Touro University Worldwide Psy.D. Psychology Review
As one of a tiny fraction of Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) programs that are designed to be completed online, Touro University Worldwide is unique in the psychology doctoral community. To be sure, the program may not be right for everybody (more on that later), but it could be the ideal option for many students.
Let’s learn more about the program and the factors that work in its favor for the average doctoral hopeful.
About the Program
Here’s a look at the key facts and figures about Touro Worldwide University and its Psy.D. program:
Basics
- Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
- Main campus: Online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- First year of program: 2013
Tuition and fees
- Full-time, in-state tuition: $15,400
- Full-time, out-of-state tuition: $15,400
- Per credit-hour tuition for part-time students: $700
- Institution fees: $1,000
Degrees & requirements
- Psy.D. degrees offered: PsyD in Human and Organizational Psychology
- Number of credit hours required: 66
Admissions
- Application method: Online
- Application fee: $25
- Admission requirements: Master’s degree with at least 3.4 GPA, two letters of recommendation, personal essay
- Admissions office address: 985 Atlantic Ave., Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501
Biggest Pros
What aspects of the university and this particular program make it most appealing for the average student?
Online delivery method
This degree is completed entirely online with no requirement for in-person classes, workshops or practicum experiences. A dissertation is required, but all related courses, mentorship and dissertation defense take place remotely.
Unique program focus
In addition to being one of a handful of programs that can be completed online, the Touro Psy.D. is further distinguished by a programmatic focus on organizational psychology. This growing field of psychology focuses on how humans interact with and are influenced by work-based systems. With the vast majority of Psy.D. programs focused on clinical, counseling and school psychology, this focus helps Touro stand out.
Cost
Most Touro students who complete their degrees within 3-5 years can expect to spend about $50,000 for their doctoral degree. That makes the Touro Psy.D. among the most affordable in a crowded field of psychology doctorates.
Biggest Cons
Let’s learn more about the concerns students may have with the program.
Accreditation
The Psy.D. from Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and it has not received accreditation from the American Psychological Association.
Licensure
For students who intend to earn professional licensure, the Psy.D. from Touro would not be a good option. The degree is not designed to provide the experience necessary to provide person-to-person psychological services, and it won’t do much to help students meet the requirements for state licensure.
Practical experience
While the degree does include a dissertation process that many students will find challenging and rewarding, because the program is not clinical in nature and because it’s an entirely online program, there is no internship or practicum period required.
The Bottom Line
Still undecided? Take a look at the chart below to help decide if the Psy.D. from Touro University Worldwide is an option for you.
| Is the Touro University Worldwide Psy.D. Program Right For Me? | ||
| Need | Yes | No |
| I need to take my classes online | x | |
| I’m interested in clinical psychology | x | |
| I want to focus on a particular population group | x | |
| I’m interested in applied psychology | x | |
| I’m interested in school psychology | x | |
| I’m interested in industrial-organizational psychology | x | |
| I have a very limited budget for a Psy.D. program | x | |
| A well-established program is important to me | x | |
| I want to work in a real-world mental health clinic | x | |
| I want to contribute to cutting-edge research projects | x | |
| I don’t want to take the GRE | x | |
Conclusion
For a specific type of student who wants to level-up a career in the business world, the Touro University Worldwide Psy.D. could be just the trick. It’s not designed for those who plan to become licensed psychologists, but for learners who are passionate about understanding and influencing the ways that people interact with organizations, this degree is an excellent option.