with 25 other countries represented.
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Association for Psychological Science
The Association of Psychological Science is singularly focused only on research. The organization counts among its 33,000 members leading psychological scientists, academics, clinicians, teachers, and administrators in the field.
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Society of Neuroscience
Promotes the understanding of the brain and nervous system, the Society of Neuroscience is the largest professional organization of its kind. Established in 1969, the organization now counts nearly 38,000 members.
Financing Your Online Doctorate in Psychology Program
It's no secret that higher education is often expensive. Most students require financial assistance, and online doctoral degree in psychology candidates are no exception. However, the specialized nature of the field opens certain financial aid doors that are closed to others. Professional organizations, employers, and communities offer a wide variety of scholarships, grants, and work programs to help support the psychologists of tomorrow. To help fund your doctorate in psychology, which may take up to seven years to complete, you'll want to explore all your options, from federal aid to private programs. Note that federally-backed loans, like the Stafford Loan, carry a low interest rate for students. In turn, students are wise to begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
AN OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL AID
Approximately two-thirds of today's college students rely on loans to fund their education, but there are plenty of overlooked financing options you can use to reduce your overall student debt.
UNDERSTANDING THE FAFSA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial first step for any student with financial needs. Our FAFSA guide features a step-by-step rundown on the process and answers to several frequently asked questions.
FINANCIAL AID FOR ONLINE STUDENTS
Financial aid for online learning is equivalent to what you'll find for campus-based learning, but that hasn't always been the case. Learn about the changes that have taken place, as well as the different funding opportunities available to online students.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SINGLE PARENTS
Online college programs can be a flexible, affordable option for single parents who are interested in earning a degree and securing their family's financial future. We've compiled a list of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options geared toward single moms and dads.
FINANCIAL AID FOR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
Millions of dollars in free money is available to U.S. military personnel, but much of it goes unused. Learn more about grants, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities available to veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists.