Top Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs of 2025
If you’re considering an online doctorate in psychology, this guide has everything you need to know — from choosing a program to choosing a career path.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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The decision to pursue a doctoral degree is never easy: A lot of time, energy, and money are involved. But if you know what you’re getting into, an online doctorate in psychology can open up a whole world of cool career options.
For example, Dr. Erin Reynolds used her doctorate in psychology to become a clinical sports neuropsychologist. She’s now the director of Baylor Scott and White Sports Concussion Program in Texas, as well as the team neuropsychologist for the NFL Dallas Cowboys, the WNBA Dallas Wings, and the entire XFL minor league.
“I have a dream job treating professional and amateur athletes with sports-related concussions,” said Reynolds. “This type of work was not even on my radar when I started graduate school, and now I have a job that many people don’t even realize is a possibility.”
Doctorate in Psychology Programs You Should Consider
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs of 2025
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$30,032
$30,032
97%
52%
$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
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL4 yearOnline
$9,066
$9,066
71%
67%
$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 Should I Get an Online Doctorate in Psychology?
A doctorate in psychology can give you access to higher-paid clinical, research, and industry roles with more responsibility and impact. But given how expensive and demanding the process of earning a Ph.D. can be, it’s important to make sure the benefits support your personal and professional goals.
The decision to attend an online doctorate in psychology program may help you better meet these goals. Firstly, online programs provide flexibility and work-life balance, allowing you to attend classes from anywhere, potentially eliminating the need to take time off work or arrange childcare. Additionally, it offers cost savings as online programs often have lower tuition fees and eliminate expenses related to commuting, on-campus fees, and accommodations.
Heads up:
The American Psychological Association does not grant accreditation to doctoral programs that are exclusively online. So, if you want to work as a clinical or counseling psychologist, be sure to select a program that facilitates the supervised learning required for licensure. All of the programs in our rankings are fully accredited.
Is a Doctorate in Psychology Worth It?
Here’s what people who have earned a doctorate in psychology have to say:
“I absolutely believe my degree to be worth it. It has allowed me a seat at the table for so many relevant issues, like mental health, LGBTQ+ youth issues, social media addiction, and more. My knowledge and expertise is highly sought after, which means the return on investment has been high.”
— Corey Emanuel, Ph.D., media psychologist
“It was worth it for me. A doctoral degree massively impacts the way people interact with you as a professional. You become the authority on theory and practice; it’s a big responsibility. It has opened doors for me that I don’t think would have opened otherwise. I’ve had opportunities to work with corporations, on research, and with clients who were only interested in doctoral-level clinicians. And it’s often the case that doctoral-level clinicians are paid more by agencies or in private practice than the average masters-level clinician.”
— Kamran Esthehardi,, Ph.D., clinical psychologist
“I’d say it’s worth it for the sense of purpose and fulfillment you acquire. But financially, you may end up with substantial student loan debt and a moderate level of income – so it really depends on how you define ‘worth it’.”
— Christopher Stack, Psy.D, clinical psychologist
Popular Concentrations and Specializations for Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Doctoral programs in psychology offer many concentrations and specializations to cater to the diverse interests and career goals of students. These specialized areas of study enable you to delve deeper into specific aspects of psychology.
Popular concentrations and specializations for a doctoral program in psychology include:
- Counseling Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Psychology of Gender and Sexual Fluidity
- Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
- Trauma and Disaster Relief
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Gerontology
- Behavioral Health Leadership
What Are the Benefits of a Doctorate in Psychology?
An online doctorate in psychology prepares you for the most advanced careers in the field: You can become a professor, researcher, practicing psychologist, or even branch out into industry roles.
“If you understand how people work, you don’t necessarily need to stay in the field of psychology,” said Dr. Inna Post, who leveraged her degree into coaching, consulting, and development. “You can expand.”
A doctorate in psychology can also help you gain entry into a number of niche, unexpected careers. Dr. Corey Emanuel, for example, got his Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in media. He is now the CEO of his own creative production company.
“My career continues to be full of surprises in the best ways. On any given day, I’m approached by journalists, producers, studio executives, clinical psychologists, and even students who are seeking to better understand some psychological phenomenon linked to media consumption,” said Dr. Emanuel. “Being a media psychologist is a fascinating career choice.”
Read More:Discover More Psychology Careers
How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Psychology Cost?
The average annual cost of an online doctorate in psychology is $14,470 in tuition and fees or $38,300 total per year, including non-tuition expenses. If it takes you six years to complete your doctorate, you can expect to pay a total of $86,820 in tuition and fees and roughly $165,000 total.
Note: There are ways to reduce the cost of a doctoral degree:
- Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
- Some Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs may offer funding, tuition waivers, health insurance, and stipends.
- Many online programs offer accelerated degree programs, which can help you save on time and tuition.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Doctorate Degree
Public Institution
$12,596
Private Institution
$29,931
Read More:How to Choose a Graduate Program
How Long Does an Online Doctorate in Psychology Take?
You can expect to spend between 5-7 years completing your doctoral degree in psychology.
Average Length of Time*
6 years
Required Course Credits*
60-90 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
Doctoral programs in counseling and clinical psychology will also require fieldwork and an internship or practicum experience. Online students can often arrange to complete these requirements at approved sites in their local communities.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctorate in Psychology?
Most programs require the following:
Application- Test Scores
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume and Work Experience
- Essays (1-3)
- Official Transcripts
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About an Online Doctorate in Psychology Program
First, you will need to choose between two types of online doctorate programs in psychology: a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) or a doctor of philosophy in psychology (Ph.D).
“I would say the Ph.D. is better for people interested in academia and research, while a Psy.D. has a stronger clinical focus,” said Christopher Stack, Psy.D. “But students should be aware that a Ph.D. program typically takes a bit longer – which may result in more student debt.”
Whichever path you take, you can expect to:
- Face a competitive application process
- Undergo four years of full-time coursework
- Sit for qualifying exams, usually between years two and three
- Complete a dissertation in which you design an original research project and report on your findings
- Complete an internship or practicum in the field
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