Prospective students face significant decisions when selecting the best psychology doctoral program. Cost, financial aid resources, staff-to-student ratio, admission requirements, and accreditation all contribute to a prospective student's considerations. Hybrid or online degree options and practical requirements can also be deciding factors when choosing a psychology doctoral program.
This guide explores what to expect from the best psychology doctoral degree programs, including what to look for in the top programs, practical experience requirements, and frequently asked questions about the degree options.
What to Look For in a Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs
Students should pay close attention to the admissions process for psychology doctoral programs. Application requirements and staff-to-student ratios comprise key program considerations, as does program accreditation.
The accreditation process establishes a program's standard of quality. The American Psychological Association (APA) plays an important role in doctoral program accreditation. The APA's Commission on Accreditation certifies doctorate degrees and internships.
As college tuition and other costs, such as textbooks, continue to increase, prospective students should assess their finances and explore options for educational funding. Begin financial aid research early in the application process, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and search for scholarships.
Hybrid and Online Options
Hybrid courses refer to those that meet both online and on campus. This mixture of online and in-person learning provides the flexibility needed to balance extracurricular responsibilities while still participating in valuable networking and socializing opportunities.
Currently, there are no entirely online, fully accredited doctorate programs in psychology, as the Commission on Accreditation through the APA does not provide accreditation for strictly online doctoral degree programs. However, certain accredited doctoral programs provide many of their courses online.
Practical Experience Requirements
At the doctoral level, students typically complete specific practical experiences, including practicums and internships. These requirements provide professional interactions with patients through fieldwork.
A practicum involves the observation of a licensed psychologist in action with patients, whereas an internship allows for direct client interaction without immediate supervision.
Practicums and internships allow students to empirically apply learned psychological theories and classroom knowledge to actual patients in clinical settings. These experiences enable students to develop practical skills, including establishing patient rapport and trust, gaining valuable training and feedback, and working within diverse clinical environments.
Students are expected to manage these opportunities. However, schools may assist in locating practicums and internships, offering resources like on-campus job fairs, career counseling, or networking events.
Psychology Doctoral Programs
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers interested in a wide variety of degree specializations can enroll in CUNY Graduate School and University Center's Ph.D. program in psychology. CUNY offers ten training areas within psychology, including basic and applied social psychology; behavioral and cognitive neuroscience; environmental psychology; and industrial-organizational psychology.
Each program requires between 60-90 credits of coursework, a first and second examination, and a dissertation.
Applicants need to submit an online application, which admits students during the fall semester. Applicants are only admitted on a full-time basis. They must submit a curriculum vitae and choose one training area in which to apply.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
Brigham Young University
Degree-seekers interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology can enroll in one of Brigham Young University's programs. BYU offers a clinical psychology program in clinical training and research and a non-clinical psychology Ph.D. program that focuses on research.
Typically, the clinical program takes about five years to complete, and the psychology program takes about four years to finish. The clinical program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. It offers majors in clinical child, adolescent, and family psychology; clinical neuropsychology; or clinical health psychology. The psychology program offers specialization in applied social psychology, cognitive and behavioral neurosciences, and developmental psychology.
Applicants need either a bachelor's or master's degree to apply, along with a GRE score. BYU requires an online application and typically admits students with an average GPA of 3.78.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
Case Western Reserve University
- Cleveland, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers who want to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology can apply to Case Western Reserve University's program. CWRU's APA-accredited program offers several different specializations, including adult, child and family, and pediatric. These tracks prepare students for conducting research, teaching, and providing treatment.
Each Ph.D. program track typically takes around six years to complete, which includes an internship. Coursework includes advanced psychotherapy, clinical interviewing, and advanced psychopathology, and is usually completed alongside research experience and specialized electives.
Applicants need to submit an online application, a personal statement, a curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and the email addresses of three references.
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers who want to earn a Ph.D. in psychology can apply to the doctoral program at Boston University. BU offers several specialties for Ph.D. students, including brain, behavior, and cognition; developmental science; and clinical.
The brain, behavior, and cognition and the developmental science programs contain 64 credits, while the clinical program requires 80 credits. Students in each track must complete two courses in statistics in psychology. Students must earn Ph.D. degrees within seven years of entering the program, with exceptions for an authorized leave of absence.
Applicants need an undergraduate degree in psychology, neuroscience, or related field. BU requires an online application, transcripts, three academic letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a curriculum vitae.
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Individuals interested in a Ph.D. in psychology can apply to Carnegie Mellon University's program. CMU offers training in cognitive, developmental, social/personality, and health psychology. The Ph.D. program helps prepare students for university-level teaching positions and ethical and responsible research.
Students typically take around five years to complete the Ph.D. program. Years 1-3 focus on coursework, research projects, and a teaching practicum. The final two years revolve around dissertation research and defense.
Candidates must submit an online application, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required. Admissions staff will consider common research interests over candidates' academic backgrounds.
Percent Online Enrollment
3%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
Claremont Graduate University
- Claremont, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in a Ph.D. in psychology that prepares learners for careers in academia or leadership can apply to Claremont Graduate University (CGU). CGU offers a wide variety of study areas, including applied cognitive psychology, applied social psychology, evaluation and applied research methods, and organizational behavior..
This 72-credit curriculum, which students can complete within seven years, includes required courses such as research methods, statistics, and methodology. Students must maintain a B- average or higher and involvement in a research project each semester.
Candidates need to submit an online application, official transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
- Bowling Green, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology can enroll in one of four programs at Bowling Green State University. BGSU's research-oriented programs include specialties in clinical, developmental, industrial-organizational (I-O), and neutral and cognitive sciences.
Accredited by the American Psychological Association, the clinical track typically takes about four years to complete. During the last two years, students may choose to specialize in clinical care psychology, behavioral medicine, or community psychology.
Applicants need an undergraduate background in psychology and a GRE score for the I-O and developmental programs. Requirements for all Ph.D. programs include a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a resume.
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
Brown University
- Providence, RI
- 4 years
- Campus
Students seeking a Ph.D. in psychology can apply to the program at Brown University. The program is offered by Brown's department of cognitive science, linguistics, and psychology, which allows learners to study the brain, language, and behavior for future research or teaching positions.
Brown's Ph.D. programs typically take around five years to complete. The first year includes a research project that can involve experimental research or experimental linguistics. The second and third years include core, quantitative, and specialization courses. The remaining semesters focus on teaching assistantships, dissertation proposals, and dissertation and oral presentation.
Candidates need to submit an online application, along with a writing sample and personal statement.
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Students who want to earn a Ph.D. in psychology have six specializations to choose from at Arizona State University. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ASU's Tempe campus offers Ph.D. degree programs concentrating on behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive science, developmental psychology, quantitative research methods, and social psychology.
The 84-credit program includes core courses, electives, research, and dissertation. Notable courses include cognitive processes, adolescence and emerging adulthood, and bilingualism.
Applicants must possess a psychology-related bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited school with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. ASU requires official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and proof of fluency in English.
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023
Clark University
- Worcester, MA
- 4 years
- Campus
Students who want to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology can enroll in one of the psychology doctoral programs at Clark University. CU offers specialties in developmental psychology, social psychology, and the APA-accredited clinical psychology area.
Sixteen courses fulfill the Ph.D. requirements at this research university, including one semester of problem, theory, and method, and two consecutive semesters of statistical methods. CU boasts small program sizes, allowing students to maintain closer relationships with faculty and fellow learners.
Applicants need to submit an online application, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and unofficial transcripts.
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years is a doctorate degree in psychology?
A doctorate degree in psychology typically takes anywhere between four and eight years beyond the master's degree to complete.
What can you do with a doctorate in psychology?
A doctorate in psychology prepares students for conducting research, teaching at the collegiate level, practicing as a licensed psychologist, and consulting for businesses or groups.
What's the difference between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D.?
Ph.D. programs train students for careers in research and academia, whereas a Psy.D. program aims to prepare students for applying practical skills within clinical settings.
Is a Ph.D. in psychology worth it?
Depending on personal goals, a Ph.D. in psychology can be well worth the time and dedication required to finish the coursework, practicum, or internship.