Top Clinical Psychology PhD Programs Online

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Whether you’re looking to become a licensed psychologist or work in advanced research roles, the best online clinical psychology PhD program can give you the flexibility to earn your doctorate on your own terms.

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Clinical psychology PhD programs are available at several colleges and universities throughout the country; however, not all are created equal. Accreditation is an absolute must to ensure the program meets the standards that will allow for licensure. Other important points include flexibility in scheduling for those who are working while pursuing their doctorate, as well as affordability, as PhD programs can take upwards of seven years to complete.

Narrowing down these high-quality programs can be a challenge. To help make the research and vetting process a bit easier on you, we’re shining a spotlight on the programs below to give you an idea of what you should be looking for in your search for the best schools available. Here are the schools that made their way onto our list as the top choices for prospective students like you.

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FAQs About Online Clinical Psychology PhD Programs

The best decisions in life are informed ones, particularly when it comes to your education and career. It’s vitally important to understand every aspect of a degree program before applying. This includes the cost, what the curriculum includes, what is required of you for graduation, how well it prepares students for licensure, career prospects, and more. Let’s dive into the most important points about online clinical psychology programs.

What do you learn in a clinical psychology PhD program?

Though every program is a bit different, there will be several courses and topics each will have in common, as well as similar learning outcomes. These outcomes reflect the knowledge and skills graduates should be well-prepared to take into the field. Common learning outcomes for online clinical psychology PhD programs include:

  • Depth of Knowledge: A stronger understanding of the scientific and theoretical areas of the field, including the history of psychology, best practices as honed over the years, bases of behavior among groups, communities, and individuals, and the like.
  • Critical Understanding of Research: A firm grasp of how to design, analyze, conduct, and communicate research and research methods, as well as how to conduct research in a culturally sensitive manner.
  • Application of Theory and Research: In addition to evaluating and understanding research, graduates will know how to assess, diagnose, and conceptualize plans for treatment based on the most current research.
  • Uphold Ethical Standards: Professionals will ensure that treatments plans, interventions, and further research adheres to the strict ethical standards of the APA, as well as consistency with legal and professional standards.
  • Supervisory Skills: Through clinical research and practice, internships, and practicums, students will learn the techniques and expectations when taking on a supervisory role, thus preparing them for further career advancement.

Common PhD-Level Clinical Psychology Courses

Courses at each school will be a little different, thanks to the different teaching methods of professors. But you will encounter some courses that are very similar across all programs. Here are some of those.

Do schools offer specializations or concentrations in their online clinical psychology PhD programs?

There are numerous specializations available to those who pursue an online PhD in clinical psychology. In some cases, the specialization begins at the start, with a clear program dedicated to it. In others, the student builds the specialization while taking certain electives that allow for them to choose exactly what they need for their future career. Here are a few common ones.

Can you earn a clinical psychology PhD completely online?

At most schools, the vast majority of PhD classes in clinical psychology can be completed entirely online. This is a boon for those who are already working in the field and don’t want to sacrifice their job to go back to a traditional classroom learning environment. Required field practicums and internships can often be completed where a person is already working, or at an appropriate institution in their local area. Some colleges do require brief campus visits on a semester or yearly basis to meet with the cohort and professors, as well as work on group projects.

How long will it take to earn my PhD in clinical psychology online?

Students tend to have great flexibility as they pursue their doctoral degree, as they can choose accelerated options, full-time, or part-time attendance. Some programs will also provide even more flexibility by simply requiring a student take a minimum of courses per semester – even as few as one at a time.

In addition, some programs will allow students to take a sabbatical during their program to focus on research projects and the like. The only caveat is that there is usually a time limit to get the degree, such as completion within seven years. Keep in mind that this completion deadline varies depending upon the school and other factors, such as whether taking a short leave will count toward the requirement.

What are the admissions requirements for PhD clinical psychology programs?

Clinical psychology PhD programs have notoriously competitive admissions; for instance, between 2010 and 2018, Boston University received about 700 applications per year and only chose about eight students out of that number. You could boost your odds of acceptance by meeting every aspect of the admissions requirements, which usually include:

  • Undergraduate transcript
  • Personal essay or letter of intent
  • At least two letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV

Though many schools require GRE scores for admission, others do not, and instead look at the applicant’s experience, volunteer work, and strength of their overall application. Remember to meet every admission requirement, and do it well before the deadline.

Will earning an online PhD in clinical psychology prepare me for state licensure as a psychologist?

All states require clinical psychologists to be licensed. The rules for licensure vary from one state to another; however, one constant will be graduating from an accredited program. Before committing to a program, it’s a good idea to contact your state’s Board of Psychology to get familiar with the educational requirements for licensure and make sure the program meets them.

Beyond that, contact specific schools and look at their online program pages to determine whether they are designed to prepare students for licensure in the state you wish to practice in. Keep in mind that a school might not offer “prep courses” but instead, will incorporate prep materials into the other courses students will take during the program. When reaching out to the school, ask how well previous students have done when seeking licensure – for example, what is the pass rate for that particular school?

How much does it cost to earn a PhD in clinical psychology?

It’s impossible to provide a precise dollar amount of the overall cost of earning a PhD in clinical psychology. That’s because costs will vary depending upon the type of school (such as private versus public), your location (even if you’re an online student), whether you choose full-time or part-time programs, and what kind of funding you have available to you. Here’s a look at tuition costs at three popular schools with online clinical psychology PhD programs to give you an idea of the price range to expect.

WU

Walden
University

Online PhD in Clinical Psychology

Total Credits: 163-223 quarter credits

$495/quarter credit

NSUf

Nova Southeastern
University – Florida

PhD in Clinical Psychology

Total Credits: 118 credit hours

$1,160/credit hour

PUo

Pacific University –
Oregon

PhD in Clinical Psychology

Total Credits: 133

$35,685/academic year

Where to Get Help Paying for Your Online Clinical Psychology PhD Program

Before entering a program, make sure you can afford it. Start looking at financial aid options well before you begin the application process, so that by the time you receive your acceptance, you will have an idea of how you’re going to pay for the education. Though it might seem difficult to dig up the tuition needed for these programs, there are numerous financial aid options that can be a tremendous help.

Accreditation Standards for Online Clinical Psychology PhD Programs

The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits clinical psychology programs on the doctoral level and is considered the gold standard in the psychology field. APA accreditation ensures the program meets the standards of a quality education and prepares students to move into work as clinical psychologists (or related specialties).

However, not all online programs will have APA accreditation. In that case, it’s imperative to ensure the college or university has regional accreditation. This accreditation covers the school itself, not the program; regardless, it is still considered a sign of a high-quality education, and will be accepted in most states as a degree that allows a graduate to apply for licensure. To learn more about accreditation, check out the APA Accredited Program Lists and this online database from the Department of Education.

Below are some exemplary online programs that fulfill the standards for accreditation. These schools complement our top-ranked choice from earlier in this guide and can broaden your understanding of what to look for in finding a program perfect for your needs.

Career and Salary Outlook After Your Online PhD in Clinical Psychology

Show entries
Search:
Area 10th Percentile Median 90th Percentile
U.S. $48,820 $96,100 $168,870
Alabama $27,210 $94,740 $174,650
Alaska $78,270 $103,530 $141,710
Arizona $60,170 $89,830 $179,200
Arkansas $50,720 $65,440 $147,910
California $64,010 $126,450 $187,020
Colorado $50,130 $83,100 $134,890
Connecticut $239,000+ $239,000+ $239,000+
Delaware $239,000+ $239,000+ $239,000+
Florida $39,090 $78,730 $140,320
Georgia $41,710 $79,410 $136,680
Hawaii $55,130 $92,480 $131,100
Idaho $39,750 $65,590 $127,960
Illinois $42,820 $85,990 $169,300
Indiana $50,990 $80,480 $139,580
Iowa $50,970 $86,300 $123,640
Kansas $34,530 $66,390 $109,740
Kentucky $38,740 $95,130 $180,270
Louisiana $239,000+ $239,000+ $239,000+
Maine $79,180 $97,770 $230,050
Maryland $64,680 $102,680 $192,740
Massachusetts $46,000 $95,780 $164,740
Michigan $50,200 $77,530 $129,210
Minnesota $35,630 $101,160 $134,170
Mississippi $239,000+ $239,000+ $239,000+
Missouri $38,430 $83,840 $131,920
Montana $60,190 $67,590 $125,800
Nevada $57,910 $104,020 $161,270
New Hampshire $37,600 $48,780 $115,520
New Jersey $85,940 $130,700 $224,620
New Mexico $49,610 $81,640 $156,990
New York $60,720 $99,870 $164,280
North Carolina $48,430 $78,630 $141,720
North Dakota $21,470 $74,110 $162,430
Ohio $40,860 $105,680 $168,920
Oklahoma $32,140 $76,190 $129,540
Oregon $63,070 $126,830 $208,730
Pennsylvania $45,490 $73,470 $126,250
Rhode Island $56,150 $110,000 $215,660
South Carolina $26,970 $59,580 $129,210
South Dakota $58,820 $83,470 $117,650
Tennessee $62,970 $89,980 $143,890
Texas $32,490 $75,140 $135,010
Utah $44,270 $82,350 $166,260
Vermont $52,230 $78,700 $143,390
Virginia $51,260 $89,520 $222,560
Washington $66,990 $110,480 $142,140
West Virginia $36,320 $65,350 $118,250
Wisconsin $60,110 $97,080 $170,150
Wyoming $38,160 $65,810 $125,500

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

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Area Curr. Jobs Proj. Jobs New Jobs Growth % Avg. Ann. Openings
United States 67,500 75,200 7,700 11.40% 4,100
Alabama 440 480 40 9.10% 30
Alaska 70 70 0.00%
Arizona 820 1,040 220 26.80% 70
Arkansas 530 600 70 13.20% 30
California 12,100 14,600 2,500 20.70% 880
Colorado 1,390 1,670 280 20.10% 100
Connecticut 550 600 50 9.10% 30
Delaware 120 130 10 8.30% 10
District of Columbia 280 300 20 7.10% 20
Florida 3,720 4,690 970 26.10% 290
Georgia 1,240 1,370 130 10.50% 70
Idaho 0.00%
Illinois 5,440 6,040 600 11.00% 330
Indiana 1,940 2,200 260 13.40% 120
Iowa 630 760 130 20.60% 50
Kansas 400 450 50 12.50% 30
Kentucky 540 600 60 11.10% 30
Louisiana 370 410 40 10.80% 20
Maine 120 120 0.00% 10
Maryland 2,770 3,120 350 12.60% 170
Massachusetts 1,180 1,320 140 11.90% 70
Michigan 2,050 2,280 230 11.20% 120
Minnesota 1,820 2,000 180 9.90% 110
Mississippi 250 290 40 16.00% 20
Missouri 1,740 1,930 190 10.90% 110
Montana 230 260 30 13.00% 20
Nebraska 350 390 40 11.40% 20
Nevada 280 310 30 10.70% 20
New Hampshire 200 240 40 20.00% 10
New Jersey 1,510 1,740 230 15.20% 100
New Mexico 300 370 70 23.30% 20
North Carolina 1,960 2,330 370 18.90% 140
North Dakota 160 180 20 12.50% 10
Ohio 2,010 2,100 90 4.50% 110
Oklahoma 410 470 60 14.60% 30
Oregon 940 1,160 220 23.40% 70
Pennsylvania 3,800 4,160 360 9.50% 220
Rhode Island 550 610 60 10.90% 30
South Carolina 570 700 130 22.80% 40
South Dakota 140 160 20 14.30% 10
Tennessee 640 790 150 23.40% 50
Texas 3,470 4,150 680 19.60% 250
Utah 1,260 1,890 630 50.00% 140
Vermont 180 190 10 5.60% 10
Virginia 1,720 1,920 200 11.60% 110
West Virginia 740 830 90 12.20% 50
Wisconsin 1,750 1,910 160 9.10% 100
Wyoming 90 100 10 11.10% 10

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Though a clinical psychology degree might seem right for you, it pays to take the time to explore similar options. Perhaps one of the following would get you closer to your ideal career scenario. Let’s take a look at these closely-related degrees.

Online PsyD Programs (Doctor of Psychology)

While the PhD is focused more on the theory and research behind psychology, the PsyD focuses more on putting that theory and research into action by working hands-on in communities, businesses, organizations, and with individuals. Earning the degree takes roughly the same amount of time, but each school usually has a higher acceptance rate for applicants. Potential jobs with this degree include counseling, social work, and consulting.

Online PhD in Counseling

Those who want to work directly with patients through counseling can take this career path, which prepares them for hands-on work in their own private practice, clinics, and other settings where individuals, couples, or groups seek therapy. An online PhD in counseling can lead to a variety of jobs in the field after the proper training, including that of marriage and family counselor.

Online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis, also known as ABA therapy, can be a powerful tool in helping those with behavioral issues, such as autism. Therapists with this training can work as supervisors in clinics, run private practices, help create programming for assisting patients with particular needs, and conduct assessments to create new treatments for individuals. Though this degree can open doors to hands-on work, as a PhD it naturally lends itself to research-oriented careers.

Additional Resources for Clinical Psychology PhD Students and Professionals

American Academy of Forensic Psychology

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

American Psychological Association

American Psychological Association: Resources for Students

Association for Behavior Analysis International

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

National Association of School Psychologists

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

The Student Doctor Network: Psychology Forums

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