Explore Online Psy.D. Programs (2026)
A doctorate in psychology can open doors to advanced careers in the field. Learn about the best online Psy.D. programs.
A Psy.D. can open the door to academic, research, and leadership roles. If you want to develop advanced psychological assessment and clinical skills, a psychology doctorate program could be a good fit. Our guide introduces top Psy.D. programs with resources on how to choose the right program for you.
Online Psy.D. Programs
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose App State: Addresses Demand for Doctoral-Trained Psychologists in Rural Areas
We chose App State's clinical psychology Psy.D program because it specifically focuses on training students to serve underserved populations. The program aims to address the demand for doctoral-level psychologists in North Carolina, especially in rural or underserved areas.
The 101-credit program admits 6-8 students per year and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, so students can receive individualized mentoring from faculty. The program requires 48 master’s credits and 53 Psy.D. credits, including 9 dissertation credits, three internship credits, and six elective credits. Graduate students staff the university’s affordable, community-based training clinic.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by APA on contingency, pending outcome data of first two cohorts
- Graduate stipend support available for all incoming graduate students
- Internships secured at Cherokee Health Systems, Ohio Psychology Internship, Outpatient Forensic Services, and The Catholic University of America
Considerations
- Bachelor's with a 3.0 GPA, an interview, three letters of recommendation, and personal statement required for admission
- Prerequisites required in statistics, abnormal psychology, introduction to psychology, and research methods
53%
$ 5,081
84%
$20,841
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,570
- Institution Type
- Public
Chatham University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Chatham: Institution and Program Exemplify a Commitment to Diversity
Chatham's counseling psychology Psy.D. program has its own statement of commitment to diversity, in addition to institutional features such as a DEI office and various multicultural student organizations. The program meets the educational requirements for licensure in most states and requires individual and cultural diversity as a core competency.
You’ll take between 85 and 103 credits, depending on whether you enter the program with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Courses include multicultural and diversity issues in counseling psychology and the psychology of culture and identity. All students complete 12 credits of internship experience and a dissertation.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by the APA
- Assistantships and stipends available
- Opportunities to engage in faculty-led research
Considerations
- $1,194 per credit tuition
- Program duration of 4-5 years
- Only one fall start date per year
44%
$20,268
78%
$20,268
- Acceptance Rate
- 62%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,314
- Institution Type
- Private
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose JMU: Competitive Program Offers Full Tuition Funding to Psy.D. Candidates
We chose JMU's Psy.D. in clinical and school psychology because it guarantees full tuition support for all three years of coursework. Candidates must be in a teaching or graduate assistantship to receive funding.
The program emphasizes the importance of mentoring relationships between faculty and students. When you apply, you must choose 1-2 faculty members from the program as potential mentors. All students complete extensive clinical practicum and internship requirements in addition to a scholarly dissertation. Graduates qualify for credentialing as a clinical psychologist or school psychologist in most states.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by the APA
- GRE scores optional for admission
- 1:3 ratio of core faculty members to on-campus students
Considerations
- Highly competitive; only 4-6 students admitted per year
- Only one start date per year
- Does not satisfy licensure requirements in California, North Carolina, and Vermont
32%
$11,856
92%
$29,304
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,879
- Institution Type
- Public
Springfield College
- Springfield, MA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Why We Chose Springfield: Transfer Credit Policy Can Shorten Time to Degree Completion
If you hold a master's degree in a related field, Springfield's counseling psychology Psy.D. program allows you to transfer up to 30 semester credits with a grade of B or better toward your doctoral degree, shortening the program by one year. Eligible students then complete three years of coursework, a one-year clinical internship experience, and a scholarly dissertation.
The program follows a practitioner-scholar model that emphasizes both clinical training and the application of research to practice. Graduates meet eligibility requirements for licensure as a psychologist in Massachusetts and are prepared for employment in the mental health, forensic, educational, business, and research fields.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by the APA
- Opportunities to publish research, present at conferences, and network within the field
- Psy.D. enrolls small, diverse cohorts
Considerations
- $1,212 per credit tuition
- Licensure eligibility outside of Massachusetts not guaranteed
- Must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA
7%
$35,340
81%
$35,340
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,606
- Institution Type
- Private
William Paterson University of New Jersey
- Wayne, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose WP: Program Housed in a State-of-the-Art On-Campus Complex
We chose WP’s clinical psychology Psy.D. program because it features state-of-the-art clinical training facilities. The Science Hall East complex includes a training suite with spaces for client monitoring, recording, clinical practice, and meetings. Students can also take advantage of on-site research laboratories and a graduate study suite.
The full-time, five-year program includes courses in assessment, research methods, and ethics, six credits of dissertation, 15 credits of clinical practicum experience, and a one-year internship. It prepares graduates for careers in licensed clinical practice, clinical research, or academia.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by the APA
- Adjunct faculty opportunities available with financial compensation
- Meets clinical psychologist licensure requirements
Considerations
- Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA, or graduate degree with a 3.5 minimum GPA
- Resume, three letters of recommendation, in-person or virtual interview, and a personal statement required for admission
- $947 per credit tuition in state; $1,380 per credit tuition out of state
77%
$15,948
73%
$22,950
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,426
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, hands-on experience, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in psychology. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many psychology programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
Certain ranking types, including doctorate-level and affordability-focused rankings, may not follow the exact methodology formula breakdown as shown above. Read our full methodology page to learn more.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How To Choose the Right Psy.D. Program
When researching Psy.D. programs, consider your budget, schedule, and career goals, along with the program’s admission requirements, accreditation, and clinical experience opportunities. Here are the top factors you should review when comparing programs.
Accreditation
Enroll in an accredited institution to earn a Psy.D. degree. Accredited universities meet the highest standards for academic quality, and attending an accredited school means you’ll have more financial aid options.
Currently, the APA does not provide programmatic accreditation to fully online psychology doctorate programs, so review the licensure requirements in your state to determine whether an in-person, hybrid, or online Psy.D. is the best pathway to licensure.
Admission Requirements
Check the admission requirements for each Psy.D. program you’re interested in. Most programs require a master’s degree and professional experience in psychology, which can include a master’s practicum or internship. You may also need to take standardized tests and request letters of recommendation as part of the admission process.
Career Relevance
Keep your career goals in mind when researching Psy.D. programs. For example, an online psychology doctorate program may limit your licensure options, because the APA does not accredit fully online degrees. Make sure that each program on your list will help you reach your professional goals, whether that’s taking on clinical or non-clinical roles in psychology.
Program Data
Most Psy.D. programs provide information regarding clinical placement and internships, retention and graduation rates, and alumni employment outcomes. While evaluating a program, take a look at these data to get a better idea of the opportunities available to you as a student.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of a Psy.D. program varies, and you’ll need to factor in textbooks, fees, and other expenses on top of the tuition rate. By attending an accredited institution, you’ll qualify for more forms of financial aid, including federal student aid programs and scholarships.
How To Apply to a Psy.D. Program
You’ve narrowed down your options and you’re ready to apply to a Psy.D. program. What happens next? This section walks through the steps you’ll take as part of the application process, including meeting prerequisites and putting together a competitive application.
- Step 1: Meet Education Requirements
Most online psychology doctorate programs require or prefer candidates who hold a master’s in psychology. You’ll need a master’s from an accredited institution. Graduate-level coursework aligned with your doctoral program will also help you demonstrate your preparation for a Psy.D. Many programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA in previous coursework.
- Step 2: Request Recommendation Letters
You’ll typically need 2-3 recommendation letters in your application. Strong letters of recommendation will make your application stand out, so think carefully about who to ask. Some programs request both academic and professional references. Giving your statement of purpose and other application materials to your letter writers can help them write stronger recommendations.
- Step 3: Take Standardized Tests
You may need to take standardized tests as part of your Psy.D. application. Programs that require a master’s degree typically do not require GRE scores, but you may need to submit English language test scores such as the TOEFL if you’re applying as an international student. Review the program’s requirements and allow time to take any required tests.
- Step 4: Complete Application Materials
Next, polish your application materials, including your statement of purpose, writing sample, and any other submissions. Your statement of purpose should showcase your preparation for a Psy.D. and your goals with your doctorate. Pay attention to application deadlines to submit your file on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Psy.D. degree can prepare you for licensure as a clinical or counseling psychologist. You can also pursue academic and research roles with a Psy.D. This degree focuses on applied psychology.
