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PhD in Psychology
Request InformationBuild a versatile, doctoral skill set in Walden’s PhD in Psychology program.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule May 30, 2022
Transfer Credits
- Up to 55 Credits
Walden is the No. 1 granter of PhD in Psychology degrees in the U.S.¹
The field of psychology is forever changing. Over the last 15 years, Walden’s online PhD in Psychology program has evolved right alongside it, focusing on the tools and skills today’s practitioners need to positively impact their career, organization, and community.
In our PhD in Psychology program (non-clinical/non-licensure), you’ll gain a multifaceted skill set that prepares you for diverse work environments and career paths. Apply your new knowledge in coursework and practicums as you build confidence for real scenarios you’ll face out in the field.
A PhD in Psychology degree program prepares students to make positive contributions to the field through teaching, research, and consulting.
Why Walden?
Learn From a Leader
You can feel confident earning your doctorate from Walden, the No. 1 granter of PhD in Psychology degrees in the U.S.1
Get the Support You Need
Our integrated doctoral support services are designed to help you stay on track and excel at every stage of your program.
Tailor Your Studies
Focus your coursework with one of six PhD specializations, including Educational Psychology and Teaching in Psychology.
Go Beyond Theory
Prior to starting your prospectus, you’re assigned a chair who works with you to smoothly transition from coursework to your dissertation.
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on May 30, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowProgram Details
Learning Tracks
TRACK I: Choose this track if you have a master's degree in psychology or related field.
TRACK II: Choose this track if you have a GPA of 3.0 on bachelor’s degree or master's degree in unrelated field.
FAST TRACK: With our Fast-Track Option, you increase your course load each term and begin your dissertation early to expedite your path through the program.
Earn Your Master of Philosophy Degree Along the Way
Earning your doctoral degree is the ultimate intellectual challenge. To signify how far you’ve come in your journey to your PhD in Psychology, you will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree upon completion of certain or advanced program requirements prior to completing your dissertation.
Walden is one of a few universities that offer this advanced research master’s degree. Highlight your academic achievement and show employers and others that you possess comprehensive knowledge in your field of study.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a related field from an accredited school and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. More information for international applicants.
Educational Psychology
Focus on classic educational psychology theory and how to use testing and measurement, with emphasis on adult learners.
Health Psychology
Explore topics such as health psychology, biopsychology, psychoneuroimmunology, and how to change health behavior.
Research in Psychology
Expand your research skills to include survey research, tests/measurement, and advanced mixed-methods analysis.
Self-Designed
Create a program of study that closely matches your personal and professional goals.
Social Psychology
Focus on how our thinking is affected by social context. Explore social cognition/attitudes, survey research, and applied social psychology.
Teaching in Psychology
Gain skills, tools, and strategies for teaching adult psychology students, with a particular focus on online instruction.
At Walden, we’ll guide you every step of the way with a comprehensive suite of support resources designed to help you confidently pursue the finish line, including our Doctoral Degree CoachTM. Are you ready to reach a higher level in your field?
A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate
Earning your online PhD in Psychology requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.
- Map and Track Milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.
- Meet Weekly Targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.
- Connect With Faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.
- Access Helpful Resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.
Program Outcomes
Impact the Psychology Field at a Higher Level
Change people’s lives—and the psychology field at large—by gaining next-level skills you can apply in teaching, research, program evaluation, and consulting. Tailor your PhD in Psychology coursework to the career you want with one of six specializations that combine classic theory with real-world application. Take advantage of robust dissertation support from early on in your program and get an edge in reaching the doctoral finish line. Prior to your dissertation, you have the option of choosing between a teaching and research practicum to gain intensive practical experience.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this online PhD in Psychology program will be prepared to:
- Apply principles of basic and advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research.
- Apply relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA) to decision making with diverse populations in various settings.
- Promote social change through the integration of principles of psychology in scholarly and/or professional activities.
- Communicate effectively to a variety of stakeholders and audiences.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of psychology-specific knowledge and theory to improve the condition of individuals, groups, and organizations.
- Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing empirically supported models for teaching, consultation, and research.
- Develop a professional identity appropriate to one’s professional goals.
Career Outlook
Earning a “Dr.” in front of your name is a way forward, helping you achieve more credibility, respect, and influence in your field. With a PhD in Psychology degree, you’ll also have versatility when exploring career opportunities. Build valuable, lifelong skills in critical thinking, information gathering, problem solving, and scholarly writing.
While many psychology doctorate holders pursue careers in academia, a good number seek paths in nonacademic settings, such as nonprofit organizations, foundations, and research institutes. Gain the practical training and insights to impact lives and make valuable contributions as a researcher, consultant, or organizational leader.
A PhD in Psychology degree can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Government offices and agencies
- Hospitals and healthcare organizations
- Corporations and nonprofit organizations
- Schools and universities
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
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Brandon Cosley
Contributing FacultyDr. Cosley received his PhD in research psychology in 2011 from the University of Maine. His primary areas of research are stereotyping, stress, artificial intelligence, and community empowerment. He has received awards for his work in both data science and psychology and given talks all over the world.
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Lorie Sousa
Contributing FacultyDr. Sousa has worked as a statistical consultant for a large community college district, university lecturer, and co-owner of an educational research consulting company. She has been involved in both qualitative and quantitative research as a data scientist for the past 20 years.
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Ethel Perry
Contributing FacultyDr. Perry has been a contributing faculty member at Walden since 2018. She enjoys teaching the doctoral qualitative research courses, mentoring dissertation candidates, serving as senior mentor to new faculty in the Positive Leadership for Dissertation Chairs training course, and teaching at academic residencies. Her research interests include African American men’s experiences with fibromyalgia and quality of life, women’s experiences with Addison’s disease and quality of life, and autoethnography research polyautoimmunity—multiple autoimmune syndrome—and quality of life.
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Jesus Tanguma
Contributing FacultyDr. Tanguma’s background includes working with middle, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students for over 35 years. He has co-presented 76 papers with many of his university students and colleagues. Similarly, he has co-authored 39 refereed publications, some of which have been with colleagues and some with his students.
Testimonials
My education at Walden has afforded me not only the focus on social fairness, but also the opportunity to continue a civilized discourse of social change regarding sexual harassment of women in education.
Inna Learn PhD in Psychology Graduate
Today, I work at a graduate medical university training students across various healthcare professions, teaching knowledge and skills and assessing competency through simulation.
Dr. Meredith L. Baker-Rush PhD in Psychology Graduate
My time at Walden was invaluable. From the courses I took to the guidance I received from the librarians—my experience has been nothing but positive.
Dr. Jessica Holmes PhD in Psychology Graduate
Resource Articles
Psychology Careers You May Not Know About
FAQ About Walden’s Online PhD in Psychology Program
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There are some key differences between the two programs. PhD psychology programs are plentiful, but also fairly competitive, with more rigorous admission criteria. Because of the strong focus on research, it’s an ideal track for students interested in academia and research.
PsyD programs were developed as an alternative to PhD psychology programs and are usually more hands-on. Like a PhD in Psychology, the PsyD prepares students to be a psychology professional in a wide range of settings. A PsyD, however, focuses more on practice and less on research and academia. As a result, this degree requires fewer research and statistics courses and typically takes less time.
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Pursuing a PhD in Psychology can equip you with the expertise to qualify for a range of professional opportunities and enjoy a purposeful, long-lasting career helping others. Some of the positions possible with a PhD in Psychology include:
- Educational consultant
- Researcher
- Political strategist
- Professor
A psychology PhD can also prepare you to work in a variety of settings, including:
- Social service agencies
- Colleges and universities
- Government agencies
- Healthcare organizations
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of a degree program.
Questions about our PhD in Psychology ?
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