California Online PhD Psychology Programs

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Online PsyD programs and PhD in Psychology Online degree programs are designed around the needs of busy working professionals like yourselves. You aspire to practice as licensed board psychologists[i] and want to prepare yourselves through diligent study and research, the question is – How?

phd in psychology online

About PhD in Psychology Online Programs

Online PsyD programs (short form for Doctorate in Psychology) are professional doctorate degrees in the field of psychology. You may be able to earn one in any number of specialty areas during your PhD in Psychology Online.

  • Time To completion: It may take an average student 4 to 6 years (full-time) to complete a PsyD online. You should keep in mind that there is more to earning a PsyD than study since the emphasis is on clinical training and usually includes one year of internship as part of the program.
  • Admission Requirements: Schools have different requirements. Some PhD in Psychology Online programs may accept students with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Other Doctor of Psychology programs may require a Masters degree.  A university website usually has the admissions details. Our green ‘request info’ link on-page may help you get more details from individual schools.
  • PsyD Program requirements: Online Psy D programs may have different requirements. Generally, prospective candidates for a PhD in Psychology Online must demonstrate the following;
  • Knowledge or mastery over their course material by passing comprehensive examinations;
  • Show clinical skills through successful completion of a supervised internship;
  • Complete a doctoral dissertation based on applied research

What are the Requirements of a PhD in Psychology Online?

Online Psy D programs may have different requirements. Generally, prospective candidates must demonstrate the following;

  • Knowledge or mastery over their course material by passing comprehensive examinations;
  • Show clinical skills through successful completion of a supervised internship;
  • Complete a doctoral dissertation

PER THE BLS: “Licensing laws vary by state and type of position. Most clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctorate in psychology, an internship, at least 1 to 2 years of supervised professional experience, and to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Information on specific state requirements can be obtained from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards”[ii]

About Online PhD Psychology Programs

PhD in Psychology Online programs are research doctorate degrees that allow students to develop their knowledge in a chosen field through theoretical research and thought leadership. As with the PsyD, you may be able to earn a PhD in a variety of APA-accredited specialty areas.

  • Time To completion: It may take an average student 5 to 7 years (full-time) to complete a PhD Psychology online.
  • Admission Requirements: These are going to vary. Some online Psychology PhD programs may accept students with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (online PhD without Masters). Other psychology schools might prefer candidates who have written a thesis and completed a Masters in Psychology because it shows experience with research methodology.
  • PhD in Psychology Program requirements: Online PhD Psychology programs may have different requirements. Generally, prospective candidates must demonstrate the following;
  • Knowledge or mastery over their course material by passing comprehensive examinations;
  • Clinical internship and supervised residency;
  • Complete a doctoral dissertation based on original knowledge

What to Look for in Online Doctoral Programs in Psychology

First off, not all brick and mortar universities offer fully online doctorate in psychology programs due to the human-centered aspect of psychology and the need for interpersonal interaction and in-person supervised practicums. Should you be scared away from a PhD in Psychology Online? No, not necessarily. Just be a savvy searcher and pay attention to a few details:

  • Look for APA accredited online PsyD programs & accredited online PhD programs. This means over and above the usual regional accreditation. If you are choosing higher education to potentially shape your future career as a licensed psychologist, follow up with your State board to see what their requirements are. Accreditation is the main way to verify quality standards of professional programs. When it is time for you to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, you may have to show that you graduated with a Doctorate from an APA-accredited program or meet other stipulations[iii].
  • Look at the type of courses offered. Typically, online PsyD and PhD in Psychology degree programs involve some advanced theoretical and practical coursework. Make sure that you choose a program that suits your future career needs. Look for potentially engaging field experiences and make sure you understand how your program examinations are administered
  • Consider format and structure. Some online psychology doctoral programs may offer synchronous learning and you should be prepared to factor that into your schedule. Others may offer asynchronous courses which may mean more flexibility and self-pacing.
  • Student support. Earning a PhD or a PsyD requires research plan development and mentoring. Some programs may have one-one sessions via video conferencing, and/or there may be an academic support team.
  • In-person residential component: Some online PsyD and PhD Psychology programs may require some on-campus visits, group projects, conferences, meetings or intensives. Make sure to identify the different elements of your program ahead of time.
  • Rolling admissions: Some online doctoral programs in psychology may have admissions year-round which may mean you get started on your own time frame.

What Types of Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs are There?

Online Doctorate in Psychology programs may be offered in specialty areas that allow you to conduct the type of scientific or clinical research you are most passionate about. This may be to research the effects of illness on behavioral health or to explore different interventions for working with autism. Use our on-page navigation to review sponsored listings in several categories;

Find Online PsyD Programs & Accredited Online PhD Programs

Whether you see yourself in the laboratory, or in clinical practice, earning a Doctorate in Psychology may prepare you to pursue a variety of potential career paths. Online education may make your academic goals accessible through the convenience of not having to displace yourself to get to a campus for your courses. Review sponsored listings for a PhD in Psychology Online today. Connect with prospective online accredited schools immediately (“request info”). Take the next step forward towards a PhD or PsyD!  

[i] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm |[ii] [i] |[iii] abpp.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3290 |

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