Psy.D. Programs Online [APA Accredited]
Ready to earn your Psy.D. degree? Learn more about the best APA-accredited online Psy.D. programs and check out career path and salary data.
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.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
Why Trust BestColleges
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our
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.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
Ready to earn your Psy.D. degree? Learn more about the best APA-accredited online Psy.D. programs and check out career path and salary data.
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, and even online programs will have in-person clinical components. 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.
Think an online Psy.D. program is right for you? Check out our resources and rankings on APA-accredited Psy.D. programs offered online.
Featured Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Psy.D. Online Programs
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$29,632
$29,632
97%
50%
$20,800
$20,800
68%
18,800
Private
Yes
$29,632
$29,632
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$29,632
$29,632
97%
50%
$20,800
$20,800
68%
18,800
Private
Yes
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,847
$7,847
99%
92%
$15,409
$15,409
83%
15,784
Private
Yes
$7,847
$7,847
Lynchburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,847
$7,847
99%
92%
$15,409
$15,409
83%
15,784
Private
Yes
National University
San Diego, CA4 yearOnline
$16,881
$16,881
N/A
N/A
$11,064
$11,064
N/A
12,648
Private
Yes
$16,881
$16,881
San Diego, CA4 yearOnline
$16,881
$16,881
N/A
N/A
$11,064
$11,064
N/A
12,648
Private
Yes
Saybrook University
Pasadena, CA4 yearOnline
$20,856
$20,856
N/A
100%
N/A
N/A
N/A
915
Private
Yes
$20,856
$20,856
Pasadena, CA4 yearOnline
$20,856
$20,856
N/A
100%
N/A
N/A
N/A
915
Private
Yes
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 | $91,690 |
| Child and Adolescent Psychologist | $72,860 |
| Clinical Psychologist | $91,070 |
| Counseling Psychologist | $71,640 |
| Educational Psychologist | $69,040 |
| Forensic Psychologist | $78.930 |
| Industrial/Organizational Psychologist | $94,810 |
| School Psychologist | $68,980 |
| Sports Psychologist | $79,580 |
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
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.
Explore More College Resources
What Are the Different Types of Psychology Master’s Degrees?
Considering an advanced degree in psychology? Learn more about psychology concentrations and career paths to find an option that aligns with your goals.
Updated November 22, 2024
Requirements for a Career in Clinical Psychology
What is clinical psychology? Discover the requirements for having a clinical psychology career.
Updated March 4, 2024
Psychology Careers
Majoring in psychology opens up many career paths where you can help others. Learn more about careers in psychology.
Updated August 26, 2024
Other Psychology Resources
psychology
programs
careers