An online counseling psychology PhD program trains students with the skills needed for a career in counseling and prepares them for licensure. Students who graduate from an online counseling psychology PhD will be on their way to working with people to overcome their issues through counseling. By pursuing this program online, working professionals are able to prepare for a career pivot without interrupting their day-to-day work.
Top Affordable Online Counseling Psychology PhD: Methodology
We have compiled a list of the top programs available for students who want to pursue an online counseling psychology PhD degree. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that considers the tuition cost, the program’s length, and program quality–weighted equally. These programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Top PhD Counseling Psychology Online Programs
#1. University of West Georgia
PhD Counseling Psychology Online
Carrollton, Georgia
Students interesting in learning at the University of West Georgia can enroll in the school’s Online Doctor of Education in Professional Counseling & Supervision degree. This study program is one of the best ways for students to advance their understanding of mental health counseling techniques to prepare themselves for their own practice. Offered in an asynchronous format, the University of West Georgia’s program provides a great deal of flexibility to those enrolled. The University of West Georgia has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. University of West Georgia has earned the top spot among our best counseling psychology PhD programs.
Tuition: $20,163
Score: 100
#2. University of the Cumberlands
PhD Counseling Psychology Online
Williamsburg, Kentucky
University of the Cumberlands students can enroll in this Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision degree. This program of study teaches students to hone their expertise in counseling. Those who have completed this degree program have become counseling psychologists, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, and more. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program. The University of the Cumberlands has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Through this curriculum, students will learn how to work in clinical settings to help provide counseling and supervise other counselors. This program is one of the best counseling psychology PhD programs.
Tuition: $24,000
Score: 99.75
#3. Adams State University
Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision
Alamosa, Colorado
This Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision degree is offered to students by Adams State University. Students in this program will work to gain a stronger understanding of the skills needed to work in counseling and to work with other counselors to educate them or supervise them. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program. Adams State University has designed this program to be completed in about two years. This program has ranked among the top online PhD programs in counseling psychology. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Adams State University with accreditation for this program. Adams State’s strong program has earned it a top-five spot among our best counseling psychology PhD programs.
Tuition: $29,380
Score: 99.5
#4. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Systemic Studies
Monroe, Louisiana
This Online Doctor of Philosophy in System Studies degree is made available by the University of Louisiana Monroe. Through this program, students will develop a greater understanding of systemic family therapy. They will work to understand this concept and apply it in a broader counseling context. This program requires a total of 60 credit hours and is designed to be completed in two years. This program is one of the top online PhD programs in counseling psychology. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of Louisiana at Monroe with accreditation for this program.
Tuition: $30,000
Score: 99.5
#5. Regent University
Online PhD in Counseling & Psychological Studies
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Upcoming Regent University students can enroll in this Online PhD in Counseling & Psychological Studies degree. This online PhD in counseling degree is designed to prepare students for a career in psychology or counseling. Regent University offers this program in several concentrations, including Addictions Counseling, Grief Counseling, Human Services Counseling, Life Coaching, and many others. A total of 51 credit hours are required to complete this degree. Regent University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Courses in this program include Addictive Behaviors, Appraisal & Psychometrics, Disaster Trauma & Psychological First Aid, and more.
Tuition: $34,425
Score: 99.25
#6. Liberty University
Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Lynchburg, Virginia
Students can choose to enroll in this Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree. This study program is designed to be mostly online with a few required intensives throughout the course of the program. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Liberty University forecasts that students should be able to complete this degree in about four years. This degree is one of the best online counseling psychology PhD programs. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will learn about counseling techniques, counselor education, scholarship in counseling, and more. This program has received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Tuition: $35,700
Score: 99
#7. Grand Canyon University
Online PhD in Psychology – Cognition and Instruction – Qualitative
Phoenix, Arizona
Grand Canyon University currently offers students an Online PhD in Psychology – Cognition and Instruction degree. This program focuses heavily on teaching students cognitive psychology, as well as several counseling topics. Students will learn how to assess cognitive development, apply cognitive psychology to learning and instruction, and use cognitive processes in practice. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Grand Canyon University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Some of the courses in this program include History and the Systems of Psychology, Behaviorism, Cognitive Science, and many others.
Tuition: $41,700
Score: 98.75
#8. Hampton University
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
Hampton, Virginia
Students who want to study at Hampton University can enroll in this Online Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision degree. This program focuses primarily on training students in the skills needed to work in counseling as well as the skills required for training other counselors. Those who complete this degree will be prepared for careers managing other counselors. A total of 65 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Hampton University expects students to be able to complete this program in 3.5 years. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Hampton University with accreditation for this online counseling degree.
Tuition: $45,175
Score: 98.75
#9. Touro University Worldwide
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Human and Organizational Psychology
Online
Offered to students online, Touro University Worldwide’s Online Doctor of Philosophy in Human and Organizational Psychology degree is a great option for students looking for one of the top online counseling PhD programs. This program is designed to teach students the discipline of organizational psychology. A total of 66 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Touro University Worldwide estimates that it will take three years to earn this degree. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has provided Touro University Worldwide with accreditation for this program. Students who complete this degree will have developed expertise in organizational psychology and other counseling disciplines.
Tuition: $46,200
Score: 98.5
#10. Amridge University
Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy
Montgomery, Alabama
Offered at Amridge University, this Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy degree trains students with the skills needed for a career in marriage and family counseling. This online PhD in counseling degree program is a great option for those who want to develop skills applicable to a career that involves hands-on counseling with clients. This degree is one of the best online doctoral programs in counseling psychology. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Amridge University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It is estimated that this program can be completed in four years if pursued full-time.
Tuition: $46,800
Score: 98.25
#11. Eastern University
Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy
St. Davids, Pennsylvania
Students who want to learn at Eastern University can enroll in this Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy degree. This study program is designed to teach the latest in counseling techniques as they can be applied to marriage and family counseling. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Eastern University students will complete this degree mostly online save for a few on-campus residencies during the program. Eastern University forecasts that this program can be completed in four years if taken full-time. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has provided Eastern University with accreditation for this degree.
Tuition: $55,920
Score: 98
#12. Lesley University
Online PhD in Expressive Therapies
Cambridge, Massachusetts
This Online PhD in Expressive Therapies is made available to students by Lesley University. Designed to be completed mostly online, Lesley University does require students to attend some residencies throughout the duration of the program. These residencies are typically held in the summer for just three weeks. A total of 45 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Lesley University has received accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education. Those who have completed this program have gone on to have careers as creative therapists, mental health therapists, art therapists, and more.
Tuition: $59,725
Score: 97.5
#13. Keiser University
Online PhD in Psychology
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Keiser University currently offers students this Online PhD in Psychology degree. This study program is a great option for those students interested in pursuing a career in psychology or counseling. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Students are required to attend a residency at certain points throughout their studies. Through this degree, students will develop a general understanding of psychological principles and theories. They will learn how to apply these understandings in a variety of settings and contexts. Keiser University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $67,680
Score: 97
#14. Sofia University
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Transpersonal Psychology
Costa Mesa, California
This Online Doctor of Philosophy in Transpersonal Psychology degree is offered to students by Sofia University. Through the pursuit of this online counseling PhD, students at Sofia University will learn about various transpersonal psychology topics, including human behavior analysis, psychological research, and more. A total of 75 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Sofia University estimates that students can complete this degree in three years. This program is offered in a low-residency online format. Students will need to attend short residencies on the Sofia University campus at certain points during the program.
Tuition: $71,250
Score: 96.75
#15. Northcentral University
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
San Diego, California
Northcentral University offers this Online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. This program is designed to provide students with the training needed for a career in counseling or psychology. Students can expect to complete this program in 46 months. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to earn this degree. Those who have graduated from this program have had gone on to have carers as behavior analysts, clinical case managers, mental health counselors, and more. Students in this program can choose from various specializations, including Health Psychology, Addictions, Trauma & Disaster Relief, and many others.
Tuition: $71,530
Score: 96.5
#16. Michigan State University
Online PhD in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology
East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University offers this Online PhD in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology to their students online. Through this program, students will learn about the various technologies that can help in education and how those technologies can affect learning and cognition. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Michigan State University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. This program is offered in a hybrid format.
Tuition: $74,100
Score: 96
#17. Felician University
Online PhD Counseling Psychology Online
Rutherford, New Jersey
Those who wish to study at Felician University can enroll in this Online Doctorate in Counseling Psychology degree. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 73 credits. This program is designed to be completed in about 4-5 years. Through this program, students will develop an understanding of key principles and concepts in psychology. They will learn how to execute these concepts in a clinical setting to provide counseling services to their clients. Courses in this program include Multicultural Counseling, History, and Systems of Psychology, Development Across the Lifespan, and more.
Tuition: $74,825
Score: 95.75
#18. Saybrook University
Online PhD in Clinical Psychology
Pasadena, California
Students who want to study at Saybrook University can enroll in this Online PhD in Clinical Psychology degree. This program is provides training in topics including psychotherapy, developmental psychology, multi-cultural psychology, and more. This program is a great option for students who want to develop the skills needed for counseling psychology without spending time in physical classes. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Saybrook University has received accreditation for this degree from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $76,500
Score: 95.5
#19. Mount Mary University
Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mount Mary University offers students this Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision degree. This online counseling PhD teaches students the skills needed to become a mental health professional. Offered in a hybrid format, students can enjoy most of their classes online, while certain classes require an in-person component. A total of 78 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Mount Mary University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Supervision in Counselor Education, Instructional Strategies in Counselor Education & Supervision, and more.
Tuition: $80,340
Score: 95.25
#20. Fielding Graduate University
Online PhD in Clinical Psychology
Santa Barbara, California
This Online PhD in Clinical Psychology degree is available at Fielding Graduate University. Accredited by the American Psychological Association, this degree is designed to provide students with the training and expertise needed for careers in mental health counseling or psychology. This degree is designed to be completed in about 5-6 years; it cannot be completed in less than five because of the way the course sequence falls. Students enrolled in this program can choose from many different concentrations, including forensic psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, social justice & diversity.
Tuition: $87,300
Score: 95
#21. Oregon State University
Online PhD in Counseling
Corvallis, Oregon
Those who would like to study at Oregon State University can enroll in this Online PhD in Counseling degree program. This program is offered to students in a hybrid format. Many of the classes are offered to students online, but certain courses must be taken in-person. Oregon State University has received accreditation for this program from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Students in this program will develop skills in various counseling topics such as group counseling, counselor education, diversity, and more. A total of 150 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program.
Tuition: $88,500
Score: 94.75
#22. Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers this Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Through this study program, students will learn the skills needed to become counselors and the skills needed to manage and supervise counseling practices. A total of 60 credit hours and about four years are needed to complete this program of study. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This program is a great option for those looking for an affordable PhD in counseling online.
Tuition: $92,220
Score: 94.5
#23. Loyola University – Chicago
Online Doctorate of Education in School Psychology
Chicago, Illinois
This Online Doctorate of Education in School Psychology degree is offered to students by Loyola University Chicago. Students in this program of study will be trained with the skills needed to work in professional counseling and psychology. This program is designed to be completed in two years and taken part time. A total of 72 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. A Licensed Professional Counselor credential is also offered alongside this program. Loyola University Chicago has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $97,200
Score: 94.25
#24. Duquesne University
Online Doctorate in Psychology
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Students enrolled at Duquesne University can enroll in this Online Doctorate in Psychology degree. This study program provides students with the training needed for a career as a clinical psychologist or counselor. This program of study requires 91 credit hours to complete. Duquesne University has received accreditation for this degree from the American Psychological Association. Courses in this study include Child Neuropsychology, History and Systems of Psychology, and Single Subject Methods for School Psychologists. This program is a great option for those looking for an affordable online PhD in psychology.
Tuition: $124,033
Score: 94
#25. William James College
Online Doctorate in Leadership Psychology
Newton, Massachusetts
William James College offers this Online Doctorate in Leadership Psychology degree online. The New England Commission on Higher Education has provided William James College with accreditation for this degree program. A total of 98 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Students can expect to finish this degree in its entirety in around 3-4 years. While most of the program is online, students are required to attend some on-campus residencies throughout. Courses in this program include Adult Development, The Neurobiology of Leadership, Advanced Dialogic Interventions, and more.
Tuition: $148,470
Score: 93.5
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This concludes our ranking of the best online PhD psychology/online PhD counseling.
NPCO Staff
March 2021
