Capella University PsyD Review 2025: Complete Guide to Online Doctorate Programs

Featured Programs:

Sponsored School(s)

Liberty University

Featured Program: Ph.D. in Psychology – General Track

Request Info

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Program: BA and MS in Psychology with various concentrations

Request Info

Arizona State University - Online

Featured Program: Psychology (BS & BA); Forensic Psychology, MS; Addiction Psychology, MS

Request Info

Pepperdine University

Featured Program: Master of Arts in Psychology

Request Info

New York University

Featured Program: NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness program prepares aspiring mental health counselors to pursue licensure in a variety of professional settings.

Request Info

As one of the few fully online Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs in the United States, Capella University offers a unique opportunity for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in psychology without relocating. This comprehensive Capella University PsyD review assesses the program’s costs, outcomes, accreditation status, and suitability for various career paths, providing prospective students with the essential information needed to make an informed decision about this significant educational investment.

Table of Contents

• Program Overview & Accreditation Status
• Complete Cost Breakdown & Financial Analysis
• Curriculum & Degree Requirements
• Admissions Requirements & Process
• Program Strengths & Benefits
• Important Limitations & Considerations
• Licensure Pathways & State Requirements
• Career Outcomes & Employment Data
• Program Comparison & Alternatives
• Decision Guide: Is This Program Right for You?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Verdict & Recommendations

Program Overview & Accreditation Status

Capella University’s PsyD programs represent a significant evolution in doctoral psychology education, providing fully online pathways to the doctorate in both clinical and school psychology. Understanding the program’s structure, accreditation status, and institutional background is essential for prospective students assessing this educational investment.

Institutional Profile

Critical Accreditation Considerations

The absence of American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation is the most significant factor prospective students must consider. While Capella maintains institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the lack of specialized programmatic accreditation has several important implications:

• Internship Limitations: Many competitive internship sites, particularly those participating in the APPIC Match, strongly prefer or require students from APA-accredited programs
• Employment Restrictions: Federal positions, VA hospitals, and many healthcare systems require graduation from an APA-accredited program
• Licensure Challenges: While licensure is possible in most states, some jurisdictions have additional requirements for non-APA program graduates
• Professional Perception: The psychology field generally views APA accreditation as the gold standard for doctoral training

For a comprehensive comparison of APA-accredited programs, you can see our guide to APA-accredited PsyD program rankings.

Complete Cost Breakdown & Financial Analysis

Understanding the actual cost of a doctoral degree extends beyond simple tuition calculations. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all expenses associated with Capella’s PsyD programs:

Detailed Cost Structure

Financial Aid & Funding Options

• Federal Student Loans: Available to eligible students; lifetime aggregate limits apply
• Employer Tuition Assistance: Many healthcare organizations offer educational benefits
• Military Benefits: Yellow Ribbon participant for qualifying veterans
• Payment Plans: Interest-free monthly payment options available
• Scholarships: Limited institutional scholarships; external scholarships recommended

Return on Investment Analysis

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical and counseling psychologists earn varying salaries based on location and specialization:

2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures shown here for Psychologists. Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2025.

For detailed salary information by state and specialization, visit our comprehensive Psychology Careers and Salary Guide.

Curriculum & Degree Requirements

Capella’s PsyD programs follow a practitioner-scholar model, emphasizing practical application of psychological principles over research. The curriculum is designed for working professionals, with asynchronous online coursework and limited residency requirements.

Core Curriculum Structure

Clinical Psychology PsyD

• Foundation Courses (30 credits): Advanced psychopathology, cognitive and affective bases of behavior, biological bases of behavior, social and cultural foundations
• Clinical Core (30 credits): Evidence-based interventions, psychological assessment, clinical supervision, ethics, and professional issues
• Specialization Options (15 credits):
  • Child and Adolescent Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • General Clinical Practice
• Practicum & Internship (15 credits): 1,000+ hours of supervised clinical experience
• Dissertation (6 credits): Applied research project

School Psychology PsyD

• Foundation Courses (35 credits): Learning theory, developmental psychology, research methods, multicultural considerations
• School Psychology Core (35 credits): Consultation and collaboration, academic interventions, behavioral assessment, crisis intervention
• Field Experience (20 credits): Supervised practicum in school settings
• Comprehensive Examination (6 credits): Demonstration of competency

Residency & In-Person Requirements

Despite being marketed as “fully online,” both programs require limited in-person attendance:

• Clinical Psychology: Four one-week residencies in Minneapolis + two 2-week extended seminars
• School Psychology: Six weekend residencies (Friday-Sunday) throughout the program
• Purpose: Skills practice, peer interaction, faculty mentorship, professional networking
• Travel Costs: Students are responsible for transportation, lodging, and meals

Admissions Requirements & Process

Admissions Timeline

• Rolling Admissions: Applications accepted year-round
• Start Dates: Multiple start dates throughout the year
• Decision Timeline: Typically 2-4 weeks after complete application
• Enrollment Cap: No published limits on cohort size

Program Strengths & Benefits

1. Unparalleled Flexibility for Working Professionals

Capella’s asynchronous online format represents the gold standard for accessibility in doctoral psychology programs. Unlike hybrid programs that require weekly campus attendance, Capella students can complete coursework entirely on their own schedule, allowing them to maintain full-time employment while pursuing their doctorate. This flexibility extends to:

• 24/7 access to course materials and lectures
• No required synchronous class sessions
• Self-paced progression through coursework (within quarter deadlines)
• Mobile-friendly platform for learning on the go

2. Affordability Compared to Traditional Programs

With a total estimated cost of $75,000 to $88,000, Capella’s PsyD programs are significantly less expensive than many traditional campus-based programs, which can exceed $200,000. This lower cost structure makes doctoral psychology education accessible to a broader range of students, particularly those serving underserved populations where salaries may be lower.

3. No GRE Requirement

By eliminating the GRE requirement, Capella removes a significant barrier for many qualified applicants, particularly:

• Experienced professionals who’ve been out of school for years
• Individuals who excel clinically but struggle with standardized tests
• Students from underrepresented backgrounds who may lack test prep resources

4. Established Online Learning Infrastructure

With over 30 years of online education experience, Capella has developed robust systems for:

• Technical support available 24/7
• Comprehensive digital library resources
• Virtual tutoring and writing support
• Online career services and networking

5. Specialization Options

The clinical psychology program offers multiple specialization tracks, enabling students to customize their education to align with their specific career goals. This flexibility is especially beneficial for professionals already working in specialized environments who seek credentials that reflect their expertise.

*Visit Capella University

Important Limitations & Considerations

1. Lack of APA Accreditation: The Critical Factor

The absence of APA accreditation cannot be overstated in its importance. This limitation affects graduates in multiple ways:

• Internship Challenges: APPIC-member internship sites, which represent the most competitive and well-structured training opportunities, strongly prefer APA-program students. Non-APA students often must piece together equivalent experiences.
• Employment Limitations: Federal facilities (VA, military, federal prisons) typically require APA program graduation. Many academic medical centers and hospital systems have similar policies
• Interstate Mobility: Some states have additional requirements for non-APA graduates seeking licensure, potentially requiring extra coursework or examinations
• Professional Standing: Within professional psychology circles, the lack of APA accreditation may impact networking and career advancement opportunities

2. Limited Program Options

With only clinical and school psychology tracks available, students interested in other specializations must look elsewhere for their options. Notably absent are:

• Counseling Psychology PsyD
• Neuropsychology specialization
• Standalone Forensic Psychology PsyD
• Health Psychology PsyD

For those interested in broader program options, explore our guide to accredited online PsyD programs.

3. Online Learning Challenges

While flexibility is a strength, online doctoral education presents unique challenges:

• Self-Discipline Requirements: Success demands exceptional time management and self-motivation
• Limited Face-to-Face Interaction: Reduced opportunities for spontaneous learning and mentorship
• Technology Dependence: Reliable internet and updated computer equipment are essential
• Isolation: Less peer support compared to cohort-based campus programs

4. Practicum and Internship Coordination

Students are primarily responsible for securing their own practicum placements and internships, which can be particularly challenging for:

• Students in rural or underserved areas with limited sites
• Those competing against students from APA-accredited programs
• Individuals needing specialized training experiences

5. For-Profit Institution Considerations

As a for-profit institution, Capella faces ongoing scrutiny regarding:

• Student outcomes versus cost
• Marketing practices and enrollment standards
• Long-term institutional stability
• Employer perceptions of for-profit degrees

Licensure Pathways & State Requirements

Understanding the path from graduation to licensure is crucial for prospective students pursuing a PsyD. While Capella graduates can achieve licensure in all 50 states, the process may involve additional steps compared to APA-program graduates.

General Licensure Requirements

State-Specific Considerations

Some states have additional requirements for non-APA program graduates:

• California: Requires detailed curriculum review; may require supplemental coursework
• New York: Specific coursework requirements that must be documented
• Texas: Additional documentation of training experiences required
• Florida: May require extended supervised experience

Internship and Practicum Challenges

Securing quality training experiences is often the biggest hurdle for non-APA program students:

• APPIC Match Participation: Minimal; most Capella students must find non-APPIC internships
• Site Requirements: Many sites require APA program enrollment
• Geographic Limitations: Must find local opportunities or relocate
• Quality Concerns: Non-APPIC sites may offer variable training quality

For guidance on licensure requirements in specific states, please feel free to consult our state-by-state psychology doctorate guides.

Career Outcomes & Employment Data

Transparency Challenges

Unlike APA-accredited programs that must publicly report detailed outcome data, Capella does not publish comprehensive statistics on:

• Licensure exam pass rates
• Time to degree completion
• Attrition rates
• Employment rates post-graduation
• Average starting salaries for graduates

This lack of transparency makes it difficult for prospective students to make fully informed decisions about the program’s effectiveness in launching careers in psychology.

Career Paths for Graduates

Based on the general landscape for PsyD holders, Capella graduates typically pursue careers in:

Income Potential

While specific data for Capella graduates is unavailable, general salary ranges for PsyD holders include:

• Entry Level (0-2 years): $65,000-$80,000
• Mid-Career (5-10 years): $85,000-$110,000
• Experienced (10+ years): $100,000-$150,000+
• Private Practice (established): $100,000-$200,000+

May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data shown for Psychologists and Psychologists, all other. National labor market information and state labor market information are also sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor. Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.

Program Comparison & Alternatives

How Capella Compares to Other Online PsyD Options

Alternative Pathways to Consider

1. Hybrid PsyD Programs: Combine online coursework with monthly campus intensives
   • Often maintain closer faculty relationships
   • May have better internship placement support
   • Some have APA accreditation
2. State University Online Programs: Public institutions increasingly offer online options
   • Lower cost for in-state residents
   • Established institutional reputation
   • May have better clinical training networks
3. Traditional Campus Programs: Still the gold standard for psychology training
   • APA accreditation common
   • Structured cohort experience
   • Integrated clinical training
   • Better internship match rates

For more information on program types, please refer to our guide on the differences between the PsyD and PhD.

Decision Guide: Is This Program Right for You?

*Visit Capella University

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a licensed psychologist with a Capella PsyD?

Yes, Capella graduates can become licensed psychologists in all 50 states. However, the process may be more challenging than for APA-program graduates. You’ll need to ensure that your supervised hours meet state requirements, and some states may require additional documentation or verification of coursework. I think it’s a good time to plan and communicate with your state licensing board throughout your program.

How does the lack of APA accreditation impact career prospects?

The impact varies significantly across different career paths. For private practice, community mental health, and certain school settings, the effect may be minimal once you’re licensed. However, it can be a significant barrier for:

• Federal employment (VA, military, federal prisons)
• Many hospital and medical center positions
• Academic positions at universities
• Highly competitive internship programs
• Some insurance panels that prefer APA-program graduates

What’s the real total cost, including all hidden fees?

While base tuition is approximately $52,000, the actual total cost typically ranges from $75,000-$88,000 when including:

• Dissertation continuation fees (if exceeding the expected timeline)
• Residency costs (travel, lodging, meals)
• Technology fees
• Books and materials
• Licensure exam prep materials
• State licensure application fees

Budget at least $80,000 to avoid financial surprises.

How do I find internships without access to the APPIC Match?

Capella students typically secure internships through:

• Local networking and cold outreach to sites
• Current employment settings (if appropriate)
• State psychological associations’ internship listings
• Non-APPIC consortium programs
• Creating new internship opportunities at existing sites

Start networking early (in your second year) and be prepared to be more self-directed than students in traditional programs.

How long does it take to complete the program?

While marketed as completable in 3-4 years, most working professionals take 5-7 years to finish. Factors affecting the timeline include:

• Work schedule and family obligations
• Dissertation progress (primary variable)
• Practicum and internship scheduling
• Financial considerations (taking fewer courses to reduce loan burden)

What support services are available for online students?

Capella provides:

• 24/7 technical support
• Online library with extensive psychology databases
• Virtual writing center and tutoring
• Career counseling services
• Dissertation mentoring
• Academic advisors

However, the experience differs from on-campus support, as it requires more self-advocacy and initiative.

Can I specialize in areas like forensic or health psychology?

The clinical psychology program offers specialization tracks, including forensic psychology and health psychology. However, these are concentrations within the clinical program, not standalone degrees. The depth of specialized training may be less than what you would find in programs dedicated entirely to these areas.

What happens if Capella loses accreditation or closes?

While Capella has maintained HLC accreditation for decades, the for-profit education sector has seen closures. Protections include:

• Teach-out agreements with other institutions
• Federal loan discharge possibilities in case of closure
• Transcript availability through clearinghouses

However, program closure would significantly complicate the process of degree completion. Could you research the institution’s financial stability before enrolling?

Final Verdict & Recommendations

Capella University’s online PsyD programs occupy a unique niche in doctoral psychology education, offering unprecedented flexibility and affordability for working professionals who cannot access traditional programs. However, these benefits come with significant trade-offs that prospective students must carefully weigh.

Best Suited For:

• Working professionals who cannot relocate or attend campus regularly
• Students with strong self-discipline and time management skills
• Those seeking careers in private practice or community mental health
• Individuals with limited financial resources for doctoral education
• Students who already have strong clinical experience and need the credential

Not Recommended For:

• Students seeking federal employment or VA positions
• Those who thrive in structured, cohort-based learning environments
• Individuals pursuing competitive specializations like neuropsychology
• Students who need extensive internship placement support
• Those for whom institutional prestige is important

Key Recommendations:

1. Please reach out to your state licensing board before enrolling to confirm specific requirements for non-APA graduates.
2. Network early and aggressively to secure quality practicum and internship placements
3. Budget conservatively – assume costs will reach the high end of estimates
4. Consider alternatives – research hybrid programs that might offer better support with more flexibility than traditional programs
5. Document everything – keep detailed records of all training experiences for licensure applications

The decision to pursue a Capella PsyD should be based on a realistic assessment of your career goals, learning style, financial situation, and geographic constraints. While the program can serve as a pathway to licensure and a successful career in psychology, it requires exceptional self-direction and may limit specific career options. For the right student in the right circumstances, it can be a valuable option. For others, the limitations may outweigh the benefits.

Ann Steele, Ph.D.

Ann Steele, Ph.D., is the Editor-In-Chief of PsydPrograms.org, a leading resource for Psy.D. program rankings and psychology career guidance. With over 15 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, Ann has served adults, couples, and adolescents across San Diego County. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Psychology and specializes in helping students navigate APA-accredited psychology programs and doctoral psychology education. Passionate about innovative mental health solutions, Ann integrates music therapy to enhance emotional well-being.

See Full Bio