Online Doctoral Psychology Programs

A PhD in Psychology is a terminal degree in psychology, meaning that it is the highest formal degree that can be earned in the field. In Walden’s non-licensure PhD in Psychology program, the emphasis is on research, preparing graduates to advance their psychology careers in academia and research.

Developed in the late 1960s as an alternative to PhD psychology programs, a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is typically pursued by individuals interested solely in the hands-on, straightforward practice of psychology, without dedicating professional time to research or academia. Walden offers a non-licensure Doctor of Psychology in Behavioral Health Leadership that prepares graduates with the skills to manage the delivery of quality behavioral health and mental health services in an integrated care setting.

The amount of time it takes to complete your doctoral degree will depend on your previous educational experience and how long you work on your dissertation.

The PhD in Psychology program at Walden offers a Track I for those entering with a master’s in psychology or a related field and a Track II for those entering with a bachelor’s degree or a master’s in an unrelated field. Students in Track I complete a minimum of 85 quarter credits and students in Track II complete a minimum of 110 quarter credits. 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.

Students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see Enrollment Requirements). Students may petition to extend the eight-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

An Enrollment Specialist can go over the options with you and discuss your individual time commitment.

A PhD in Psychology will equip you with the expertise to pursue a variety of professional opportunities and enjoy a purposeful career helping others. Potential roles for PhD in Psychology graduates include:

• Educational consultant, such as in schools and hospitals

• Researcher

• Professor

• Administrator

• Director or manager in fields such as human resources, marketing, or career planning and development

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

Yes. At Walden, candidates with a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited school may enter the PhD in Psychology program in Track II.

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)