Top Clinical Psychology PhD Programs Online
Est. Time: 7 mins
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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The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Private
- AccreditationWSCUC
- Avg. Inst. AidN/A
- % in Online Ed.90%
- Tuition$$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio5/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Graduate Rankings” for the ’24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of graduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for graduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
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.
Walden
University
Online PhD in Clinical Psychology
Total Credits: 163-223 quarter credits
$495/quarter credit
Nova Southeastern
University – Florida
Total Credits: 118 credit hours
$1,160/credit hour
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.
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Career and Salary Outlook After Your Online PhD in Clinical Psychology
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.
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.
Related Doctoral Degrees
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.
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