The Chicago School : Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online Programs.) The Chicago School : Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (Online Programs.)
National University : Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)What Is a PsyD Program?
An online PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology is an online psychology doctorate program that emphasizes clinical training and practical knowledge. Graduates are prepared to give direct patient care. On the other hand, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is a research-focused doctorate that prioritizes theoretical knowledge and advances the discipline through research.
The decision between a PsyD and a Ph.D. relies on career goals and preferences, even though both degrees qualify graduates for clinical practice and treatment. People interested in research and academia may get a PhD, and those who want a strong clinical focus may choose a PsyD.
The PsyD program aims to educate doctoral-level practitioners and academics proficient in psychological assessment and intervention who have a solid understanding of interpersonal and scientific principles and can use their training in various contexts.
Clinical psychology is a field that focuses on behavioral and mental health problems that people of all ages encounter, such as traumatic stress reactions and adjustment problems—psychological and emotional issues, such as crisis assistance and severe mental illness.
Why Earn a PsyD from an APA-Accredited Program?
The accreditation procedure is a type of quality control that establishes if a program complies with the requirements set in a particular field of study. A program's accreditation status is not assured by an institution's receipt of accreditation status from a regional accrediting authority.
The APA Commission on Accreditation performs various duties, including assessing university training programs to see if they give high-quality training, achieve clearly defined objectives, and change over time to conform with new standards, policies, and research.
Here are some of the advantages of attending an APA-accredited PsyD program that doesn't require the GRE:
Aids in the choosing process: Knowing which psychology degree programs are APA-accredited will help you limit your options, especially for students exclusively interested in APA-accredited schools, for certain reasons.
Ensures that training is of high quality: You should expect the APA to accredit only programs that meet or exceed the set requirements. Furthermore, you may be confident that your program will consistently accomplish these objectives to maintain accreditation status over time.
Enables for licensure and career placement: Some states only license psychologists who have completed APA-recognized internships and graduated from APA-accredited institutions. Similarly, some employers adhere to the same hiring criteria. Knowing that your school is accredited can help you stay on track to achieve your professional psychology career goals.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| The Chicago School
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credential Track options are also available. |
✔ Online
Master's Degree Required. |
The Chicago School’s Online Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program provides a solid knowledge base in the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and radical behaviorism, equipping graduates with the skills needed to bring about socially significant behavioral changes through evidence-based program development. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
|
✔ Online
Master's Degree Required. |
The online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program prepares graduates to act as educators and leaders in the field of counseling. Ph.D. Supervision students engage in the evaluation of theoretical and practical aspects of counseling through both qualitative and quantitative research. Learn More |
| National University
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn a degree in Counseling Psychology, Gerontology, or Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Advantages of a PsyD Degree
Here are the advantages of pursuing a PsyD:
Increased Focus on Practice: PsyD students use theoretical frameworks for clinical psychotherapy practices. Clinical skill development is prioritized in courses to prepare students to be effective practitioners.
Earlier Clinical Experience: Doctor of Psychology students could begin working in the field as early as the first semester. Various kinds of supervised experiences prepare clinical psychologists to deal with every situation.
Programs that are shorter and more accelerated: The PsyD program uses the scholar-practitioner approach to develop a therapeutic orientation that prioritizes long-term practical experience above laboratory work. As a result, PsyD degrees require less time to complete.
Growing Interest in PsyD Degrees: PsyD has seen a comeback in popularity among graduate institutions. The majority of advanced psychology positions accept applicants with a PsyD or PhD. Doctor of Psychology degrees are also becoming more popular due to online education.
Clinical Psychology Specialization Options: A PsyD doctoral degree in industrial/organizational psychology would prepare you for improving business work environments. PsyD students have the most latitude to create their degrees, from sleep psychology to neuropsychology.
Dual Degree Programs: Other professional graduate degrees can be coupled with the PsyD. Dual programs enable students to combine two areas of interest and prepare for certain professional paths. Earning a dual degree saves postgraduates significant time and money over completing the two programs separately.
Reasons to Study PsyD Online
The following are the benefits of online PsyD programs and how they provide previously unavailable opportunities for busy professionals:
Flexibility: Working professionals with other duties can obtain their degrees through the PsyD online program without compromising their other responsibilities. If they choose a fully online program, they will not have to leave home and can complete the course independently.
Potential cost reductions and increased educational access: An online PsyD program may be less expensive than a traditional school. They can also give financial aid choices, such as federal student loans and grants, to help students fund their education. The services are also more accessible to persons with physical or mental limitations. Because the learning takes place online, they can access the same learning possibilities as individuals without disabilities.
Increased Collaboration and Specialization Possibilities: Online PsyD programs allow students to communicate with other students worldwide through virtual classrooms and discussion boards. This boosts any individual student's networking potential, which can be extremely advantageous for future mental health practitioners because their network can help them broaden their job options.
Does the APA Accredit Online-Only PsyD Programs?
The American Psychological Association serves as a leading accreditation authority for PsyD programs, encompassing those that provide some online course options. However, the APA has yet to accredit programs that are exclusively online.
That said, numerous programs, even those that operate entirely online, adopt the APA's guidelines to shape their curriculum, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. When exploring PsyD programs, students should weigh various elements like accreditation and the program's structure in alignment with their professional goals, personal obligations, and geographical location.
How Much Does a PsyD Program Cost?
The median yearly tuition for a PsyD program at a private college or university is just under $34,000, based on the most current national data made public by the APA. Public colleges have far lower costs, with in-state tuition hovering around $11,000 and out-of-state tuition reaching $24,000 annually. This does not include campus additional fees.
Though it is relatively uncommon for Psy.D. programs, even at public universities, to pay tuition for all Psy.D. candidates, public schools and universities are more likely to offer full tuition waivers for doctorate students.
APA-Accredited PsyD Curriculum
The PsyD in psychology program primarily follows the practitioner-scholar model of professional training. Typical courses for a PsyD in psychology include:
- Advanced psychological testing
- Advanced psychopathology
- Advanced research methods and statistics
- Evidence-based practice in psychology
- History and systems of psychology
- Lifespan development
- Multicultural perspectives in human behavior
- Strategies of clinical supervision and consultation
- Theories of psychotherapy
Each student must complete at least six elective courses for 15 credit hours. Typical elective options include:
- Child Assessment
- Child Psychotherapy
- Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics I and II
- Directed Studies in selective topics
- Family Therapy
- Forensic Assessment
- Forensic Intervention
- Forensic Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Integrative Primary Care
- Neuropsychological Assessment
- Play Therapy
- Projective Assessment
- Rehabilitation Psychology
- Teaching Assistant
- Trauma: Theory, Assessment, and Intervention
The practicum requirements include a doctoral internship (one calendar year, a minimum of 2000 clock hours) and a minimum of 700 clock hours per year in the second, third, and fourth years.
Admission Requirements for APA-Accredited PsyD Programs
The college you choose may have different PsyD general psychology admission requirements. You will often need to submit the following:
- Recommendation letters from lecturers or supervisors
- Academic writing examples
- Curriculum vitae (current)
- Statement of professional objectives and experience
- Interview in person
- Official transcript copies
- Essay responses for specific schools or programs
The GRE or other standardized test scores required vary by program. Most PsyD programs demand GRE scores obtained during the past five years of your application. However, others do not consider standardized tests in admission requirements.
High-ranking graduate psychology programs that use the GRE often require Verbal and Quantitative scores of around 160 out of 170 and Analytical Writing scores of about 5 out of 6. The GRE Psychology subject test is also necessary for several PsyD programs.
The Chicago School - Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (WASC and WSCUC Accredited)
The Chicago School - Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (WASC and WSCUC Accredited)
National University - Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (COAMFTE Accredited)
Importance of APA Accreditation for PsyD Programs
Accredited programs provide planned, sequential training courses and a sufficient number of qualified professors. They also provide supervision and adequate physical resources, such as libraries, computers, and office space. Furthermore, authorized programs must define all their requirements and procedures in their program handbook so that students are not caught off guard after enrolling.
Career Options for PsyD Graduates
Following the completion of a clinical psychology degree program, you may be qualified to pursue any of the following professional paths:
- Clinical Psychology professor
- Marriage and family therapist
- Organizational Psychologist
- Psychotherapist
- Researcher
Clinical psychologists can work in various fields, including:
- Business organizations.
- Clinics.
- Court systems.
- Hospitals.
- Mental health treatment facilities.
- Military.
- Private practices.
- Schools.
If you’re interested in learning more about a career as a psychologist, check out our guide on how to become a psychologist.
PsyD Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Clinical Psychologist is more than $80,000, according to Payscale. PsyD psychologists average about $95,000, as of May 31, 2023. The annual pay for this industry varies by state.
Psychologists’ overall employment is expected to expand by 6% between 2022 and 2032, according to the BLS. (The rate for all occupations over the same period is 3%.)
Scholarships and Financial Aid for PsyD Students.
You can submit a financial aid application for undergraduate and graduate clinical psychology programs. All options include fellowships, scholarships, grants or other financial aid, work-study programs, federal loans, and research or research assistantships.
Get counsel as soon as you can before starting school if you are planning to apply for financial help for a graduate degree. Consult with the financial aid office and the psychology department of the institution you are applying to.
PsyD Program FAQs
What Is the Typical Length of a PsyD Program?
The PsyD Program consists of four years of full-time academic coursework and one year of full-time internship (or two years of part-time internship).
Is Earning a PsyD Worth it?
When evaluating the value of a degree, consider the required investments in time and money and keep your professional goals in mind. The PsyD is typically finished in four years and provides you with the knowledge and expertise needed to practice as a clinical psychologist. A PsyD degree meets the standards for becoming a licensed clinical psychologist in all 50 states.
Can I Earn a PsyD Entirely Online?
Most states require psychology licensing applicants to have a psychology doctorate from an APA-accredited program. Because licensed psychologists must complete a specified number of practicum hours, the APA does not accredit any wholly online PsyD schools. However, this does not exclude programs that involve some online learning.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a PsyD Program?
Admission requirements can vary among institutions but generally include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or a related field, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and sometimes a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
If you haven’t earned a master’s degree in psychology just yet then that is going to be your first step. Don’t worry though, it isn’t as difficult as it may sound. You can earn a graduate degree in psychology entirely online. Many programs don’t require the GRE either! Check out our guide on online masters in psychology programs that don’t require the GRE to learn more.
What Is the Difference Between a PsyD and a PhD in Psychology?
While both are doctoral degrees, a PsyD focuses more on clinical practice and less on research compared to a PhD. A PhD is more research-oriented and usually takes longer to complete due to the dissertation requirement.
- Learn More: PsyD vs PhD in Psychology
How Does the Internship Work in a PsyD Program?
The internship is a critical component of the PsyD program, allowing students to gain practical experience in a clinical setting. This internship is usually supervised and may be paid or unpaid depending on the arrangement with the clinical site.
Is Financial Aid Available for PsyD Programs?
Yes, financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and federal student loans are generally available for students pursuing a PsyD. Some programs may also offer teaching or research assistantships that provide a stipend.
What Career Paths Are Available for PsyD Graduates?
Upon graduating and obtaining licensure, PsyD holders can work in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, or schools. They can also specialize in areas like child psychology, forensic psychology, or health psychology.
What Are the Licensing Requirements After Completing a PsyD?
After completing the PsyD program and internship, graduates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) to become licensed clinical psychologists. State-specific requirements may also apply.
Do PsyD Programs Include Research Components?
While PsyD programs are more clinically focused, most still include some research components to prepare students for evidence-based practice.
These additional questions and answers should provide a more comprehensive understanding of PsyD programs for prospective students.
Deciding If a PsyD Program Is Right for You
Choosing to pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree is a significant commitment that involves years of academic study, practical training, and a considerable financial investment. It’s crucial to evaluate whether this path aligns with your interests, skills, and career aspirations. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a PsyD program is right for you.
Passion for Clinical Work
Unlike a PhD in Psychology, which focuses heavily on research, a PsyD program is designed for those who have a strong desire to work directly with patients in a clinical setting. You should have an interest in diagnosing mental health issues, designing treatment plans, and providing therapy.
Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively is essential for anyone considering a career in psychology. A PsyD program will demand advanced verbal and written communication skills, as you’ll be interacting with patients, colleagues, and potentially even testifying in court settings.
Financial Considerations
A PsyD program can be expensive, often requiring four to five years of full-time study. While financial aid, scholarships, and paid internships may be available, consider whether you’re prepared for the financial commitment. Research potential earnings in your desired specialization to assess if the investment will be worthwhile.
Academic and Analytical Abilities
While PsyD programs are less research-intensive than PhD programs, you’ll still need to be able to consume and understand a broad range of scientific literature. Courses will often involve complex theories and concepts that require a strong academic background.
Interpersonal Skills
Psychotherapy and counseling are people-centric professions. Effective interpersonal skills, including empathy, patience, and active listening, are essential for building trust with clients. If you have a natural aptitude for understanding others and offering emotional support, a PsyD program may be a good fit.
Long-Term Career Goals
Consider your long-term career objectives. A PsyD will qualify you to work in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals, schools, or private practice. If you see yourself more as a researcher, educator, or in a corporate setting, other types of doctoral programs may be more suitable.
Licensing Requirements
Lastly, remember that a PsyD is just one step toward becoming a licensed psychologist. You’ll need to complete an internship and pass state licensure exams. Make sure you’re committed to fulfilling all the requirements associated with the profession.
By thoroughly considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether a PsyD program aligns with your personal and professional goals.
