ONLINE PHD PSYCHOLOGY

This article ranks the best online PhD psychology accredited programs in the United States. 

A Ph.D. in Psychology stands for Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. The degree is recognized as the highest level of academic achievement in the field. It opens up doors to advanced careers and leadership roles in psychology. 

One of the main goals of a Ph.D. psychology degree is to develop new insights into how people think, feel, and behave. This can involve studying a wide range of topics. It can include everything from how our brains process emotions to how social interactions shape our beliefs and values.

Earning a Ph.D. in psychology is a rigorous and challenging process. However, it can also be gratifying for those dedicated to this line of work. Graduates of the best online PhD programs in psychology become researchers, professors, clinicians, and more. They improve the lives of individuals and communities through their work. So if you are ready to assume a more advanced role in the field, a Ph.D. in psychology might be ideal. Our list of the top accredited online doctoral programs in psychology can help.

Be Sure to Check Out The Highest Paying Jobs In Psychology

Methodology for the Top Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs

The methodology for this review is simple. The universities are ordered according to affordability. So the most affordable psychology Ph.D. programs are listed first. Please note that the listed tuition is based on the in-state student cost per academic year. It does not include any additional fees. And for out-of-state students, the prices may vary. Also note that most online programs offer Federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants. So, many ways exist to help make your college education more affordable. 

You May Also Like: The Top 50 Scholarships for Online Students 

What Is the Difference Between a PsyD and Ph.D. in Psychology?

Both a PsyD and Ph.D. in Psychology are doctoral degrees offered in the field of psychology. However, there are some key differences between these two degrees.

On the other hand, a PsyD stands for Doctor of Psychology. This is a professional degree focused on training students for careers in clinical psychology. Students in a PsyD program may also be required to complete a dissertation. However, the emphasis is more on practical training and clinical experience. Students in a PsyD program are typically required to complete several hours of supervised clinical work. This is in addition to their coursework. Courses focus on practical areas like psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology.

Overall, the main difference between a Ph.D. and a PsyD is that a Ph.D. is more research-oriented, while a PsyD is more practice-oriented. Both degrees can lead to successful careers in the field of psychology. However, the focus and training in each degree program may be better suited for different career paths. Neither degree is more “prestigious” than the other. It all depends on your personal and professional goals! Prospective students will find a mix of online and hybrid PsyD programs and Ph.D. programs in this ranking of the top online psychology doctoral programs.

Related: Best Online Psychology Schools

How Long Do Online PhD Psychology Programs Take?

Ph.D. programs in any field usually take several years to complete. However, each school is different. Most programs take between three to five years. Many online programs allow students to attend either full or part-time. With many of today’s remote learning formats, students can go at their own pace. 

Online students do often have more independence and flexibility with their coursework. However, they will still work closely with faculty members as they progress through their studies. 

Best Online PhD Psychology Programs

	School	Tuition
1.	Fort Hays State University	$3,726
2.	University of the Cumberlands	$4,282
3.	University of West Georgia	$4,338
4.	University of Louisiana at Monroe	$6,490
5.	Texas Tech University	$6,956
6.	Adams State University	$7,132
7.	Liberty University	$7,847
8.	University of Georgia	$8,878
9.	Touro University	$9,000
10.	Arizona State University	$9,774
11.	William James College	$10,000
12.	Grand Canyon University	$10,621
13.	Amridge University	$10,800
14.	Endicott College	$12,746
15.	Hampton University	$13,099
16.	Oregon State University	$13,446
17.	Eastern University	$13,716
18.	Regent University	$15,590
19.	National University	$16,881
20.	Mount Mary University	$16,882
21.	Fielding Graduate University	$18,718
22.	Lesley University	$18,900
23.	Loyola University Chicago	$18,990
24.	Michigan State University	$19,714
25.	Saybrook University	$20,856
26.	Nova Southeastern University	$21,153
27.	California Institute of Integral Studies	$21,708
28.	Antioch University-New England	$24,384
29.	Keiser University	$29,632
30.	Adler University	$40,530

Ranking the Top Ph.D. in Counseling Online and Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

#1. Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online EdS in School Psychology

Fort Hays State University offers an online School Psychology EdS program. While an EdS is not a doctoral degree, it is one step above a master’s degree. We have included it because some prospective students may be interested in this particular program. 

The School Psychology program is offered full or part-time. Courses are delivered online. However, students must come to the campus for a five-day workshop. This takes place during one summer semester. The psychology program is designed for students living anywhere in the United States. It offers the same academic rigor as the on-campus program. Those who have not yet earned an MS can earn the master’s degree along with the EdS for a total of 66 credit hours. Some of the courses for this doctoral degree include:

• Cultural Diversity 
• Psychological Consultation in the Schools 
• Theories of Exceptionalities and Diversity 
• Characteristics of Early Childhood Special Education 
• Behavior Therapy
• Developmental Psychology
• Advanced Child Psychopathology

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in education or psychology. And at least 12 credits must be from a psychology department. They must also have a 3.00 cumulative GPA to be eligible for this online school psychologists program.

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $3,726

You May Also Like: Top 25 Master’s in School Psychology Programs

#2. University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, Kentucky

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

University of the Cumberlands offers an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. This 66-credit-hour psychology program is research-intensive and requires an original dissertation. Graduates will be prepared to teach counseling in higher education classrooms. They will also learn leadership skills they can apply in a variety of settings. The coursework prepares candidates to contribute original knowledge to the field of counseling. Some of the courses for this doctoral degree include:

• Online Counseling and Supervision
• Multicultural Issues in Counselor Education and Supervision
• Advanced Counseling Theories and Skills
• Leadership & Advocacy in Professional Counseling
• Neuroanatomy & Behavioral Medicine for Professional Counseling
• Counseling Psychology

The degree is CACREP-accredited. It can be completed in about three years. With tuition rates under $5,000, this is one of the most affordable PhD psychology programs on our list. Courses are in a synchronous online format. Students will meet online at designated times. This format gives them opportunities to connect with faculty and fellow students. Candidates can also choose one of three areas of specialization for this online psychology degree:

• Addiction 
• Advanced Counseling 
• Leadership

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $4,282

#3. University of West Georgia

Carrollton, Georgia

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Doctor of Education in Professional Counseling and Supervision

UWG offers an Ed.D in Professional Counseling and Supervision. It is one of the most affordable PhD psychology programs on our list. It is designed to prepare counselors to positively impact their communities and clients. This online psychology program also teaches students leadership, advocacy, and effective programs and practices. Students will build on the skills they already have to prepare them for advanced roles in the field. There is a strong emphasis on the following:

• Program Evaluation
• Clinical and Administrative Supervision
• Advocacy and Leadership

There are two tracks to choose from. The first is a 60-credit hour track for those who enter without an Ed.S. in counseling. The second is a 39-credit hour track for those who enter with an Ed.S. in Counseling. Upon completion, students will defend a professional practice dissertation. Some of the courses for this online psychology program include:

• Online Counseling and Supervision
• Multicultural Issues in Counselor Education and Supervision
• Neuroanatomy & Behavioral Medicine for Professional Counseling
• Counseling Psychology
• Advocacy for Marginalized and Underserved Populations 

Cohorts are selected in March of each year. The psychology program starts during the summer semester. It is designed to be completed in two full years for the 60-hour track or three years for the 39-hour track. In addition, there is a mandatory on-campus orientation each summer for new students. After the orientation, all coursework can be completed online. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $4,338

#4. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Monroe, Louisiana

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Doctor of Philosophy Online Degree Concentration in Systemic Studies

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an online Ph.D. in Systemic Studies. This is a theoretically oriented degree program. It is designed for counselors, healers, clergy, and others who want to study the topic in-depth. Systemic studies examine the practices and ideas that make up systemic family therapy. The degree is non-clinical. So it does not prepare graduates to be a clinical psychologist. Instead, this online psychology degree teaches research strategies that highlight the processes of change. 

The online coursework for this online psychology degree doctorate combines creativity with academic rigor. The topics of study span several fields of practice and disciplines. The degree requires 60-semester units and a dissertation. Some of the courses in this top online psychology program include:

• Family Systems 
• Qualitative & Ethnographic Research 
• Advanced Family Studies and Human Development
• Family Therapy
• Ecology of Psychopathology
• Couple and Marital Therapy

The curriculum is entirely online, with no campus visits required. Students can expect to complete two years of full-time coursework. Plus, they will have an additional one to three years to complete the dissertation. Students will work together as a cohort in this online psychology program. This creates a learning community and an environment of collaboration. Courses are seminar-style. Participants are expected to participate in conversations relative to the content. All students will receive advisory support throughout the psychology program. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $6,490

#5. Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Educational Psychology

Texas Tech University offers a Hybrid Ph.D. in Educational Psychology program. Much of the coursework is online or during one-week summer sessions. However, some coursework is face-to-face. So students enrolling in this Ph.D. program should live near Texas Tech. 

The 91-credit doctoral psychology program can be completed in four to five years. It emphasizes research and teaching. It prepares students for careers in academia. Additionally, it equips graduates for careers in educational research and measurement. However, students can also choose a practitioner-oriented track. These include Developmental and Learning Sciences or School Psychology. In this way, they can design a more individualized degree plan to meet their goals. Some of the courses in this online program include:

• Motivation in Academic Settings
• Human Development in Education
• Educational Psychology 
• Social Bases of Behavior
• Cognition and Instruction 
• Instructional Design Foundations 

It is generally recommended that students start in the fall. However, applications are considered on a rolling basis. Students can transfer 30 hours of coursework (with a grade B or better) at an advisor’s discretion. Federal financial aid, scholarships, and research assistantships are available for this online psychology program.

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $6,956

#6. Adams State University

Alamosa, Colorado

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision

Adams State University is a small public college in Colorado. The school has about 3,100 students and offers several online programs. One of these is an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. This CACREP-accredited program does require four one-week summer residencies. Students will also need to complete a dissertation. 

The degree prepares students to work as researchers, practitioners, and counselor educators. It is for students who are interested in roles in academia or as a clinical psychologist. Graduates will learn to extend the knowledge base of the counseling profession. They will also be able to assume positions of leadership in the field. Some of the online courses for this doctoral degree include:

• Supervision & Consultation 
• Counselor Education
• Advanced Group Counseling 
• Advanced Multicultural Issues 
• Program Evaluation and Grant Writing
• Counseling Psychology

This is a 66-credit four-year online psychology program. Students typically enroll in six credit hours per semester. The classes are usually offered at specific times. They are delivered through two-way interactive audio/video chat. This allows for plenty of interaction between fellow students and instructors. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $7,132

#7. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Psychology

Liberty University is a large, private nonprofit college in Virginia. Over 94,000 students attend the school. It offers degrees at all levels. Many of them can be completed entirely online. The school offers an online Ph.D. in Psychology. It takes approximately three years to complete. There are several specializations to choose from:

• Behavioral Health Leadership
• Developmental Psychology
• General Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Theology

Courses are offered in eight-week sessions. There are several start dates a year for this online psychology degree. And students can transfer in up to 50% of the degree total. Some of the courses for this doctoral degree include:

• Foundations of Doctoral Study in Psychology 
• Psychological Research & Biblical Worldview
• Theories & Research in Social Psychology 
• Theories & Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology 
• Theories & Research in Developmental Psychology 

Students in this program have the option to complete intensives on campus. However, there are no residency requirements to earn the degree. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $7,847

#8. University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Education Specialization in Educational Psychology

The University of Georgia offers an online Education Specialist in Educational Psychology degree. This program is excellent for those interested in working in an educational environment. It is based on the philosophy that giftedness is expressed in many ways among diverse people. And that creativity is a potential that should be nurtured and enhanced. Students will learn to tailor a student’s education to their specific needs. The focus is on research, service, and instruction. 

The Ed.S. program is 31 semester hours. Students will also pass a final written comprehensive exam. Some of the courses in this online psychology doctorate include:

• Assessment of Gifted Children and Youth
• Programming and Curriculum for the Gifted
• Retention of Ethnic Minorities in Gifted and Advanced Programs
• Multicultural Gifted and Talented Education
• Creativity and Cognition
• Educational Psychology Foundations

Students will also complete a field experience and an applied project. After the first four courses, they qualify for the Gifted In-Field Endorsement. Graduates of this online psychology program will be prepared for a wide range of roles. These include educational consultants, teachers or professors, program coordinators, and more. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $8,878

#9. Touro University Worldwide

New York City, New York

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology

Touro University Worldwide offers an online Doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology. Students in the program will deepen their skills in investigating human behavior in the workplace. This program can be completed remotely with no campus visits required. There are three areas of focus to choose from:

• Organizational Psychology
• Leadership Psychology
• Industrial Psychology

A total of 66 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. It takes between two to four years to graduate. Some of the online courses for this doctoral degree include:

• The Scholar-Practitioner Model
• Applied Cognitive Psychology
• Applied Media Psychology
• Psychology of Organizational Leadership
• Psychology of Human Resource Management
• Psychology of Collaboration in Organizational Leadership

There are six start dates per year. Courses for this doctoral degree are taught in streamlined eight-week sessions. Each student will work closely with a faculty member during the dissertation phase.

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $9,000

Related: Best PhD Industrial Organizational Psychology

#10. Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Doctor of Behavioral Health With Clinical Concentration

Arizona State University offers an online Doctor of Behavioral Health degree. This program has a clinical psychology concentration. So it provides advanced learning opportunities to master’s-level clinicians. Students will study medical literacy, entrepreneurship, behavioral interventions, and more. Graduates will have the skills needed to pursue advanced careers in care environments. They will be equipped to become a clinical psychologist.

The 84-credit doctoral program is offered entirely online. Coursework is a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous classes. So graduate students will have the opportunity to create their own schedules. But they will also collaborate with their instructors and classmates in real-time. Some of the courses for this doctoral degree include:

• Healthcare Systems: Organization, Delivery, and Economics
• Models of Integrated Primary Care
• Health Psychology
• Clinical Medical/Pathophysiology
• Psychopharmacology for the Behavioral Care Provider
• Clinical Neuropathophysiology

Students also have access to live webinars with ASU faculty. And internship opportunities in healthcare settings are available. Prospective students must have a master’s degree. They will need a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of their most recent degree program. Preference is given to those practicing or who plan to practice in a healthcare setting.

Psychology Programs Accreditation:Higher Learning Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $9,774

#11. William James College

Boston, Massachusetts

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Leadership Psychology

William James College offers an online Ph.D. in Leadership Psychology. This doctoral degree is designed for those who want to advance into leadership roles. It is a hybrid program for those already working in the field. 

Graduate students can choose part-time or full-time enrollment. The time to completion is four to six years. Students should already have 30 credits from a master’s degree program. The doctoral program requires 60 credits. Some of the online courses for this doctoral degree include:

• The Psychology of Leadership and Followership
• Leadership, Use of Self, and Multicultural Competence  
• Organization Development and Change 
• The Neurobiology of Leadership 
• Team and Group Development for Leaders 
• Advanced Dialogic Interventions

Courses are delivered primarily online. However, there are three required residencies each year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. These are four-day intensive visits to the Newton campus. These in-person opportunities allow students to engage with their cohorts and instructors. Those who complete this degree will be prepared for a variety of careers in the field of psychology.

Psychology Programs Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Online Doctorate Tuition: $10,000

#12. Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Psychology-Cognition and Instruction (Qualitative Research)

GCU offers a Ph.D. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction. In this program, students examine events to better understand an observed phenomenon. They will develop expertise in the development of a research study. And they will gain insight into how (and why) people think, believe, and behave. 

Students enrolled in this program will complete the majority of coursework online. However, certain aspects of the program may require a visit to the campus. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete the degree. Some of the online courses for this doctoral degree include:

• History and Systems of Psychology
• Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory
• Behaviorism
• Cognitive Science
• Humanistic, Transpersonal, and Existential Psychology 
• Cognition and Instruction 

Online students at GCU have many resources to help guide them through their program. For example, all students can access online learning tools, tutoring, and tech support. And instructors and advisors are available to help doctoral students succeed. In addition to this program, GCU has several other online psychology doctorates available

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $10,621

#13. Amridge University

Montgomery, Alabama

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy

Amridge University is a small, private nonprofit university in Alabama. This online school offers several distance learning programs. Students can enroll in an online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy degree. This is a 60-semester hour research-oriented degree program. The time to completion will depend on the number of graduate hours a student already has. However, four years of full-time study is the average. It does not lead to professional licensure. 

The program is suitable for those who plan to practice or those who plan to teach. Some of the courses for this doctoral degree include:

• Integrative Models of Marriage and Family Therapy
• Applied Adult Development
• Relational Sexual Therapy
• Systemic Interventions in Abusive Relationships
• Analysis of Substance Abuse Interventions
• Medical Family Therapy

All candidates will complete a research dissertation in marriage and family therapy. Students may be required to come to campus for residencies. However, most of the coursework is online. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $10,800

#14. Endicott College

Beverly, Massachusetts

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis

Endicott College offers this next online psychology doctorate. Students will earn a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis. This is a research-based program. It prepares students to teach at the university level. But it will also equip them for work as scientist-practitioners across many industries. It’s one of the top PhD psychology programs in New England.

The 60-credit program can be completed in as little as three years. New cohorts begin each September. There are no residency requirements. Instead, students complete their coursework in an online synchronous format. Students meet for class at scheduled times in a virtual classroom. The program consists of 30 hours of coursework and 30 hours of clinical psychology work. Some of the online courses in this doctoral degree include:

• The History of Behavior Analysis 
• Behaviorism and Philosophy of Science 
• Conditioning and Learning 
• Behavioral Research on Complex Skill Acquisition 
• Bridging the Gap: The Scientist-Practitioner Model

Prospective students should have a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis or a related field. In addition, it is strongly recommended that candidates are licensed behavior analysts. Alternatively, they can hold a certificate from the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Online Doctorate Tuition: $12,746

#15. Hampton University

Hampton, Virginia

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

Hampton University is a historically black institution committed to multiculturalism. The school offers an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. This program is designed for licensed counselors and is one of the top PhD psychology programs on our list. It builds on students’ current skills in counseling principles. At the same time, it cultivates supervisory and clinical skills. As a result, students will be equipped to facilitate change within their organizations.

Concentrations are available in school counseling and community mental health counseling. Some of the courses in this 64-hour online doctoral degree include:

• Ethics and Legal Aspects of Counseling
• Counseling Leadership and Advocacy
• Counseling Psychology
• Theories and Practice of Counseling Supervision

The program can be completed in about three and a half years. There are two start dates per year. All students must complete comprehensive exams, internships, and a dissertation. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $13,099

#16. Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Oregon State University offers a Ph.D. in Counseling degree. It can be completed almost entirely online. This program is CACREP-accredited. There are required face-to-face classes only twice each quarter. These take place on a Friday through Saturday block. The location is easily accessible from the Portland International Airport.

The Ph.D. Counseling degree prepares students to work in a variety of settings. It emphasizes contribution to the field through research. It also aims to address the societal changes in today’s communities. The program has also received an award for LGBTGEQIAP+ awareness. Some of the topics covered in the online courses include:

• Research and publication
• Supervision
• Counseling Psychology
• Career counseling
• Group counseling
• Diversity and social justice

Courses are delivered online by OSU Ecampus. The program follows a collaborative cohort model. Each student has an advisor who will guide them through the program. The degree requires 150 quarter credits to graduate. Additionally, students will complete a 630-hour internship. The internship services to further advance their skills in the field. Applicants must have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. Oregon State offers one of the top PhD psychology programs we’ve found.

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Online Doctorate Tuition: $13,446

See Also: Best Online Counseling Psychology PhD Programs

#17. Eastern University

Saint Davids, Pennsylvania

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy

Eastern University offers an online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program is designed for students who want to expand their minds and hearts. It is for those who wish to gain counseling skills to meet the challenges of 21st Century life. Students will commit to studying and research in counseling theories. And they will integrate their learning with theological inquiry. 

This is a 60-credit program that takes four to six years to complete. Coursework is primarily online. However, there are some on-campus residency requirements in the Philadelphia area. Some of the online courses in this Ph.D. program include:

• Theology of Marriage and Family
• Human Development and Family Systems
• Adult Personality and Character Development
• Couples Therapy Theory and Practice
• Counseling Psychology
• Trauma and Family Systems

All students in the program create and present a significant research project. This project results in a dissertation that contributes to the field. Eastern University also offers an additional online psychology program. It is a Doctor of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Studies. This 48-credit program can be completed in three to five years. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Online Doctorate Tuition: $13,716

#18. Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

Regent University offers an Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. It is presented from a Christian worldview. It is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the mental health field. Students will learn to apply spiritual and biblical interventions in their work. All students will receive practical instruction and will be supported by a mentor. A total of 66 credit hours are required. Some of the courses include:

• Identity Formation in Counselor Education & Supervision
• Supervision & Consultation
• Multicultural Issues in Counseling
• Preventive Counseling
• Counseling Psychology

The doctoral program takes about four years of full-time study to complete. Students will progress through it in a cohort model. It is a lockstep program for the first two years. Students can vary their courses in the third year to meet their individual goals. An internship is required.

This is a terminal degree led by distinguished faculty members in the field. Students must have at least a 60-hour master’s degree in counseling to apply.

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $15,590

#19. National University

San Diego, California

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Psychology

National University (formerly Northcentral University) offers an online Ph.D. in Psychology. This program can be completed entirely online with no campus visits required. Students in this program will be prepared for leadership roles in the field. And they will expand their knowledge base and gain critical thinking skills. All students are paired with mentoring professors in NU’s PhD-PSYCH program.

This 100 percent online program requires 60 credit hours to complete. There are 20 courses in all. Students can graduate in just 46 months. In addition, you can start whenever it is convenient for you. There is a new start date each Monday. Some of the online courses for this doctoral degree include:

• Foundations for Doctoral Study in Psychology
• Tests and Measurements in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
• Research Design Planning

Doctoral students can access a full range of online resources to help them succeed. Additionally, students can customize this degree program with one of nine specializations. A few of these include:

• Counseling Psychology
• Gerontology 
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Psychology of Gender and Sexual Fluidity
• Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders 
• Trauma and Disaster Relief

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $16,881

#20. Mount Mary University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

Mount Mary University offers an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. It is designed to prepare students as counselor educators. They will gain strong advocacy, leadership, and social justice skills. In addition, it provides a comprehensive multicultural and social justice education. It trains graduates for roles as educators, supervisors, researchers, clinicians, and more.

Courses for this 78-semester-hour program are offered in a flexible hybrid format. Much of the coursework can be completed online. However, students will need to travel to Wisconsin for practicum and internship requirements. So this program is for those who can easily visit the Mount Mary campus. Some of the courses in this program include:

• Counseling Psychology
• Advanced Multicultural & Social Justice Counseling and Supervision
• Quantitative Research Methods and Design
• Advanced Counseling Theories
• Counselor Education, Leadership, and Advocacy

To be considered for the Ph.D. program, candidates must have a master’s degree in Counseling or a related field. And they must have a GPA of 3.30 or higher on a 4.0 scale in master’s degree coursework. They must also be licensed as Professional Counselors in Wisconsin. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $16,882

#21. Fielding Graduate University

Santa Barbara, California

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Fielding Graduate University is a small, private nonprofit college in Santa Barbara. The school offers master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificates. Many of these programs can be completed online. 

The school offers an online Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. It utilizes a unique distributed learning model. It blends digital formats with in-person learning opportunities in your own community. However, there are a few clinical practicum and residency requirements. So applicants should be prepared to travel. 

This degree provides the training needed for a career in clinical psychology. It focuses strongly on creating a more sustainable, just, and humane world. Some of the courses in this online PhD psychology program include:

• History and Systems of Psychology
• Social Bases of Behavior 
• Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
• Psychopathology
• Research in Psychotherapy 
• Multicultural Psychology

Students will need a total of 179 semester credits to graduate. Most students complete the program in five to six years. There are also four optional concentrations. They include:

• Forensic Psychology 
• Health Psychology 
• Neuropsychology 
• Social Justice and Diversity 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $18,718

#22. Lesley University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology

Lesley University offers an online Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology. It is delivered primarily online. However, students are required to meet on campus one weekend per month. This is a 48-credit program. It is designed to expand students’ knowledge of leading-edge theory and technique. Some of the online courses in the doctoral program include:

• Transformative Leadership
• Counseling Psychology
• Promoting Social Justice in Counseling and PsychologySpring Semester
• Participatory Action Research in Schools and Communities
• Social Entrepreneurship: Program Development, Evaluation, and Funding

During the second year of the program, participants design their own practicums. This will prepare students to pursue relevant field experience. In the third year, they will develop a plan for original research and write a dissertation.

Psychology Programs Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education

Online DoctorateTuition: $18,900

#23. Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Doctorate in School Psychology

Loyola University Chicago offers an online Doctorate in School Psychology. It’s designed for practicing school psychologists who wish to advance their careers. It was developed to help these professionals be more informed leaders in education. Applicants must hold a valid professional educator license in Illinois. Alternatively, they may hold a school psychologists license in another state. 

All courses in this program are offered online. No campus visits are required. Students will take courses together as a cohort, following the same sequence. Some of the courses include:

• Introduction to Research Methods 
• Family/School Collaboration 
• Evidence-based Interventions 
• Trauma Sensitive Schools 
• Administration of Special Education and Pupil Services
• Assessing and Adapting the General Education Curriculum 

Students can attend part-time and complete all required coursework in two years. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for school psychologists to graduate. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $18,990

#24. Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Hybrid Ph.D. in Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education

MSU offers a hybrid online Ph.D. in Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education. Students in this program can live anywhere. They are not required to come to campus. However, they are strongly encouraged to visit MSU in person. This way, they can participate in some courses or on-campus activities. This is among the top accredited online doctoral programs. It takes about five years to complete. 

Courses typically meet once per week for approximately three hours. They are designed to be interactive and may be asynchronous or synchronous. Some of the online courses for this professional psychology degree include:

• Educational Inquiry
• Quantitative Methods in Educational Research
• Intellectual History of Educational Psychology
• Cognitive Development
• Cognition and Technology 
• Mind, Media, and Learning 

Students can also choose additional specializations or certificates in areas of interest. Unfortunately, hybrid students are not eligible for guaranteed funding. However, they may be considered for research or teaching assistantships. This high-quality program is one of our top online PhDs in psychology.

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $19,714

#25. Saybrook University

Oakland, California

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Saybrook University offers an online Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology degree. This program prepares students to sit for licensure in many states. It focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to enter professional practice. Students can further customize this program by choosing from several specializations, including:

• Advanced Psychological Assessment
• Applied Psychophysiology
• Complex Trauma and the Healing Process 
• Consciousness Spirituality
• Health Psychology

Most components of the program can be completed online. However, there are some required residential orientations and learning experiences on campus. Students can enter with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Those with an undergraduate degree must complete 103-109 credits for graduation. Those with a master’s degree can expect to complete 100-106 credits. Most students can graduate in five years, attending full-time. A few courses include:

• Supervision in Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Applied within a Humanistic and Integrative Approach
• Mindfulness and Spirituality in Clinical Practice

Psychology Programs Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission 

Online Doctorate Tuition: $20,856

#26. Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Nova Southeastern University offers an online Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. This program covers the practical and theoretical foundations of the field. Students will pursue in-depth study in conflict resolution. They will apply their research, theory, and practice to develop solutions. The degree also equips students with solid research skills. There are four concentrations:

• Interpersonal Conflict
• Community-based Conflict
• Conflict in Organizations
• Global Conflict

Coursework is primarily online. However, students will need to come to the campus for two residencies each academic year. Some of the courses in this Ph.D. program include:

• Communication Dynamics in Dispute Resolution: The Human Factor
• Mediation Theory and Practice
• Negotiation Theory and Practice
• Teaching and Training
• Theories of Conflict and Conflict Resolution

All students will complete practicums and a doctoral dissertation. Financial aid and scholarships are available. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $21,153

#27. California Institute of Integral Studies

San Francisco, California

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Ph.D. in Psychology, concentration in Integral Transpersonal Psychology

Ph.D. in Psychology, concentration in Somatic Psychology 

California Institute of Integral Studies offers two unique psychology doctoral degrees. Students can choose to pursue either of these programs online. The first is a Ph.D. in Psychology with a concentration in Integral Transpersonal Psychology. The second is a Ph.D. in Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychology.

Both programs focus on the lived experience of being human, including the spiritual, exceptional, and body. These fields pay particular attention to spiritual, mystical, and other exceptional human experiences. Some of the online courses these online doctoral programs may share include:

• Critical Thinking with Integral/Transpersonal Psychologies 
• Integral Research Methods with Creative Expression 
• Origins of Somatic Psychology 
• Spiritual Traditions of Embodied Practice 
• Embodied Social Justice

Doctoral graduates are trained for professional roles in the field. Areas of work may include education, activism, social change, environmental protection, and more. These engaging online doctoral programs are ideal for students interested in the spiritual and mystical aspects of psychology. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $21,708

#28. Antioch University-New England

Keene, New Hampshire

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy

Antioch University offers an online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. This is a low-residency program requiring three campus visits per year. Each is five days long. The 60-credit degree can be completed in three years of full-time enrollment. The first two years include coursework and practice experience. And the final year involves the dissertation. Classes are delivered in a flexible online format with weekly group conferencing. Some of the courses include:

• Social Justice Theory and Application 
• Family Policy and Advocacy
• Grant & Professional Writing in CFT 
• Teaching/Consultation/Leadership 
• Clinical Innovations with Diverse Populations 
• Advanced Clinical Skills and Clinical Ethics 

Students can also take an additional year of professional seminar courses. This will allow them to receive advanced practical experience supervision. 

The Ph.D. in CFT program starts each Fall semester. Students enter the program as a cohort and move through their coursework together. All students develop an academic portfolio highlighting their learning achievements during this psychology degree program.

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $24,384

#29. Keiser University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Keiser University offers a Ph.D. in Psychology degree. This degree can be completed primarily online. However, students must visit one of Keiser’s campus locations for some aspects of the program. This is a non-clinical, research-based doctoral program. It offers the skills needed to understand behavioral outcomes. It also gives students the credential they need to be recognized as experts in the field. Some of the online courses in the psychology degree program include:

• Cognitive & Affective Basis of Behavior
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Human Development
• Theories of Learning and Motivation
• Sociocultural Basis of Behavior
• Educational Psychology
• Curriculum Design

A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete the program. It takes approximately 36 to 60 months to complete. A dissertation is required. 

Students without a master’s degree can enter this program with only a bachelor’s degree. However, they must complete additional coursework. Financial aid and funding are available in this psychology degree program for those who qualify. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Doctorate Tuition: $29,632

#30. Adler University

Chicago, Illinois

Online Doctorate in Psychology: Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership

Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology

Adler University offers two online Psychology Ph.D. programs. They include:

• Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
• Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology

Both of these online psychology programs are 90 credit-hour post-bachelor programs. Students entering the programs with a master’s can transfer in up to 36 credit hours. They can be completed in as little as three years. The Industrial and Organizational program trains students to be forward-thinking organizational experts. They will use their research to learn to maximize human potential. 

The Organizational Leadership Ph.D. trains students to be socially conscious scholar-practitioners. They will graduate with skills to make an immediate impact in their organizations. They will be leaders who can drive innovation across many industries. Some of the courses in these online programs include:

• Advanced Group Dynamics
• Organizational Culture & Climate
• Leadership Communication Strategies
• Diversity & Inclusion 
• Leading Innovation 
• Organizational Development and Change
• Socially Responsible Practice

Students in either of these online programs will need to complete a doctoral dissertation. The coursework is highly flexible. However, online students have the same academic support as those who learn on campus. Instructors are available to help you succeed. You will have a cohort of classmates to collaborate with as you progress through the program. Financial aid and scholarships are available. 

Psychology Programs Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Online Doctorate Tuition: $40,530

This concludes our ranking of the top accredited online doctoral programs psychology.

NPCO Staff