PhD in Psychology
Explore theories and best practices in your area of interest with one of the specializations in our online PhD in Psychology degree program.
Explore theories and best practices in your area of interest with one of the specializations in our online PhD in Psychology degree program.
With a focus on your post-graduation success, our online doctorate in psychology program can empower you to excel as a researcher, educator, or consultant. The PhD in Psychology is the highest level of graduate degree in the field. It’s geared toward those who wish to teach in academia or contribute original research to the field.
Earning your doctoral degree is the ultimate intellectual challenge. To signify how far you’ve come in your path to your PhD in Psychology, you will be eligible for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree upon completion of certain program requirements, prior to completion of 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.
Walden offers a fast-track degree completion option that allows you to accelerate your doctoral coursework. Take additional courses and begin your dissertation early to expedite your path.
The ability to transfer credit at Walden can give you a more seamless and cost-effective way to continue your education. Complete your required coursework sooner by transferring applicable graduate credits into Walden’s PhD in Psychology program.
This PhD in Psychology specialization focuses on classic educational psychology theory and how to use testing and measurement, with emphasis on adult learners.
Transform countless lives—and the psychology field at large—by gaining next-level skills in research, consulting, teaching, and program evaluation. Tailor your coursework to the career you want with one of six specializations that combine classic theory with current application. Receive rigorous dissertation support from early on in your program, giving you an edge in completing your degree.
As graduates of this program, students will be able to:
Earning a “Dr.” in front of your name can open doors you never imagined. Achieve more credibility, respect, and influence and go further in your career. Whether you want to teach the next generation of psychology professionals or add to the field’s body of knowledge, Walden’s PhD in Psychology prepares you to make a difference.
By earning your PhD in Psychology at Walden, you’ll acquire lifelong skills for critical thinking, information gathering, inquiry, problem solving, advanced/academic writing, and innovation. Gain the real-world training and insights to change lives and make valuable contributions to government, nonprofit, and private organizations.
Your career options, depending on your specialization, may include:
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a professional with a PhD in Psychology is $85,000. Average annual earnings vary by job title:5
Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.
I use everything I learned at Walden on a regular basis, whether in my teaching, research, or clinical practice. My PhD was the linchpin that allowed me to do what I do now.
Walden made it possible for me to pursue my doctoral studies through the flexibility of online learning so I could complete my classes, my residencies, and my studies on my time.
I have recommended Walden to several colleagues over the years. The flexibility that Walden offers is great and it’s respected for its accreditation.
1Master’s degree in psychology (or related psychology degree like clinical, forensic, developmental, I/O, etc.), counseling, human services, or social work
2PSYC 8252 Themes and Theories of Psychology, PSYC 8215 Lifespan Development, PSYC 8701 Culture and Psychology, RSCH 8110 Research Theory, Design, and Methods, RSCH 8210 Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
3Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Database (IPEDS). Retrieved July 2018; includes 2017 preliminary data and all classifications of instructional programs (CIP) codes. A doctoral research degree is a PhD or other doctoral degree that requires advanced work beyond the master’s level, including the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research or the planning and execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some examples of this type of degree may include EdD, DMA, DBA, DSc, DA, DM, or others, as designated by the awarding institution.
4Source: www.WaldenU.edu/survey_methodology; % calculated on total number of respondents to our 2015 survey.
5Source: PayScale, retrieved June 2019, Doctorate (PhD), Psychology Degree and Average Program Evaluator Salary. National salary estimates may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual salaries, and are subject to change.
Note on Licensure
The PhD in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.
Note: 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; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.
