Top Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs of 2025
Want to earn an online doctorate in psychology? Discover top programs and learn about the benefits and costs of this advanced degree.
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2025A doctorate in psychology is the highest degree in the field — and you can earn one online. Once you earn your online doctorate in psychology, you can pursue high-level research, academic, and counseling roles, working in the areas of psychology that interest you most.
There are many specializations you can choose from, including neuropsychology, developmental psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology.
Keep reading to learn about top online doctorate in psychology programs and potential career paths.
Doctorate in Psychology Degree Highlights
- Graduates of online doctorate in psychology programs can qualify for leadership roles in academia, research, and clinical practice.
- Online doctorate in psychology programs cost, on average, $8,000-$16,000 per year in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
- In our BestColleges 2024 Online Education Trends Report, most online program graduates (73%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation — and 31% say they were extremely well prepared.
- In that same report, college and university administrators predict that the most online enrollment growth over the next five years will be in the health professions (29%).
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Top Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2025. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$30,032
$30,032
97%
52%
Why We Chose This School
Keiser University's research-based doctoral program in psychology allows students to earn their degrees with flexibility. The program follows a scholar-practitioner model to combine classroom experience and real-world application.
Keiser offers two pathways to degree completion. You can enter the program after completing a traditional master's degree, or you can choose a baccalaureate entry, where you will begin the doctoral program immediately following the completion of a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related behavioral science.
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as educators, researchers, and other leadership positions in the field of psychology.
Pros
- In-person and online classes
- Small class sizes
Cons
- Not a clinical or counseling program
- 36% graduation rate
$22,048
$22,048
68%
19,019
Private
Yes
$30,032
$30,032
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$30,032
$30,032
97%
52%
$22,048
$22,048
68%
19,019
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Keiser University's research-based doctoral program in psychology allows students to earn their degrees with flexibility. The program follows a scholar-practitioner model to combine classroom experience and real-world application.
Keiser offers two pathways to degree completion. You can enter the program after completing a traditional master's degree, or you can choose a baccalaureate entry, where you will begin the doctoral program immediately following the completion of a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related behavioral science.
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as educators, researchers, and other leadership positions in the field of psychology.
Pros
- In-person and online classes
- Small class sizes
Cons
- Not a clinical or counseling program
- 36% graduation rate
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL4 yearOnline
$9,066
$9,066
71%
67%
Why We Chose This School
Northern Illinois University's interdisciplinary doctoral program in educational psychology focuses on contemporary issues within the field, including social-emotional learning and classroom management. Unlike school psychology, educational psychology focuses more on teaching and learning processes and practices.
You must have a master's degree to apply, with coursework taken in learning theory, research methods, and foundations of education. A 10-20-page academic writing sample is also required. As part of program completion, you must design, conduct, and analyze an original research study.
Pros
- Relatively low tuition
- Financial support available
- Assistantship opportunities
Cons
- No in-person courses
- 50% graduation rate
$9,790
$9,790
65%
15,649
Public
Yes
$9,066
$9,066
Dekalb, IL4 yearOnline
$9,066
$9,066
71%
67%
$9,790
$9,790
65%
15,649
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Northern Illinois University's interdisciplinary doctoral program in educational psychology focuses on contemporary issues within the field, including social-emotional learning and classroom management. Unlike school psychology, educational psychology focuses more on teaching and learning processes and practices.
You must have a master's degree to apply, with coursework taken in learning theory, research methods, and foundations of education. A 10-20-page academic writing sample is also required. As part of program completion, you must design, conduct, and analyze an original research study.
Pros
- Relatively low tuition
- Financial support available
- Assistantship opportunities
Cons
- No in-person courses
- 50% graduation rate
Why You Should Get a Doctorate in Psychology
Become a People Expert
Psychologists are experts in how people think and behave, and a doctorate in psychology is the highest degree you can get in the field.Gain Professional Credibility
Choosing a specialization that aligns with your passions and career interests can earn you more credibility, in addition to demonstrating your niche expertise.Increase Your Earning Potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), clinical and counseling psychologists make a median $95,830 per year.Enter an In-Demand Field
Jobs for clinical and counseling psychologists are projected to grow 13% in the next decade, per the latest BLS data.Advance Your Career
A doctorate in psychology can lead to high-level positions in research, academia, and corporate and clinical settings.
Benefits of Getting a Doctorate in Psychology Online
Out of the more than 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed, 100% would recommend online education to others.- 92% also think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- Additionally, a majority (85%) of these students and graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Online Psychology Doctorate for You
To ensure your program is a good fit for you, consider important factors like cost, accreditation, and program length. You should also research potential careers you can pursue after you graduate.
Table of Contents
Which Degree Should You Get: A Psy.D. or a Ph.D.?
To determine whether a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) or a Ph.D. in psychology is right for you, look into what each program entails and the careers they typically lead to. Each degree takes a different approach to psychology.
“A Psy.D. offers more clinical training and generally prepares you to become a psychologist who provides therapy,” explains Juli Fraga, a psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience. “A Ph.D. [in psychology] prepares you to become a therapist but also focuses more on research, meaning it prepares you to also become a researcher or professor.”
How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Psychology Cost?
Cost of Online Doctorate in Psychology, 2019-2020
Online Ph.D. in Psychology
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$16,265
Online Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$8,248
Source: NCES PowerStats
Based on data from NCES, online Ph.D. in psychology programs cost an average of just over $16,000 in tuition and fees in 2019-2020.
In comparison, online Psy.D. programs were significantly cheaper, costing an average of around $8,000 that same year — about half the price of their Ph.D. counterparts.
One possible reason Psy.D. programs may cost less than Ph.D. programs in psychology is that Psy.D. programs emphasize clinical practice over academic research. This means they don’t require as much funding for research and teaching assistantships as Ph.D. programs.
As you compare psychology doctorates, be sure to look into financial aid, such as grants and scholarships. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what kinds of aid you’re eligible for.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate in Psychology?
Ph.D. in Psychology
Typical # of Credits
70-100+ Credits
Typical Program Length
4-7 Years
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
Typical # of Credits
70-100+ Credits
Typical Program Length
4-5 Years
The typical length of an online Ph.D. in psychology program is 4-7 years. Pursue a Psy.D. and you can expect to spend a little less time — usually 4-5 years — on your degree.
But this difference can be deceiving. In reality, after completing a Psy.D. program, you’ll need to complete a postdoc in order to be eligible to work as a psychologist. All in all, it can take 6-7 years to earn your Psy.D. degree and your license, making it not much different, time-wise, from a Ph.D. in psychology.
You can shorten these time frames by enrolling in a dual-degree master’s/Ph.D. program or an accelerated online doctorate in psychology program.
Transferring credits and earning credit for life and work experience can also shorten the length of your program, not to mention save you money.
Doctorate in Psychology Application Requirements
- Application and fee
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE scores (if required)
Accreditation for Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Programmatic accreditation is essential for many doctoral programs, including psychology doctorates. Accreditation shows that a program meets certain academic standards and — in the case of psychology and other professional pathways — prepares you for licensure.
“APA accreditation also ensures oversight of the doctoral program by APA, which is an important stamp of approval,” says Fraga.
Most states require psychologists to graduate from a doctorate in psychology program that’s been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Unfortunately, APA does not currently accredit fully online doctorate in psychology programs. It does, however, accredit in-person and hybrid programs.
Since many employers prefer applicants to have completed an APA-accredited psychology program, this limitation could impact your job options. Consult your state’s psychologist licensing board to learn more about licensure requirements in your area.
You can also search for accredited doctorate in psychology programs using APA’s directory.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is APA Accreditation?
“If you want to become a licensed psychologist, attending an APA-accredited program is very important. Without it, it may be more challenging to get licensed, and job opportunities will be limited. For example, many hospitals require an APA-accredited program and internship in order to apply for their jobs.”
What Can You Do With an Online Psychology Doctorate?
Graduates of online doctorate in psychology programs have a diverse array of well-paying job options. Even some of the lowest-paid roles boast median salaries of over $80,000 per year.
According to the BLS, psychology professors earn around $80,000 a year, while school psychologists earn just under $87,000.
Research psychologists and industrial-organizational psychologists each boast median salaries of over $100,000 per year. Clinical and counseling psychologists are close, earning just over $95,000 annually.
To become a psychologist and qualify for state licensure, you must have a doctorate in psychology — usually from an APA-accredited program — and complete 1,500-6,000 supervised clinical hours.
You must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with a score of at least 500 out of 800.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $95,830 | Diagnoses and treats mental health conditions through psychological evaluations and therapy. |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $109,840 | Applies psychological principles in organizations to improve employee well-being and the overall work environment. |
| Psychology Professor | $80,330 | Designs and teaches psychology courses in colleges and universities. |
| Research Psychologist | $117,580 | Analyzes data, performs tests, and applies other scientific methods to study human mental processes and behavior. |
| School Psychologist | $86,930 | Works with teachers, parents, and school administrators to help students overcome academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges. |
Learn More About Doctorate in Psychology Jobs
Is an Online Doctorate in Psychology Worth It?
Whether an online doctorate in psychology is worth it depends on your academic interests and career goals.
First, consider whether you’re more interested in research or clinical practice.
Next, think about your learning style.
“In an online program, you won’t have the same person-to-person experience, and you’ll be expected to be a fairly independent learner,” says Fraga. “That said, if cost is a concern, an online program can be less expensive, which can save money in the long run.”
Other benefits of attending an online doctoral program are the flexibility to continue your personal obligations, such as a full-time job and childrearing.
According to our research, the majority (97%) of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
The only major drawback of fully online doctorate in psychology programs is that they can’t get APA accreditation. This can pose a big problem if you want to become a psychologist. Depending on your state, you may have fewer licensure options and job opportunities if you attend a program that’s not APA-accredited.
“Even APA-accredited internships require that you attend an APA-accredited program in order to apply for them,” cautions Fraga.
So be sure to check accreditation statuses before you apply to any doctorate in psychology programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Yes, as long as you’ve earned your doctorate in psychology from an accredited institution, your online degree will be respected. Institutional accreditation ensures your school meets specific requirements set forth by a recognized accrediting agency.
In addition to institutional accreditation, you should prioritize attending an APA-accredited program — especially if you plan to become a psychologist. Although APA doesn’t accredit any fully online Psy.D. programs, it does accredit hybrid programs.
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