Online Accredited PsyD Degree Programs
While Doctor of Psychology programs will always include some core components that require the face-to-face interaction so important in psychology, plenty of colleges have made the leap to remote instruction.
The more things change, though, the more they stay the same. Psychology is a regulated field of practice and in all fifty states there are strong licensing standards. That means you should expect the same challenging courses in online degrees as you would face in a traditional classroom environment. You’ll get the same in-person, on-site, supervised interaction with real clients. And you’ll absorb all the same advanced curriculum developed over generations of research and observation to help you understand how the human mind ticks.
It’s not an easy feat to accomplish and it’s a short list of schools that have pulled it off successfully. Here you’ll the very best options among them.
How Do Online PsyD Programs Work?
No matter how you look at it, going online is a Brave New World for psychology programs. In a profession that is the ultimate in human-to-human connection, how do schools teach effectively without bringing students together in lecture halls and labs?
In almost all cases, they do it with a combination of online and on-campus residency requirements. You’ll find that the mixture varies from school to school. Some have weekly requirements, and some may meet once per quarter. There are even the elusive 100 percent online programs, which do conduct all classes entirely remotely.
Even those, however, can’t get away from the fact that required practicums and internship work needs to be done in person at a local clinic or practice. While telehealth is becoming more and more common in psychological counseling, it’s still considered an absolute requirement that most of your formative field experience happen in person.
So no matter how online your PsyD program might be, you can expect to need local placement options for internship and practicum experiences.
How Should You Pick Accredited Online PsyD Programs?
The first and most important criteria is accreditation. Accreditation, of course, is a process that schools undergo that involves having an independent third-party evaluation organization assess and affirm that quality standards meet the institutional requirements expected of all colleges and universities operating in the United States.
And if you’ve come this far in preparing for a career in psychology, then you know there’s another layer of accreditation that’s important to be aware of too – specialty, programmatic accreditation.
In the world of psychology, the specialty accreditor that evaluates doctoral-level education is the APA: American Psychological Association, the leading scientific and professional organization in psychology since 1892.
There’s a catch here, however; the APA does not currently accredit any online-only doctoral programs. That’s because they believe certain requirements in their standards can’t be effectively met through online formats.
But there are a few APA-accredited PsyD programs that offer significant online coursework.
Other programs have to rely on other, more general institutional accreditation. This is still important in assessing program quality; an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, is the minimum standard. The good news is that since the type of basic accreditation is required for schools to qualify to accept the Federal FAFSA grants and loans so many students rely on, you’d be hard-pressed to find any non-accredited colleges and universities anywhere in the U.S. And you can be 100% sure you won’t see any on this list.
Carlow University
Doctor of Counseling Psychology
Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Credits Required: 93
Practical counseling with a heart of social justice is the hallmark of the Carlow PsyD in Counseling Psychology. The foundation in understanding social and systemic factors sets this program apart, allowing students to examine their own beliefs and biases even as they learn to work collaboratively with communities and other healthcare professionals.
Program highlights:
- Degree can be completed in as few as 48 months
- Adopts a practitioner-scholar training model
- A Top-50 doctoral program
- Has practicum relationships with agencies throughout the Pittsburgh region
- University-wide support services including financial aid and wellness and fitness area available
- A student mentor program matches every first-year student with a more advanced student in the program
- An internship application preparation seminar prepares students for their first step into professional practice
- A broad range of technology services from the Carlow Information Technology Department supports remote students
- Offers between two and four graduate assistantships each year
- International training opportunities available in Ireland and Uganda
The Chicago School
PsyD Applied Clinical Psychology
Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Credits Required: 66
Four in-person residencies anchor this primarily online program, giving you the essential face-to-face time needed to build a professional network and connect with your community. A leading university that is known as an innovator in the field, the Chicago School brings global experience to the table to prepare the next generation of psychologists.
Program highlights:
- Awards nearly 8 percent of the total number of doctoral degrees granted in the U.S. in the fields of clinical, counseling, and applied psychology
- Uses the practitioner-scholar model for faculty hiring
- Teaches how to conduct culturally competent interviews and treat diverse clients
- Online students can request face-to-face assistance or additional faculty meeting for dissertation help
- Includes an 800 hour practicum and 1500 hour internship for hands-on experience
University of Southern Maine
Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology
Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Credits Required: 109
By ensuring graduates meet the practice competencies of both APA and the National Association of School Psychologists, USM produces hyper-competent PsyD grads who are hired almost the moment they leave the program – boasting a stellar 100 percent job placement rate. It may be the best hybrid program in the United States for PsyD students interested in school psychology specializations.
Program highlights:
- Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend and tuition assistance
- No GRE required for admissions
- Out-of-state students may receive a special tuition break
- You may transfer in up to 45 credits of prior graduate coursework
- Enjoys a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates
- Supported dissertation process includes individualized mentorship and a three-person dissertation committee
- Find connections in scholarships, professional development, and peer mentorship support through the Office of Graduate Studies
Rivier University
Doctor of Counseling and School Psychology
Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Credits Required: 60-130
Three years of residency are required for the Rivier program to comply with New Hampshire Board of Psychology licensing rules, but it is possible to complete some foundational courses completely online. However, with only one day per week required on campus, the Rivier PsyD is still one of the most flexible you will find that holds full APA accreditation.
Program highlights:
- State-of-the-art facilities support hands-on simulation and training for psychology and education students
- Distinguished faculty have rich experience coming from a range of disciplines including psychotherapy, research design, and cultural diversity
- Prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings including agency, community, and independent practice
- Uses the practitioner-scholar model of instruction
- Includes a diverse group of students across numerous dimensions
Capella University
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Credits Required: 145 quarter credits
Primarily online coursework plus face-to-face residencies, clinical practicum, internships, and research bring this hybrid degree into focus as a professional and credible way to develop your psychology competencies. The program aims to qualify students for professional licensure, so it won’t accept students from states where it doesn’t meet licensing requirements. That means you have a safe option for education if you are accepted.
Featured Capella Spotlight
Program highlights:
- No GRE required for admissions
- Flexible options for completing your dissertation
- Learn to integrate both science and theory in your clinical practice
- Faculty have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise to offer in-depth resources to students
- Academic coaches meet with students quarterly and as-needed for full support
- Develop your skills through 3 practicum and 4 internship courses over the duration of the program
- Specially designed for working professionals
- Receive support from an experienced team of academic and administrative professional
- Transfer in up to 30 credits in from other graduate programs
Walden University
Doctor of Psychology in Behavioral Health Leadership
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Credits Required: 90
Walden’s PsyD focus in behavioral health studies builds important cross-disciplinary knowledge in business and management skills as well as important elements of behavioral psychology. If you’re looking for a degree that can boost your career in the fast-changing world of interdisciplinary and integrated healthcare, this one may be your best bet.
Concentrations available:
- Health Psychology
- Healthcare Management
- Industrial & Organizational Psychology
- International Practice
- Public Health
- Teaching
Program highlights:
- Designed to deliver skills and knowledge that are applicable to your workplace
- Uses interactive case studies as cutting-edge learning tools
- Coursework can be completed in anywhere from four to eight years
- Support offered by an experienced team of licensure experts, advisors, professors, and assistants
- Covers business aspects of psychology leadership including procurement, financial management, and entrepreneurship
- Two residences prepare you for your doctoral capstone course
- Tailor your studies through extra elective courses and specializations
Touro University Worldwide
Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Credits Required: 66
In this four-year, 100% online program, you will learn how to gain a superior understanding of what motivates a workforce to boost their productivity, reduce turnover and increase profitability. This doctoral program promotes a better understanding and more effective use of psychological principles in the workplace.
Program highlights:
- 100% online with no residency requirement or campus visits
- No GRE scores are needed for admission
- Accelerated admissions for professionals with significant work experience and master’s level work
- Tuition is affordable at only $700 per credit hour
- Doctoral level instructors provide you with detailed faculty research guidance, learning opportunities, and technology
- Support system gives you the maximum opportunity for student success in your Psy.D. program
Alaska Pacific University
Doctor of Counseling Psychology
Accreditation: Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities
Credits Required: 93
One of just two such programs in the state, the APU PsyD is positioned to help cultivate professionals uniquely suited to assist the remote, diverse communities and individuals across the underserved state of Alaska. But that carefully honed hybrid delivery can work for students across the country as well as in the Land of the Midnight Sun—with on-campus intensives only every six weeks, most of your coursework can be completed anywhere with an internet connection.
Program highlights:
- Program has face to face and technology supported doctoral instruction that meets the needs of students who live far from campus
- Core faculty have highly diverse skills and interests in many clinical, research and cultural areas
- Synchronous online evening classes and weekend intensives make this a program friendly for working professionals
- Delivers knowledge and skills to allow graduates to move immediately into behavioral health, addiction treatment, and related fields
- Encourages building connections to service agencies while still in the program
- Meets Alaska state licensing requirements
What Are The Benefits of Getting Your PsyD Online?
Earning your PsyD degree online as opposed to attending a traditional brick-and-mortar university offers several advantages to this approach. These can depend on the school you choose and other factors in your life, such as family or work requirements. These benefits range from spending less money to maximizing personal flexibility. Most people have a lot of questions about what to expect, and we can give you some answers.
Will you spend less on tuition and fees for an online PsyD?
At many schools, online tuition is less expensive than it is for on-campus versions of the same program, not to mention that online students don’t need to pay for things like parking or labs. Removing the commute itself can also be a big savings. In addition to being able to avoid certain fees that are required for on-campus students, you’ll also avoid temptations that can often come with a campus visit, such as hitting up restaurants, bars and school bookstores filled with campus merch.
It’s important to remember, though, that you may eat into any savings that you could have seen if it takes you longer than expected to complete your degree and tuition costs rise. Plus, students with children may be able to save on childcare costs since they won’t need to find a sitter for their kids while they have class.
Is it easier to balance your life and PsyD school courses?
Provided you complete all your work, internships and other requirements, for the most part, you can complete your schoolwork at the time of your choosing, rather than having to mold your life around an on-campus schedule. That’s the magic of asynchronous courses.
It’s certainly not an easy balancing act, but earning an online PsyD puts you in control of scheduling decisions rather than the school being in charge. After all, if you’re attending a traditional on-campus program and have a course that happens to conflict with, say, a work obligation, you’ve got a tough call to make. When it comes down to schoolwork or picking your kid up from soccer practice, it’s even tougher. An online degree gives you more opportunities to make those trades to keep everybody happy.
Can you lower your carbon footprint with an online PsyD?
Your mileage will vary here, but if you don’t need to drive to a campus several times per week, that will likely add up to hundreds of miles of travel avoided. Not only is driving less a great thing for the earth, but it’s also good for your wallet since you won’t need to fill up your gas tank as often.
Also, many college campuses are heavy polluters thanks to industrial air-conditioners and other heavy-duty machinery. If fewer students are on-campus, over time, that will likely lead the university to reduce the amount of energy it’s consuming.
Of course, if you are located a great distance from a school that does require at least some part-time presence on campus, you’ll have to include air travel carbon costs in your calculation. That could wipe out any other benefits you might accrue.
Will a PsyD online help your technical skills with online counseling?
A PsyD certainly isn’t a STEM degree, but successfully completing your education online will mean mastering several online tools for communicating with your professors and classmates. You’ll also master conducting and organizing researching and keeping yourself on track.
All that work builds hard skills that will serve you well out in the workforce. Technical skills aren’t the only ones you’ll be building, either, since earning a degree online requires a great deal of personal motivation. The productivity and time management skills built through earning an online degree are invaluable, not just in the professional world, but for life in general.
Will you have greater access to faculty though online PsyD studies?
It might seem counterintuitive, but online students sometimes actually experience more regular interaction with faculty members than traditional on-campus students.
That’s because a professor is going to establish a set schedule for office hours, and they may not even have office hours every day. Many on-campus students miss their chance if they don’t get to the office in time.
But because online communication can take place at any time, professors may be more inclined to send or receive messages at home, even very late into the night. Many people also find it easier to communicate ideas through emails and chat programs, something that could lead to more regular communication and more in the way of helpful guidance from faculty members.
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