Archive for the ‘Psychology Degrees’ Category
Online PhD in Psychology – What is it like?
What is an Online PhD in Psychology like?
If you desire a career as a psychologist, most states will require that you hold a doctorate level degree prior to gaining license. However, many working adults do not have the time to commit to a traditional, campus based program. Thankfully, may top schools are starting to offer online programs.
How to Earn an Online PhD in Psychology
While programs will differ slightly between universities, there are some basic commonalities that they all share. Most will include coursework, internship or practicum, and a dissertation or research project.
You may also be required to choose a specialization, which may include:
- clinical psychology
- counseling psychology
- organizational psychology
- general psychology
Online PhD in Psychology
A typical program will include topics such as biopsychology, ethics and standards, psychopathology, intervention, cognitive psychology, and social psychology, just to name a few. The length of this part of the curriculum will depend on you. Many students will only take one class per semester, while others may take more. It depends on you and how much time you can commit each semester to your studies.
Currently, the top two accredited universities offering PhD programs in Psychology online are Capella University and Walden University. Both universities are regionally accredited, and both offer accelerated online classes to help you earn your degree faster. There are 10 top programs ranging from general psychology to clinical psychology and everywhere in between.
Compare Capella and Walden to see if either university is a good fit for you:
Capella University – Online PhD in Psychology
Capella University offers accelerated classes: 10 week online classes.
Capella University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible in the United States.
The online psychology PhD offers you the opportunity to create an individualized, academic-track program designed to meet your professional goals and research interests. Choose established areas of psychological study such as addiction, family, or health psychology, or design an interdisciplinary program that blends psychology with education, business, or human services courses.
Online PhD in Psychology Programs
- Online PhD in Psychology
- Online PhD in Educational Psychology
- Online PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Capella University’s outcome-based curriculum is designed to give you the skills to meet changing needs in the field of psychology while advancing your career and personal development.
Walden University – Online PhD in Psychology
Walden University offers accelerated classes: 8 week online classes.
Walden University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible in the United States.
Making a positive impact within your community, organization and profession requires an ability to integrate theories, research and evidence-based practices that accommodate cultural and individual diversity.
- Online PhD in Psychology – General
- Online PhD in Psychology – Clinical Psychology
- Online PhD in Psychology – Counseling Psychology
- Online PhD in Psychology – General Educational Psychology
- Online PhD in Psychology – General Research Evaluation
- Online PhD in Psychology – Health Psychology
- Online PhD in Psychology – Organizational Psychology
With a Ph.D. in Psychology, you’ll be better prepared as a researcher, educator and practitioner, helping individuals and groups with family, mental health, career and educational issues.
Online PhD Dissertation
If your program does not require an internship or practicum, then you will move on to the dissertation portion of the program. During this time you will work closely with an adviser to determine a topic and research method.
Once you have completed your dissertation, you will be required to defend your findings orally in front of a committee of faculty members.
Is an Online PhD in Psychology right for you?
Online PhD programs are much easier for busy and professional adults to complete compared to traditional, campus-based programs. Most of the coursework will be 100% online.
It is important to be mindful that you will be taken away from your job and family for short periods of time during your residencies (and internships, if required by your program). However, even though the program can be challenging, the benefits for your career and future earnings far outweigh the sacrifice.
Ready to explore your options?
Compare Online PhD in Psychology programs now:

