Best Online PhD Programs in Psychology
An online PhD in psychology represents the pinnacle of flexible learning in one of today’s most popular fields. Review top schools, see inside online programs, and learn how to finance your online psychology PhD on your terms.
Psychologists are important figures in a range of professional fields: social work, education, research, and in psychology itself. They need a high-caliber education to meet the demands of these careers. There are multiple online psychology PhD programs from which to choose, but when accounting for flexibility, cost, and online degree options, the following programs stand above the rest.
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Public
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Public
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Understanding Online PhDs in Psychology
Weighing your online psychology PhD program options is critical when choosing a degree program for you and your professional goals. Programs can vary widely in the courses and specialties they offer, licensure preparation, in-person components, and cost. Here are some key things to look at when comparing online psychology PhD programs and deciding where to apply.
What you learn in your online psychology PhD program
No two online psychology PhD programs are the same, and even more variety in curricula pops up when factoring in specializations. That said, there are some common academic focus areas that tend to show up consistently in different psychology PhD programs online, as well as skills and areas of knowledge that many programs expect students to gain by the time they complete their degrees.
- Advanced Research: A solid understanding of both basic and advanced research methods and a highly-developed ability to critique and evaluate research can help students engage in scholarly pursuits and conduct independent research.
- Multicultural Awareness and Training: Working effectively with diverse populations is aided by trauma-informed and multicultural training in clinical, consulting and supervisory settings. Students should develop an understanding and be able to describe the impacts of race, culture, socioeconomics, age, gender, sexual orientation and disability on different aspects of psychology.
- Discipline-specific Science and Theory: Students should understand and be able to explain key scientific and theoretical components of their particular area of focus, including the history and development of that discipline and its impacts on research and clinical practice.
- Ethics and Cultural Sensitivity: Laws, ethics and cultural awareness in psychology research and practice are necessary for successful client and peer relationships and impactful, useful research in psychology.
- Self-Reflection: Engaging in regular self-reflection during research and practice helps psychologists check their own biases and assumptions, which is necessary not only in personal improvement but in developing impartial research and providing aid without judgement.
Common Psychology PhD Courses
What PhD specializations are available in psychology?
Psychology PhD programs are excellent opportunities to delve deeper into specific topics in psychology. Depending on your school, specialties may be listed as full degree programs or as specialized focus tracks within a general psychology PhD program. The following list is non-exhaustive but can give prospective PhD students an idea of how they can tailor their academic and professional development through their online psychology degree programs.
How long it takes to earn your online PhD in psychology?
Two main factors affect how long it can take to complete your PhD in psychology: your previous education and your dissertation. Students who enter their online PhD programs with a completed master’s in psychology can usually complete their PhD in five to six years. Those who have earned a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in an area outside of psychology can expect their degree to take an additional two years or so, depending on their per-term course load.
Online psychology PhD programs typically require internships or practica and a research-based dissertation. Completion times for these components can vary widely depending on your personal schedule and the scope of your research project. Be sure to consider this and talk to a counselor to help you determine how long your PhD may take to complete.
Can you get into an online psychology PhD program?
Admissions requirements can vary between schools, so it’s always a good idea to read through your school’s admissions page and ask an advisor or specialist to clarify anything that seems unclear. Psychology PhD program admissions requirements generally include:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited school
- A completed application with a fee
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Minimum GPA requirements
It’s important to note that some programs require that applicants hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited school while others accept bachelor’s degrees as well. Those who already hold doctoral degrees may be restricted from applying, too, so check with your prospective school if anything is unclear.
Some programs also require GMAT or GRE scores, letters of recommendation, writing samples, a resume or curriculum vitae and a statement of purpose.
How much does an online psychology PhD cost?
The cost of an online PhD in psychology can depend on multiple factors, like the school, what level of education you have going into your program, any financial aid you secure, program duration and whether you receive in-state, out-of-state or special online tuition. The schools below help illustrate the wide range of pricing schemes and credit loads you may find in an online psychology PhD program.
*Fielding lists tuition as $9,700/term and offers five- and six-year completion plans, so the number of terms required can vary.
Do you need to complete a residency?
In-person residencies are common requirements of psychology PhD programs, even ones delivered online. Prospective students should make a point of noting how many residencies their program requires and how long each residency lasts beforehand to make sure their program of choice is doable. For instance, some programs require multiple residencies that last only a few days each while others may require one residency that lasts a whole year.
Does an online PhD in psychology prepare for licensure?
Some online psychology PhD programs prepare students to sit for their state licensure exams, but not all of them do, so students should read their program descriptions carefully and ask for clarification if needed. Because licensure is state-specific, programs that do have licensure tracks may not offer preparation that meets the requirements of every state. Students seeking licensure preparation should make sure their program and their state’s licensing requirements are in alignment before enrolling.
How to Pay for Your Online PhD in Psychology
Earning a PhD in psychology online is a significant step toward an advanced career in psychology, but it’s also an investment not to be taken casually. Thoughtful financial planning before applying to an online PhD program can help ensure that you finish your degree on time with as little damage to your wallet as possible. Financial aid options are out there, so do your research early to offset the costs of your psychology degree.
Learn more about securing financial aid for your online psychology PhD
The Online Psychology PhD and Accreditation
Accreditation indicates that a school or program of study has undergone a voluntary quality assessment based on standards set by a board of experts. At the institutional level, students should make sure their school is regionally accredited by one of CHEA’s seven designated accrediting bodies. These organizations assess schools holistically and are the most widely regarded accrediting bodies for higher education in the U.S.
The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral level psychology programs. Schools must be regionally accredited in order to receive accreditation from the APA. There are currently 395 APA-accredited doctoral programs in the U.S.
Your PhD program page may indicate which accreditations the school or program of study have, but if it’s not clearly stated, the school’s website should have an accreditations page that you can browse through. You can also call the school or search for the school on the CHEA and APA websites.
What’s After Your Online PhD in Psych?
Psychology PhDs can help students gain advanced, specialized knowledge and prepare them to become independent researchers and important assets in a wide range of professional capacities. In clinical practice and research, a higher level of education tends to yield a bigger paycheck, so those with PhDs in psychology can seek out lucrative and fulfilling careers in their areas of expertise.
What can you do with an online PhD in psychology?
Career prospects for psychologists may vary by specialty, but in general, demand for psychologists is high, and the field is expected to grow by 7 percent between 2023 and 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is significantly higher than the average growth rate for all occupations, which hovers around 5 percent.
There are two major routes psychology students can pursue: research and practice. From these routes stem many more paths for PhD graduates to explore. In both research and practice, advanced education, knowledge and skills typically open doors to highly sought specialty positions. For instance, the BLS notes that those seeking practitioner positions will have better job prospects with a doctoral degree and postdoctoral experience. Furthermore, some positions, particularly in research and higher education, require a PhD. However, psychology offers great career flexibility, so there are many options to explore.
What you can earn with a psychology PhD?
Earnings for psychologists can vary widely depending on specialty, experience, location and education level. As of May 2023, average earnings for psychologists across all industries, specialties and degree levels is $92,740. However, as the table below illustrates, there can be a considerable spread between earnings within the same specialty.
| Career | Median National Annual Salary (2019) | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial / Organizational Psychologist | $92,880 | $51,080 | $197,700 |
| Postsecondary Psychology Teacher | $76,620 | $41,010 | $151,030 |
| Clinical Psychologist | $78,200 | $45,240 | $132,670 |
Related Degrees & Continuing Education
After learning more about psychology PhDs, you might wonder if it’s the best fit for you or if anything comes after. It’s good to explore other degree options to make sure you pursue the degree that best meets your needs and goals. There are tons of degrees related to psychology PhDs that may be worth looking into. While PhDs are terminal degrees, there are some options for those who want to extend their education even further after completing their doctorate programs.
Related Degrees to Think About
A Doctorate in Psychology, or PsyD, is a relatively new degree that focuses less on research and more on practical work. It’s a great option for psychology practitioners who are looking to enhance their knowledge and skills and gain deeper insights into a particular aspect of their field.
If an advanced degree in psychology sounds like the right direction but a doctorate doesn’t seem like a good fit, a master’s in psychology could be a great alternative. Master’s degrees in psychology offer specialized tracks so students can tailor their studies to their personal and professional interests. While doctorates tend to provide more in-depth knowledge and hands-on application, a psychology master’s takes less time and can be used to scaffold into a doctoral program later if desired.
PhD in Social and Behavioral Science
Students looking to combine psychology, human development and public health may be interested in a PhD in Social and Behavioral Science. These programs are research-focused and often provide opportunities to explore behaviors as they pertain to children, families, addiction and health. They may be well-suited to people seeking research and leadership roles in social services, public health and other interdisciplinary fields.
Continuing Education for PhD Graduates
Postdoctoral Fellowship
PhD graduates can pursue postdoctoral fellowships, which help them engage in research projects, gain practical job skills and connect with other professionals in the field. Postdoc fellowships are short-term, mentored positions. Sign up for your department’s email listserv to find postdoc opportunities or look for opportunities on industry job boards.
Teaching Credential
Psychology professionals who want to teach don’t necessarily need to pursue a second degree in education, but they will need a state teaching credential. Licensure exam preparation courses can give prospective educators foundational knowledge in education to help them work in classroom settings with different types of students.
Resources for PhD Psychology Students
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS)
APA’s Database of Scholarships, Grants & Awards for Postdocs
