With a focus on your post-graduation success, our online PhD in Psychology program can empower you to make valuable contributions in a variety of career roles.

Teach. Consult. Explore.

Impact the psychology field—and the lives of others—by gaining advanced, sought-after skills in research, consulting, teaching, and program evaluation. You’ll explore the latest study findings, theories, and best practices and you will have the opportunity to immediately apply what you’ve learned to your career. You can also receive one-on-one faculty advising, giving you the chance to network, ask questions, and ensure you’re on the right path.

  • Automatically waive six courses if you have earned a master’s degree in a related field*, shortening your journey to a PhD.
  • Benefit from embedded dissertation support early in the curriculum.
  • Build a skills portfolio that allows you to demonstrate your knowledge in the areas that matter most to employers today.
  • Personalize your program by choosing a specialization that aligns with your professional goals.

Career Impact

The PhD in Psychology program will prepare you to use current theory and research to make valuable contributions to government, nonprofit, and private organizations. With your degree, you will have the ability to work directly with individuals at varying developmental levels, from infants to older adults, as well as diverse groups ranging from families to universities.

Settings in which you may practice can include mental health centers, government agencies, healthcare organizations, corporations, community agencies, social services, and schools. Your career options, depending on your specialization, may include a role as a:**

  • Researcher
  • Consultant
  • Teacher
  • Director of career services
  • Staff psychologist
  • Administrator
  • Political strategist
  • Marketing director
  • Human resources manager
  • Law enforcement, probation, or correctional officer

**Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Save Time and Money on Your Degree

Walden offers a Fast-Track Option. Students can complete their doctorate in less time by taking advantage of this path. With the Fast-Track Option, students take additional courses and begin their dissertation early to expedite their path through the program.

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.

Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.

Note on Licensure
The PhD in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

*Master’s Degree in Psychology (or related psychology degree like clinical, forensic, developmental, I/O, etc.), Counseling, Human Services, or Social Work

Testimonials

David Solot

David Solot

MS and PhD in Psychology Graduate
If you are interested in pursuing or advancing your career in the field of forensic psychology, this highly focused PhD program will give you a strong professional edge and solid content expertise, whether you choose to go into teaching, consulting, or program evaluation.
Walden has high standards. A disciplined approach to studies is essential.
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.
Kristen Beyer PhD in "Forensic Psychology Program Director
Linford Pierson PhD in Psychology Graduate
Linford Pierson
Ricky Gujral PhD in Psychology Graduate
Ricky Gujral

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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.
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