Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs of 2023
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- An online doctoral degree in psychology will expand and deepen your clinical and theoretical knowledge.
- A psychology doctorate can help you qualify for roles in teaching and research, as well as advanced clinical positions.
- Students who have completed a doctoral degree told BestColleges that the effort was worth it.
- Grads go on to leverage their degrees into fascinating, well-paid careers.
The decision to pursue a doctoral degree is never easy: A lot of time, energy, and money are involved. But if you know what you're getting into, an online doctorate in psychology can open up a whole world of cool career options.
For example, Dr. Erin Reynolds used her doctorate in psychology to become a clinical sports neuropsychologist. She's now the Director of Baylor Scott and White Sports Concussion Program in Texas, as well as the team neuropsychologist for the NFL Dallas Cowboys, the WNBA Dallas Wings, and the entire XFL minor league.
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"I have a dream job treating professional and amateur athletes with sports-related concussions," said Reynolds. "This type of work was not even on my radar when I started graduate school, and now I have a job that many people don't even realize is a possibility."
Why Should I Get an Online Doctorate in Psychology?
A doctorate in psychology will give you access to higher-paid clinical, research, and industry roles with more responsibility and impact. But given how expensive and demanding the process of earning a Ph.D. can be, it's important to make sure the benefits support your personal and professional goals.
What Are the Benefits of a Doctorate in Psychology?
- Expand and deepen your clinical and theoretical knowledge
- Further specialize in an area of practice you are passionate about
- Qualify for clinical, research, academic, and industry positions
- Increase your earning potential
Reasons to Get Your Doctorate in Psychology Online
- Flexibility: Online scheduling gives you the freedom to balance your responsibilities.
- Cost-Savings: In some cases, tuition for online programs is less expensive. You'll also save money on commuting, on-campus fees, and room and board.
- Convenience: In an online program, you can attend classes from anywhere — forget taking time off from work or arranging childcare so you can make it to campus.
- Networking: Online programs give you the opportunity to develop relationships with classmates and colleagues from all over the country (or the world).
Heads up:
The American Psychological Association does not grant accreditation to doctoral programs that are exclusively online. So if you want to work as a clinical or counseling psychologist, be sure to select a program that facilitates the supervised learning required for licensure. All of the programs in our rankings are fully accredited.
Doctorate in Psychology Programs You Should Consider
Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs 2023
Compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Selected These Schools
In order to create our directory list of doctorate in psychology programs, the BestColleges Rankings Team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We identified five schools that qualify for our alphabetical list based on the following criteria:
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a doctorate degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to NCES.
Review our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more about the standards we uphold.
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $980
Out of State | $980
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Keiser University's online doctorate in psychology prepares you to make a difference in the world through psychological principles and insights. Keiser's curriculum includes topics from health to cognitive abilities, learning, and developmental psychology.
Prospective students need a master's degree in psychology to enter the traditional path. Or, you can join the baccalaureate track with an accredited bachelor's degree in psychology or a related behavioral science field. However, you'll need to complete 18 additional graduate credits and a thesis before graduation.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $595
Out of State | $595
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
LU's online doctorate in psychology gives you an affordable and flexible option to earn a Ph.D. in psychology in one of five specializations: behavioral health leadership, developmental psychology, general psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, social psychology, or theology.
Liberty's doctorate in psychology program prepares you to enter psychiatric research or teaching. You'll need an accredited master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above to be accepted.
Northcentral University
La Jolla, CA - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,114
Out of State | $1,114
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
NCU's online Ph.D. in psychology offers a flexible curriculum with 10 specializations. In NCU's doctoral program, you can choose to specialize in anything from general psychology to addictive disorders to industrial-organizational psychology.
You'll need a master's degree in psychology, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work to apply. Graduates must complete a dissertation and dissertation defense and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Saybrook University
Pasadena, CA - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,514
Out of State | $1,514
Credits to Graduate
66
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SU's online Ph.D. in psychology offers four unique specializations: consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health; creativity studies; existential, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology; and psychophysiology. All programs include a two-day residential orientation and an annual five-day residential conference.
SU's Ph.D. in psychology program requires a master's degree. You'll also need to submit an application, resume, personal statement, writing sample, letter of recommendation, and official transcripts. You can transfer up to 12 psychology credits toward degree completion.
Is a Doctorate in Psychology Worth It?
Here's what people who have earned a doctorate in psychology have to say:
"I absolutely believe my degree to be worth it. It has allowed me a seat at the table for so many relevant issues, like mental health, LGBTQ+ youth issues, social media addiction, and more. My knowledge and expertise is highly sought after, which means the return on investment has been high."
— Corey Emanuel, Ph.D., media psychologist
"It was worth it for me. A doctoral degree massively impacts the way people interact with you as a professional. You become the authority on theory and practice; it's a big responsibility. It has opened doors for me that I don't think would have opened otherwise. I've had opportunities to work with corporations, on research, and with clients who were only interested in doctoral-level clinicians. And it's often the case that doctoral-level clinicians are paid more by agencies or in private practice than the average masters-level clinician."
— Kamran Esthehardi,, Ph.D., clinical psychologist
"I'd say it's worth it for the sense of purpose and fulfillment you acquire. But financially, you may end up with substantial student loan debt and a moderate level of income – so it really depends on how you define 'worth it'."
— Christopher Stack, Psy.D, clinical psychologist
Top Psychology Career Paths
An online doctorate in psychology prepares you for the most senior careers in the field: You can become a professor, researcher, practicing psychologist, or even branch out into industry roles.
"If you understand how people work, you don't necessarily need to stay in the field of psychology," said Dr. Inna Post, who leveraged her degree into coaching, consulting, and development. "You can expand."
| Career | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) |
|---|---|
| Industrial/Organizational Psychologist | $105,310 |
| Counseling Psychologist | $82,510 |
| Clinical Psychologist | $81,040 |
| Professor | $79,640 |
| School Psychologist | $78,780 |
A doctorate in psychology can gain you entry into a number of niche, unexpected careers as well. Dr. Corey Emanuel, for example, got his Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in media. He is now the CEO of his own creative production company.
"My career continues to be full of surprises in the best ways. On any given day, I'm approached by journalists, producers, studio executives, clinical psychologists, and even students who are seeking to better understand some psychological phenomenon linked to media consumption," said Dr. Emanuel. "Being a media psychologist is a fascinating career choice."
How Much Money Can I Make With an Online Doctorate in Psychology?
Median annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists (May 2021)
$82,510
Median annual wage for industrial/organizational psychologists (May 2021)
$105,310
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read More: Discover More Psychology Careers
Read More: Explore The Highest-Paying Psychology Jobs
How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Psychology Cost?
The average total cost of a Ph.D. is $32,846 per year. If it takes you six years to complete your doctorate, you can expect to pay a total of roughly $165,000.
Note: There are ways to reduce the cost of a doctoral degree:
- Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
- Some Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs may offer funding, tuition waivers, health insurance, and stipends.
- Many online programs offer accelerated degree programs, which can help you save on time and tuition.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Doctorate Degree | 2020-21
Public Institution
$15,930
Private Institution
$30,960
Read More: Financial Aid Guide for Graduate Students
Read More: How to Choose a Graduate Program
How Long Does an Online Doctorate in Psychology Take?
You can expect to spend between 5-7 years completing your doctoral degree in psychology.
Average Length of Time*
6 years
Required Course Credits*
60-90 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
Doctoral programs in counseling and clinical psychology will also require fieldwork and an internship or practicum experience. Online students can often arrange to complete these requirements at approved sites in their local communities.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctorate in Psychology?
Most programs require the following:
-
Application -
Test Scores -
Letters of Recommendation -
Resume and Work Experience -
Essays (1-3) -
Official Transcripts
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About an Online Doctorate in Psychology Program
What can I expect from an online doctorate in psychology program?
First, you will need to choose between two types of online doctorate programs in psychology: a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) and a doctor or philosophy in psychology (Ph.D).
"I would say the Ph.D. is better for people interested in academia and research, while a Psy.D. has a stronger clinical focus," said Christopher Stack, Psy.D. "But students should be aware that a Ph.D. program typically takes a bit longer – which may result in more student debt."
Whichever path you take, you can expect to:
- Face a competitive application process
- Undergo four years of full-time coursework
- Sit for qualifying exams, usually between years two and three
- Complete a dissertation in which you design an original research project and report on your findings
- Complete an internship or practicum in the field
What courses will I take in an online doctorate in psychology program?
Curriculum is largely determined by specialization, but core courses for most programs include research methods, professional ethics, and human development.
Is a Psy.D. higher than a Ph.D.?
Nope. Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs are equally prestigious and well-respected, and both will qualify you for clinical practice. If you're interested in research or teaching, a Ph.D. may prepare you better for those roles. If you're interested primarily in a clinical career, a Psy.D. is a great option.
