Best Psy.D. Programs Online [APA Accredited]
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Want to practice psychology? Then a Psy.D. might be a good fit. As a practice-focused doctorate, a Psy.D. prepares you for clinical roles. But with so many options for a graduate-level psychology degree, is a Psy.D. right for you?
Our guide introduces the best accredited online Psy.D. programs and covers career paths and earning potential.
Featured Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Think an online Psy.D. program is right for you? Check out our resources and rankings on APA-accredited Psy.D. programs offered online.
Best Accredited Psy.D. Online Programs
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $980
Out of State | $980
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Keiser University's online doctorate in psychology prepares you to make a difference in the world through psychological principles and insights. Keiser's curriculum includes topics from health to cognitive abilities, learning, and developmental psychology.
Prospective students need a master's degree in psychology to enter the traditional path. Or, you can join the baccalaureate track with an accredited bachelor's degree in psychology or a related behavioral science field. However, you'll need to complete 18 additional graduate credits and a thesis before graduation.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $595
Out of State | $595
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
LU's online doctorate in psychology gives you an affordable and flexible option to earn a Ph.D. in psychology in one of five specializations: behavioral health leadership, developmental psychology, general psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, social psychology, or theology.
Liberty's doctorate in psychology program prepares you to enter psychiatric research or teaching. You'll need an accredited master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above to be accepted.
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,114
Out of State | $1,114
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
NU's online Ph.D. in psychology offers a flexible curriculum with 10 specializations. In NU's doctoral program, you can choose to specialize in anything from general psychology to addictive disorders to industrial-organizational psychology.
You'll need a master's degree in psychology, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work to apply. Graduates must complete a dissertation and dissertation defense and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Saybrook University
Pasadena, CA - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,514
Out of State | $1,514
Credits to Graduate
66
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SU's online Ph.D. in psychology offers four unique specializations: consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health; creativity studies; existential, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology; and psychophysiology. All programs include a two-day residential orientation and an annual five-day residential conference.
SU's Ph.D. in psychology program requires a master's degree. You'll also need to submit an application, resume, personal statement, writing sample, letter of recommendation, and official transcripts. You can transfer up to 12 psychology credits toward degree completion.
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Psy.D. vs. Ph.D. in Psychology: What's the Difference?
| Factor | Psy.D. | Ph.D. in Psychololgy |
|---|---|---|
| Program Focus | Field- and clinical-based | Research- and academic-based |
| Career Paths |
|
|
| Average Base Salary | About $92,000/year | About $95,000/year |
Your specialization options depend on your degree type. If you choose a Psy.D. program with a clinical practice focus, you'll learn how to apply psychology methods and practices in different settings. If you choose a Ph.D. in psychology, you'll focus more heavily on research and theoretical approaches.
Types of Psy.D. Specializations
- Psy.D. in child and adolescent psychology
- Psy.D. in clinical psychology
- Psy.D. in counseling psychology
- Psy.D. in school psychology
Types of Ph.D. Specializations in Psychology
- Ph.D. in clinical science
- Ph.D. in cognitive psychology
- Ph.D. in developmental psychology
- Ph.D. in social psychology
Online Psy.D. Degree Program Specializations
At the doctoral level, you'll choose a field of psychology to specialize your degree. Popular specializations include clinical psychology and counseling psychology.
You can also choose a program focused on behavioral psychology, school psychology, or forensic psychology. Your specialization will shape your coursework and your clinical practicum.
Types of Psy.D. Degrees You Can Pursue
- Behavioral psychology
- Child and adolescent psychology
- Clinical psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Educational psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Industrial/Organizational psychology
- School psychology
- Sports psychology
Choose your psychology specialization when applying to programs or after taking general Psy.D. classes. Then you'll be ready to launch your career as a psychologist.
Featured Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Career Paths With A Psy.D. Degree
| Psychology Careers | Average Base Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Behavioral Psychologist | $91,694 |
| Child and Adolescent Psychologist | $72,862 |
| Clinical Psychologist | $91,068 |
| Counseling Psychologist | $71,640 |
| Educational Psychologist | $69,042 |
| Forensic Psychologist | $78.934 |
| Industrial/Organizational Psychologist | $94,814 |
| School Psychologist | $68,975 |
| Sports Psychologist | $79,575 |
With a Psy.D. degree, you can work in specialized fields like child psychology, forensic psychology, and counseling psychology. During an accredited online Psy.D. program, you'll focus your training through coursework and practicum hours. After graduation, you can pursue psychology careers in your focus area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psy.D. Programs
Is a Psy.D. harder than a Ph.D. in psychology?
Both Psy.D. and Ph.D. in psychology programs are challenging. As doctorates, a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. require strong analytical and research skills plus a significant investment of time and energy.
However, a Psy.D. emphasizes clinical applications while a Ph.D. focuses on theoretical and research approaches. During a Psy.D., you'll gain hands-on clinical experience. If you've got strong interpersonal skills and want to work in clinical roles, a Psy.D. is a better option.
Is a Psy.D. program worth it?
An APA-accredited Psy.D. program prepares graduates for careers as licensed psychologists. If you want to work as a clinical psychologist, child psychologist, or counseling psychologist, a Psy.D. is the most common degree.
Professionals with a Psy.D. report an average salary of $91,000 per year, according to data from Payscale. However, you can pursue other psychology careers without a doctorate.
For example, industrial-organizational psychologists typically hold a master's degree, and you can become a school psychologist with an Ed.S. degree.
What are the admissions requirements for a Psy.D. program?
Most Psy.D. programs require a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Many programs recommend a psychology major for your bachelor's degree. If you majored in another field, you may need to complete psych classes before starting a Psy.D.
Some programs prefer candidates with a master's in psychology. Depending on the program, you may also need GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Some online Psy.D. programs conduct interviews as well.
