Online PhD in Clinical Psychology: Comparing Programs
Pursuing a PhD in psychology is a bold step toward becoming an expert healer and researcher in mental health. Many students with a master’s in psychology feel a PhD is the key to broader career opportunities, from licensure as a psychologist to roles in academia and advanced clinical practice.
This STEPS guide is designed to help you navigate that journey – addressing your questions, exploring online PhD options, and showing how a doctorate can unlock leadership roles and higher earning potential in psychology.
Inside 3 Online Clinical Psychology PhD Options
Choosing an online or hybrid PhD in clinical psychology can be ideal for working professionals in need of flexibility. These programs blend web-based coursework with in-person components like short residencies or local practicums to meet training and licensure requirements.
You’ll complete classes via a virtual platform, often on your own schedule, then attend periodic on-site sessions for hands-on clinical skill development (e.g. assessments, therapy techniques).
Some key things you should consider when selecting a program include accreditation (APA accreditation is crucial for many licensure paths), faculty expertise, available specializations, and the structure of any required internships or residencies.
Fielding University
Fielding Graduate University offers a unique, APA-accredited PhD in Clinical Psychology designed for working adults. It’s the only distributed learning model of its kind accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Students complete most coursework online, with periodic in-person seminars, residential sessions, and regional meetings that offer hands-on training and connection with faculty. This model makes it possible for you to pursue an advanced degree while remaining active in your community and career. This program includes several concentrations and faculty expertise, including forensic psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, and social justice and diversity.
Duration: 5-6 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $10,385 per term
Curriculum:
- Psychopathology
- Developmental & Social Bases of Behavior
- History and Systems of Psychology
- Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice
- Multicultural Psychology
Walden University
Walden’s online PhD in Clinical Psychology builds on students’ existing knowledge to prepare them for licensure as clinical psychologists. The program emphasizes practical skills through online coursework and face-to-face residencies.
In this program, you’ll learn how to choose psychotherapeutic interventions for clients at a distance and help communities access mental health services.
Note: Walden’s program is not APA-accredited (graduates may need to arrange additional state licensure steps), but it provides a structured path for working professionals to earn a doctorate and pursue psychologist roles.
Duration: 5-7 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $535/credit
Curriculum:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Clinical Psychopharmacology
- Multicultural Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Psychology Internship
Saybrook University
Saybrook’s PhD in Clinical Psychology is a low-residency online program blending rigorous online coursework with hands-on training in humanistic psychology. Students complete the majority of classes online and attend two 5-day residential conferences per year in Pasadena, CA for clinical skills development.
The program typically takes about five years to finish. Specializations are available – from Existential and Humanistic Psychology to Complex Trauma – allowing you to tailor your studies.
While Saybrook’s program is not APA-accredited, it provides the coursework needed for licensure in many states and can be structured to meet certain state requirements. Graduates emerge with a holistic, mind-body approach to clinical psychology.
Duration: 5 years
Mode: Online + 2/year in-person residencies
Cost: $1,487/credit
Curriculum:
- Ethics and Laws in Psychotherapy
- Psychology of Multiculturalism
- Integrative Health Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Applied within a Humanistic and Integrative Approach
- Mindfulness and Spirituality in Clinical Practice
Answering Online Psychology PhD Student FAQs
We’ve gathered some of the top questions you might have when exploring online clinical psychology PhDs. While much of the specific details will vary depending on the school you’re considering, these questions should be a good place to start.
How long does it take to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology?
Most doctoral programs in clinical psychology require 5 to 7 years to complete. This timeline includes about 4–5 years of coursework and practicum, plus a 1-year full-time clinical internship.
For example, Fielding Graduate University’s distributed PhD is designed to be finished in about 5–6 years. Keep in mind that your completion time can vary – some students take longer to finalize their dissertation or may study part-time. Generally, you should anticipate at least five years for an APA-accredited PhD that prepares you for licensure.
What are the admission requirements for a Clinical Psychology PhD?
Admissions criteria typically include a bachelor’s or master’s in psychology (or related field) with a strong GPA, official transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and research or field experience. Many programs also require an interview.
Some PhD programs still ask for GRE scores, though this is changing – for instance, Walden University’s online PhD has no GRE requirement and even waives the essay for admission. Overall, successful applicants show a blend of academic ability, research interest, and clinical passion aligned with the program’s strengths.
Can I become a licensed psychologist with an online PhD?
Yes – an online or hybrid PhD can lead to licensure, provided the program meets state requirements. It’s important to verify that any program you choose includes the standard curriculum and supervised internship hours needed for psychologist licensure.
APA accreditation is the gold standard for clinical programs; currently, Fielding’s PhD is the only APA-accredited online clinical psychology PhD . Graduates of non-APA programs (like some fully online ones) may need to complete extra steps (such as postdoctoral supervised hours) before qualifying for exams in certain states.
However, many online PhD programs – accredited by regional bodies – still prepare students for licensure. Walden University notes its PhD curriculum is designed to enable graduates to pursue licensure, and Saybrook’s program can be adjusted toward “APA equivalency” in some states.
The bottom line: do your homework on state licensing laws. An online PhD can absolutely make you a psychologist, but ensure the program’s structure (coursework, residencies, practicum/internship) aligns with licensing requirements where you plan to practice.
What’s the difference between a PhD and PsyD in Clinical Psychology?
Both are doctoral degrees that qualify you as a psychologist, but their focus differs.
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Clinical Psychology follows a scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing research alongside clinical training. PhD students conduct original research (dissertations) and often receive training in teaching and academia
Meanwhile a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) is a professional doctorate emphasizing clinical practice over research. PsyD programs focus on therapy techniques, assessment, and clinical internships rather than extensive research projects. PsyD students still learn to interpret research but generally don’t need to complete a large dissertation.
Career-wise, both degrees can lead to licensure as a psychologist. Those interested in becoming professors or researchers may lean toward a PhD, whereas those focused on full-time clinical work may prefer a PsyD.
Do I need a PhD to be a clinical psychologist?
In the U.S., a doctoral degree is required to become a licensed clinical psychologist in almost all cases. A master’s degree alone is not enough to earn the title “psychologist” (though it can lead to other licenses like counselor or LMFT).
Clinical and counseling psychologists will typically need a Ph.D. or Psy.D. to practice independently. Doctoral programs provide you with the advanced clinical training and supervised internship hours required for licensure. There are a few exceptions in specific roles or jurisdictions (for example, some school psychologists practice with specialist degrees), but generally, yes – you must earn a doctorate to be a clinical psychologist.
This investment pays off: with a PhD/PsyD, you can pursue higher-level positions and use the title Psychologist, which is legally protected. Many PhD holders also report higher earnings and broader job options than those with a terminal master’s.
Core Courses for Online Clinical Psychology PHDs
While each program has unique requirements, many online clinical psychology PhDs cover similar foundational topics. Below are examples of common core courses:
Evolution of Psychology
Typically taken the first year, this course examines the historical roots of the field, from early theorists like Freud and Jung to the development of modern modalities such as CBT and humanistic therapy. You’ll explore how psychological theories evolved to shape current clinical practices.
Multicultural Psychology
This course takes an in-depth look at how societies and cultures impact individuals and relationships and at how humans interact. It considers effective ways of managing therapeutic relationships based on cultural and societal dynamics alongside questions of self-awareness as a practitioner.
Clinical Interviewing
This course teaches the skills and tools needed to ask effective questions. Topics include taking family, social, and medical histories, gathering targeted information for use in diagnoses and treatment plans, and developing effective active listening skills.
Psychotherapy Techniques
Building on the interviewing course, this class looks at creating professional relationships with clients, dealing with resistance, keeping clients engaged, and providing helpful services. It also examines ethical and legal requirements related to records management, privacy, and contracts.
Research Methods
Usually taken across two semesters, this course provides the tools for designing research studies. Those tools include scientific inquiry, research epistemology, and ethical questioning, which surround how studies are designed and who they incorporate. These skills are used to develop a basic research project at the end of the courses.
Common Concentrations for Clinical Psychology
Many programs offer optional concentrations or specializations, allowing you to focus your PhD studies on a particular subfield of clinical psychology. Concentrations typically involve targeted electives and research in that area, helping you develop niche expertise.
Below are five common clinical psychology PhD concentrations (with examples of what each entails):
Health Psychology
Overlapping into the public health sphere, the health psychology specialization focuses on using psychological tools to help clients improve their health. Whether working to stop smoking, handle stress, or reach a healthy weight, this specialization helps build skills in these areas.
Forensic Psychology
Meeting at the crossroads of psychology, forensic science, and the legal system, this specialization provides the foundation for work in academia, government, or private practice. Topics considered include behavioral interventions, violence risk assessments, personality disorders, and ethics.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
This specialization teaches the tools needed to help businesses create better work environments and better relationships with employees. Topics include workforce training and development, applied industrial psychology, and succession planning and leadership development.
Social Psychology
A social psychology specialization gives insight into how humans are affected by other humans. Topics include development, attitude formation and evolution, prejudice, interpersonal relations, and aggression. Most graduates pursue roles in academia and/or research.
Cognitive Psychology
This specialization looks closely at the inner workings of the human brain. Courses help you understand patients’ mental processes, how they organize thoughts and feelings, and the roles of memory, language, and knowledge development in human relationships.
(Many other concentrations exist – from Addiction Psychology to Geropsychology – depending on the university. Choosing a concentration can tailor your PhD experience towards the clients or issues you’re most passionate about.)
Career Options Clinical Psych PhD Grads
What can you do with a doctorate in clinical psychology? Here are five rewarding careers (in alphabetical order) that often require – or are significantly boosted by – holding a PhD or PsyD in this field.
As you review some options below, consider how they fit into personal and professional goals, such as if you want to work in academia or a clinical setting.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Working with patients dealing with neurobehavioral problems, clinical neuropsychologists assess and diagnose issues such as neurodegenerative disorders, seizure disorders, learning disabilities, and traumatic brain issues. They may provide therapy and/or medication or recommend a patient for surgery. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for this role was $156,308.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists are the profession many traditionally think of when they consider this degree. These professionals work with clients to provide assessments, diagnose, and create treatment plans that address mental and emotional disorders. They can prescribe medications and may work with clients short- or long-term.
Clinical Research Coordinator
These professionals oversee lab research activities. They ensure compliance with all regulatory and ethical requirements, set clinical and research objectives, manage the various studies taking place, set and manage budgets, and manage support staff.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
IO psychologists work both for individual companies and as consultants for a portfolio of clients to improve productivity, identify areas of conflict between employers and employees, enhance employee satisfaction, and develop better training and development programming.
Postsecondary Psychology Teacher
If you want to educate the next generation of psychologists, this role is for you. Psychology faculty work at colleges and universities teaching psychological principles, counseling techniques, research methods, and specialized topics within the discipline.
Top Picks: Online Clinical Psychology PhDs
Prospective students seeking an online psychology degree have a wealth of options to choose from. To make the school search process easier, we’ve compiled a list of top online colleges for psychology.
Keep in mind that what makes a top school may vary depending on your individual preferences and needs. Our rankings take into account important factors like affordability, support services for students, and availability of online programs. Explore the colleges on our list to find the best fit for you.
The Chicago School
Los Angeles, California
Private
