Online Doctorate in Psychology: Courses, Requirements, and Careers

A Ph.D. in psychology prepares graduates for careers in research, academia, and clinical work. Students explore psychological theory in specialty areas such as clinical psychology, social psychology, or neuroscience or the practical application of clinical psychotherapy assessment and intervention. Most programs include a practicum, internship, and dissertation and can take 6-8 years to complete.

While most doctoral programs in psychology require in-person enrollment, prospective students interested in obtaining an online doctorate in psychology have options.

Graduates of a doctoral psychology program can work in various settings, depending on their career goals and specialty.

School psychologists work with children and teachers in a school setting, forensic psychologists provide services to people within the criminal justice system, and clinical psychologists provide therapeutic services to individuals in hospitals, outpatient centers, or private practice. Psychologists must apply for licensure in the state where they practice.

There are many rewarding and in-demand career pathways for those with a doctorate in psychology.

Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental health disorders in inpatient and outpatient clinic settings.

Median Annual Salary: $96,100 (BLS, May 2023)

School psychologists evaluate Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), student counseling, and behavior intervention support in school settings.

Median Annual Salary: $84,940 (BLS, May 2023)

Industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologists assess and support individual and group dynamics in the workplace to improve a company’s performance and employee well-being.

Median Annual Salary: $147,420 (BLS, May 2023)

Psychology professors teach undergraduate and graduate psychology courses in a college or university setting.

Median Annual Salary: $84,380 (BLS, May 2023)

Social scientists design and carry out research studies in psychology, conducting experiments, overseeing research assistants and other laboratory staff members, and writing and presenting peer-reviewed journal articles.

Median Annual Salary: $95,890 (BLS, May 2023)

Forensic psychologists work within the criminal justice system to assess the mental status of inmates, defendants and/or victims in a court case, sometimes testifying in court and providing therapy to offenders or inmates.

Median Annual Salary: $117,750 (BLS, May 2023)

Many in-person Ph.D. programs are fully funded through various sources, such as research grants, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. Awards granted by the American Psychological Association (APA) and other organizations can also be applied to fund a doctoral degree in psychology.

Generally, in-state tuition is often less than out-of-state tuition, and public universities are more affordable than their private counterparts. An online doctorate in psychology may be a more affordable option for degree-seekers who want flexibility and the convenience of distance learning.

Gaining admission to a doctoral program in psychology requires a few important prerequisites. First, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, including coursework in statistics, is required, though some applicants may hold a master’s degree as well. GPA is an important factor considered in graduate admissions. Official transcripts must be submitted as part of the application process.

Letters of recommendation and a personal statement are commonly requested when applying for admission to a doctoral program. Taking the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) may be required.

Depending on the program, particularly whether it is clinically focused or research-intensive, some experience may be preferred. This might look like working as a research assistant in a university psychology lab, or internship or volunteer experience in a mental health unit or substance abuse treatment facility. Strengthening each component of your doctoral program application will help you successfully gain admission to the program of your choice.

Most doctoral programs in psychology take anywhere from six to eight years to complete. Some online accelerated programs will make completing your doctorate in four years possible, though they may be intensive.

If you are pursuing your degree part-time, it will take significantly longer. Those studying clinical psychology must factor in the time it takes to complete the required practicum experience and postdoctoral internship before being eligible to apply for licensure and begin working.

Many states require students to complete a doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or equivalent to meet licensing requirements. The APA accreditation process validates a doctoral program’s high educational standards. It also ensures that students are prepared to deliver quality, evidence-based psychological services to community members, uphold rigorous research standards, and protect the well-being of the general public.

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) accredits school psychology programs, while the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) accredits doctoral programs in psychology focusing on clinical science.

Institutional accreditation is also important to consider. These accrediting organizations accredit entire institutions rather than specific programs. Graduating from an institutionally accredited school and an APA-accredited psychology program is key to obtaining licensure as a psychologist.

At the doctoral level, students can pursue various psychology specializations or concentrations. In addition to a specialization, the doctoral curriculum includes core and elective courses, supervised clinical experiences, and a thesis.

Many doctoral programs in psychology require clinical practicum experience, which allows students to gain supervised experience hours required for licensure. This is a valuable learning experience that develops the practical application of psychology and its related skills.

This typically includes at least 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience, at least half of which must involve service-related activities, like documentation, case presentations, and consultation, and at least 25% consisting of direct, face-to-face service to clients.

A postdoctoral internship is required after graduation for those seeking clinical licensure in their state. This usually consists of about one year of supervised clinical psychology experience.

A Ph.D. in psychology is a significant investment of time, dedication, and finances. Whether the degree is worthwhile depends on your career goals and ambition. If you’re interested in a career as a clinical psychologist, school psychologist, researcher, or professor of psychology, you’ll need a doctorate in psychology.

Many respected programs are fully funded, but for those programs that aren’t, educational costs can be recuperated on a psychologist’s full-time salary. The APA offers a Financial Expenditure Evaluation for Students (FEES) tool that helps prospective students score the programs they are interested in and evaluate the cost of attendance.