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PhD in Psychology
Request InformationYour next chapter awaits. Tailor your psychology PhD program to the career you want and take your impact further.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule May 31, 2021
Transfer Credits
- Up to 55 Credits
Gain the advanced insights and knowledge to positively impact lives
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.
sought-after competencies
Develop advanced skills that are important to today’s organizations, such as teaching, research, consulting, and program evaluation.
hands-on training
Choose the teaching practicum to do a mini research study prior to your dissertation. Or opt for the research practicum to further develop your instructional skills via realistic, interactive scenarios.
Embedded Dissertation
Embedded dissertation support starting early in your program positions you for success. This includes a built-in course to refresh fundamental research skills.
one-on-one faculty guidance
Prior to starting your prospectus, you’re assigned a chair who works with you to smoothly transition from coursework to your dissertation.
Multiple Entry Points
With its foundational psychology courses, this program is accessible to individuals entering the program with a bachelor’s degree or a master’s in an unrelated field.1
Accelerated Journey
If you have a master’s in a related field,1 you may be eligible to waive up to five courses,2 shortening your time to the dissertation phase of your program.2
Program Savings
Receive your first course at no cost if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on May 31, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowEducational Psychology
Focus on classic educational psychology theory and how to use testing and measurement, with emphasis on adult learners.
Health Psychology
Focus on the intersection of psychology and health. Explore health psychology, biopsychology, psychoneuroimmunology, and how to change health behavior.
Research in Psychology
Extend your research skills beyond our core requirements with survey research, tests/measurement, advanced mixed-methods analysis, and multivariate analysis.
Self-Designed
Design your own program of study. This specialization provides you with maximum flexibility to create a program that closely matches your personal and professional goals.
Social Psychology
Focus on how our thinking is affected by social context. It includes a focus on social cognition/attitudes, survey research, and applied social psychology.
Teaching in Psychology
This specialization is ideal if you’re interested in teaching adult learners, particularly through online instruction.
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.
Residencies
Four academic residencies support your progress at key points in your doctoral journey. Residencies also strengthen your scholarly and professional connections.
Fast-Track Option
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.
Earn Your Master of Philosophy Degree Along the Way
Walden understands the rigors involved with preparing for your doctorate. To signify how far you’ve come on your journey, you will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree upon completion of 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.
Broaden Your Impact
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.
Learning Outcomes
As graduates of this program, students will be able 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
Master Skills That Can Transform Lives
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.
What Can I Do With a PhD in Psychology?
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:
- Researcher
- Consultant/subject matter expert
- Teacher/professor
- Manager/director
- Program evaluator
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Enhance Your Earning Potential
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:4
- Research scientist: $77,245
- Professor, postsecondary/higher education: $87,939
- Research director: $78,793
- Technical subject matter expert: $101,757
- Program evaluator: $56,344
Testimonials
Walden has high standards. A disciplined approach to studies is essential.
Linford Pierson PhD in Psychology Graduate
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.
Timothy Barclay PhD in Psychology Graduate
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.
Ricky Gujral PhD in Psychology Graduate
Resource Articles
What's the Difference Between a PhD in Psychology and a PsyD?
Resource Articles
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist: Which Career Is Right for You?
FAQ About Walden’s Online PhD in Psychology Program
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Yes! Psychologists have a doctorate in psychology—either a PhD in Psychology or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). However, earning one of these degrees does not mean that an individual is a licensed psychologist, though many of the typical career opportunities a psychologist might consider do not require licensure. Roles and settings for psychologists vary greatly. They might work independently in a private practice, with a group of psychologists, or with other healthcare providers. They may also find jobs in schools, universities, hospitals, community clinics, and many other businesses or organizations where mental health is an ongoing focus.
Psychiatrists, on the other hand, have a degree in medicine and complete a medical residency before being licensed to practice. They focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health and emotional problems. Because they train as physicians, psychiatrists are qualified to determine when certain symptoms might be linked to physical conditions rather than psychological illnesses. Psychiatrists can give full physical examinations, prescribe medication, and administer psychotherapies as well as different types of non-medical therapies.
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Psychologists study the human mind and behavior, including both normal and abnormal functioning. With an online psychology degree, psychologists can pursue many rewarding career options in a variety of settings—from a clinical psychologist treating clients in a private practice to a forensic psychologist in the criminal justice system to an industrial and organizational psychologist.
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of a degree 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 not only interested in clinical practice but also in academia and research. PhD in Psychology programs also provide valuable training for those who want to practice psychology in clinical settings. A PhD in Psychology can open up a multitude of career paths—from teaching to patient care to forensic psychology.
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 in Psychology, the PsyD 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. 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
- Forensic psychologist
- Researcher
- Private practice psychologist
- Political strategist
- Professor
- Staff psychologist
A psychology PhD can also prepare you to work in a variety of settings, including:
- Mental health centers
- Social service agencies
- 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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