For aspiring psychologists pursuing a flexible yet top-tier education, the journey to a doctorate in psychology offers endless possibilities. The path to your doctoral degree is promising and multifaceted in a field as diverse as psychology, with many sought-after specializations and salaries regularly reaching six figures.
This article presents a curated list of the top online doctorate in psychology programs, providing a comprehensive guide to the leading institutions nationwide. We understand that choosing the right program is pivotal to your career aspirations, and our list simplifies this process by ensuring that your decision aligns with your professional goals and personal needs.
Beyond our program rankings, we delve into the degree options available, explore potential specializations, offer an updated career outlook for psychology graduates, and provide valuable tips to assist you in selecting your ideal program. Moreover, our FAQ section addresses common queries, making this article your all-encompassing resource on your journey to a rewarding and impactful career in psychology.
What Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Psychology Program?
A doctorate in psychology is an advanced academic degree involving rigorous research and clinical training to prepare students for careers as licensed psychologists. Programs typically require 90 to 120 credits, including core statistics, research methods, and ethics courses. However, it’s not a medical degree, and it’s important to remember that psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Instead, they focus on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental and emotional issues through therapy and counseling.
Potential doctoral degree options in psychology
Most online institutions offer Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Although they share a common interest, these degrees are slightly different.
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.): These programs emphasize clinical training and practical skills for becoming a licensed psychologist, often preparing students for careers in therapy, counseling, and clinical practice. Candidates often complete a doctoral project, which focuses on applying existing knowledge to address a specific clinical issue.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): These programs are research-oriented, with a stronger emphasis on scientific inquiry, experimentation, and the production of original research. Candidates typically must complete a dissertation, a substantial original research project contributing to the field’s knowledge. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, or specialized areas of psychology.
Choosing between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. depends on your career goals. Psy.D. is best for those seeking to become clinical psychologists, while Ph.D. offers a broader range of career options in research and academia.
Specialization options for psychology doctoral students
Doctoral students in psychology can choose from various specializations to focus their training and research on specific areas of interest. Some common specializations include:
- Clinical Psychology: Focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental and emotional disorders. Clinical psychologists often work in therapy, counseling, and clinical settings.
- Neuropsychology: Explores the relationship between the brain and behavior, often working with individuals with neurological disorders or brain injuries.
- Forensic Psychology: Involves applying psychological principles to legal issues, such as criminal profiling, witness assessment, and evaluating competency to stand trial.
- Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology: Applies psychological principles to the workplace, addressing employee motivation, productivity, and organizational development.
- Developmental Psychology: Examines human growth and development across the lifespan, from infancy to old age, often in areas like child development, aging, or adolescence.
Other specialization options include health psychology, social psychology, sports psychology, and school or educational psychology.
Psychology licensure requirements in the United States
In the United States, aspiring psychologists must meet stringent licensure requirements. Completing a doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) is essential, ensuring a high-quality education that potential employers will respect. After graduation, you must accrue supervised clinical experience, often around 2,000 to 4,000 hours, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). State-specific exams or additional requirements may also apply.
The Top 24 Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Institution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 99.87Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
Test scores
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$595
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
60
University of the Cumberlands
Intelligent Score: 99.84Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $9,875
Out-of-state: $9,875
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $4,282
Out-of-state: $4,282
Test scores
SAT: 930-1140
ACT: 19-24
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$749
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
66
Alaska Pacific University
Intelligent Score: 96.01Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $20,350
Out-of-state: $20,350
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,700
Out-of-state: $11,700
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,680
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
93
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 95.6Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
Test scores
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$900
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
51
National University
Intelligent Score: 95.55Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,114
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
60
Fielding Graduate University
Intelligent Score: 94.56Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $20,160
Out-of-state: $20,160
Test scores
SAT: 1162
ACT: 24
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$538
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
American Psychological Association
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
179
Michigan State University
Intelligent Score: 93.06Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $15,555
Out-of-state: $40,384
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $18,858
Out-of-state: $18,858
Test scores
SAT: 1100-1300
ACT: 23-29
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$933
DELIVERY FORMAT
Hybrid
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
115
Touro University Worldwide
Intelligent Score: 92.75Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $14,400
Out-of-state: $14,400
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $9,000
Out-of-state: $9,000
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$700
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
66
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 92.74Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
Test scores
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$543 - $1,343
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
84
Oregon State University
Intelligent Score: 92.4Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $9,846
Out-of-state: $29,445
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $13,257
Out-of-state: $13,257
Test scores
SAT: 1080-1310
ACT: 21-29
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$590
DELIVERY FORMAT
Hybrid
ACCREDITATION
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
150
Lesley University
Intelligent Score: 91.86Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $29,200
Out-of-state: $29,200
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $18,900
Out-of-state: $18,900
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,350
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
New England Commission of Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
48
Saybrook University
Intelligent Score: 91.84Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
Graduate Tuition
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,590
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
66
Loyola University
Intelligent Score: 91.15Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $45,500
Out-of-state: $45,500
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $18,594
Out-of-state: $18,594
Test scores
SAT: 1130-1330
ACT: 25-31
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$990
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
72
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Intelligent Score: 90.5Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $46,796
Out-of-state: $46,796
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $50,636
Out-of-state: $50,636
Test scores
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,622
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
American Psychological Association
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
60
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 89.39Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
Test scores
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$261
DELIVERY FORMAT
Hybrid
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
91
Endicott College
Intelligent Score: 88.84Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $34,470
Out-of-state: $34,470
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $12,666
Out-of-state: $12,666
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$960
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
New England Commission of Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
60
Southern California Seminary
Intelligent Score: 86.86Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $29,991
Out-of-state: $36,777
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $44,523
Out-of-state: $44,523
Test scores
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$845
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
54-69
California Institute of Integral Studies
Intelligent Score: 86.43Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $21,116
Out-of-state: $21,116
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $21,116
Out-of-state: $21,116
Test scores
SAT: 1010
ACT: 19
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$888
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
36.2 - 37.5
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online doctorate in psychology programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list have been accredited by reputable organizations, such as the WASC Senior College and University Commission and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that assess the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of colleges and universities.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online doctorate in psychology programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can I Do With an Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs?
Career outlook
An online doctorate in psychology paves the way for various career opportunities. However, some options may require additional licensing or certifications.
- Clinical Psychologist: Empathetic individuals with strong interpersonal skills will thrive in clinical psychology. Graduates in this field specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with psychological and emotional issues. They provide therapy and counseling to individuals or groups, helping clients manage and overcome their mental health challenges. Therapeutic approaches often include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, or other evidence-based techniques.
- Median annual salary: $90,130
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 12,000
- Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychologist: Natural problem-solvers with an analytical mindset may enjoy a career in I-O psychology. Individuals in these roles specialize in applying psychological principles to improve workplace dynamics, productivity, and employee well-being. They conduct surveys, interviews, and observations to assess workplace factors, including job satisfaction and employee performance.
- Median annual salary: $139,280
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 12,000
- Forensic Psychologist: Those interested in the legal system and criminal behavior may enjoy working as a forensic psychologist, sitting at the intersection of psychology and law. Forensic psychologists conduct assessments of individuals involved in legal cases, including defendants, witnesses, and victims. They often provide expert testimony in court to help judges and juries understand the relevant psychological factors of a case.
- Median annual salary: $106,420
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 12,000
How to Choose the Online Doctorate in Psychology Degree That’s Right for You
Step 1: Choose your area of study
Choosing a psychology specialization for a doctoral degree is especially important as it will shape your career options. Consider your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Clinical psychology suits those who aspire to work directly with individuals in therapy or counseling. In contrast, industrial-organizational psychology optimizes workplace dynamics and organizational performance. Meanwhile, forensic psychology is a fit for individuals intrigued by the legal system and criminal behavior. Education and school psychology focuses on academic settings and student well-being.
Additionally, you should also factor in the format and scheduling of your program. Full-time, synchronous programs offer a structured approach suited to those with ample study time, while part-time, asynchronous programs provide flexibility for students managing work and other commitments — enabling them to pursue their doctorate without sacrificing existing obligations.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Researching schools and programs is critical once you have pinpointed your specialization and preferred learning format. First, verify institutional and programmatic accreditation to ensure you’ll receive a high-quality education. Then, ask the following questions to guide your research:
- Is the program 100% online, or are there on-campus requirements?
- What is the faculty’s expertise and experience in your chosen specialization?
- What student support services, such as career counseling or academic advising, are available online?
- Are there opportunities for virtual internships or practicums?
- What is the program’s reputation and rankings in the field?
You can gather this information by visiting school websites, contacting admissions offices, and contacting current students or alumni through social media platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
After shortlisting schools, preparation for doctoral program applications is key. Start by thoroughly reviewing each institution’s admission requirements, which may vary. Standard materials typically include:
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores, though some programs may be test-optional
- Sample research papers or publications (For Ph.D. Programs)
It’s essential to ensure that you meet eligibility requirements regarding prerequisites, GPA, and test scores — as these will vary depending on the institution.
Step 4: Select your program
While some students concentrate their applications on a few schools, others cast a broader net to enhance their acceptance odds. Those in the latter category may end up with multiple acceptance letters, requiring a thoughtful decision-making process.
When choosing the right program, revisiting factors like curriculum alignment with your goals, the faculty’s expertise in your specialty, total program cost, and available financial aid is crucial. This reflection ensures a well-informed selection that best matches your aspirations and resources.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Once you’ve selected your psychology program, the next step is planning for its financial aspects.
Scholarships and grants should be your top priority since they don’t require repayment. Reach out to your school’s financial aid office to discover institutional funding opportunities, and be sure to research external options.
It’s equally essential to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess your eligibility for federal loans, which usually offer lower interest rates and flexible repayment options. In addition, students who are currently employed may be able to receive tuition assistance benefits through their employer.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Should I get a doctorate in psychology degree in person or online?
The choice between an in-person or online doctorate in psychology depends on your preferences and educational needs. Most institutions offer the same curriculum for both formats, meaning you’ll receive the same high-quality education regardless of the program’s structure.
You should consider your scheduling preferences: in-person programs suit those who thrive in structured classrooms and value face-to-face interaction. At the same time, online learning provides flexibility for students juggling multiple responsibilities. Your decision should align with your lifestyle and what you believe will optimize your learning experience.
How do I apply for an online doctorate in psychology degree program?
While application requirements can vary depending on the institution, most online doctorate in psychology programs can be successfully applied to by following these steps:
- Check specific admission criteria, including prerequisites and test scores.
- Begin an online application on the school’s website.
- Collect transcripts, letters of recommendation, resumes, and a statement of purpose.
- Submit necessary documents according to the institution’s instructions by the application deadline.
- Submit your application and pay the application fee as required.
For program-specific details and to ensure a smooth application process, consult with the school’s admissions counselor.
How much does an online doctorate in psychology degree cost?
The online doctorate in psychology program cost can vary widely by institution. On average, graduate program tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year was approximately $19,749, but this figure will fluctuate depending on the program you attend. It’s essential to consider additional costs such as textbooks, technology requirements, and travel expenses for any required in-person residencies. Yet, online students often save money by eliminating commuting and housing expenses and having a flexible schedule that allows them to work while studying.
To get precise financial details specific to your chosen program, consult a financial aid counselor at your institution of interest.
How long does it take to complete an online doctorate in psychology degree?
The duration to complete an online doctorate in psychology varies depending on the program type and the student’s pace. Psy.D. programs typically take about four to six years and require 90 to 120 credits, while Ph.D. programs span five to seven years, with credits often exceeding 120. Note that these estimates apply to full-time students; part-time enrollment will likely extend completion timelines significantly.
Is an online doctorate in psychology degree worth it?
An online doctorate in psychology can be a valuable investment, but its worth depends on various factors specific to your career goals and interests. Stary by calculating the Return on Investment (ROI). You can consider the program’s cost alongside potential financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Since some financial aid might involve loans, repayment should be factored in. Then, weigh your projected salary post-graduate against the overall cost. Remember that psychology salaries vary by specialty, with clinical psychologists earning a median of $90,130, while those in fields like industrial-organizational psychology make upwards of $139,280.
Ultimately, whether or not an online doctorate in psychology will hinge on your career goals, financial circumstances, and passion for the field.
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