Online PhD Programs in Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology program at Capella University is designed for working professionals who need the flexibility of online learning. Students can choose from five specializations: general psychology, behavior analysis, developmental psychology, educational psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology. The program features generous transfer credit options and competency-based courses that make the most of the current research in the field. Though most coursework is entirely online, some short residencies on campus are required to ensure the intensive hands-on training a doctoral student needs to graduate with confidence.

Liberty University’s School of Behavioral Science offers four tracks for those pursing its Psychology PhD online: developmental, general, industrial/organizational, and social psychology. Each program is 100% online, with a course completed every eight weeks for a total of 60 credits. Students may also be able to transfer in 15 credits from a regionally accredited institution. Given this schedule, students can expect to complete the program in about three years. Various start times during the year make this program even more flexible for working professionals. The program approaches psychology topics and practices from a biblical worldview.

Students at Regent University can pursue an online PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies, which can be completed entirely online. The Counseling and Psychological Studies program offers 16-week course sessions and eleven concentrations in areas such as trauma and crisis counseling, marriage and family ministry, addictions counseling, and life coaching. Students can expect to complete a total of 15 credit hours. To enter the program, an accredited master’s degree in a mental health field is required. Related programs include an online PhD in Education with a specialization in educational psychology.

Students can choose from a handful of online psychology PhD programs at Keiser University. However, extensive residency requirements make these programs hybrid options, rather than fully online. The PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, as well as the PhD in Psychology, require a minimum of 60 credit hours if students hold a master’s degree; those with a bachelor’s degree must earn an additional 18 credit hours and complete a thesis. In addition, all PhD candidates must complete the dissertation and defense. These are intensive programs that require a significant time investment, which could make it challenging for professionals to continue their full-time work while earning their degree.

When it comes to the psychology PhD programs available at Grand Canyon University, the most difficult part might be choosing which one to pursue. There are six standalone options, including those in counselor education and supervision, organizational leadership, and general psychology with four potential specializations. Students complete 60 credits in 8-week courses and are also required to complete two three-week residencies as they progress toward graduation. Up to nine credits may be transferred into the program. Classes begin frequently rather than adhering to a semester schedule, allowing for even more flexibility for working adults. Completing these degree programs might not lead to licensure on their own; additional elements might be required for licensure in your state.

Students can further their psychology education at Walden University through one of its many online PhD programs. Degrees are available in clinical psychology, forensic psychology, developmental psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, and general psychology. Though each program is slightly different, key components remain the same. For instance, students can expect generous transfer options, a blended curriculum with residency and internship requirements, and the use of the scholar-practitioner model, which helps students integrate what they learn into their day-to-day work while in the program.

This school dedicated to the study of psychology offers nine PhD programs to choose from, including those in International Psychology, Business Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Educational Psychology and Technology. Though some, such as International Psychology, are offered entirely online, others do require short residencies at the school in Chicago during the course of the program. For those courses that are entirely online, students will experience a “synchronous virtual residency” from time to time, in which they must be online with their peers at a designated time. All students use Canvas, enjoy 24/7 technical support, and take advantage of comprehensive career support services to enhance their career prospects.