Whether you want to practice, lead, teach, or consult, this program academically prepares you for licensure as a psychologist.1
ROBUST TELEHEALTH TRAINING
Learn how to choose psychotherapeutic interventions for clients at a distance and help communities access mental health services.
RESEARCH SKILLS LABS
Gain hands-on experiential research skills throughout your clinical psychology PhD program and prior to your dissertation.
RICH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Engage in unique learning and mentoring experiences at every step of your program through scaffolded professional development.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Walden’s PhD in Clinical Psychology online program is designed to build on your knowledge and experience, prepare you to pursue licensure, and lay the groundwork for your future as a practitioner.
Featured PhD in Clinical Psychology Courses
Students in this course examine the historical, theoretical, and conceptual foundations of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Students will demonstrate the use of case conceptualization from a CBT perspective. They will integrate and apply CBT's therapeutic skills and techniques to life problems and mental health disorders. Students will analyze the appropriateness of using CBT with diverse populations and using teletherapy, discussed within the context of ethical responsibility and empirically supported interventions. During the in-residence portion of the class, students will demonstrate and apply CBT techniques and develop a case write-up.
This course is provided in-residence, which means that students divide their time between online activities and activities completed in-residence, with most of the instruction occurring face-to-face during the in-residence class meetings. This format allows the student to integrate the online didactic learning experience with hands on skills demonstration.
Students in this course survey basic neuropharmacology, the effects of various psychotropic drugs, and the actions of drugs used to treat mental disorders. Basic principles of neuropharmacology, distribution and elimination of drugs, drug-receptor interactions and dose-response relationships, structure of neurons, neurophysiological mechanisms involved in synaptic activity, and the distribution of specific neurotransmitter systems are covered. Students also learn the actions of specific drugs, their effects on behavior, and their uses in biological psychiatry. This course is provided in-residence, which means that students divide their time between online activities and activities completed in-residence, with the majority of the instruction occurring face-to-face during the in-residence class meetings.
The internship course is taken in conjunction with a supervised clinical experience and is intended to prepare clinical psychology students for readiness to enter practice. This course follows completion of the practicum sequence and is designed to develop intermediate intervention and assessment skills, integrate professional knowledge and skills with evidence-based practices, and continue focused development in specialization areas. This course has required synchronous sessions in which students engage with colleagues and faculty on case consultation and topics related to clinical practice skills. A minimum of 2,000 hours and one calendar year with at least 900 hours of direct client contact must be documented in order to complete internship.
This course is designed to provide a foundation in the theory and skills necessary for multicultural counseling and the delivery of psychological services to diverse populations. Students explore cross-cultural issues and their impact on the therapeutic relationship. Specific populations include those related to race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, social class, economic status, age, religion, and disability. The effects of oppression and its prevention are also discussed in terms of social justice. This course is designed to be provided in-residence, which means that students will be dividing their time between online activities and activities completed in-residence, with the majority of the instruction occurring face-to-face during the in-residence class meetings. With this format, the student has the opportunity to integrate the online didactic learning experience with hands-on skills demonstration. This course is provided in-residence, which means that students divide their time between online activities and activities completed in-residence, with the majority of the instruction occurring face-to-face during the in-residence class meetings.
Factors of cognition and social behavior are at the root of nearly all experiences pertaining to individuals in society. In this course, students use the lens of social psychology to examine perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture. Students apply knowledge and skills gained in the course to a final project in which they develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, students consider ways to extend lessons learned to their personal and professional lives to effect positive social change as scholar-practitioners.
Admissions
When you contact Walden, you’ll work with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through each step—from finding your program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Are you ready to pursue your PhD in Clinical Psychology online? To make the process of getting started easier, Walden offers:
No application fee
No essay or GRE requirement
Easy credit transfer
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the highest degree level you currently hold.
More information for completion programs. More information for international applicants
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning a PhD is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track milestones, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Four residencies support your progress at key points in your PhD journey. Residencies also strengthen your scholarly and professional connections.
Tuition Breakdown
Cost is a factor when you’re exploring PhD in Clinical Psychology online programs—and we want to help make your goals more attainable. Walden gives you several ways to reduce your tuition, including:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 143 quarter credits | $535 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $76,505^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20–100† quarter credits | $535 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $10,700–$53,500* | |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $3,600–$6,480* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $6,080 | |
| In-Residence Supplemental Tuition | Eight in-residence courses; two per quarter | $1,930 per quarter | $7,720 | |
| Estimated Range: | 5-Year | 9-Year | ||
| $104,605 | $150,285*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 5-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 9-year timeframe) | |||
Effective 2/23/26
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 143 quarter credits | $545 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $77,935^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20–100† quarter credits | $545 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $10,900–$54,500* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $3,700–$6,660* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $6,080 | |
| In-Residence Supplemental Tuition | Eight in-residence courses; two per quarter | $1,930 per quarter | $7,720 | |
| Estimated Range: | 5-Year | 9-Year | ||
| $106,335 | $152,895*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 5-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 9-year timeframe) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in nine years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the nine year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 5-year minimum completion requirement and an 9-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 9-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
Career Opportunities
Prepare to pursue new paths in a growing field with an online PhD in Clinical Psychology degree from Walden.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders through observation, interview, and tests.
Expected growth: 11%1
Estimated annual wage: $48,820–$129,0201
Psychology Teacher, Postsecondary
Teach courses in psychology at colleges and universities; conduct academic research in the field.
Expected growth: 5%2
Estimated annual wage: $49,790–$106,6102
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this clinical psychology PhD program will be prepared to:
Explain the contributions of the biological, affective, social, and cognitive areas of psychology as they impact human adaptive and maladaptive functioning.
Articulate the history of clinical psychology, how the specialty of clinical psychology is unique, and how to develop a clinical psychology identity.
Synthesize principles of basic and advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research.
Demonstrate proficiency in evaluating the effectiveness of empirically supported treatments using an evidence-based practice approach.
Synthesize theory and contemporary research to establish a theoretically and empirically anchored personal orientation to the practice of clinical psychology.
Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing empirically supported models of clinical psychotherapy, consultation, and supervision with diverse populations.
Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing cognitive and personality-assessment skills with diverse populations.
Develop constructive working relationships with clients, supervisors, instructors, and colleagues while also demonstrating an appropriate and professional demeanor.
Engage in personal self-assessment to examine feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and opinions regarding your own perspective and worldview as well as those of others.
Describe salient experiences and perspectives of diverse populations including but not limited to race, culture, socioeconomics, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.
Utilize critical thinking and apply relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA, ACA) to decision-making with diverse populations in a variety of settings.
Demonstrate the ability to use multicultural clinical intervention and assessment skills in varied training and professional settings.
Demonstrate an awareness of how social/political issues, policies, and events impact the field of clinical psychology.
Engage in professional activities related to clinical psychology that promote positive social change.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s faculty includes experienced practitioners and subject matter experts who are committed to helping you grow as a psychology professional.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Explore other psychology degree programs at Walden.
FAQ About Walden’s Clinical Psychology PhD program
A PhD in Clinical Psychology is important if you want to become licensed and pursue certain professional paths. Walden’s PhD in Clinical Psychology program academically prepares you to pursue licensure as a clinical psychologist—so that you can become a clinical psychology practitioner and work directly with clients. If you want to teach clinical psychology or conduct original research in the field, earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology is not only worth it; it’s a requirement for most teaching and research roles.
When it comes to finding the best online academic institution, reputation is key. Walden University has been leading adult learning and developing distance education programs for more than 50 years. Now more than ever, working professionals can benefit from quality online programs at an accredited university that provides the support they need, from enrollment through graduation. At Walden, both students and graduates have access to ongoing assistance as they work to earn their degree, reach their professional goals, and effect positive social change.
The amount of time it takes to complete your doctorate will depend on how long you work on your dissertation. The minimum amount of time required to complete the coursework, clinical practicum, internship, Academic Year in Residence, and dissertation at Walden is five years. Students have up to nine years to complete their online PhD in Clinical Psychology degree requirements.
Many employers value a prospective employee who has earned a PhD in Psychology, whether it is from an online university or a campus-based college. It’s important to choose an accredited institution, like Walden University. Walden has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990. The HLC is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Academic residencies and Blended Academic Year in Residence are in-person experiences that align with your online coursework to enhance your skill development, scholarship, and professional practice. Required for Walden’s PhD in Clinical Psychology online program, residencies also provide students with the opportunity to collaborate and network face-to-face with other students, staff, and faculty members.
There are some key differences between the two program types. Because of its strong focus on research, Walden’s PhD in Clinical Psychology degree program is an ideal option for students who are not only interested in clinical practice, but also in academia and research. Our PhD program also provides valuable training for those who want to practice psychology in clinical settings.
PsyD programs were developed as an alternative to PhD psychology programs and are usually the choice of individuals interested solely in the hands-on, straightforward practice of psychology. Like a PhD program, a PsyD program prepares students to practice psychology in a wide range of clinical settings. A PsyD, however, focuses more on clinical practice and less on research and academia.
To get into the clinical psychology PhD program at Walden University, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet the general admission requirements. The admission process is streamlined and includes no application fee, easy credit transfer, and an online application. You will work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who will guide you through every step of the process.
Total costs for a PhD in Clinical Psychology program will vary based on the student’s time to completion, experience, transfer credits, and other factors that may arise during the course of study. Walden’s estimated program cost is $104,605, assuming completion in a five-year time frame.