Online Doctorate (PsyD) Degrees in Psychology: Reviewing Programs

Unpacking Online PsyD Programs

Online PsyD programs provide students with various options for completing their degree. Students can opt for full-time or part-time study tracks. While full-time options can lead to a quicker path to obtaining the degree, part-time options can also be advantageous, allowing students more time to balance work and family obligations while pursuing their education.

Online PsyD programs vary in their format and may require different levels of on-campus attendance. Some programs offer all coursework online, eliminating the need for online students to visit the campus. Others may require some in-person attendance, with most coursework completed online. Some programs mandate several in-person visits to the campus for “intensives” or “residencies,” where students engage in close collaboration with professors and peers over a weekend or weeklong event. Additionally, programs may require students to attend campus for their dissertation defense or the final capstone presentation.

With the range of options available, it’s crucial to examine each potential school carefully to determine if their approach to education aligns with your learning style. Depending on the path chosen, students can expect to complete their Doctor of Psychology online degree in approximately five years.

Comparison of PsyD and PhD Programs

While there is overlap between the PsyD and PhD programs in psychology, several key differences set them apart. The PhD program is an excellent fit for students who aspire to pursue research or academia after graduation, requiring a focus on research-oriented and statistics courses. In contrast, the PsyD program places greater emphasis on the clinical setting, preparing students to work closely with clients and potentially specialize in a particular clinical area, rather than pursuing research or academia.

It’s important to remember that there is a lot of overlap between what these programs require. The main difference is the outcome of the degree type you choose. So, be sure to ask yourself the following questions before committing to any specific program: What is my ultimate career destination? Is it in research, academia, or clinical work?

The table below features a more specific breakdown of the differences between the two-degree types.

Clarifying Common Questions About PsyD Programs

Can you enroll in online PsyD programs without a master’s degree or taking the GRE?

It depends. Most online PsyD programs require a master’s degree in psychology or a related field in order to apply. However, there are some colleges, such as Meridian University and Capella University that allow entrance with a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s-entry may be required to take additional coursework.

While many schools request Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of the admissions process, several do not. These schools may choose to focus on factors such as work experience, volunteerism, undergraduate grades, and other relevant metrics to make a final decision on admissions.

What are the admission requirements for an online PsyD program?

Each program has its own unique set of admission requirements. However, there are general requirements that you can expect to see from any number of online PsyD programs.

• Submitted Application and Application Fee. This will be a typical application that requests pertinent information the school needs about you. Some schools also charge application fees.
• Resume. Many programs require a certain amount of work experience for an aspiring student to be considered for the program.
• Letters of Recommendation. These vitally important documents help prove that you can provide a positive contribution to the field. Most schools require at least two letters.
• Personal Statement. This is an opportunity to tell the admissions committee why you are a great candidate for the program, as well as what you will do with your PsyD when you graduate.

How do I find an APA Accredited PsyD program?

Students should seek out programs with accreditation to not only ensure the program meets quality standards but also to confirm it will be accepted for the purpose of licensure. PsyD programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). However, the APA does not currently accredit fully-online programs, only those that are offered on campus or have some online elements. In lieu of APA accreditation, students should check to make sure potential schools is initially accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Not sure how to figure out if an online PsyD program is accredited? Here are a few tips:

• Start with this list from the APA.
• Use the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
• Contact the school’s psychology department for specific details accreditation.

What are the graduation requirements for online PsyD degrees programs?

Depending on the program, you will be expected to complete some or all of the following:

• Capstone Project. This project often takes up at least one year of the program, possibly more. The goal is to create a project that demonstrates the knowledge a student has gained, as well as how they plan to use that knowledge to further the field and assist their clients or patients.
• Dissertation. This is the creation of an original body of research; it is much more common among those who pursue the PhD, but many PsyD programs require it as well. Just like the capstone project, the dissertation can take several years to complete, though programs only require the completion of one or the other.
• Practicum. Some programs require students to demonstrate what they have earned through a series of practicums or fieldwork. Some programs will allow this requirement to be met at the place where the student already works, thus making it easier to handle this particular necessity.
• In-Person Residencies. Also known as intensives, these are occasional visits to campus, often for only a few days or a week at a time, where students meet with their professor and peers. Some of these residencies double as practicums; others are used for creating capstone project outlines or engaging in specific lectures or presentations.

Can PsyD programs be online?

Yes and no. Because PsyD programs prepare students to work in clinical settings, most programs require lengthy internships and residencies to meet the clinical requirements for graduation and licensure. However, you can expect most of the coursework and lecture to be online and asynchronous, which can help you achieve a work-study balance with the large amount of supervised experience you need for your degree.

Popular Concentrations for Online PsyD Programs

Students with a clear career path in mind may want to consider pursuing a specialization within the field of psychology. Specializations allow students to focus their studies on a particular discipline or area of interest within psychology. However, it’s important to choose a specialization carefully, as knowledge and skills developed in one area of psychology may not always be applicable to others. For example, being well-versed in health and wellness may not translate well if a student chooses to move into a field like criminal justice. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular options.

Clinical Psychology

Students in this concentration will become well-versed in psychopathology, and what it takes to identify and treat mental health problems and similar issues. In comparison to some other specializations, this one often consists of more research into clinical and mental disorders. The end goal is to prepare students to work with a variety of clients who need one-on-one or group therapy.

Criminology and Justice Studies

This specialization prepares students to apply the theories and concepts of psychology to the world of crime, punishment, criminal justice, and corrections. Students learn to use psychological principles to examine the current state of affairs in the justice system and come up with workable solutions that benefit the accused, the victims, those in the periphery of the situation, and the system itself.

Health and Wellness Psychology

Many who graduate with this specialty wind up working in organizations, business, and government, where they use their expertise to improve nutrition, exercise, and other points of work-life balance. The goal is to help employees thrive and thus boost the morale and overall wellness of the group, as well as the organization as a whole.

School Psychology

A very popular specialization, school psychology under the PsyD program looks to teach students how to assist children within the academic setting. Students learn to assess cognitive and developmental growth, spot problems such as learning disabilities, and help teachers and administrators understand how best to help those students who need extra attention or accommodations.

Sports Psychology

The psychology of sports has many layers, and students in this specialization learn how to use psychological principles in human development, coaching, mind-body wellness, performance, self-mastery and more. Graduates should be prepared to work with individuals, groups, and teams to help them perfect the attitudes and techniques that send them to the top of their game.

What Careers Can You Pursue with a PsyD?

In most cases, those who pursue the PsyD intend to enter a career that allows them to work in clinical practice, working one-on-one with individuals or with groups. Some of those careers include school psychologist, clinical psychologist, and counseling psychologist. However, there are more career paths to take with a psychology degree than the three detailed below.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

Clinical and counseling psychologists study the emotional and cognitive behaviors of children, adolescents, and adults. They work in a variety of settings from hospitals to private practices. In order to pursue this position, you will need an advanced degree, typically a master’s or doctoral degree, and a license. The requirements for licensure vary depending on where you intend to practice. If this is the profession you want to enter, employment is expected to grow by seven percent and the median annual pay as of May 2023 was $92,740.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-Organizational psychologists consult businesses on matters related to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. In this position you can expect to analyze data to evaluate the outcomes of workplace programs, develop interview techniques, and interview workers to obtain information on the physical and mental toll of the job. As of 2023, the median annual salary for this position was $147,420 and the projected growth rate was six percent (faster than average).

School Psychologist

School psychologists diagnose and implement schoolwide strategies to address the educational and behavioral problems that impact the effectiveness of a school. They work alongside administrative and teaching faculty to address individual students or the student body as a whole. Specific job titles include Autism Consultant, Educational Diagnostician, Learning Consultant, and Challenging Behavior Consultant. The median annual wage as of 2023 was $84,940.

A Ranking Guide to the Top Online PsyD Programs

When embarking on the search for an online PsyD program, it is vital to select one that aligns with your academic and professional objectives. To assist with this process, we have assessed online PsyD programs across the nation with data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education System (IPEDS). We consider factors such as affordability, student services, and the availability of online classes. See which school earned top honors for this school year below.