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Curious about human behavior, group dynamics, and abnormal psychology? A psychology degree sheds light on our social and emotional world. But if you want to become a psychologist, you'll need a doctorate.
An online Ph.D. in psychology can prepare you for careers in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, school psychology, and other specialties. And an online learning format makes it easier to reach your educational goals. Learn how to choose a program and launch your career as a psychologist.
Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Psychology?
- An online Ph.D. in psychology can qualify you for the title of psychologist in various specializations.
- Many psychology careers boast high median salaries.
- You can get a Ph.D. in psychology online from a great school, even if you live far away.
- Some institutions charge online learners in-state tuition rates, regardless of where they live.
- Asynchronous coursework makes it easy to schedule coursework around professional and personal responsibilities.
Did You Know?
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Currently, over 181,000 psychologists practice across the U.S. -
Psychology is a growing field, with more than 14,000 projected jobs each year from 2021-2031. -
Industrial-organizational psychologists report the highest salary among psychology specializations, with a median annual salary of over $105,000. -
While psychologists need a doctorate for clinical roles, they can earn either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. -
The American Psychological Association offers doctoral scholarships and fellowships through its foundation.
Check Out Our Featured Online Psychology Programs
Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs in Psychology?
Accreditation matters when earning an online doctoral degree in psychology. That's because you'll have a better chance at landing an internship during your doctoral program if you attend an accredited program.
What's more, many states require psychologists to graduate from an accredited program to apply for licensure.
Here's how college accreditation works: Independent accrediting agencies evaluate colleges and universities. They research student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic standards.
Programs within a university can also apply for accreditation from specialized agencies dedicated to the field. You can look up accreditation for a school or program.
When researching Ph.D. programs in psychology, look for programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). These programs meet the highest standards for training psychologists.
While APA does not accredit online-only programs, it does accredit hybrid programs and Ph.D. programs with some online coursework. APA's accredited program database provides more information on accredited doctoral programs in psychology.
Top 10 Online Doctoral Degree in Psychology Programs
Read About Our Methodology Here
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Baylor UniversityLocation
Waco, TX
Graduation Rate75%
Baylor University was chartered in 1845 in Waco, Texas as a private Christian university. Students can pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 115 major fields. The 78-hour Ph.D. psychology degree requires completion of 37 core courses, and specialty concentrations in behavioral neuroscience, social psychology, and general experimental psychology. Students must declare and pursue a minor. Or, they may substitute nine hours of elective courses. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum GRE total score of 300.
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Boston UniversityLocation
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate84%
Boston University offers a doctoral degree in psychology. Students from over 130 countries have travelled to study in one of the 250 fields offered at Boston University. The students at BU run more than 450 clubs and organizations, allowing for a rich educational community. Students who wish to expand their cultural understanding can apply for one of BU’s numerous study abroad programs, which are spread throughout 26 different countries. On average, qualifying students are awarded almost $30,000 in financial aid.
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Fordham UniversityLocation
Bronx, NY
Graduation Rate81%
Fordham University was established as a Catholic, Jesuit institution in 1841. Only full-time students may enroll in Fordham’s graduate programs in psychology. The Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (CPDP) is based on the Boulder Scientist-Practitioner training model. This model emphasizes theories and the practice of assessment and diagnosis with a strong laboratory component. During the first two years, doctoral students must complete courses in cognitive assessment, personality assessment, psychopathology, and clinical diagnosis. Supervised practicum experiences are taken in the second, third, and fourth years. Specializations include child and family, forensic, neuropsychology, and health.
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Jacksonville State UniversityLocation
Jacksonville, AL
Graduation Rate29%
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Loma Linda UniversityLocation
Loma Linda, CA
Loma Linda University is a Seventh-day Adventist educational institution focused on health sciences. Today’s university campus includes the school as well as the Loma Linda University Medical Center. The Ph.D. in clinical psychology degree takes six years to complete, including a required internship. Based on the scientist-practitioner model, the doctoral curriculum combines research and practice. The practicum provides supervised internships across various practice areas in multidisciplinary settings. Students can choose from optional concentration areas in clinical child psychology, health psychology, and neuropsychology.
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Loyola University ChicagoLocation
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate70%
Since 1959, the Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Loyola University Chicago has been fully accredited by the American Psychological Association. The goal of the Ph.D. program is to provide students with a strong education in the practice and theory of clinical psychology, as well as in general psychology. The degree takes 4-5 years of studies with a minimum of 72-hours of coursework. Applicants must submit GRE scores. The school invites some applicants for an interview. Only 35 students are admitted to the program.
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Michigan State UniversityLocation
East Lansing, MI
Graduation Rate79%
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Northern Arizona UniversityLocation
Flagstaff, AZ
Graduation Rate49%
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Nova Southeastern UniversityLocation
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Graduation Rate42%
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Oregon State UniversityLocation
Corvallis, OR
Graduation Rate61%
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Pacific UniversityLocation
Forest Grove, OR
Graduation Rate63%
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Pennsylvania State UniversityLocation
University Park, PA
Graduation Rate86%
What sets Pennsylvania State University’s psychology department apart from other universities are its veritable choices of doctoral degrees in psychology. Prospective students have the option of pursuing graduate studies in social, developmental, cognitive, industrial-organizational, and clinical (adult and child) psychology. Students should note that having an undergraduate psychology degree, without an MS degree, can still qualify them for a place in the Ph.D. program. Students without a master’s degree can choose to earn while enrolled in the Ph.D. program.
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Southern California SeminaryLocation
El Cajon, CA
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Temple UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate66%
In 1888, Temple College was founded in Philadelphia. Today, Temple University serves more than 40,000 students. Of those, more than 100 graduate students are enrolled in graduate psychology programs. The clinical psychology program prepares doctoral students for careers in research, education, and scientific clinical professions. Some Ph.D. program applicants participate in campus admissions interviews each year. Applicants are encouraged to take the GRE Advanced Test. The Ph.D. program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS).
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Texas A&M University - College StationLocation
College Station, TX
Graduation Rate80%
Students attending the psychology program at Texas A&M University may choose between six areas of concentration, including behavioral and cellular neuroscience, clinical psychology, and cognition and cognitive neuroscience. Other options include developmental psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and social and personality psychology. Texas A&M combines the science and practice of psychology to help students learn, research, apply knowledge, solve problems, and promote healthy human development. The program maintains a low student-teacher ratio so students can receive personalized attention and develop professional and research skills.
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The University of TennesseeLocation
Knoxville, TN
Graduation Rate66%
Since 1949, the clinical psychology program at the University of Tennessee Knoxville has been accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. The program is based on the Tennessee Model, which regards practice and research as similar enterprises. The curriculum trains students to become clinical psychologists and contribute to their field as teachers, clinicians, and researchers. Students receive a balanced education in research, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and teaching. They are provided internship opportunities in addition to innovative curriculum. Admission is based on a rigorous selection process.
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Union Institute and UniversityLocation
Cincinnati, OH
Graduation Rate27%
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University at BuffaloLocation
Buffalo, NY
Graduation Rate71%
The department of psychology at the University at Buffalo offers several Ph.D. programs. Doctoral students may choose to enroll in the behavioral neuroscience program, the cognitive psychology program, the clinical psychology program or the social-personality program. The psychology doctoral program is research-based. Admitted applicants typically score within the 81st percentile on the GRE verbal and the 68th percentile on the GRE quantitative. Students do not need an undergraduate degree or graduate degree in psychology for acceptance into the program. Ph.D. students may pursue the teaching assistantship opportunities offered at the University at Buffalo.
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Virginia Commonwealth UniversityLocation
Richmond, VA
Graduation Rate56%
How Much Does an Online Ph.D. in Psychology Cost?
An online doctorate in psychology generally costs anywhere from $50,000-$200,000.
Ultimately, how much you spend on your degree will depend on factors such as:
- Whether you pursue a Ph.D. in psychology (which usually lasts 4-7 years) or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) (which takes roughly 4-6 years)
- Whether you qualify for any in-state tuition discounts
- Whether you attend a public or private institution
- How much financial aid you get
Be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — with this, you can qualify for federal grants and loans. You could also qualify for institutional scholarships.
If possible, try to prioritize fully funded doctoral psychology programs.
In addition to tuition and required fees, you'll need to budget for a good-quality laptop, reliable internet access, and any extra technology or distance-learner fees.
You'll also need to pay for your state license and exam fees once you complete your program.
How Much Can You Make With an Online Psychology Ph.D.?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists earn a median salary of $81,040 per year. The highest-paid psychologists work in government agencies and hospitals.
Your specialization can affect how much you earn. For example, industrial-organizational psychologists earn a median annual salary of over $100,000, whereas child psychologists earn a much lower median salary, closer to $60,000.
Your location can also impact your earning potential as a psychologist. BLS data shows that Alaska, Oregon, and California offer some of the highest average salaries for psychologists.
| Job | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $105,310 (May 2021) | 4% |
| Neuropsychologist | $97,130 (Nov. 2022) | 3% (all other psychologists) |
| Health Psychologist | $83,100 (May 2022) | 3% (all other psychologists) |
| Clinical Psychologist | $82,510 (May 2021) | 10% |
| Counseling Psychologist | $82,510 (May 2021) | 10% |
| School Psychologist | $78,780 (May 2021) | 6% |
| Forensic Psychologist | $73,180 (Nov. 2022) | 3% (all other psychologists) |
| Child Psychologist | $63,280 (Oct. 2022) | 3% (all other psychologists) |
Sources: BLS, Payscale
How to Become a Psychologist: 6-Step Guide
Want to know how to become a psychologist? The career path requires years of graduate-level education and postdoctoral training. Here are the steps you'll need to take to start your career as a psychologist.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor's Degree
Your journey toward a career in psychology begins with a bachelor's degree. You'll need a bachelor's to apply to graduate programs in psychology.
What should you major in? A psychology degree offers a strong foundation for graduate-level study. You can also choose a specialized degree like industrial-organizational psychology or opt for a social work degree.
Many majors — including in the humanities, the social sciences, education, and human services — can prepare you for psychology careers.
Step 2: Choose a Specialization
What kind of psychologist do you want to become? Are you interested in counseling roles or positions in education? Are you drawn to research topics or clinical practice?
Choosing a specialization early can help you find the best program to reach your goals.
Common psychology specializations include:
- Clinical psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Behavioral psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Industrial-organizational psychology
- School psychology
- Health psychology
Step 3: Compare Online Doctoral Degrees in Psychology
Next, research online doctoral programs. Some psychologists move straight from a bachelor's degree into a doctoral program, whereas others earn a master's in psychology to strengthen their skills before applying to an online psychology Ph.D. program.
When researching graduate psychology programs, make sure to check the university's accreditation status and the program's accreditation.
As you compare programs, check whether they offer a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. Both degrees are doctorates in psychology, but a Ph.D. emphasizes research while a Psy.D. emphasizes practice.
You can earn a psychologist license with either degree. That said, a Ph.D. generally leads to academic and research roles, whereas a Psy.D. leads to clinical roles.
Consider as well your budget for a doctorate. Costs will vary depending on the program. Look into fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to lower costs.
Step 4: Earn a Doctorate in Psychology
Earning your doctorate in psychology takes a minimum of four years for a Psy.D. and up to seven years for a Ph.D.
During that time, you'll take psychology courses and work closely with your faculty advisor to develop a dissertation project. You'll also conduct research and gain clinical skills.
At the end of your online psychology Ph.D. or Psy.D., you'll defend your dissertation.
Common Courses in a Ph.D. in Psychology Online Program
- Advanced Qualitative Analysis
- Behavioral Assessment
- Clinical Practicum
- Developmental Psychology
- Ethics and Legal Issues
- Multivariate Statistics
- Psychobiology
- Psychopathology
- Survey Construction and Administration
Step 5: Fulfill Supervised Training Requirements
Before receiving your psychologist license, you'll need to meet supervised training requirements.
Each state sets its own requirements, which you can meet during your doctorate or after graduating. For example, Washington state requires 3,300 hours of supervised experience, with the option to complete up to 1,500 hours after graduation.
Many psychologists complete this requirement as part of their doctoral program. Programs incorporate practicums, internships, and other supervised training opportunities. You can also meet supervised experience requirements through a postdoc or postgraduate internship.
Check the licensing requirements in your state for more information.
Step 6: Apply for Licensure
The final step to becoming a psychologist is to apply for a state license.
In many states, the Board of Psychology issues these licenses. Typically, you'll need a doctorate in psychology from an accredited program, supervised experience, and passing scores on a licensure exam.
Aspiring psychologists in all states must take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). You may have to take additional exams depending on what state you live in. For example, California also requires the California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination.
Exam and licensure costs vary by state. In New York, you'll pay around $300 for your license, while in Pennsylvania it costs $105 for an initial license and $300 to renew your license.
Q&A With a Real Psychologist and a Psychology Student
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in psychology?
"I have always had a strong passion for helping others, and this drive led me to this field. It was after working as a behavior specialist doing in-home behavioral therapy that solidified my decision to pursue a career in psychology."
"I wanted to ease people's suffering and make sure there were supports in place for those who needed them. Moreover, I had negative experiences with the mental health system as an adolescent, and I wanted to ensure that those experiences weren't repeated for other people."
Q: In your opinion, what is the value of earning a doctorate in psychology?
"You are in a position to help individuals and our larger society. Along with providing direct treatment, you have credentials that allow you to advocate for systematic changes. You can advocate in a variety of ways, such as through assessments, creating community-based programs, and activism in legal arenas."
"If I chose to do a master's program, I don't believe I would have had as many opportunities, and master's-level clinicians tend to not make as much as doctorate-level clinicians/providers."
Q: Why did you choose to earn a Psy.D. instead of a Ph.D. in psychology?
"I chose a Psy.D. program as opposed to a Ph.D. as my program really emphasizes putting what we learn in classes to practice in our practicum sites. I also did not want to attend a program so heavily focused on research."
"I didn't just look at program types, but also at the faculty I wanted to work with. Both types of programs can offer similar training experiences, but having the right mentor whose research or interests aligns with yours is a key part of a successful graduate school experience."
Q: What is something that surprised you about your psychology program or the field of psychology?
"How much we don't know! While the field is improving on its ability to replicate research and evaluate treatment effectiveness, we don't fully understand how and why individuals react, or don't react, to popular interventions."
"As a trainee, I was shocked to see what goes into being a great practitioner and having only a fraction of the work put in get rewarded. This is a selfless job and career, and the needs of those we help must always be a priority."
Q: What is your biggest piece of advice to those who want to become psychologists?
"Listen to the people who come to you for assistance and be mindful of social and political influences on mental wellness. Many individuals will not benefit from standardized interventions, particularly those from historically oppressed communities. We need to listen when people tell us what is, or is not, working for them and be open to other ways of healing."
"Impostor syndrome is REAL! There will be many times in your training that you feel like you don't belong or that you're not as good as those around you, but this is not true! You belong in this field and are just as good as anyone around you — just don't forget the reasons why you're here!"
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs in Psychology
An online Ph.D. in psychology from an accredited program meets the requirements for a psychologist license. That means you can work as a counseling psychologist, school psychologist, or clinical psychologist.
With a doctorate in psychology, you can also pursue academic and research careers. Most universities require a doctorate for tenure-track professor jobs.
Before applying to online psychology programs, check the program's accreditation status. Only accredited programs meet the requirements for many psychologist jobs, especially government positions.
Yes, an accredited online doctoral degree in psychology meets the same high standards as those of traditional degrees. Accreditation agencies regularly review programs to ensure they follow the best practices for training psychologists.
Employers also respect online degrees from accredited institutions. Many online universities issue the same diplomas to online and in-person students, indicating that the delivery method does not impact the quality of the degree.
Earning a Ph.D. in psychology generally takes 5-7 years. During that time, psychology doctoral students complete coursework, attend practicums and internships, and conduct research. Doctoral programs also require a dissertation, which doctoral candidates must defend to earn their Ph.D.
Psychologists can practice with a Psy.D. as well. This doctoral degree emphasizes practice and typically requires 4-6 years. During a Psy.D. program, you'll complete coursework, defend your dissertation, and gain hands-on experience through supervised practicums and internships.
A Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in psychology are both doctoral degrees; however, the Psy.D. emphasizes practice and prepares graduates for careers in clinical settings, whereas the Ph.D. focuses on research and typically leads to roles in academia or research.
You can become a psychologist with a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. — both degrees meet the requirements for a psychologist license. If you're interested in academic career paths, a Ph.D. makes the most sense, while a Psy.D. makes more sense if you want to work in a clinical capacity.
Yes, psychologists can specialize. At the graduate level, psychology students typically choose a specialty, such as clinical psychology, school psychology, or counseling psychology.
Other popular specializations include educational psychology, health psychology, behavioral psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology.
After choosing a specialty, you'll take focused courses and complete hands-on training in clinical settings related to that specialty. Choosing a specialty early on can help you find the right doctoral program for you.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.