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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 September 27, 2021
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 $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on September 27, 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
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.
Program Details
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
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.
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.
Read Brandon's Bio -
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.
Read Lorie's Bio -
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.
Read Ethel's Bio -
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.
Read Jesus's Bio
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
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.
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