A PhD in psychology can present numerous opportunities to study human behavior, teach at the postsecondary level, and assist others through patient-facing specialties, such as behavioral analysis or in-depth counseling. If you’re considering exploring online PhD programs in psychology, now is an opportune time. According to Mental Health America, the state of mental health in the United States is alarming. Youth mental health is declining, mental illness among adults is on the rise, and there is an enormous unmet demand for mental health services among both age groups.
Online PhD programs in psychology offer a variety of benefits, including flexible online or blended programs, the ability to accelerate or slow down your studies, and the chance to complete your required clinical hours at a nearby facility. Whether you aim to pursue clinical work or research, the work you undertake can assist patients and other healthcare providers. However, before reaching that point, you must earn your PhD in psychology. You might have questions, including:
Which online PhD in psychology program is right for me? Is the degree worth the time and effort? Will the required time commitment fit into my already busy schedule?
Let’s dive into the PhD in psychology to determine if online education in the field is right for you.
Best Online PhD in Psychology Programs for 2023
Investing in a PhD in psychology is a significant commitment towards your future, and it is crucial to ensure that your time and money are well-spent on a meaningful academic experience. Conducting proper research to find the best online PhD program in psychology that fits your needs is essential, and the time you spend doing so will yield benefits in the long run.
To help you in your research, we’ve spotlighted the top online PhD in psychology programs currently available. These programs stand out for their combined performance in areas like affordability, study flexibility, academic quality, and student support. Learn more about each program below to see if one might be a good fit for you.
Regent University offers a robust, fully online PhD in counseling and psychological studies. This degree has a research and academic focus, making it perfect for anyone who wants to analyze mental health and psychology from the clinical perspective. Upon graduating, students will be prepared for research and academic roles, thanks to the program's research-intensive focus. Students take core classes on advanced psychological theories and research methods. They also choose one of various concentrations, including addiction counseling, human services for student affairs, biblical counseling, international counseling, life coaching, grief counseling, human services counseling, industrial psychology, marriage counseling, trauma and crisis counseling, and pastoral counseling. Students also complete a dissertation in their chosen concentration under the supervision of a faculty mentor. While some tracks are religious in nature, students do not have to be affiliated with the Christian faith to apply for this degree.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies
- Credits: 51
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $695/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio21
Students interested in industrial or organizational psychology will want to know about the program from Alliant International University. Students take a mixture of expert-level courses in industrial and organizational psychology and complete a dissertation on a research topic of interest under the mentorship of a faculty mentor. The program offers a fully online and a hybrid option, where some courses are completed at the university's Los Angeles campus. In-person courses are offered in the evenings or weekends, and some are blended, meaning students do not come to campus for every class session. Since all courses are offered in the evening or weekends, along with some asynchronous online courses, it is easier to balance your PhD coursework with a full-time job or other life obligations. Students must have a degree in psychology to apply.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Credits: 66
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $1,270/credit
- Mode: Hybrid or Online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio5
Liberty University offers a flexible, online PhD in psychology. All courses are offered online in a synchronous or asynchronous course format, depending on each professor's preferences. With a biblical focus, this degree is perfect for those who want to combine their Christian faith with the field of psychology. The curriculum consists of foundational courses such as teaching psychology and research methods. After completing these core courses, students choose to specialize in developmental psychology, theology, social psychology, behavioral health leadership, or industrial psychology. Successful applicants should already have a master's degree in psychology or a related area. Applicants also need to submit contact information for two recommenders and a statement of purpose. While not required, being affiliated with the Christian faith might make sense for students of this program, since a biblical worldview is weaved throughout the courses.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Psychology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $595/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
Students considering a research-based PhD in psychology over a clinically based degree should consider the program from Keiser University. This online PhD in psychology was designed to help professionals in mental health and social work gain an expert-level understanding of human behavior. The curriculum includes courses from the subspecialties of cognitive, health, learning, and developmental psychology. Students also take courses in research, which prepares them to successfully complete and defend a research thesis on a topic of individual interest. Along with online coursework, candidates complete two in-person residencies. There are two paths for acceptance into the program. The traditional path is for students with a master's degree in the field. The baccalaureate entry lets students with only a bachelor's degree enter the program, pending successful completion of prerequisite courses.
Program Highlights:
Psychology, PhD
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3-5 years
- Cost: 1,095.33/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16
Additional Online Psychology PhD Programs Worth a Look
Northcentral University
The online Doctor of Philosophy in psychology from Northcentral University offers a wide range of options for those in the field including 20 courses in eight specialties with a completion time of approximately 41 months. The program aims for flexibility with new start dates every Monday and a classroom size of one. That means your PhD pursuit will be closely monitored by your academic advisor, but you will work quite independently. Those who need a little help in paying for school can apply for one of four Give Your All Scholarships; two are full-tuition scholarships, while two are $20,000 awards.
Grand Canyon University
Online PhD programs through Grand Canyon University enable busy working professionals to take their career further with the terminal degree. Five specialties are offered, including those in industrial-organizational psychology and performance psychology. The program students choose determines how long it takes to complete. For example, 60 is the minimum number of credits required to graduate, but some programs require 100 credits. Asynchronous learning allows for maximum flexibility. To learn more, start by choosing your specialty and look at the residency and online requirements at GCU.
Benefits of the Online PhD in Psychology
If you are considering earning your online PhD in psychology, it is probable that you are already working full-time in the field, gaining valuable experience and advancing in your career. Additionally, you may have other commitments, such as family obligations, that require your attention. Given that your schedule is already full, online school can be an attractive option. Distance learning has several advantages. Here are just two of them that make the online PhD in psychology appealing:
1
Career growth.
If you aspire to advance your career in psychology, anything less than a PhD degree may significantly limit your options. You may have already encountered job postings that require a higher degree to advance in your field. However, if you are currently working and do not have the time to attend traditional classes, asynchronous learning through online PhD programs can help address that concern and enable you to pursue your preferred career path.
2
Convenience.
It’s not just the asynchronous learning that makes life easier for those pursuing the online PhD in psychology. Some schools allow you to choose your own pace, thus earning your degree in as much time as you need (with some limits, such as a maximum number of years you can spend in the program). During busy periods in your life, you could opt for one course at a time, and take more than that during the slower periods. The convenience of online learning makes getting that PhD achievable.
Online learning can make attending school easier, but the education is just as rigorous and the requirements are just as tough. Always check with your potential school to ensure you know all the details before you enroll.
Types of Online PhDs in Psychology
As you begin researching potential online PhD programs in psychology, you will notice differences in how virtual learning is delivered. Some schools offer a straightforward approach with all coursework online, and the internship, clinical, or residency handled at a school-approved location close to you, which means you won’t have to physically attend classes on campus. On the other hand, some universities offer hybrid programs that combine classroom learning with hands-on experience with your cohort.
Some programs that claim to be “fully online” may still have certain requirements that mandate you to attend campus for at least a weekend or two at some point. Additionally, there may be other requirements that necessitate face-to-face interaction, such as defending your dissertation. Here are the different types to consider:
Fully online
In online PhD programs, students can complete all coursework online and communicate with their professor and cohort virtually. This can include all projects, assignments, and reading requirements. Discussion groups through closed forums and chats are available 24/7, with professors often having scheduled times during which students can consult them. Most online programs are asynchronous, allowing students to complete their work at their convenience, with specific deadlines in place to ensure the class progresses smoothly.
Although online PhD programs are entirely virtual, there are real-world requirements that must be met to make progress toward graduation. These may include internships, residency requirements, and supervised clinical training. Students may also need to present their dissertation proposal, progress, and defense at various stages of their graduate school journey.
Blended/hybrid
In-person PhD programs are typically designed for those who live in close proximity to the school and can commute to courses, often held during convenient times for those in the field, such as nights or weekends. Classes may only be held once a week, with all other assignments expected to be completed online. The internship or residency requirement can often be fulfilled at an approved facility close to campus.
Timeline: Online PhD in Psychology
The duration of an online PhD program in psychology may vary, depending on your course load and how you structure your program. Most students complete their program in four or five years, while others may spread out their studies and take six or seven years to finish. Most schools offer flexibility in this regard, as long as all courses and the dissertation are completed within a specified time frame, such as seven or nine years. Let’s take a look at a typical timeline.
Year
1
This year begins with seminars designed to orient students to the rigors of the PhD program. Students will take the core courses required of all those in the program, as well as some electives that will bolster their specialization in the later years. Students will work closely with their advisor to structure a plan toward graduation, especially if they entered a dual program that provides their master’s and PhD at the same time.
Year
2
This year focuses more on courses related to specialization. Students will develop their research program that clearly leads them to the master’s thesis, assuming this the track they have chosen; if they already have their master’s degree, they will focus strongly on the specialization courses with more electives woven in. Students might begin searching for a residency or internship as part of their hands-on requirements to complete the program.
Year
3
This is the year the master’s thesis is completed and defended, and the student often uses that to build toward the dissertation. Any final courses that need to be completed before graduation will be completed in this year. Internships and residencies will also be underway, and students will begin building up their required hours of hands-on study that will eventually lead to preparation for licensure. If there is a capstone requirement, students will begin preparing for it now.
Year
4
This year students will complete any lingering requirements, such as that class they need to complete before they can move forward into the next phase of their program, and turn their attention to the dissertation. They might also be working in an internship and residency. Capstone projects or examinations will be done this year as well.
Year
5
At this point, it’s all about the dissertation. All work will be focused on writing the dissertation and focusing on the defense process. Students will also be looking forward to publication of their dissertation. If there is a final capstone, that might also take place this year, assuming it didn’t happen in year four.
Students in the PhD in psychology program might face different course requirements and timelines than those in other schools, or even those in the same program. It all comes down to what kind of education they came into the program with and what credits or requirements are still necessary to complete. Check with your academic advisor to be sure you’re on the right track.
PhD in Psychology Online Learning Outcomes
Though each school will present a different curriculum, each program does have certain goals that must be met in order for graduates to have the experience and education necessary to move forward into a meaningful career path. These learning outcomes form the backbone of any curriculum. Learning outcomes should be the same whether you complete your program online or on campus. Here’s what to expect from the PhD program in psychology.
1
Firm grasp of ethical issues.
Students will understand the ethical requirements of their profession, from handling research to dealing directly with clients, and be prepared to uphold the ethical standards of this respected profession. They should also have a grasp of the legal basics that often go hand-in-hand with ethical issues.
2
Competency in clinical work.
Students should be capable of translating their research skills into clinical work with patients, thus providing a more fruitful experience for patients and those who work closely with those patients, from family members to social workers and other psychologists or counselors.
3
Effective communication skills.
Students will be able to convey their research findings in a variety of methods, conduct lectures and other necessities of higher education (especially if planning to teach) and write and speak with those in the field in a way that makes their position clear while being open to answering questions on their outcomes.
4
Strong research design and reporting.
Students will learn to conceptualize, design, create, implement, and analyze the results of their research projects, then use their communication skills to effectively explain what they discovered and what it means for the field and the world at large.
5
In-depth specialty knowledge.
Students will have a firm grasp of the intricacies of not only advanced psychology but their chosen specialty as well, thus becoming experts in the field in certain niches that they have chosen to pursue as deeply as possible.
Specialization in Psychology PhDs: What Should I Know About Choosing a Specialty?
PhD programs in psychology are generally designed for those interested in pursuing careers in research or teaching, although they can also open doors to a wide range of options. Specializing enables you to focus more intently on a specific area of psychology that piques your interest, such as research. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you must stick to that particular path. You can also pursue careers in teaching, clinical work, and other related fields. Let’s explore some of the potential specializations offered through various PhD programs.
Research Psychology
The PhD is a research-heavy degree. This specialization goes further into that aspect and prepares you to work in research departments and laboratories.
General Psychology
If you want to leave your options open — or you want to work in higher education as a psychology professor — this is the option that will allow you to do either of those things.
Clinical Psychology
This is for those who want to work directly with patients in a clinical setting, though some of their work might overlap with those in the research side of the field.
School Psychology
Though some schools allow school psychologists to hold only a master’s degree, the PhD helps ensure you have the maximum career flexibility when it comes to working with students from pre-K through college.
Behavioral Analysis in Psychology
Those who intend to focus on the behavioral aspects of individuals and groups — whether it’s focusing on criminals, victims, special needs individuals, those who have dealt with trauma, or populations that face unique circumstances — this specialization can prepare you to work in a variety of situations.
Accreditation & Online PhDs in Psychology
When choosing the best online PhD in psychology program, you’ll want to make sure you end up with a degree that is recognized and respected. That’s why accreditation matters. The American Psychology Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) is the accrediting body for graduate programs in psychology. Accreditation is a voluntary process by which a program is evaluated for quality standards set forth by the APA; this means that the degree earned through that program will prepare you for the rigors of working in the field.
Earning an accredited online PhD in psychology helps ensure employers will take your degree seriously. If you do choose to go back to school for whatever reason, that accreditation ensures your hard work will be recognized by your new school, and your time in earning it will not go to waste.
Keep in mind that the APA-CoA grants programmatic accreditation, but regional accreditation matters as well. Regional accreditation refers to the institution as a whole, not just the program. Regional accreditation speaks to the educational value you can expect from the school, as each institution must meet certain criteria that ensure it is on a par with all other schools who earn that accreditation status.
Applying to a Psychology PhD Online Program
Students who apply for a psychology PhD must go through an application process that includes a variety of components, including the typical ones you might expect, such as a minimum GPA or letters of recommendation. But many schools look for application items that are very unique to those in the psychology field, including:
Experience
Before you move into a PhD program in psychology, your school will want to know that you have some experience in the field. To that end, a resume or CV will be required along with the application materials.
Cover letter
What do you really want potential schools to notice about that resume? A cover letter is where you can point out why they should take a chance on you. Mention certain projects, the work you’ve done with certain populations, and what you’ve accomplished to implement positive change in the field of psychology or related fields.
Statement of purpose
The cover letter and resume tell them what you’ve done; now you should tell them what you plan to do. What will you do with your PhD in psychology? What is driving you to get it? Who do you want to help, and how do you want to help them? To show you’ve given this some serious thought, be as specific as you can be about your career goals.
Tuition & Fees
When it comes to paying for education, it’s vital to understand exactly what you’re paying, when you’re paying it, and what you’re getting in exchange for that hard-earned money. Tuition is self-explanatory, but keep in mind there might be fees and other costs as well.
You can save money on some things with online learning, such as the cost to commute to school every day, parking fees, and physical textbooks. On the other hand, you will probably need to keep an upgraded laptop for classwork, pay for your own broadband internet service, and the like.
Let’s take a look at a few actual tuition and fee numbers to give you an idea of what the online PhD in psychology might cost you. Keep in mind there might dissertation fees that are not included in this chart.
| School | Cost per Credit | Total Credits | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University | $590.00 | 150 (quarter credits) | $88,500 |
| Capella University | $540–$800 | 89 | $48,060–$71,200 |
| Northcentral University | $1,148 | 60 | $71,530 |
| Saybrook University | $1,470 | 83 | $122,010 |
NOTE: Sometimes the tuition number can cause sticker shock. Just remember that tuition listed on the website might not be your true cost of attendance. There are programs designed for PhD in psychology students, such as grants, tuition assistance, employer reimbursement, and much more, all meant to bring down those costs. Before writing a program off for being too expensive, contact a financial aid representative or college advisor to ask about available options. You might be surprised by what you find. In addition, take the time to review out guide to scholarship and grants to see what’s available and how to apply.
Salaries for Psychology PhDs
Earning the PhD is a requirement to move into some areas of psychology work, including work as a clinical psychologist. Payscale.com reports those holding a master’s degree in psychology make an average of around $61,000 across the nation, but those with a PhD in psychology make a leap in average salary to around $87,000. There’s no doubt pursuing a PhD in psychology offers the potential for much higher pay. PayScale reports the following salaries for professionals who have earned a PhD in psychology.
| Job Title | Median Earnings | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | $81,000 | $114,000 |
| Chief Nursing Officer | $81,000 | $120,000 |
| Assistant Professor | $78,000 | $129,000 |