The Best Online PhD Psychology Programs in 2022
Online PhD psychology degrees are quite popular for those looking to become licensed psychologists or pursue high-level careers in psychology research or academia. With so many choices, you’ll want some direction finding the right school and program to attend. To help, we’ve created the following list of the best online PhD programs in psychology based on affordability, accreditation, and student services.
To make it as helpful as possible, this list lets you select and sort school characteristics that fit your specific needs and wants for your PhD program. Review this year’s top PhD psychology programs below and see which one is right for you.
Lubbock, Texas
Total online programs: 6
East Lansing, Michigan
Total online programs: 5
Greeley, Colorado
Total online programs: 5
4 Great Reasons to Earn Your PhD in Psychology Online
1
You can become a
licensed psychologist. In most states, to use the title of “psychologist” an individual must have a doctoral degree in psychology. While a master’s degree is sometimes sufficient to practice psychotherapy and treat patients, they will not legally be a licensed or certified psychologist.
2
You want to teach psychology
at the college level. To teach at the college or university level, a PhD will almost always be a necessary requirement. The academic training provided by a PhD program will prepare individuals to serve as professors and teach the future generation of psychologists and mental health professionals.
3
You’d like to conduct
advanced research. A major component of the online PhD degree curriculum is teaching students how to design, conduct, and analyze new and innovative research. This includes research at universities, government agencies, and private organizations.
4
You need maximum
educational flexibility. The PhD is one of the most flexible degrees when it comes to self-pacing. Within reason, the dissertation can usually be completed at your chosen pace. But to add even more flexibility, online distance learning allows some wiggle-room in the coursework, giving students the opportunity to adjust their course load to fit their personal and professional needs and goals.
How Do Online PhD Programs in Psychology Work?
Online PhD degrees can be structured several ways, each with its own advantages and tradeoffs. For example, those who choose a full-time track instead of attending part-time can earn their degrees faster, but can have more difficulty meeting other obligations, like working full-time or taking care of family. In most cases, students can expect to take four to seven years to earn their online PhD degree in psychology.
Then there’s also the question of how much online coursework is incorporated into the program. Some programs can be earned completely online while others are mostly online, with only a few portions requiring in-person training or on-campus visits. In contrast, some programs are primarily a traditional learning format, supplemented with online coursework.
Core Curriculum for an Online PhD in Psychology
Every program offering an online PhD degree in psychology tailors its curriculum to follow the goals and philosophies of the school and faculty administrators. But regardless of an area of concentration or a specific program’s curriculum decisions, incoming students can expect to learn the same general basic concepts. Here are six common PhD psychology courses.
Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Theory
This class provides a historical and technical background in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. Students learn various psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic methods for helping patients cope with significant emotional and psychological issues.
Behaviorism
One of the major psychological theories, behaviorism is the idea that human behavior is the consequence of prior experiences or the environment. Students examine strategies for teaching positive behaviors and reducing unwanted behaviors.
Scientific Cognition
The human mind is quite complex and as a result, various scientific methods of studying it have developed over the centuries. This class examines these methods and theories, including approaches to comprehending human perception, learning, reasoning, and intelligence.
Research Theories
The purpose of this course is to teach students different methods of engaging in scientific inquiry within the human psychological context. Students are also introduced to the cultural and social aspects of hermeneutic and epistemological interpretation.
Quantitative Analysis
Students take advanced statistical and mathematical concepts and apply them to research contexts to obtain meaningful conclusions. The reliability and accuracy of the mathematical conclusions are also examined.
Dissertation Seminar
Students begin the process of planning, preparing and completing their dissertation. This includes the development of original research, conducting the research, analyzing the data, presenting the findings, and completing an oral defense of the research.
Graduation Requirements for Earning a PhD in Psychology Online
Earning a PhD degree in psychology, even online, is a long process, often lasting longer than earning a bachelor’s degree and sometimes taking more than double the time it takes to earn a master’s degree. A major reason it takes this long is the dissertation and other graduation requirements.
Specializations Available for Online Psychology PhD Students
To meet the unique career goals of students, many schools offer opportunities to specialize in a particular PhD psychology track. These specializations provide additional training in a particular area that can open up job and research opportunities not otherwise available.
Online PhD in Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology focuses on the identification and treatment of mental health problems or issues. This concentration prepares students to treat patients who suffer from psychopathology. In other cases, students who focus on this area should expect to be prepared to conduct research into mental disorders or teach future clinical psychologists.
Online PhD in Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology aligns itself with the civil and criminal justice system. While psychology is hardly a legal specialty, there are many aspects of the legal system that can bring an individual’s mental situation into question. Forensic psychologists are trained to assess the mindset of criminal defendants, reliability of witnesses, and mental competency of any individual that may be called before the court.
Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology
This area of focus looks at human behavior within organizations, especially the workplace, such as a manufacturing floor or office. Students learn about the psychological theories and principles that govern learning, motivation, and interactions within a group. This concentration provides better ways to manage workers to be more efficient and happy.
Online PhD in Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychology is similar to clinical psychology in that it helps people deal with mental and emotional distress they may be having. However, while clinical psychology places a greater emphasis on treating mental illness and disorders, counseling psychology works on helping people function better by themselves and with others.
Online PhD in School Psychology
School psychology aims to help children within the academic setting. Specifically, school psychologists work on creating the best learning situation possible for students. School psychologists assess the cognitive and developmental growth of the student and identify any learning disabilities that may require adjusted teaching methods or other special attention.
How Much Does It Cost to Earn a Psychology PhD Online?
An online PhD degree in psychology can lead to lucrative and fulfilling professional opportunities. But earning that degree can carry a significant bottom line. The ultimate cost of attendance will depend on not just tuition, but fees, travel requirements, and the availability of financial aid.
To provide a rough idea of what to expect from tuition, we’ve prepared the following chart. Please keep in mind that the chart only reflects tuition costs and does not include fees. To get the most accurate cost of attendance calculation, visit the school’s website for more complete cost details.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northcentral University | 60 | $3,393 per course | $67,680 |
| Walden University | 85 – 190 (quarter credits) | $585.00 | $94,725.00 – $111,150.00 |
| Capella University | 104 (quarter credits) | $540.00 | $56,160.00 |
| Grand Canyon University | 60 | $670.00 | $40,200.00 |
Admissions Criteria for Online PhD Programs in Psychology
Online PhD programs can be surprisingly competitive and have a rigorous admissions process. Each school has its own set of criteria, but the following list is what most applicants can expect to find when preparing to apply.
Master’s degree
Students will need to provide their transcripts from a master’s program in psychology or a related field. Many schools also require that the applicant graduated with a minimum GPA.
Entrance exam
Not always required, but many schools will want applicants to submit entrance exam scores from either the GRE or GMAT.
Admissions application and application fee
The application form is a standard component of any application, although some programs will forego charging an application fee.
Personal statement
This is your opportunity to explain a side of yourself not otherwise possible in the rest of the application, including why you want to earn a PhD in psychology.
Resume
A very important component of an application as it reflects vitally important work and professional history.
Letters of recommendation
Not always required, but when they are, you will need to find at least two individuals to prepare letters that reflect why and how you will provide a positive contribution to the psychology community and student body in a given program.
Online PhD in Psychology vs. PsyD: Which is Right for You?
If you’re looking into earning an online PhD psychology degree, you’ve probably come across the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). How are these two doctoral degrees different and why would someone choose one over the other?
A PhD’s curriculum places a greater emphasis on research. It can also be harder to get accepted into a PhD online program. Due to the focus on research, a PhD is more suited for those hoping to work in research fields or move on to teaching, where understanding research theories and data is important.
A PsyD is also a doctorate-level degree, but the program focuses primarily on clinical practice. Therefore, it’s ideal for someone who doesn’t plan on teaching or conducting research, but instead hopes to treat patients. The PsyD can sometimes be completed faster than the PhD, due to not requiring a dissertation.
Learn more about online PsyD programs.
The Importance of Accreditation for Online PhD Programs in Psychology
Accreditation is an independent method of ensuring a school or educational program meets certain standards in instructional quality. It’s critical to attend a school and program that’s accredited, as it will likely be required to qualify for financial aid and obtain state licensure or certification. There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation refers to the school themselves being accredited, usually by a regional organization, but a national accrediting body is sometimes possible.
PhD psychology programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association. Being accredited by the APA is the most prestigious type of accreditation for a PhD psychology program; however, the APA does not accredit fully-online programs currently (summer 2019). Prospective students can still ensure they receive a quality college education by attending a school with institutional accreditation. To check the programmatic and institutional accreditation status of a school, check the Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.