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Online PhD in Psychology

Build a versatile doctoral skill set in Walden’s online PhD in Psychology program.

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Online PhD in Psychology

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
""
TWO DEGREE TRACKS

Choose: Track I if you have a master’s in psychology or a related field; Track II if you have a bachelor’s or unrelated master’s.

SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

Get personalized guidance at every step—Enrollment Specialists, peer mentors, writing coaches, tech support, and more.

PUT LEARNING INTO PRACTICE

Expand your knowledge, skills, and professional practice in one of four academic residencies (held virtually or in person).

PURPOSEFUL PROGRAMS

Expand your professional passions and tailor your coursework to fit your education plan in one of six areas of PhD specialization.

Find Your Specialization

Standard Option – Track I

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework65 quarter credits $620 per quarter hour for coursework credits$40,300^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–125 quarter credits$620 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$12,400–$77,500*
Program Fee $175 per quarter$1,925–$5,600*
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 each (virtual)
$1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3-Year8-Year
   $60,305$129,480 *+
   (assuming completion in a 3-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

Effective February 24, 2025

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework65 quarter credits $630 per quarter hour for coursework credits$40,950^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–125 quarter credits$630 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$12,600–$78,750*
Program Fee $180 per quarter$1,980–$5,760*
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 each (virtual)
$1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3-Year8-Year
   $61,210$131,540 *+
   (assuming completion in a 3-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

Fast Track – Track I

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework5 terms$7,325$36,625^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 15–140 quarter credits$620 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$9,300–$86,800*
Program Fee $175 per quarter$1,400–$5,600*
Residency FeeFour ResidenciesIncluded in tuition$0
Estimated Range:  2.5-Year8-Year
   $47,325$129,025 *+
   (assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

Effective February 24, 2025

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework5 terms$7,470$37,350^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 15–140 quarter credits$630 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$9,450–$88,200*
Program Fee $180 per quarter$1,440–$5,760*
Residency FeeFour ResidenciesIncluded in tuition$0
Estimated Range:  2.5-Year8-Year
   $48,240$131,310 *+
   (assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.

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 and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.

^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 2.5 to 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.

+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.

Standard Option – Track II

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework90 quarter credits $620 per quarter hour for coursework credits$55,800^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–110 quarter credits$620 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$12,400–$68,200*
Program Fee $175 per quarter$2,450–$5,600*
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 each (virtual)
$1,520 each (travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) 
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3.25-Year8-Year
   $76,330$135,680*+
   (assuming completion in a 3.25-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

Effective February 24, 2025

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework90 quarter credits $630 per quarter hour for coursework credits$56,700^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–110 quarter credits$630 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$12,600–$69,300*
Program Fee $180 per quarter$2,520–$5,760*
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 each (virtual)
$1,520 each (travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) 
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3.25-Year8-Year
   $77,500$137,840*+
   (assuming completion in a 3.25-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

Fast Track – Track II

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework & Dissertation 6 terms$7,325 per term$43,950^
Tuition-Dissertation 15–135 quarter credits$620 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$9,300–$83,700*
Program Fee $175 per quarter$1,575–$5,600*
Residency FeeFour ResidenciesIncluded in tuition$0
Estimated Range:  2.5-Year8-Year
   $54,825$133,250*+
   (assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

Effective February 24, 2025

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework & Dissertation 6 terms$7,470 per term$44,820^
Tuition-Dissertation 15–135 quarter credits$630 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$9,450–$85,050*
Program Fee $180 per quarter$1,620–$5,760*
Residency FeeFour ResidenciesIncluded in tuition$0
Estimated Range:  2.5-Year8-Year
   $55,890$135,630*+
   (assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.

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 and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.

^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 2.5 to 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.

+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Build a Strong Foundation

Society needs experts who understand the human attitudes and behaviors that drive our most persistent challenges. With a Walden PhD in Psychology degree, you’ll be prepared to inform sustainable solutions in areas like education, research, and consulting.

 

1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Psychology program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.

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.

Meet Your Academic Team

Walden’s faculty comprises dedicated scholars and active practitioners with many years of experience in the psychology field.

You Might Also Be Interested In 

Explore other online psychology programs at Walden.

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Online PhD in Psychology FAQ

How long does it take to get a PhD in Psychology?

The amount of time it takes to complete your PhD in Psychology will depend on your previous educational experience and how long you work on your dissertation. Walden’s PhD in Psychology degree program offers a Track I for those entering with a master’s degree in psychology or a related field and a Track II for those entering with a bachelor’s degree or with a master’s degree in an unrelated field. There is also a Fast Track option, in which students take additional courses and begin their dissertation early to expedite their path through the program. The minimum amount of time required to complete the coursework and dissertation is 2.5 years. Students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral degree requirements.

Do you need a master’s to get an online PhD in Psychology?

No. Through Track II, you can enter Walden’s program with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or with a master’s degree unrelated to psychology. If you enter with a bachelor’s, you must take three additional core courses.

What is the difference between a PhD in Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)?

There are some key differences between the two programs. PhD in 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 Walden’s online PhD in Psychology program, a PsyD program 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.

What can you do with a PhD in Psychology?

Pursuing your online PhD in Psychology at Walden University can equip you with the expertise to qualify for a range of professional opportunities. This includes teaching courses in psychology at colleges and universities and conducting academic research in the field.