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.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Take a Closer Look
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey? Walden’s online PhD in Psychology program is designed to remove barriers and put your doctoral goals within reach.
STREAMLINED ADMISSION
We’ve simplified the online PhD in Psychology admissions process. When you’re ready to apply, you’ll pay no application fee—and no essay is required.
EASY CREDIT TRANSFER
Transferring credits is easy at Walden, allowing you to potentially save time and money. Talk to an Enrollment Specialist about specific guidelines for the PhD in Psychology program.
FAST TRACK OPTION
Feeling ambitious? Complete your doctoral program sooner and potentially reduce your tuition through our PhD in Psychology Fast Track option.1
Tuition Breakdown
Cost is important when you’re exploring online PhD in Psychology programs—and we want to help put your goals within reach. Walden offers many options to potentially lower the cost of your degree:
Transfer of credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible doctoral program.
Standard Option – Track 1
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 65 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 Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $61,210 | $131,540 *+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 3-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
Fast Track – Track 1
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 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 Fee | Four Residencies | Included in tuition | $0 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year | 8-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 2
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 90 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 Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3.25-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $77,500 | $137,840*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 3.25-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
Fast Track – Track 2
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Fee | Four Residencies | Included in tuition | $0 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year | 8-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.
DOCTORAL EXPERIENCE
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning a PhD is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACHTM
Map and track your PhD in Psychology milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support when you need it.
MPhil ALONG THE WAY
You will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree upon completion of PhD in Psychology requirements, prior to completion of your dissertation.
Career Opportunities
An online PhD in Psychology degree can prepare you to effect positive change in academia and other areas.
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in psychology at colleges and universities; conduct academic research in the field.
Expected growth: 5%1
Estimated annual wage: $49,790–$106,6101
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
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.
Online PhD in Psychology FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
Earning a PhD in Psychology from Walden University is a challenging yet rewarding journey that prepares future psychologists through 65 to 90 quarter credits of coursework, residencies, and a dissertation.
Walden’s online PhD in Psychology program is designed to remove barriers and put your doctoral goals within reach. There are two learning tracks available to complete a PhD in Psychology with Walden. Track I is designed for students who already have a master’s degree in psychology, and it typically takes 2.5 to 3 years to complete. Track II is for those with a master’s degree in a related field and usually takes about 3.25 years. Students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral degree requirements. Students may petition to extend the eight-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.
Both tracks offer valuable support resources, including the award-winning Doctoral Degree Coach®, to help students achieve their goals.
Depending on your prior experience and goals, either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree is required for admission to the PhD in Psychology program at Walden. 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.
All Walden PhD in Psychology students are required to complete:
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Foundation course (3 cr.)
- Core courses (25 cr. for Track I; 40 cr. for Track II)
- Research courses (10 cr. for Track I; 20 cr. for Track II)
- Specialization courses (20 cr.)
- Doctoral dissertation
- Dissertation support courses (7 cr.)
- Dissertation writing courses (5 cr. per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously until completion)
- Four PhD residencies (four-day sessions)
No. Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), validating that the institution lives its mission, operates with integrity, offers programs that focus on student learning, hires faculty that are academically qualified, and provides the resources and support necessary for students to succeed. The American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) is the primary programmatic accreditor in the United States for professional education and training in psychology. The PhD in Psychology program at Walden has not been accredited by APA.