A career in psychology can be both prestigious and rewarding.
Whether you’re ready to dive into fascinating scientific research about human behavior or treat mental health disorders, a PhD in Psychology can help you pursue your next career.
Here are 7 solid schools to check out for an online doctorate in psychology program.
What Are the Benefits of Doing a Psychology PhD Online?
There are many upsides to earning a doctorate in psychology online. These include flexibility, affordability, and a wider option of classes than you might find available in your area.
A psychologist needs to understand human behaviors, cognitive processes, and emotions. As a PhD student, you will learn to interpret research results, employ critical thinking, and apply ethics.
If you hold a PhD in psychology, you can apply extensive knowledge of the human psyche to assist people in the legal system, criminal justice sphere, research labs, hospital settings, or schools.
It is important to note that the American Psychological Association (APA) does not credit any PhD psychology programs that are 100% online. The APA does accredit hybrid programs that blend an online format with on-campus internships. That’s why a fully online PhD may be the best option for those wishing to enter academia to engage in teaching or scientific research rather than those planning to work in clinical practice.
1. National University Online
This accredited institution offers a specialized psychology PhD online. You can choose from many different specializations as a virtual doctoral student at National University. These include areas of General Psychology, Health Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Gerontology, Psychology of Gender, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Substance-Related Disorders, and Sports Psychology.
Students learn a fundamental understanding of psychology, develop strong research skills, and pursue their areas of interest based on psychological principles, ethics, and diversity.
The program runs in 8-week sessions during the semester.
- Tuition: $7,974
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Duration: 60 credit hours (an estimated 46 months)
2. The Chicago School in Los Angeles
Another online school to consider for a psychology PhD is the Chicago School in Los Angeles.
This private, accredited institution offers a doctorate in international psychology. This hybrid program blends online coursework with two on-campus residencies and two international experiences in the field that provide real-world training.
This is a great choice for anyone interested in working with organizations with a global mission. Students can also focus on specialized tracks in Clinical Psychology, Organizations and Systems, Ethics and Professional Development, and Trauma Services.
Graduation requirements include comprehensive written and oral exams, the completion of an original dissertation that identifies a research gap in the academic study of international psychology, three 600-hour practicums, and an internship (full-time) that prepares the candidate for EPPP licensure.
The non-licensure path can be finished in 3.5 years.
You must pass written and oral comprehensive exams and complete an original dissertation addressing international psychology’s professional study gap. The non-licensure program can be completed in three and a half years.
- Tuition: $1,703 per credit
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Duration: 60 credits (5 years)
3. Liberty University
This private research institution offers one of the more affordable online PhDs in Psychology.
The program is clinical, non-licensure, and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Students can choose from six specializations, including Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology.
Major-specific courses involve a teaching focus, conducting psychological research centered on a biblical worldview, and concentrations in General Psychology, Social Psychology, Behavioral Health Leadership, Developmental Psychology, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
Fully online. No in-person classes are required, but intensive courses are available. On-campus intensives are optional but allow students to engage with the academic community, develop their professional skills, and present their research at conferences.
- Tuition: 595 per credit hour (full-time rate) and $650 per credit hour (part-time) $300 per credit hour for current and former military members and their spouses.
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
- Duration: 60 credit hours (5 years, depending on part-time or full-time enrollment options)
4. University of the Southwest
Would you prefer a teaching focus in psychology? The University of the Southwest offers a Doctor of Education specializing in Educational Psychology.
This is a good fit for people who want to work in administration or educational leadership. USW’s program covers four important aspects of educational psychology: leadership foundations, strategic planning, research, and organizational dynamics and change.
It is being online means having a flexible course attendance schedule that fits seamlessly around your 9-5 job.
The curriculum even has a self-design track, which enables students to customize which courses they want to specialize in. Specialization courses include advanced study of educational psychology and organizational dynamics of human behavior.
While not required for degree completion, USW allows students to do two clinical residencies that offer valuable real-world experience. Students can do these either in person or virtually, which makes this a great option for those who want to gain practical clinical experience but can’t quit their jobs or make a move right now.
Online learners even get a free laptop with their first course to help them complete their studies. Students also don’t need to worry about spending more money in addition to tuition on textbooks. The course cost includes the price of any textbook and course materials.
When working on the dissertation process, learners can use cutting-edge software to help guide them through each step.
Tuition: $799 per credit hour (in-state)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Duration: 60 credit hours (3-6 years, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment options)
5. Adler University
This online program specializes in industrial-organizational psychology with elective courses in consulting, entrepreneurship, organizational theory, talent management, and job analysis.
Graduate students with a master’s degree in a related area may have the chance to transfer in as many as 24 credits to apply to Adler’s PhD in Psychology. This means these full-time students can finish the program in only three years. Learners who don’t have a master’s degree can apply for the post-bachelor 90 credit-hour program.
To graduate from Adler University, students must pass a comprehensive exam, write a dissertation, and complete an in-person, 200-hour social justice practicum at an affiliated location in the community.
- Tuition: $972 per credit (in-state)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Duration: 90 credits (5 years)
6. Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale
Get a non-clinical-track PhD in Psychology from the comfort of your couch with this online degree from a private and accredited university.
This online track contains 20 classes covering educational psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and human development courses. Although it is a research-based doctorate, Keiser’s psych program also incorporates two residencies. You can opt for classes that will help you start an academic career, engage in research, or specialize in industrial-organizational psychology.
There are no GRE requirements to enter the program. Even someone with a bachelor’s degree in psychology can start this PhD. You can also just take one or two classes at a time if you can’t handle a heavier course load.
- Tuition: Average in-state graduate tuition: $27,162, Average out-of-state costs: 27,162
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Duration: 36-60 months (depending on full-time or part-time enrollment)
7. Saybrook University
Get a flexible PhD in one of four specializations of psychology (integrative health, transpersonal psychology, creativity studies, or psychophysiology) in five or six years at Saybrook online.
No GRE score is needed, and expert professors teach courses. You must attend a 5-day residential conference at the start of each fall and spring semester in Monterrey, California. Students must also appear at a two-day residential orientation process when they start their doctoral program.
- Tuition: $1,514 per credit hour
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Duration: 66 credit hours (5-6 years)
Most Affordable Programs
While picking the most optimal PhD track based on your interests and intentions is key, it’s no secret that finances can play a big role in where you choose to go to school.
For those who want to obtain a PhD in psychology online without breaking the bank, the top two schools to consider on this list are Liberty University and the University of the Southwest.
Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology costs $595 per credit hour for full-time students (typically 9 credit hours per semester) and $650 for those taking fewer credits. Additionally, Liberty offers a massive discount for current and former service members (and their spouses), which can help many people achieve their graduate school dreams.
Meanwhile, USW’s online PhD in Education (specializing in psychology) program costs $799 per credit hour. Compared to many other online doctorates in the same field, which can cost up to $1,500 per credit, this represents a significant savings as you invest in your future career.
FAQs
Is an online PhD in psychology legitimate?
Yes. A strong online program from an accredited college or university is 100% legitimate. At the same time, some programs may enable you to complete coursework entirely online, while others may have residential requirements such as intensives or a dissertation defense. However, a fully online PhD in Psychology is not accredited by the APA.
Is it hard to get a PhD in psychology?
PhD programs in psychology are rigorous and take years to complete. After graduation, you will need to work under a licensed psychologist’s supervision before you can begin to practice independently.
Since psychology doctoral programs are competitive, a strong GPA is essential. The general required range falls between 3.0 and 3.5, but more competitive programs, especially ones that involve research or clinical psychology tracks, may look for GPAs closer to 4.0.
How long does it take to get a psychology doctorate?
A PhD in Psychology is the highest degree students can earn in that field. Since PhD Psychology programs are rigorous and research-oriented, it takes anywhere from 4 to 7 years to complete advanced classes, engage in extensive research, and write and defend a dissertation.
Is it worth it to get an online PhD in psychology?
PhD students put years of their lives into studying and researching to complete their doctoral program. It’s no secret that a PhD in Psychology requires a serious investment of money, effort, and time to achieve the coveted title of “Dr.”
For those committed to research or treating patients in a clinical capacity, getting a PhD is worth it. Psychologists with advanced degrees can earn more than people with only a master’s or bachelor’s degree in the same field.
What is the highest-earning PhD in psychology?
Earning a PhD in Psychology qualifies graduates to maximize their career growth opportunities. For those looking for the highest-paid psychology positions, psychiatry, clinical psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology typically top the list.
