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PhD in Clinical Psychology

Get practical experience as well as essential knowledge from respected faculty with our PhD in Clinical Psychology degree program.

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
""
LICENSURE PREPARATION

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.

Program Details

Your Path to Success

Learn more about Walden’s clinical psychology PhD program—from completion requirements and courses to career paths afforded by a PhD.

 

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework143 quarter credits $525 per quarter hour for coursework credits$75,075^
Tuition-Dissertation 20–100 quarter credits$525 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$10,500–$52,500*
Program Fee $175 per quarter$3,500–$6,300*
Residency Fee Four Residencies$1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)$6,080
In-Residence Supplemental TuitionEight in-residence courses; two per quarter$1,930 per quarter$7,720
Estimated Range:  5-Year9-Year
   $102,875$147,675*+
   (assuming completion in a 5-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 9-year timeframe)

Effective February 24, 2025

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework143 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 TuitionEight in-residence courses; two per quarter$1,930 per quarter$7,720
Estimated Range:  5-Year9-Year
   $104,605$150,285*+
   (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.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

A Path to Success

Jobs for clinical and counseling psychologists are projected to grow 11% through 2032—much faster than the average for all occupations. An online PhD in Clinical Psychology degree can help you meet this demand and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

 

No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Clinical Psychology program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
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.

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FAQ About Walden’s Clinical Psychology PhD program

Is a PhD in Clinical Psychology online worth it?

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.

How do you choose the best online university for your clinical psychology PhD program?

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.

How long does it take to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology online?

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.

Are online PhD programs respected?

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.

What is an academic residency, and why is it important to my PhD in Clinical Psychology degree program?

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.

What is the difference between a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program?

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.