Ph.D. vs. PsyD: Who Should Get a Ph.D. in Psychology?

There are two types of doctorates in psychology. The first is the Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Psychology, which is suited for careers in research or academia. The second is the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), which is geared toward clinical practice. The psychology Ph.D. and the PsyD are both considered terminal degrees of equal weight – the difference between them is simply in their areas of focus.

For research careers in psychology, a Ph.D. is necessary, especially if working in academia or at the forefront of public policy.

The Ph.D. is the more common of the two doctorate degree types, and takes a minimum of five years to complete – though the average is seven years. Some programs can take many years to complete, especially if the student is working around other commitments.

Most Ph.D. graduates will pursue the following career areas:

  • Academia / University teaching
  • Research
  • Hospital / clinical management
  • Public policy

Many psychology doctorate programs are now available fully or partially online. To learn more about these programs, how to apply to them, and what their requirements are, continue reading below.

2023 - Best Doctorate Degree in Psychology (Ph.D.) Programs

It can be hard to know what information is reliable when it comes to researching online psychology doctorate programs. College websites are notoriously lacking in current information, and sometimes you can find yourself applying to doctorate programs that don’t even exist. Luckily, we’ve been doing this for a while, and we’ve developed strategies to help sift out the disinformation so that you don’t have to. To learn how we accomplish a current and reliable program listing, check our Rankings Methodology page.

1.

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Students gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior from a Christian perspective when they earn their Doctorate Degree in Psychology (Ph.D.) online from Liberty University. Students learn psychiatric research and theory, clinical methods, and behavioral theory.

PhD Programs
  • Tuition remission and stipends are available.
  • Students complete a dissertation and research portfolio.
  • A small urban research university in Worcester, MA.
2.

Clark University

Worcester, MA

In Clark University’s unique social psychology doctoral program students strive to understand the psychological processes that lie beneath current social and political issues. Research groups, forums, and labs are essential components of the program.

PhD Programs
  • Tuition remission and stipends are available.
  • Students complete a dissertation and research portfolio.
  • A small urban research university in Worcester, MA.
3.

Florida International University

Miami, FL

Those seeking to obtain their PhD in Psychology have six options available to them at Florida International University. From clinical science in child psychology to cognitive neuroscience, the programs prepare grads to practice at the highest level.

PhD Programs
  • PhD programs take 4-5 years to complete.
  • A thesis, research, and a dissertation are required.
  • A DEI, international-focused institution of higher education.

Can I Get a Psychology Ph.D. Online?

Psychology Ph.D. programs are possible via online learning as much of the contact time with faculty and peers takes place in seminars and discussion groups – which can be done virtually. Much of the work of a Ph.D. is self-led, making an ideal environment for online work.

The main disadvantage to an online Ph.D. is the lack of direct contact and face-to-face time with peers and other doctorate students – missing the more social elements of working as a team. Also, you may need regular or semi-regular access to university facilities, which will not always be available virtually.

Online students should be aware that required psychology internships will most often need to be completed in person.

Psychology Degrees at Every Level

From entry-level to advanced, there's a psychology degree for your needs.

Learn more about the different online and campus-based psychology degrees available to you.

All Psychology Degrees

What Can I Expect in an Online Psychology Ph.D. Program?

Ph.D. programs in psychology involve high-level psychology courses and research projects where the student identifies a problem or subject area they wish to investigate. Faculty are there to help and guide, but the research is completed by the student so they can become an expert on that subject.

While most of the study is independent, online psychology Ph.D. programs, as well as other types of online psychology programs include discussion groups and seminars with other students as well as one-on-one meetings.

Ph.D. students must also complete an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited yearlong psychology internship as part of the program in order to become licensed upon graduation. Typically, Ph.D. students are matched with internships through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC).

What Are the Psychology Ph.D. Admission Requirements?

Psychology Ph.D. applications are subject to specific evaluation and application criteria. While specific requirements may vary between schools and programs, they typically include:

  • A master's degree in an applicable subject
  • Academic transcript copies
  • Some schools may request GRE scores
  • Recommendation letters from a university professor or other academic mentor
  • A resume, especially if you have experience working in the psychology field
  • A research proposal detailing the problem/gap area that you wish to investigate
  • An essay covering a subject related to psychology
  • Non-U.S.-based applicants may be asked to formally translate their qualifications for a U.S. academic audience
  • If you are applying from a country that does not speak English as a primary language, you are required to provide certification through approved programs such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc.

What Is the Length of a Psychology Ph.D. Program?

Students take many years to complete a doctorate, usually as long as a bachelor's and master's degree combined – at the very minimum. They will often take much longer, though. As there is no set time limit for completion, you may work around a career in psychology, and your family commitments, and take breaks when needed. Generally speaking, a psychology Ph.D. program will take anywhere from 5 to 8 years to complete.

How Much Does a Psychology Ph.D. Cost?

The psychology Ph.D. is a terminal degree – meaning it is the highest level of qualification in any field. This means it will be more expensive than lower-level degrees. Psychology Ph.D. graduates also have the highest earning potential, which can offset the educational costs.

The average cost per year for public universities charging in-state resident students is $12,400. If you're from another state, the average cost is higher. International students are usually higher still. Private universities charge the highest at an average of $26,600 per year. However, they typically do not discriminate on grounds of locality – that is the cost to all students.

It is rare for students to fully fund their doctorate. Most programs are paid for through a combination of research grants and funding. Students will often be employed by the university as a lecturer or junior researchers to offset the cost of funding.

Scholarships are available, and some will cover the student's full living costs, research funding, and expenses associated with completing the degree.

Popular Psychology Specialties

There are many specialty areas that psychologists can pursue. Whether you want to work with a specific client population or focus in on a niche area of mental health, there's a career pathway out there for you. The following are some popular psychology specialties - visit our Psychology Careers page for more.

Child Psychologist

Child Psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. They work with children and their families to develop treatment plans that address specific issues and promote overall well-being.

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologists utilize psychological techniques in the criminal justice system; not only in understanding the criminal mind and devising profiles but also in designing programs for crime prevention.

School Psychologist

A School Psychologist is a trained professional who works within a school setting to support students' academic, social, and emotional development. They use their knowledge of psychology and education to help students overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

 

List of Psychology Ph.D. Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based Ph.D. program in Psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

Alabama

Administration Bldg Suite 1070
Birmingham, AL 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011

301 Sparkman Dr
Huntsville, AL 35899
(256) 824-6120

307 N University Blvd
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
(251) 460-6101

Alaska

3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-1800

Arizona


Tempe, AZ
(855) 278-5080

PhD Programs
University Drive and Mill Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85287
(855) 278-5080

1900 S Knoles Dr, Babbitt Administrative Center, Room 200
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4092
(928) 523-9011

1401 E University
Tucson, AZ 85721-0066
(520) 621-2211

Arkansas

California

10455 Pomerado Road
San Diego, CA 92131
(858) 635-4000

PhD Programs
135 N Oakland Ave
Pasadena, CA 91182
(626) 584-5200

PhD Programs
11139 Anderson Street
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-1000

1069 East Meadow Cr
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 493-4430

200 California Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720
(510) 642-6000

PhD Programs
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8678
(530) 752-1011

9500 Gilman Dr
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 534-2230

5221 Cheadle Hall
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
(805) 893-8000

1156 High St
Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1011
(831) 459-0111

Colorado

102 Administration Building
Fort Collins, CO 80523-0100
(970) 491-1101


Colorado Springs, CO
(719) 255-4500

1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400
Denver, CO 80217-3364
(303) 556-5600

Carter Hall - Rm 4000
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1890

Connecticut

Delaware

PhD Programs
105 The Green, Wolf Hall 108
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-2271

Florida

150 West University Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32901-6975
(321) 674-8000

1500 NW 49th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 776-4476

PhD Programs
341 Tigert Hall 300 SW 13th St
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-1202

4202 East Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33620-9951
(813) 974-2011

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

875 Perimeter Drive MS 2282
Moscow, ID 83844-2282
(888) 884-3246

Illinois

North and School Streets
Normal, IL 61790-1000
(309) 438-2111

1032 W. Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 274-3000

PhD Programs
1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.
Dekalb, IL 60115-2828
(800) 892-3050

Indiana

PhD Programs
2000 University Ave
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 289-1241

420 University Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5143
(317) 274-5555

Hovde Hall of Administration
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2040
(765) 494-4600

Iowa

1750 Beardshear Hall
Ames, IA 50011-2103
(515) 294-4111

101 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
(319) 335-3500

Kansas

919 Mid-Campus Drive, Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
(785) 532-6011

Strong Hall, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd, Room 230
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-2700

1845 N. Fairmount
Wichita, KS 67260-0124
(316) 978-3456

Kentucky

Louisiana

PhD Programs
156 Thomas Boyd Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-2750
(225) 578-3202

6823 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118-5698
(504) 865-5000

Maine

Maryland

PhD Programs
3400 N Charles St
Baltimore, MD 21218-2688
(410) 516-8000

PhD Programs
1700 East Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21251-0001
(443) 885-3333


College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-1000

Massachusetts

950 Main St
Worcester, MA 01610-1477
(508) 793-7711

Massachusetts Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 495-1000

PhD Programs
73 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108-3901
(617) 573-8754

Michigan

106 Warriner Hall
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
(989) 774-4000

900 Oakwood St.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-1849

2200 North Squirrel Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-4401
(248) 370-2100

503 Thompson Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-1817

1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5200
(269) 387-1000

Minnesota

225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080

100 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0213
(612) 625-5000

Mississippi

Lee Boulevard
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-2323

Oxford, Mississippi
University, MS 38677-1848
(662) 915-7211

118 College Drive # 0001
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-1000

Missouri

One North Grand Blvd
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2097
(314) 977-2222

PhD Programs
105 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-2121

One University Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63121-4400
(314) 516-5000

Montana

Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717
(406) 994-0211

Missoula, Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-0211

Nebraska

Nevada

North Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 784-1110

New Hampshire

207 Parkhurst Hall
Hanover, NH 03755-3529
(603) 646-1110

PhD Programs
2500 North River Road
Manchester, NH 03106-1045
(603) 668-2211

New Jersey

PhD Programs
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000

406 Penn
Camden, NJ 08102
(856) 225-1766

PhD Programs
249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 353-1766

400 S Orange Ave
South Orange, NJ 07079-2697
(973) 761-9000

New Mexico

New York

4400 Vestal Parkway East
Vestal, NY 13850-6000
(607) 777-2000

PhD Programs
2900 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11210
(718) 951-5000

160 Convent Ave
New York, NY 10031
(212) 650-7000

65-30 Kissena Blvd
Queens, NY 11367
(718) 997-5000

100 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6600

246 Greene Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10003
(212) 998-5555

70 Washington Sq South
New York, NY 10012-1091
(212) 998-1212

8000 Utopia Pky
Queens, NY 11439
(718) 990-6161

310 Administration Building
Stony Brook, NY 11794-0701
(631) 632-6000

500 W 185th St
New York, NY 10033-3299
(212) 960-5400

North Carolina

287 Rivers St
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-2000

East 5th Street
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
(252) 328-6131

9201 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
(704) 687-2000

1400 Spring Garden St
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
(336) 334-5000

North Dakota

PhD Programs
1301 12th Avenue North
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
(701) 231-8011

264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193
Grand Forks, ND 58202-8193
(800) 225-5863

Ohio

10900 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 368-2000

Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library
Kent, OH 44242-0001
(330) 672-3000

501 East High St
Oxford, OH 45056
(513) 529-1809

020 Chubb Hall
Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-1000

2624 Clifton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0063
(513) 556-6000

300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469
(937) 229-1000

3640 Colonel Glenn Highway
Dayton, OH 45435-0001
(937) 775-1000

Oklahoma

107 Whitehurst
Stillwater, OK 74078-1015
(405) 744-5000

800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
(918) 631-2000

Oregon

1500 SW Jefferson Avenue
Corvallis, OR 97331
(541) 737-0123

2043 College Way
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(877) 722-8648

110 Johnson Hall
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 346-1000

Pennsylvania

3141 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 895-2000

Administration Bldg 600 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
(412) 396-6000

9801 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114-2009
(215) 637-7700

1011 South Dr 201 Sutton Hall
Indiana, PA 15705-1098
(724) 357-2100

1801 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6096
(215) 204-7000

PhD Programs
34th & Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303
(215) 898-5000

800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085-1699
(610) 519-4500

Rhode Island

Green Hall, 35 Campus Avenue
Kingston, RI 02881
(401) 874-1000

South Carolina

201 Sikes Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
(864) 656-4636

South Dakota

Tennessee

1276 Gilbreath Drive
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-1000

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd
Nashville, TN 37209-1561
(615) 963-5000

Southern Avenue
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-2000

2101 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37240
(615) 322-7311

Texas

PhD Programs

Waco, TX 76798
(254) 710-1011

FM 1098 Road & University Drive
Prairie View, TX 77446
(936) 261-3311

6425 Boaz St
Dallas, TX 75275-0221
(214) 768-2000

PhD Programs
2008 Alumni Drive, Rusk 206
Nacogdoches, TX 75961
(936) 468-2011

JKW Administration Building, Suite 200
College Station, TX 77843-1248
(979) 845-3211

PhD Programs
2200 Campbell Stree
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
(888) 868-2682

2800 S University Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 257-7000

Broadway and University Avenue
Lubbock, TX 79409-5005
(806) 742-2011

PhD Programs
304 Administration Dr
Denton, TX 76204
(940) 898-2000

1201 W University Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
(956) 665-2011

701 S. Nedderman Dr.
Arlington, TX 76013
(817) 272-2011

800 West Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
(972) 883-2111

PhD Programs
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249-1644
(210) 458-4011

3900 University Blvd
Tyler, TX 75799-6699
(903) 566-7000

1912 Speedway, Stop D5000
Austin, TX 78712
(512) 471-4161

Utah

PhD Programs
Main Campus
Provo, UT 84602
(801) 422-4636

201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9008
(801) 581-7200

Vermont

Virginia

700 Park Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23504-8000
(757) 823-8600

910 W Franklin St
Richmond, VA 23284-2512
(804) 828-0100

210 Burruss Hall, 800 Drillfield Dr.
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0131
(540) 231-6994

PhD Programs
1 Hayden Drive
Petersburg, VA 23806
(804) 524-5000

Washington

3307 3rd Ave W
Seattle, WA 98119-1997
(206) 281-2000

French Administration Building
Pullman, WA 99164-5910
(509) 335-3564

West Virginia

Wisconsin

1250 W Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 288-7710

PhD Programs
500 Lincoln Dr
Madison, WI 53706-1380
(608) 263-2400

Wyoming

Corner of Ninth and Ivinson
Laramie, WY 82071
(307) 766-1121

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Joel Gill
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