13 Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs for 2026
Want to maximize your earning power? A psychology doctorate online could double your salary. Doctoral graduates earned an average of $99,260 in 2023, which is almost $39,000 more than their master’s degree counterparts.
The benefits go way beyond the reach of just a bigger paycheck. These programs prepare you for prestigious roles in research, academia, and leadership. You’ll find new opportunities to study human behavior, advance mental health treatments, and shape educational practices. These advanced credentials unlock doors that stay firmly shut for master’s degree holders.
You should know the main differences between available options before jumping into an online psychology doctorate. Ph.D. programs focus on research and teaching, while Psy.D. programs lean more toward clinical psychology training. On top of that, most programs want candidates who already have a master’s in psychology.
The decision involves more than just tuition costs. You’ll need to think over expenses like textbooks, fees, and other program requirements. We’ve put together a list of the 13 best online psychology doctorate programs to help you make this life-changing choice.
Keiser University
Keiser University excels at providing flexible online doctorate programs in psychology. The school’s non-clinical PhD program blends classroom learning with real-life applications through a scholar-practitioner model.
Program overview
The PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology helps students understand workplace behavior and boost organizational performance. This research-based doctorate prepares graduates to work in education, research, and leadership roles instead of clinical or counseling positions. Students can enter the program through two paths. They can use the traditional route with a master’s degree or enter directly with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related behavioral science. Students learn about human behavior, research methods, and how to apply psychological theories at work.
Online learning experience
Keiser’s online format gives working professionals the freedom they need. Students can study whenever they want as long as they have internet access. The university puts students first and lets them take one or two classes at a time to manage their other commitments better. Classes stay small so each student gets personal attention. The faculty members have doctoral degrees and years of industry experience that brings valuable insights to their teaching.
Admission criteria
Getting into Keiser’s doctoral program requires several steps. Students need to submit an application with a $55 fee, unofficial transcripts from previous schools, a resume or CV, and a personal statement. Bachelor’s entry students must have at least a 3.0 GPA. The program stands out because no GRE is required for any of Keiser’s psychology programs, which makes advanced education more accessible.
Tuition and financial aid
Keiser helps students manage their education costs through different aid options. The university’s Net Price Calculator helps estimate tuition and possible financial help. Students can get federal grants like the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). State grants such as Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) and various loan options are also available. The university also offers scholarships to students who qualify.
Saybrook University
Saybrook University stands out by taking a humanistic psychology approach in its online doctoral programs. Students experience personal growth while pursuing their academic goals. The university gives students many options to earn advanced psychology credentials in a flexible learning environment.
Program overview
Students can choose from several doctorate paths that focus on clinical and non-clinical studies. The Ph.D. in Psychology lets students specialize in Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership or Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health. Students interested in clinical practice can pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with options like Applied Psychophysiology and Advanced Psychological Assessment. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits Saybrook University, but its clinical programs are not APA-accredited. Students looking to get licensed should check their state requirements since these programs meet licensing criteria in many states.
Online learning experience
Each program at Saybrook has its own learning format. Non-clinical Ph.D. programs run fully online with self-paced coursework. These programs use “Virtual Learning Experiences” (VLEs) where students take part in required five-day online sessions during fall semesters. Clinical psychology programs mix online classes with two five-day in-person Residential Learning Experiences (RLEs) each year. New students start with a virtual Welcome Week to get oriented.
Admission criteria
Saybrook’s doctoral programs share similar admission requirements. Most psychology doctorates need a master’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. Students must submit official transcripts, a resume or CV, and a personal statement. Clinical psychology programs accept applications from students with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Tuition and financial aid
The Ph.D. in Psychology costs $1,669 per credit, while the Clinical Psychology doctorate runs $1,536 per credit for 2025-2026. Students also pay a University Resources Fee of $1,750 each semester. Financial help comes in various forms: the Impact Scholarship gives $500-$1,000 per semester, the First-to-Graduate Scholarship offers $2,500 split over two semesters, and Saybrook graduates get a 25% discount through the Alumni Tuition Rate when pursuing additional degrees.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology stands as a pioneer in psychology education with a 40-year legacy. This nonprofit institution shapes ethically-conscious and culturally-sensitive practitioners. Their student body includes over 4,300 students who learn through various campuses and online platforms.
Program overview
The school’s doctoral psychology programs prepare students to meet current and future integrated health needs. Their signature Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program shapes future clinical psychologists through a practitioner-scholar model. Students become skilled at meaningful clinical work through comprehensive training in assessment, diversity, ethics, and research. The institution’s reach extends beyond clinical psychology. Students can choose specialized doctoral programs in Applied Clinical Psychology, International Psychology with focuses on Organizations and Systems or Trauma Studies, and Educational Psychology and Technology. The Clinical Psy.D. program at Chicago and Anaheim campuses holds American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation, which helps graduates secure licensure.
Online learning experience
Students can pursue advanced education without career interruption through online programs. The Global Student Dashboard serves as their learning hub where they complete assignments, connect with classmates, and learn from instructors. A cohort model helps students build networks with peers and scholars worldwide. Quality Matters certification validates the school’s excellence in teaching support and online learning success. Some programs include residency sessions that let students receive face-to-face mentoring, build relationships, and learn special topics deeply.
Admission criteria
Each program has specific admission requirements. Most doctoral programs need a related master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Clinical Psychology Psy.D. applicants typically need an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher. Application packages should include a $50 application fee, resume/CV, personal essays, recommendation letters, and official transcripts. Some programs require faculty interviews and prerequisite courses. The Clinical Psy.D. program needs 18 credit hours in psychology, including abnormal psychology, lifespan development, and statistics.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2025-2026 tuition rate for doctoral students stands at $1,815 per credit hour for Psy.D., Ph.D., and Ed.D. programs. Additional costs include the Student Institutional Service fee at $401 per term/$802 per semester and one-time fees like the Experiential Learning Technology Fee of $195. Students can access various funding options such as loans, scholarships, and grants. The Financial Aid Department helps students create suitable financial arrangements. Interest-free payment plans let students pay in monthly installments throughout each term.
University of Arizona Global Campus
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers a specialized online doctorate in psychology. The program balances flexibility with focused expertise and helps professionals earn advanced credentials while keeping their careers.
Program overview
UAGC’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a detailed 62-credit program that takes about four years to complete. Students can specialize in criminology and justice studies, health and wellness psychology, or sport and performance psychology. The program helps participants develop advanced analytical skills and psychological expertise they can use in many professional settings. Students work on an applied doctoral project in their final year to show their expertise in psychological principles and research methods. It’s worth mentioning that this program doesn’t lead to licensure. UAGC cannot guarantee that professional organizations will accept a graduate’s application for certification.
Online learning experience
UAGC’s online learning structure makes education accessible to working professionals. The program lets students focus on one course at a time during 6-9 week terms, which creates a balanced academic schedule. Students need to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to stay in good academic standing. This course sequence lets learners dive deep into each subject before moving forward. The approach creates a connected educational experience instead of overwhelming students with multiple courses at once.
Admission criteria
The UAGC doctoral program requires applicants to have a master’s degree from an approved accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students must prove their English language proficiency through a BA earned in English or an English proficiency test. The application process starts with unofficial transcripts, followed by official versions after admission. A strong background in behavioral sciences gives students an advantage since the program focuses on advanced psychological study.
Tuition and financial aid
The UAGC online doctorate in psychology program costs approximately $13,720 per year. The university accepts about 31% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students can get financial help through federal aid programs, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UAGC has over 40,000 students enrolled in programs of all types.
Fielding Graduate University
Image Source: Fielding Graduate University
Fielding Graduate University started a revolutionary distributed learning model in 1974 that has helped psychology professionals advance their careers for more than 30 years. The university blends online and in-person learning to create flexible paths for working adults who want to earn advanced psychology degrees.
Program overview
The Clinical Psychology PhD program at Fielding has managed to keep its American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation since 1991. Students typically complete this detailed program in five to six years. The minimum time is five years because of the program’s sequential design. Students learn about core psychology topics, statistics, research, clinical theories, psychological assessment, and therapy. The program offers four concentration options: Forensic Psychology, Neuropsychology, Health Psychology, and Social Justice and Diversity.
Online learning experience
Fielding stands out as the only APA-accredited program with a distributed learning model that combines online, virtual, and in-person activities. New students start with a month-long online orientation and then attend a week-long residential session. The program requires students to complete at least 600 hours of face-to-face interaction through residential events. Most students attend two National Sessions and five Professional Development Seminars each year to fulfill these requirements.
Admission criteria
The Clinical Psychology PhD program requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants need to submit a curriculum vitae, statement of purpose, critical thinking sample, three recommendation letters, and official transcripts. The program doesn’t require GRE scores for admission.
Tuition and financial aid
The program’s tuition costs $10,385 per term for 2025-2026. Students pay approximately $31,155 annually over three terms. Fielding provides several financial aid options to help students manage costs. These include the Provost Achievement Scholarship ($500-$4,000) and the Dolores Bunnell Scholarship ($7,000 total). Students can also get federal financial aid, and returning students usually receive loan disbursements the week before each term begins.
Capella University
Capella University stands out with its competency-based online doctorate in psychology programs. These programs are perfect for professionals who want advanced credentials but need to keep their current jobs. Students develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge through a well-laid-out yet adaptable approach.
Program overview
The PhD in Psychology program helps students become skilled at psychological theory and practice while they contribute original research. Students choose from several specializations, including Educational Psychology. This path prepares graduates to work in teaching, training, evaluation, and research roles. The General Psychology specialization gives students remarkable flexibility. They can design their own study areas or create interdisciplinary approaches that blend psychology with education or business. Programs typically need 84 quarter credits, with seven core courses, specialization courses, virtual residencies, and dissertation components.
Online learning experience
Capella offers two distinct learning formats. The GuidedPath option provides a structured format with faculty guidance and set schedules that promotes an active peer community. The FlexPath option lets students move at their own pace. Students can complete a psychology master’s in as little as 15 months. Virtual residencies strengthen coursework in both formats. Students get direct, intensive experience with faculty who are active in their specialties.
Admission criteria
Doctoral programs require a master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency. Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applications must include official master’s transcripts and valid government-issued photo identification. Capella makes advanced education more accessible by not requiring GRE or GMAT scores for admission.
Tuition and financial aid
Doctoral programs cost between $525 and $1,020 per credit. Psychology doctoral students in the GuidedPath format pay about $570 per credit. Students can access various financial support options, including a $5,000 Progress Reward scholarship for select doctoral degrees. Military personnel, active-duty service members, veterans, and their families get tuition discounts. Some professional doctorate programs offer tuition caps that set a maximum tuition threshold to complete the degree.
Walden University
Walden University ranks #1 for granting PhD in Psychology degrees in the U.S. The university provides reliable online doctorate programs tailored for working professionals.
Program overview
The PhD in Psychology program at Walden offers two distinct tracks. Students can choose based on their current education level – master’s or bachelor’s degree. Both paths have core courses, specialization courses, and dissertation requirements. Students looking to accelerate their completion can opt for the Fast-Track option. This allows them to take extra courses and start their dissertation work earlier. The program requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA. Most students complete their degree in 3-5 years, though the maximum timeframe is eight years.
Online learning experience
Students experience steady progress through the program’s online environment. They receive detailed dissertation support and structured writing courses that continue until completion. The faculty keeps close track of student progress. The university’s data shows students who don’t finish within eight years rarely complete the program. The program requires four PhD residencies, which students can complete either virtually or in-person.
Admission criteria
Students need to provide:
- Completed application form (no fee or essay required)
- Official transcripts showing degree conferral
- Access to computer and internet
The university makes admission straightforward with flexible transfer credit options that help students save time and money.
Tuition and financial aid
Students pay $630 per quarter hour for both coursework and dissertation credits, plus a $180 program fee each quarter. Total program costs range from $61,210 (3-year timeframe) to $131,540 (8-year timeframe). Students can access various financial support options. Military members receive 10-15% tuition reductions. Additional savings come through alumni referrals, family member discounts, and scholarships. Eligible students can get up to ten credits tuition-free through the Believe & Achieve Scholarship at program completion.
National University
National University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology program that’s completely online. This program works perfectly for professionals who want to earn advanced credentials without leaving their jobs. Students need to complete 60 credits and finish with a dissertation that brings new insights to the field.
Program overview
The PhD in Psychology lets students choose from several specializations. These include General Psychology, Health Psychology, Mental Health Policy and Practice, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. The curriculum builds expertise through essential courses that focus on research writing, advanced research methods, and statistics. Students learn to review research methods, apply psychological principles, and create effective professional communications through this scholar-practitioner model.
Online learning experience
The university’s one-to-one learning model gives students customized support that sets it apart. New courses start every Monday, which gives students exceptional scheduling flexibility. The university keeps students on track with a well-laid-out progression through dissertation courses. Every faculty member has earned a doctoral degree in their field.
Admission criteria
Students can enter the program through two paths. Direct Entry welcomes those with psychology-related master’s degrees, while the Evaluation Track suits candidates with master’s degrees in other fields. Each applicant needs an accredited master’s degree. The university looks for a minimum 3.0 GPA and doesn’t require GRE scores.
Tuition and financial aid
Each credit costs about $1,114, with total program costs reaching $69,740. Students should submit their FAFSA to access federal unsubsidized loans. The university provides several scholarships that help reduce costs including the Key Grant. Military members and employees from partner companies might qualify for special tuition benefits.
Touro University Worldwide
Touro University Worldwide offers an online doctorate in psychology program that focuses on industrial-organizational principles. Students learn to apply behavioral psychology concepts in workplace settings. The program appeals to professionals who want advanced credentials without clinical licensure requirements.
Program overview
Touro’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Human and Organizational Psychology caters to working professionals. Students can complete this 100% online program in three years with no residency requirements. The program gives students evidence-based methods to solve workplace challenges and boost organizational performance. Graduates can work as organizational psychologists, human resources directors, executive coaches, or consultants. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $139,280 for these roles.
Online learning experience
Scholar-practitioners who actively work in their fields teach courses in 8-week sessions. The program’s design lets students balance their work schedules with their studies. Students can complete their doctorate at their own pace through group course assignments and research projects.
Admission criteria
Students need a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.4 GPA. The application process requires two recommendation letters and a doctoral entrance essay that becomes part of their research portfolio. This essay should detail the student’s background, career plans, and reasons for choosing Touro’s doctorate program.
Tuition and financial aid
The doctoral program costs $775 per credit hour. The total investment ranges from $58,000 to $67,000. Each semester includes a $100 administrative fee. Touro provides merit-based scholarships that help cover tuition costs. Students can apply for federal loans and grants through FAFSA since Touro is a regionally accredited institution.
California Southern University
California Southern University has served as a private, for-profit institution since 1978. The university offers a fully online Doctor of Psychology degree and stands as a pioneer in distance education for behavioral sciences. Working professionals seeking advanced psychology credentials will find flexible options at CalSouthern.
Program overview
CalSouthern’s 66-credit PsyD program focuses on practical application rather than research and follows the practitioner-scholar model. Students need to complete Foundation Courses (24 credits), Clinical Practice Courses (18 credits), Research and Evaluation (10 credits), and Doctoral Project (14 credits). Full-time students usually finish the program in 4-5 years. Students can choose between two options: a General PsyD and a Clinical Specialization PsyD. The Clinical Specialization meets educational requirements for psychologist licensure in select states including California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Texas.
Online learning experience
Students access coursework through an asynchronous learning management system at their convenience. Each 8-week course contains weekly modules, discussion forums for peer interaction, written assignments, and case study analyzes. Students should consider attending the optional synchronous sessions for better learning outcomes.
Admission criteria
Students must hold both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, with the master’s degree specifically in psychology or a comparable field. Students with unrelated master’s degrees can meet requirements by completing CalSouthern’s Master of Science in General Psychology program. The university requires official transcripts on file by the 10th day of the second term.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2024-2025 tuition rate stands at $645 per credit, bringing the total program cost to $44,695 including fees. Students can access various financial aid options such as Federal Direct Loans (up to $20,500 annually), Grad PLUS Loans, private loans, and military benefits. The university offers monthly payment plans, though it doesn’t participate in Title IV federal aid programs.
Meridian University
Meridian University brings a unique integrated approach to its online doctorate in psychology education. The program focuses on embodied knowledge and learning that changes lives. This California institution provides a non-clinical PhD program that combines academic excellence with personal development.
Program overview
The PhD in Psychology needs 108 academic credits and 25 fieldwork credits (750 hours). Students learn about psychology from many angles that include somatic practices, depth psychology, and transpersonal psychology. The program’s cross-disciplinary nature helps graduates become eligible for Psychologist licensure in California. Students must complete 60 hours of personal therapy sessions as part of their growth journey.
Online learning experience
Students can pick between hybrid or fully online formats. The hybrid option mixes self-paced online coursework with week-long residential sessions at Meridian’s Bay Area Center. Virtual sessions work well for students who can’t travel. Every student uses “Pivot,” Meridian’s custom social learning platform and connects through live video calls with faculty.
Admission criteria
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA is required. Students need to submit official transcripts, a personal statement (5-7 pages), and three recommendation letters. Students with relevant master’s degrees can qualify for Advanced Standing.
Tuition and financial aid
Each credit costs $676. Students should expect total annual costs of $66,104 with living expenses. Meridian keeps tuition rates fixed at first-quarter levels. Students can access federal loans, Impact Scholarships, and special institutional aid for international students.
Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University has a unique online doctorate in psychology program that helps address the state’s serious shortage of mental health professionals. The program is one of just two doctoral-level psychology training options you can find in Alaska.
Program overview
The PsyD in Counseling Psychology, 12 years old, uses a scholar-practitioner model to prepare students who want to become licensed psychologists. The curriculum focuses on counseling psychology’s main themes rather than clinical psychology. Students learn to understand human behavior in social contexts while recognizing both strengths and challenges. You’ll need 93 credits to graduate, and most students finish the program in five years.
Online learning experience
Students attend three intensive three-day weekend sessions each semester. These sessions work together with six two-hour live online evening classes. This setup lets students stay in their communities during their doctoral studies. Students complete their practicum placements and internships at approved mental healthcare facilities in person.
Admission criteria
You’ll need at least a 3.0 GPA to apply, though APU might accept students with GPAs between 2.75-2.99. The application package should have your official transcripts, an essay, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
Tuition and financial aid
Each credit hour costs $848. APU provides significant financial support options. The Promise Tuition Grant will give a tuition-free education to students who qualify for full federal Pell grants.
Liberty University
Liberty University combines Christian principles with psychology education through its online doctorate programs. Students seeking advanced credentials with biblical foundations can choose between research-focused and clinical-oriented paths at this faith-based institution.
Program overview
Students can pursue a PhD in Psychology with specializations in Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology. The program needs 60 credit hours of post-master’s coursework that includes core courses, specialization content, and dissertation research. Liberty’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology program serves students interested in clinical practice. This program combines psychological testing, clinical diagnosis, evidence-based psychotherapy, and clinically-focused research.
Online learning experience
Students can complete the PhD program entirely online. The program offers optional on-campus intensives that make connecting with faculty and peers easier. A biblical worldview foundation improves the curriculum. Students learn to review research and understand human behavior through scientific and faith viewpoints.
Admission criteria
Applicants must hold a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The application process requires two recommender contacts, a statement of purpose, and departmental approval. The GRE remains optional but recommended. A composite score above 300 adds value to your application.
Tuition and financial aid
Full-time doctoral students pay $610 per credit hour, while part-time students pay $675 per credit hour. Military service members and their spouses can benefit from a reduced rate of $375 per credit hour among other standard tuition options.
Choose Your Online Doctoral Psychology Program Today
Your career advancement and earning potential will get a boost when you pick the right online doctorate in psychology program. This piece has shown you 13 outstanding schools that offer doctoral degrees you can earn while keeping your current job. Each school brings something special to the table. You might prefer Keiser University’s industrial/organizational focus, Saybrook’s humanistic approach, or The Chicago School’s decades-old clinical programs. These options fit different career paths.
Online education has come a long way in serving working professionals. Schools now give you asynchronous learning options, cohort-based support, and detailed help with your dissertation. Your location doesn’t hold you back anymore from getting a top-notch doctoral degree.
Money matters vary quite a bit between programs. You’ll find tuition ranging from $44,695 at California Southern to $131,540 at other schools. The good news is that schools offer generous financial aid packages, military discounts, payment plans, and special scholarships to help manage costs.
Take time to match each program’s setup with your situation before you decide. Look at specialization options, accreditation status, residency requirements, and how well they match your state’s licensure rules if you want to practice clinically. Remember, the best fit depends on your career goals, learning style, and practical limits.
Now you have all the details you need to pick a doctoral program that matches your professional aims and personal situation. Your psychology doctorate is within reach – and with it comes better earning potential, more career choices, and the respect this credential brings.
FAQs
Q1. Is pursuing an online PhD in psychology a worthwhile investment? An online PhD in psychology can be a valuable investment if you choose an accredited, reputable program that aligns with your career goals. It can open doors to diverse opportunities in mental health, business, education, and human services, potentially leading to increased earning potential and professional growth.
Q2. What factors should I consider when choosing an online psychology doctorate program? Consider the program’s accreditation, specialization options, curriculum structure, faculty expertise, and alignment with your state’s licensure requirements (if applicable). Also evaluate the online learning format, residency requirements, dissertation support, and overall cost including available financial aid options.
Q3. How long does it typically take to complete an online doctorate in psychology? The duration varies by program and individual pace, but most online psychology doctorate programs take 3-5 years to complete. Some universities offer accelerated options, while others may allow up to 7-8 years for completion. Factors like transfer credits, dissertation progress, and course load can affect the timeline.
Q4. Are online psychology doctorate programs as rigorous as traditional on-campus programs? Accredited online psychology doctorate programs maintain the same academic standards and rigor as their on-campus counterparts. They often require the same coursework, research, and dissertation components. The main difference lies in the delivery method and flexibility of scheduling, which can benefit working professionals.
Q5. What career opportunities are available with an online doctorate in psychology? An online doctorate in psychology can lead to diverse career paths, including roles as clinical psychologists, organizational consultants, researchers, professors, or executive coaches. Graduates may work in healthcare settings, corporations, government agencies, or private practice, with potential for leadership positions and increased earning potential in their chosen specialization.