Online and Distance Learning

A psychology doctorate online is what you really need if you are thinking of working as a psychologist.   This page will help you to locate suitable university programs.

Busy people take their PhD psychology online

Psychology doctorate online programs are popular amongst students. Many students who are unable to attend on campus classes take their degrees online rather than on-campus degrees. If you wish to explore the on campus programs available, go to the on campus programs page

What do you study in general psychology doctorate online programs?

Most psychology jobs require qualifications at the doctoral level - either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

In such PhDs you learn about physical, cognitive, emotional, or social aspects of human behavior.  You are introduced to a variety of research methods including controlled laboratory experiments, observation, interviews, questionnaires, clinical studies, and surveys.  You also learn how to administer personality, performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests. You are usually also given the opportunity to create an individualized program to meet your professional goals by undertaking a research thesis and some taught courses.

Selected online programs

Here are a few selected schools that offer general psychology doctorate online programs.  It is advisable to request information from several of them and consider the admission requirements list of each to make sure you have the qualifications they require.  Consider applying for several schools and make sure your list has a range of entry requirements, i.e., higher to lower levels of school grades.  In this way you will have a better chance of being accepted by one of them.

• Walden University
  • Ph.D. in Psychology

• Capella University Online
  • PhD in General Psychology

• The University of the Rockies Online
  • Doctor of Psychology
  • Graduate Certificate in General Psychology

You can also find more schools and psychology PhD programs online using the search box in the right-hand column.

Specializations

Even though being awarded a general PhD in Psychology, students usually undertake a research thesis and some taught courses that specialize in one of a number of different areas such as those listed below.  It is also possible to take named degrees in these areas, as you will see by clicking on the links below or in the left hand navigation bar.

• business psychology;
• clinical psychology;
• counseling psychology;
• developmental psychology (infant, child, adolescent, adult and elderly);
• educational psychology (including school psychology);
• forensic psychology/criminal justice;
• health psychology;
• industrial / organizational psychology;
• leadership psychology degrees;
• sports psychology;
• substance abuse.

What jobs and salaries might you get after graduating?

Graduates of psychology doctorate online programs are required in a variety of settings, including health and human services, business, education, law, and sports, and so have many career opportunities in the private sector and the public sector.  The American Psychological Association says that psychology, especially clinical and counseling psychology, is the third fastest-growing field in America requiring a college degree.  Salaries are high among the more popular specializations. See the chart in the right hand column for more details.

For schools in Canada

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada. It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for Canadian college or university campuses.

For more information

You can also search here for online psychology schools and programs

If you don't find what you want here, try using the search facility on this site with psychology doctorate online as your search term.

You also use this link to search for online degree programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for programs or top psychology schools near you.