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Online Psychology Doctoral Programs

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Expand Your Influence With a Doctoral Degree in Psychology From Walden

Whether you want to improve mental health services delivery or influence the next generation of psychology professionals, a Walden doctoral psychology degree can help you attain it. Learn from the leader: Walden is the No. 1 granter of PhD in Psychology degrees in the U.S.¹

Our psychology PhD programs and professional doctoral program focus on the skills you need to make a difference—for your career, organization, and community. Gain practical knowledge you can use immediately to address real problems in this ever-changing field. You’ll find one-on-one faculty support and other resources at every step, including our Doctoral Degree Coach™.

 

Doctoral Psychology Programs

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FAQ About Walden’s Doctoral Psychology Programs

What is a PhD in Psychology?

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.

What is a PsyD in Psychology?

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.

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

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.

What can you do with a PhD in Psychology?

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.

Can you skip earning a master’s degree and enroll in a PhD in Psychology 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.

What are the requirements for earning a PhD in Psychology?

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)

DISCLOSURES

1Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database. Based on the most recent year of completions survey data available, using CIP code 42.01 “Doctorate degree - Psychology, General.” Available at https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data. (Retrieved January 2021; may consist of or include provisional release data.)