Top 3 Online Ph.D. in Health Psychology Programs
As the American population is growing older and medical treatments are improving, people want to live happier and more productive lives. So there is a greater focus today on psychological as well as physical health. That is why the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 14% increase in psychologist jobs through 2028, which is faster than average. Many of these will be in the vital specialty of health psychology. (BLS.gov)
If you are interested in earning a Ph.D. in health psychology, you will learn about the interrelationships between emotional, cognitive, behavioral, social and biological components in humans to promote good health, prevent disability and improve the quality of the healthcare system.
Today, it is possible to earn your Ph.D. in Health Psychology online so that you can keep up with your personal and professional obligations. We have reviewed many of the online options, and have determined the best online Ph.D. in Health Psychology programs are the following:
#1 Walden University
Walden University offers an online Ph.D. in Psychology with a Specialization in Health Psychology. The general Ph.D. program will empower you to excel as an educator, researcher or consultant.
This four-year online program offers hands-on training with an in-class practicum in either teaching or research. All students in the Ph.D. program receive expert, one-on-one guidance from doctoral-level faculty.
The Ph.D. in Health Psychology focuses on the intersection of health and psychology. Your coursework will explore biopsychology, health psychology, psychoneuroimmunology and how to change health behavior.
Required courses for the Ph.D. online program include:
- Lifespan Development
- Culture and Psychology
- Teaching of Psychology
- Research Foundations
- Consulting for Organizational Change
- Program Evaluation
- Research Practicum
- Research Theory, Design and Methods
- Biopsychology
- Changing Health Behavior: Theory and Practice
- Health Psychology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
The writing of your dissertation will occur throughout the program. You will complete the dissertation with the guidance of a chair and committee members through an online learning platform. Weekly participation throughout the duration of the program is required.
#2 Northcentral University
Northcentral University offers an online Ph.D. in Health Psychology that will prepare you for the demanding field of health psychology consulting. This four year, online degree program will familiarize you with the latest research, theory, and practice in the field of health psychology.
Your coursework is taught by professors with doctoral degrees. You will explore the vital interaction between the body and mind and the factors that influence psychological and physical health, including stress and nutrition. Students are challenged to devise their own solutions to modern psycho-social health problems by completing several research projects.
Required courses include the following:
- Research Methods
- Statistics I
- Tests and Measurements
- Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
- Research Design Planning
- Health Psychology
- Psychosocial Factors in Health
- Behavioral Nutrition
- Eating Disorders and Obesity
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Consultation and Interventions in Healthcare Settings
Northcentral University offers course starts each week, no set lecture hours, and no group assignments. You can schedule all of your courses around your professional and personal obligations.
#3 Saybrook University
Saybrook University offers an online Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology that incorporates many of the principles of traditional health psychology.
As healthcare evolves, many studies have shown a relationship between mental, physical and spiritual health. This makes the application of psychophysiology and biofeedback a very effective and accepted practice in many career fields.
The applied psychophysiology specialization offers the psychology student helpful skills and concepts, including biofeedback, neurofeedback, stress management, and relaxation training, all of which are useful in a career in health psychology.
Graduates of this four year, the accredited online PhD in Psychology will use their knowledge to further their psychology careers in health psychology, sports medicine, education and clinical environments. With its focus on a whole-person approach to mental health and stress-related diseases, this degree will prepare you to have a positive effect on people’s lives by understanding the connection between biology and psychology.
Required courses include:
- EEG Biofeedback: Assessment and Intervention
- Psychophysiological Recording, Assessment, and Interventions
- Basic Training and Education in Hypnosis
Summary
The demand for psychologists is rising as the US population is growing older and want to live healthier lives in their elder years. Many are interested in the intersection between physical health and psychological health, so there will be an increased need for professionals with a Ph.D. in Health Psychology for years to come.
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