Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Degree
A Doctor of Psychology, or PsyD, is a graduate-level degree that prepares students to work in the clinical treatment of patients. Those considering entering this role may wish to explore the types of courses and requirements to obtain this degree. Here’s what you should know.
2024 - Best Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Degree Programs
Sometimes it can be appropriate to cut corners, but finding an psychology doctorate degree program is not one of those times. The steps you take to research the many online psychology doctorate programs matter, and that’s why we’ve developed methods to make sure you’re getting the most accurate information available. Any sources or schools listed in our guides are put through a rigorous process and checked and double-checked using our rankings methodology. If you’re curious about what makes our methodology so special, see our Rankings Methodology page for more details.
University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis offers a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program through its Department of Psychology on its main campus. This full-time, five-year program integrates clinical training with research and emphasizes a practitioner-scholar model. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through the on-campus Psychological Services Center and the option to specialize in various areas, such as child and adolescent psychology or health psychology.
University of Denver
Students gain competencies in applying psychological assessments and interventions when they earn their in-person Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from the University of Denver. Students complete community field placements and internships with a 100% match rate.
PsyD Programs- PsyD Clinical Psychology Campus
- PsyD Clinical Psychology Campus
- One of the oldest PsyD programs in the U.S.
- Students complete a Clinical Competency Exam.
- A final paper is required to graduate.
Georgia Southern University
Dedicated to providing psychological therapeutics for underserved rural populations in the South, Georgia Southern University offers a Psy.D program. The in-person advanced degree focuses on preparing generalist practitioners in health service psychology.
PsyD Programs- Psy.D. Program Campus
- Incorporates community engagements with rural clinics.
- Students must complete a series of practicums.
- A one-year clinical internship is required.
What Are the Various Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) Degree Specialties?
Earning your doctorate in psychology will open up the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of psychology. Here are some options for specialization for psychology doctorate students:
- Doctorate of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Doctorate of Applied Psychology
- Doctorate of Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Doctorate of Child Psychology
- Doctorate of Clinical Psychology
- Doctorate of Counseling Psychology
- Doctorate of Developmental Psychology
- Doctorate of Educational Psychology
- Doctorate of Engineering Psychology
- Doctorate of Forensic Psychology
- Doctorate of Geropsychology
- Doctorate of Industrial Organizational Psychology
- Doctorate of International Psychology
- Doctorate of Neuropsychology
- Doctorate of School Psychology
- Doctorate of Social Psychology
- Doctorate of Sports Psychology
Can I Get a PsyD Online?
There are some colleges that may allow for the completion of some or portions of the PsyD degree online. This includes accredited programs designed to help students to complete their education while working or meeting other obligations.
PsyD vs. Ph.D. in Psychology
A PsyD education is a bit different than earning a Ph.D. in Psychology. Both educational paths are doctorate-level education. Typically, a Ph.D. path will prepare students to work in one of many areas of psychology, while the PsyD degree is designed more for those who just want to work in clinical environments, working hands-on with patients.
The Ph.D. path typically focuses on the following:
- Significant research-based education
- Education so students can work in clinical practice, research, or academia
- Provides a wide range of clinical setting skills
- More difficult to get into, though numerous programs exist
The PsyD path typically focuses on the following:
- Education for those who want to run a practice or work directly with patients
- Typically has a strong clinical focus with less research
- Prepares students by teaching a wide range of clinical skills and working with patients
- Takes less time to complete due to fewer research and statistics courses
What Can I Expect in an Online PsyD Program?
Students completing a PsyD program are likely to spend a significant amount of their time focused on skill-building, though research may be a smaller component of the educational path. Without a doubt, this type of program is competitive and will be challenging as it is a terminal degree in the field. Typically, students will need to complete 119 credits, though programs differ.
Some of the most common courses for those in this field may include:
- Adult psychopathology
- Professional ethics
- Assessment and intelligence testing
- Child and adolescent development
- History and systems of psychology
- Interviewing assessment
- Psychopharmacology
- Clinical practicum
One of the keys to this program is that it does not typically require a significant amount of research. As a result of this, students are likely to have to complete a dissertation or may need to complete another project.
What Are the PsyD Admission Requirements?
Typically, schools will require students entering this program to have a master's degree in psychology. Many will require a 3.0 GPA or better, depending on the competitiveness of the program. Students often need to complete an interview with the faculty and submit a resume to showcase the work they have done to this point.
Often, there is the need to submit letters of recommendation from mental health professionals, a goal statement, and an outline of why a person should be considered for the position. Each school's requirements are a bit different, and some programs are more lenient than others available to students.
What Is the Length of a PsyD Program?
A typical PsyD program can be completed in four to six years. That is shorter than the typical Ph.D., which requires five to eight years in most cases. More so, there is often the ability to complete this education over time online, which could help to make it a bit easier for some students.
How Much Does a PsyD Cost?
Costs for a PsyD program range widely based on the school. Many students will need to consider the specific educational goals they have. Online programs are likely to cost much less. Overall, a private college or university is likely to cost about $34,000 a year for this educational path.
There are often options for financing your PsyD, such as applying for a loan (See FASFA for example) or a grant (see the Pell Grant for example).
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 PsyD Degree Programs
Find an online or campus-based PsyD program in Psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.
Jump to Your State Listings
California
Alliant International University-San Diego
San Diego, CA 92131
(858) 635-4000
California Lutheran University
- PsyD in Clinical Psychology Campus
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787
(805) 492-2411
Fuller Theological Seminary
- PsyD in Clinical Psychology Campus
Pasadena, CA 91182
(626) 584-5200
Loma Linda University
- Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Campus
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-1000
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 969-3626 x101
Southern California Seminary
- Doctor of Psychology Online
El Cajon, CA 92019-1108
(619) 201-8999
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA 91750-4401
(909) 593-3511
Colorado
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO 80217-3364
(303) 556-5600
University of Denver
- PsyD Clinical Psychology Campus
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 871-2000
Florida
Florida Institute of Technology-Online
Melbourne, FL 32901-6975
(321) 674-8000
Nova Southeastern University
- Psy.D. in School Psychology Campus
- Psy.D. Clinical Psychology Campus
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796
(954) 262-7300
Hawaii
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI 96816-1578
(808) 735-4711
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 544-0200
Illinois
Roosevelt University
- Clinical Psychology, PsyD Campus
Chicago, IL 60605-1394
(312) 341-3500
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-6600
Indiana
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(812) 237-6311
University of Indianapolis
- Clinical Psychology PsyD Campus
Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697
(317) 788-3368
Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY 40475-3102
(859) 622-1000
Spalding University
Louisville, KY 40203-2188
(502) 585-9911
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000
(270) 745-0111
Maine
University of Southern Maine
- School Psychology Campus
Portland, ME 04103
(207) 780-4141
Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD 21210-2699
(410) 617-2000
Stevenson University
Stevenson, MD 21153-0641
(410) 486-7000
Massachusetts
William James College
- PsyD in Clinical Psychology Campus
Newton, MA 02459
(617) 327-6777
Michigan
Michigan School of Psychology
Farmington Hills, MI 48334-4512
(248) 476-1122 x100
Minnesota
Capella University
- PsyD in School Psychology Online
- PsyD in Clinical Psychology Online
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 389-1866
Saint Cloud State University
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Saint Cloud, MN 56301-4498
(320) 308-0121
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MN 55105-1078
(651) 962-5000
New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000
Kean University
Union, NJ 07083
(908) 737-5326
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Clinical Psy.D. Campus
- Organizational Psychology Campus
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1281
(848) 445-4636
William Paterson University of New Jersey
- Clinical Psychology, PsyD Campus
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 720-2000
New York
Adelphi University
- School Psychology Campus
Garden City, NY 11530-0701
(516) 877-3000
Columbia University in the City of New York
- Ed Psych EdM Campus
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-1754
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6600
Touro College
New York, NY 10036
(646) 565-6000
Yeshiva University
New York, NY 10033-3299
(212) 960-5400
North Carolina
Western Carolina University
- Doctor of Psychology Campus
Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646
(828) 227-7100
Ohio
Xavier University
- Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Campus
Cincinnati, OH 45207-1092
(513) 745-3000
Oregon
Pacific University
- Clinical Psychology Campus
Forest Grove, OR 97116
(877) 722-8648
Pennsylvania
Duquesne University
- Psy.D. School Psychology Campus
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
(412) 396-6000
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA 19383
(610) 436-1000
Widener University
Chester, PA 19013-5792
(610) 499-4000
Tennessee
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931) 221-7011
Texas
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TX 77058-1002
(281) 283-7600
Utah
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT 84720
(435) 586-7700
Virginia
Radford University
Radford, VA 24142
(540) 831-5000
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
(757) 352-4127
Washington
Antioch University-Seattle
- PsyD in Clinical Psychology Campus
Seattle, WA 98121-1814
(206) 441-5352
West Virginia
Marshall University
- Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) Campus
Huntington, WV 25755
(304) 696-3170
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