National University : Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
The Chicago School : Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online Programs.) The Chicago School : Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (Online Programs.)PsyD Program Requirements
Because a PsyD is a terminal degree, you’ll need to show previous education and experience in the subject before you’re accepted into one of these programs. The specific requirements vary among programs, so contact the universities where you wish to study to learn more about entry requirements. For most programs, however, you can expect requirements in the following categories:
- Previous degree in psychology (either bachelor's or master's; varies by school)
- Successful completion of key psychology courses
- Minimum GPA scores (varies by school)
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| National University
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn a degree in Counseling Psychology, Gerontology, or Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder Learn More |
| The Chicago School
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credential Track options are also available. |
✔ Online
Master's Degree Required. |
The Chicago School’s Online Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program provides a solid knowledge base in the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and radical behaviorism, equipping graduates with the skills needed to bring about socially significant behavioral changes through evidence-based program development. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
|
✔ Online
Master's Degree Required. |
The online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program prepares graduates to act as educators and leaders in the field of counseling. Ph.D. Supervision students engage in the evaluation of theoretical and practical aspects of counseling through both qualitative and quantitative research. Learn More |
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Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Degree Requirements
The typical path to a PsyD program is earning a bachelor’s in psychology and then a master’s in psychology. Some programs are willing to consider an applicant without degrees in these specific subjects. For example, you may be able to apply to a master’s in psychology with a bachelor’s in sociology or a related field.
Many master’s in psychology programs require internship or practicum hours before earning a degree. This means that most PsyD candidates have hands-on experience working with psychologists and other mental health professionals. Even if these hours aren’t required for your chosen master’s and PsyD programs, they can strengthen your application.
You can still explore PsyD degree programs even if you don’t have a master’s degree. Many institutions offer combined programs, so you can apply with only a bachelor’s degree and receive all the necessary training to earn a PsyD by the end of your course.
Specific Course Requirements
Earning a bachelor’s and master’s in psychology will give you a broad range of knowledge and experience in the field. Many PsyD programs, however, are specifically interested in your completion of a few courses. You may need to pass these courses to be considered or to have a robust application:
- Statistics
- Physiological psychology
- Psychopathology
- Learning, cognitive, or developmental psychology
- Social psychology
The specific course requirements vary, and these courses are common in master’s programs in the field. If you earned a master’s degree earlier in your career, consider refreshing your knowledge of these and other foundational areas as you prepare a PsyD program application.
National University - Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (COAMFTE Accredited)
The Chicago School - Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (WASC and WSCUC Accredited)
The Chicago School - Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (WASC and WSCUC Accredited)
GPA Requirements
Your undergraduate GPA isn’t likely to affect the process of being admitted into a doctorate level online psychology program, but many programs look at your master’s degree GPA. Competitive applications have a GPA of at least 3.0. You may be considered for some programs with a lower GPA, but this is a common entrance requirement.
A PsyD degree is a professionally focused alternative to a PhD degree. Most programs don’t require GRE or GMAT scores. You can find many competitive, APA-accredited options without taking the GRE.
Are There Any APA-Accredited Online PsyD Programs?
APA accreditation requires universities to align curriculum, testing practices, and academic standards with the APA guidelines. While many online PsyD programs offer rigorous coursework and competitive career preparation, there are currently no APA-accredited online PsyD programs.
You should review in-person APA-accredited PsyD programs and top rated online APA accredited PsyD programs to determine the best option for your career. If you value the accreditation standards of APA, you can search for local universities or consider relocating to complete your program. Otherwise, you can search for competitive and flexible online programs to earn your PsyD from home.
Popular Online PsyD Programs That Don’t Require the GRE
There are many PsyD programs that don’t require a GRE, including those offered by:
University of Arizona Global Campus
The PsyD program at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) offers accelerated six-to-nine-week courses that allow students to complete their degree in four years. If you study at UAGC, you’ll only take one course at a time so that you can truly focus on the material.
Students in this program take 10 core classes and seven specialization courses to prepare them for work in the criminal justice system, health and wellness, or sport and performance psychology. The UAGC PsyD program is open to accepting students with a bachelor’s degree who have at least a 3.0 GPA. If you already have a master’s, you may be able to transfer up to 30 credits toward your PsyD degree.
Alaska Pacific University
Designed for working professionals who already have a master’s degree in psychology, the online PsyD program at Alaska Pacific University (APU) combines in-person weekend sessions with synchronous online e-learning sessions. Students in this program are expected to come to the school’s campus in Anchorage for a total of three weekend sessions every semester.
APU’s online PsyD degree program takes five years to complete and includes both a practicum and dissertation. Program curriculum is designed to meet the requirements to become a licensed psychologist in Alaska, making this program ideal for students in the state who are interested in working in health services. While APU’s online program isn’t APA-certified, it does follow the APA’s 2015 Commission on Accreditation recommendations for programs in health services psychology.
Meridian University
Meridian University’s online PsyD in Clinical Psychology is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Students can complete the program completely online or can opt for a hybrid format that combines both in-person learning and online classes. Students who come into the program with a bachelor’s will need to complete 133 units in order to graduate, which generally takes between three and four years.
Students in this program can choose from a variety of specialty study areas including developmental coaching, collective trauma and social healing, clinical psychology, and transpersonal psychology. The Meridian program meets the requirements for licensure as a California psychologist, marital counselor, or licensed professional clinical counselor. The program also meets Alaska’s requirements to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Touro University
Touro University Worldwide (TUW) offers an online PsyD degree in Human & Organizational Psychology. All TUW courses are taught in an eight-week, fully online format. It is designed specifically for students who are already working in the field of psychology. Students who want to apply to this program must have a master’s degree.
A total of 66 credit hours are needed to graduate from this program. Most students finish the program within three to four years. However, students can take longer if needed to complete all of their coursework. TUW’s online program is not specifically designed to qualify students for licensure in any state. Those who are interested in this program should reach out to Touro’s admissions department to determine if the core curriculum will meet licensure requirements in the state where they want to practice.
Rivier University
Rivier University offers a hybrid PsyD in Counseling and School Psychology for professional students in the Nashua, New Hampshire, area. While students can take some Rivier University courses online, they are required to dedicate one day a week to coming to the school’s physical campus. In-person attendance is necessary to meet the state of New Hampshire’s licensure requirements for psychologists.
The Rivier University PsyD degree takes five years to complete and includes both practicum hours and a final dissertation. Students in this program generally go into the field of educational psychology or school counseling.
William James College
William James College’s PsyD in Leadership Psychology program, while delivering most of its courses online, is not strictly an online program. It includes a distinctive blend of online learning with mandatory in-person residencies. Designed for individuals with a minimum 30-credit master’s degree, the program can be completed in 4 years full-time or 6 years part-time, requiring a total of 68 WJC credits.
The program is distinguished by its three required annual residencies at the campus in Newton, MA. These four-day intensive stays are a core part of the curriculum, offering executive-level experiential learning, networking opportunities, and face-to-face interaction with peers and faculty. The program’s field education component, consisting of 900 hours of supervised training, is designed to provide practical, real-world experience.
APA-Accredited PsyD Programs With No GRE Requirements
PsyD programs aim to prepare you to work as a practitioner in the field. This is reflected in the coursework, faculty experience, and entrance requirements. Explore the coursework, learning environments, and specialties available as you find the best program for your terminal degree.
Coursework for APA-Accredited and Online PsyD Programs
Study key areas of psychology to hone your current practice or prepare to provide therapy for the first time. The courses you’ll be required to take vary depending on the institution you choose, but these are common courses you can be expected to complete:
- Clinical interviewing
- Cognitive psychology
- Behavioral analysis
- Statistics
- Cognitive therapy
- Child assessment
- Ethics
- Developmental psychology
The practitioner-focused curriculum typically needs a dissertation. While foundational for Doctor of Philosophy students, PsyD students rarely invest this amount of time into a research project as part of their program.
Instead of a dissertation, prepare to spend a significant amount of time with more hands-on projects and experience. The primary goal of these degree programs is to prepare students for careers as practitioners, while terminal PhD programs focus more on blending researcher and practitioner experience.
APA-Accredited Hybrid PsyD Programs vs. Online Programs
While there are currently no APA-accredited PsyD online programs to earn a Doctor of Psychology degree, many competitive options are still available for online study. If you want the flexibility and convenience of an online program, then consider applying to either a hybrid or a fully online course. Hybrid programs combine both in-person and online learning. Some hybrid programs are APA-accredited, making them a good choice if that accreditation is important to you.
Benefits of Hybrid PsyD Programs
Hybrid courses offer both in-person and online learning opportunities. A traditional example is an online course with an in-person lab component. Some hybrid programs offer distinct online and in-person courses, while others blend both throughout every class. Many hybrid PsyD programs offer foundational courses online and specialized courses or workshops in person.
A hybrid course allows you to enjoy some of the flexibility of an online program while still keeping you connected to local students and professors. Because of some in-person components, you can’t apply to a hybrid program in another city or state without relocating for your studies. Another benefit of hybrid programs is that students may have better practicum and internship opportunities than they would online thanks to established faculty relationships with local healthcare facilities and providers.
Benefits of Online PsyD Programs
Online PsyD programs allow you to apply from any part of the country or, sometimes, the world. You’re free to remain in your home or move to a location with a competitive job market without worrying about the availability of PsyD degree opportunities in the area. These programs are also a great choice for working professionals and parents who aren’t able to relocate for school.
An online program can offer both synchronous and asynchronous methods of study. A synchronized learning experience typically includes live-streamed lectures and live chat rooms to discuss concepts with other students. Asynchronous learning takes advantage of video recording and text-based chat rooms to allow you to attend lectures at your convenience.
Clinical Psychology PsyD Programs and Other Concentrations
PsyD terminal degrees are focused on the practical skills, theories, and resources counselors need to perform their daily duties. Because of this, programs can be specialized to cover topics related to your chosen career path. Consider one of these concentrations as you explore APA-accredited programs:
- Counseling psychology: Diagnose and treat various mental, emotional, and physical programs to improve patients’ well-being. Counseling psychologists work with patients to resolve personal crises and identify treatment options.
- Clinical psychology: Specialize in severe mental disorders through the branch of psychopathology. Clinical psychologists work closely with medical practitioners and other professionals for diagnosis and treatment plans across the lifespan.
- Behavioral psychology: This branch of psychology focuses on behaviors and how they impact moods, thoughts, and emotions. Work with your patients to create specific actions to help them positively shape their emotional responses.
- Industrial-organizational psychology: Not all psychologists work with individuals facing severe crises. Utilize your expertise to improve organizational efficiency, workplace satisfaction, and cultural awareness in corporate settings.
- Developmental psychology: Whether working in a school or other setting, development psychologists use their expertise in physical, emotional, and social development to assist patients across the lifespan.
These are the most common concentrations, but you can find additional specialization opportunities as you compare universities and speak with faculty. Balance a broad understanding of psychological principles with a concentration that equips you with the specific resources you need in your practice.
PsyD vs. PhD Psychology Programs
An APA-accredited PsyD program is a competitive option to become a board-certified psychologist. Still, a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology can also prepare you for the same certificate and license. What are the differences between these two popular programs?
The key difference is the focus of the program. Most online PhD of psychology programs are primarily academic. They can prepare you for a career as a psychologist and equip you with the skills and training you need to be a professor or researcher.
A PsyD program is focused more exclusively on practical knowledge. Most don’t require a dissertation but focus the entire study on training you in theoretical and practical knowledge in diagnosis and treatment plans.
- Learn more about the difference between a PsyD and PhD in Psychology: PsyD vs PhD
Length of Study for PsyD Programs With APA Accreditation
The minimum length of study for most APA-accredited PsyD programs is four years. Some students take up to seven years to complete a terminal degree. This length is more common for PhD programs than PsyD programs because the additional time is typically used to complete a dissertation.
If you don’t have a master’s degree, completing your combined program may take five or more years. Work with your advisor to determine the years required to complete your program.
Licensing and Certification Steps for Online PsyD Programs
Becoming a licensed psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree. While you may be able to see patients after earning a master’s degree, you typically can’t establish your own practice.
Both PsyD and PhD programs in psychology prepare you to become a licensed psychologist. You may need to complete additional supervised clinical hours, depending on your previous experience, program, and state.
The most common licensing process across all the states is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology or EPPP. The EPPP may be enough to become board licensed as a psychologist, but you may also need to pass a state-specific examination.
PsyD Careers and Job Outlook
Train to become a psychologist and work closely with patients and fellow clinicians. Psychologist careers are varied and offer you many opportunities to make a difference. Some work with a specific group of people, such as child psychologists. Others work in a specific setting, like a private practice, but treat individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Here are the most common work environments, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS:
- Self-employed psychologists
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Ambulatory healthcare services
- Government settings
- Private, local, and state hospitals
PsyD Salary Information
Because of the range of settings and career opportunities, the expected salary for professionals with a PsyD can vary. For most psychologists, the 2022 median pay was approximately $85,330, according to BLS. According to BLS, the job outlook for this category is approximately six percent growth between 2022 and 2032.
According to BLS, postsecondary psychology teachers earned a median annual wage of $88,470 in 2022. Industrial-organizational psychologists earned around $144,610 in the same year.
PsyD Clinical Psychology Salary
BLS doesn’t separate clinical psychologists but offers clinical and counseling psychologist data. This group earned a median salary of about $102,740 in 2022. The highest 10 percent of salaries had a median of approximately $138,600.
The salary expectations also vary depending on the area where clinical psychologists work. For example, psychologists in outpatient care centers earned a mean wage of approximately $106,410, while psychologists in elementary and secondary schools earned a mean wage of about $87,320.
PsyD vs. PhD Salary
According to Payscale, in September 2023, professionals with a Doctor of Psychology degree will earn a median salary of about $82,000. Also, in September 2023, Payscale found that professionals with a PhD in psychology earned approximately $95,000 as a median salary.
Both terminal degrees offer competitive career opportunities. As you compare the median salaries of professionals with both degrees, remember to consider any differences in program costs.
Skills Gained Through Online PsyD Programs
Because a PsyD degree is a terminal degree in your field, you’ve likely already practiced the skills you need to be a successful psychologist. Continue to hone these skills that you’ve practiced through your bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and any field experience:
- Empathy: A primary skill of a successful psychologist is empathy. Empathy helps you provide guidance and treatment options for individuals going through severe trauma or dealing with a serious mental disorder.
- Attention to detail: Identifying small emotional or behavioral details can lead to breakthroughs in therapy. As a psychologist, you can’t afford to mix up the details of treatment plans or diagnostic tools.
- Ethics: Psychologists work with patients in states of emotional trauma. Like other care providers, you must always act ethically during patient care.
- Problem-solving skills: Psychological diagnosis isn’t always an exact science, so you must have problem-solving skills to identify the signs and symptoms of a particular disorder.
- Research skills: The field constantly changes as researchers uncover new methodologies and theories. You’ll need research skills to stay at the forefront of modern psychological care.
- Patience: Just like other medical practitioners, you’ll likely meet patients unaware of their psychological state or the importance of therapy. Use patience with your patients to look for opportunities for therapeutic breakthroughs.
- Clear communication: Practice communicating clearly with patients and other professionals. Avoid miscommunication or inappropriate communication strategies.
- Active listening: A critical part of therapy is active listening. Be sure you genuinely listen and respond to clients’ concerns and insights into their psychological state.
Explore PsyD Programs and Entrance Requirements Today
See how an APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology program can help you open your own practice or improve your professional skills. Explore leading program options and entrance requirements today with Counseling Degrees Online.
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What to Look for in an Online PsyD Program
Accreditation
An accredited program has met the requirements of an accrediting agency. Since the criteria evaluated during the accreditation process directly or indirectly affect the quality of education received, it is best to know the program’s accreditation status before enrolling.
The body in charge of accrediting the PsyD programs is the APA-CoA (APA Commission on Accreditation). It accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, school psychology, counseling psychology, and other areas of professional psychology. Remember that no online PsyD programs are APA-accredited as of November. However, many programs still follow APA guidelines to ensure that students learn the fundamentals of this important profession.
It’s generally easy to determine if a program follows APA guidelines for accreditation. You start by checking the program’s website or contacting the accreditation body.
Admission Requirements
Every educational program has requirements that must be met before you can be admitted. Reviewing these requirements before enrolling and paying any fee is often advisable. Requirements vary from program to program, but some general ones include educational background, transcript, work experience, personal statement, and letter of recommendation. Check the program’s official website for specific program requirements. Remember that some programs require only a bachelor’s degree while other programs require a master’s.
If you would like to earn a PsyD but don’t have a current degree in psychology, you may need to take some foundation classes. Check with programs you’re interested in to determine what specific classes you need to take to be eligible for admission.
Faculty
Reviewing the school faculty can help ensure that the school has the expertise and qualifications to run the program. A deeper dive into the university faculty provides additional insight into teaching philosophies and student/instructor dynamics. If you’re interested in a niche area of psychology, it may be worthwhile to attend a school known for teaching that particular discipline.
However, getting information about the faculty can be challenging. It is often advisable to start with the school’s online community via its website or social media groups. If you’re able to interact with current students or alumni, don’t hesitate to make connections and ask questions.
Cost
A significant factor to consider when evaluating online PsyD programs is the cost to complete the program. The cost may include tuition, course materials, and fees. Fortunately, some programs offer grants and scholarships. Admissions offices can also help you explore financial aid options, including both federal and private student loans.
Faculty-to-Student Ratio
Faculty-to-student ratios are the number of faculty/staff employed by the institution compared to the number of students. It usually indicates the level of individual attention students receive from faculty members. This ratio is typically expressed as a numerical ratio, such as 1:15, where the first represents the total number of faculty members and the second represents the total number of students. In the case of 1:15, there is one faculty member for every fifteen students. Consider this ratio when evaluating programs if class size and personal attention from faculty are important factors for you.
Do I need a Master’s Degree in Psychology to get Accepted into an APA-Accredited PsyD Program?
It is not mandatory to have a master’s Degree in psychology to enroll in a PsyD program. While most students enrolling for PsyD programs already have a master’s degree, you can also enroll in some programs with only a bachelor’s degree.
Using your bachelor’s degree for admission to PsyD programs will reduce your years in school. This is because some schools combine master’s and doctoral degrees in one program, which ends up being around five years. But if you intend to obtain both degrees separately, you might end up spending six to nine years—two to three years for the master’s degree and four to six years for the doctoral degree.
Can I Teach with a PsyD?
You can hold an academic position like teaching with a PsyD degree. Most PsyD degree holders are hired as part-time adjunct instructors and, in a few cases, as full-time lecturers. This is because most full-time academic positions are held by PhD psychologists. Remember that the PhD in psychology tends to focus on academics, so that is why many psychology professors have a PhD instead of PsyD.
However, if you intend to pursue a full-time teaching career with a PsyD, it is advisable that you have relevant teaching experience, research publications, and professional credentials. This is because teaching positions are competitive and often require experience and specialized knowledge.
Are Online PsyD Programs Entirely Online?
Online PsyD programs are primarily conducted through online platforms but may include some in-person requirements. While coursework and lectures are typically delivered online, the in-person requirements may be supervised clinical practicum experiences. However, the exact structure and format of online PsyD programs can vary depending on the institution and program.
The goal of in-person requirements in online PsyD programs is to allow students to gain hands-on experience, interact with peers, and receive direct supervision. These requirements can vary in duration, ranging from a few days to several weeks. It’s important to research and review the specific details of any online PsyD program you are considering. You can get information on the program’s website or from the school’s admissions department.
