Earning Your Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) Online
Excelling in the field of psychology is now more accessible with the convenience of online PsyD programs. Learn about online PsyD degrees, explore top schools, and find everything you need to apply, graduate, and move your psychology career forward with this PhDs.me student guide.
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional PhD. Unlike the research-oriented PhD, the PsyD prepares students to work directly with patients, helping them navigate behavioral and mental health challenges.
Whether fully online or hybrid, PsyD programs allow working professionals to earn advanced credentials while balancing career and family commitments.
How do I know an online PsyD is for me? How long does it take to complete? How do I find the right online PsyD program? Can I afford it?
This guide provides a starting point for anyone considering a psychology doctorate. Here, you’ll find key facts about the degree, guidance to determine whether a PsyD or PhD aligns with your goals, and a list of top programs.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Online PsyD Programs in the U.S.
Once you’ve explored program types, chosen a specialization, and outlined your career goals, it’s time to evaluate real options. Reviewing blended and fully online PsyD programs can help identify which schools align with your academic and professional needs.
Below are some of the top PsyD programs in the U.S. with significant online components.
The Chicago School
The Chicago School is one of the top providers of advanced psychology education in the U.S., with 7 campuses nationwide and PsyD degrees in 10 subjects. Programs are offered both on campus and online, and the school is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Many of its programs are also APA-accredited.
PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology
Based in Irvine and Los Angeles, this program focuses on applying psychology in legal contexts. Coursework includes:
- Psychopathology
- Forensic assessment
- Violence and risk assessment
Graduates with state and national licensure often work in child welfare agencies, prisons, mental health centers, family courts, and social service agencies. Students complete three major milestones: a practicum, dissertation, and an internship.
PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology
Also offered from the Irvine campus, this program prepares students to open private practices or work in schools, children’s hospitals, and public health agencies. Key courses include:
- Diagnostic and Clinical Interviewing
- Advanced Psychological Assessment
- Advanced Statistics and Research Design
Students complete 800 supervised practicum hours, providing psychotherapy under a licensed professional.
In addition to these two programs, the Chicago School offers hybrid and on-campus PsyD programs in clinical, counseling, educational, forensic, general, international, and school psychology, as well as psychopharmacology.
University of the Rockies
The University of the Rockies is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a flexible online PsyD program designed for both clinical and organizational settings.
Students can specialize in:
- Criminology and Justice Studies
- Educational Leadership
- Health and Wellness Psychology
- Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology
- Mediation and Conflict Resolution
- Sport and Performance Psychology
Graduation Requirements:
- Completion of 62 credits
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Three non-credit In-Resident Workshops
- Completion of an Applied Doctoral Project (ADP) or Dissertation
Students typically take one 6-week course at a time, accessing all materials 24/7.
Tuition: $812 per credit
Additional fees:
- Technology fee: $145 per course
- Graduation fee: $500
- Workshop fee: $500 per workshop
- Dissertation/ADP support fee: $500
Understanding the Online PsyD
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a clinical degree focused on preparing students to provide psychological services to patients. Graduates often work in:
- Private practices
- Hospitals
- Businesses
- Community or government agencies
PsyD graduates can offer psychotherapy and other mental health services to diverse populations or specialize in groups like children, veterans, or older adults.
Online PsyD programs give students the flexibility to learn at their own pace, often through platforms like Blackboard. Many offer self-paced options with flexible course loads. As online education grows, more universities are developing PsyD programs to meet this demand.
Because programs differ in delivery, technology, and rigor, it’s crucial to research each school carefully before applying. Understanding each program’s structure and requirements helps you find the best fit for your goals.
Online PsyD vs Online PhD in Psychology
While both PsyD and PhD programs include advanced coursework, research, and a dissertation or capstone project, they differ in focus:
- PsyD: Emphasizes clinical practice and patient care
- PhD: Centers on scientific research and academic scholarship
PhD students often gain teaching experience and may pursue careers in research, academia, consulting, or counseling. For more details, visit our dedicated page on online PhDs in psychology.
Types of Online PsyD Programs
Today’s PsyD students have diverse backgrounds — some work full-time, others juggle families or part-time jobs. Online and blended PsyD programs make earning a doctorate more manageable while accommodating these varied lifestyles.
Here are 3 of the most common program types:
1
Blended
Because of the PsyD’s clinical nature, most programs include both online and in-person components:
- In-person sessions may occur biweekly or monthly, often on evenings or weekends.
- Nearly all blended programs require clinical residencies.
Some programs are split 50/50 between campus and online work; others are closer to 80/20. Always check these ratios before enrolling.
2
Fully Online
Even “fully online” PsyDs can’t be 100% virtual as clinical experience is still required. However, some regionally accredited programs deliver up to 80% of coursework online, including classes, meetings, and resources.
Clinical work and internships can usually be completed locally, approved by your school.
3
No GRE Required
Admissions policies vary widely:
- Some programs require the GRE within the last five years.
- Others waive it for high GPAs or relevant work experience.
- Many don’t require it at all.
For more details, visit our page on online PhD programs with no GRE requirement.
Applying & Qualifying for an Online PsyD
Most programs share similar baseline requirements:
- Application and fee
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
However, specific admissions criteria can vary significantly. Here are four factors to pay close attention to:
1
Master’s Degree in Psychology (or Related Field)
Most applicants hold a master’s in psychology. Some programs accept degrees in related fields if you have relevant coursework or professional experience.
2
GPA Requirements
GPA minimums typically range from 3.0 to 3.5, depending on the program’s rigor and which coursework (undergrad or grad) is reviewed.
3
Faculty Interviews
Many schools conduct interviews — by phone or video — to assess readiness, goals, and emotional maturity.
4
GRE Scores
Requirements vary; see above for more details or visit our no-GRE PsyD page.
Learning Outcomes & Coursework
Most online PsyD programs are structured around clear learning outcomes that shape both core and elective coursework. Common outcomes include:
Communication
Express and defend complex psychological ideas, both written and verbal.
Critical Thinking
Integrate empirical evidence, statistics, and theory to form sound judgments.
Cultural Understanding
Recognize how culture shapes patient worldviews, values, and symptoms.
Information Fluency
Demonstrate deep understanding of psychological sources and terminology.
Quantitative Reasoning
Apply statistical reasoning to research and treatment.
Common Core Courses:
- Theories of Personality
- Systems of Psychology
- Emotion and Motivation
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychopathology
- Statistics in Psychology
- Culture and Society
Online PsyD Specializations
Doctoral psychology students can choose from a wide range of specializations. Common tracks include:
- Abuse Counseling
- Addiction Counseling
- Coaching, Motivation & Performance
- Cognition & Memory
- Developmental Disorders
- Human Sexuality
- Marriage & Family Therapy
- Neuropsychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Sports Psychology
When choosing a specialization, consider:
- What interests you most?
- What’s personal to you?
- Where’s the opportunity?
For example, someone passionate about PTSD in veterans might explore military clinical psychology. Others might focus on child development or organizational psychology based on personal experience or market demand.
Accreditation & Licensure
Regional accreditation is the highest standard in U.S. higher education. Six regional accrediting bodies—recognized by the Department of Education—evaluate schools for academic quality, faculty, and resources. Always confirm that your chosen PsyD program holds regional accreditation.
Note: National accreditation often applies to trade or technical schools and carries less stringent standards.
APA Accreditation
The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral psychology programs at regionally accredited schools.
- Programs that pass undergo an on-site visit before final approval.
- The process is voluntary and can take months.
- It includes a review of competencies, outcomes, and institutional context.
State Licensure
Licensure requirements vary by state. For example:
- Michigan: Requires 2,000 post-graduate supervised hours and passing the EPPP exam.
- California: Requires the EPPP and an ethics exam.
A strong PsyD program aligns its curriculum with state licensing requirements and prepares students for these exams. Always confirm both before enrolling.
Paying for Your Online PsyD
Earning a PsyD is a major investment. Tuition and fees can add up, but financial aid, scholarships, and grants can help make it more affordable.
| School | Cost per Credit | Total Credits | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Southern University | $645 | 66 | $42,570 |
| Pepperdine University | $1,970 | 82 | $161,540 |
| The Wright Institute | Varies | Varies | $41,400 |
| Roosevelt University | Varies | 102 | $30,045 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $716 | 120 | $85,920 |
Financial Aid & Scholarships
- FAFSA: The first step for federal financial aid based on financial need.
- Scholarships & Grants: Many organizations offer funding for psychology students.
Explore:
Salaries and the PsyD
Before committing to a PsyD, it’s important to weigh cost versus potential earnings.
According to PayScale, individuals with a master’s in psychology earn an average of $64,000 per year.
By comparison, PsyD holders often see significantly higher earnings:
| Occupation | Reported Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Psychologist | $88,353 |
| Healthcare Program Director | $96,541 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $101,028 |
| Clinical Neuropsychologist | $112,762 |
| Behavioral Health Director | $127,968 |