part time phd psychology

The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Staff Writers

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated October 23, 2023

thebestschools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

A Ph.D in psychology prepares graduates for careers as licensed psychologists, research psychologists, and psychology professors. Doctoral students examine human behavior, social interactions, and mental health treatments. The degree also incorporates practical training through a supervised internship or practicum, helping students develop the skills needed for careers in psychology.

With a psychology degree , graduates can work many different psychology jobs . For example, psychologists earn a median annual salary of over $85,330, and a doctorate meets the requirements for most careers in this field.

Our list includes the top psychology programs offering some online coursework. It is important to note that while several doctorate in psychology programs offer online courses, there are no fully online psychology doctoral programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Thus, rather than ranking schools, we list these programs alphabetically to help prospective applicants find the program that best matches their needs.

This article also explores the differences between Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees, common courses and specialization options, and careers for graduates who earn doctorates in psychology.

Featured Online Schools

The best doctoral psychology programs available online.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

California Southern University

• Costa Mesa, CA

The doctor of psychology program at California Southern University offers an online option for doctoral students. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.

The 66-credit doctoral program incorporates advanced psychology coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. With a doctorate in psychology, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students pay for the program with federal financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships. Contact the psychology program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.

California Southern University at a Glance:

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

#2 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Fielding Graduate University

• Santa Barbara, CA
• Online + Campus

Doctoral students seeking an online psychology program benefit from the Ph.D. in clinical psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.

The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in psychology. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. Graduates with a doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.

Online doctoral students can pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.

Fielding Graduate University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 944

Online Master's Programs: 2

Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,292

#3 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Southern California Seminary

• El Cajon, CA

The doctor of psychology program at Southern California Seminary offers an online option for doctoral students. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.

In the online psychology program, graduate learners complete advanced classes. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. A doctorate in psychology prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.

Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.

Southern California Seminary at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 130

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,588

#4 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• Chicago, IL

The online Ph.D. in international psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology ranks among the best in the field. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.

During the online program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. The psychology program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. With a doctorate in psychology, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at a Glance:

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 4-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $20,610

#5 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Touro University Worldwide

• Los Alamitos, CA

The doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology program at Touro University Worldwide offers an online option for doctoral students. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.

The online program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. As the terminal degree in psychology, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.

At the accredited institution, online doctoral students qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

Touro University Worldwide at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,903

Online Master's Programs: 8

Online Doctoral Programs: 1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,000

Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs Ranking Guidelines

We selected these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

What Is an Online Ph.D. in Psychology?

Doctoral degrees in psychology cannot be conducted completely online. However, some programs do make some coursework available to learners online, helping them complete their graduate studies from anywhere.

The typical curricula for a Ph.D. in psychology emphasizes research and prepares graduates for academic and research roles. Doctoral students take courses in research design and methods, psychology statistics, and cognitive development. Ph.D. programs also offer specialized coursework in neuroscience and affective science.

A Ph.D. in psychology builds strong research and analytical skills. In addition to coursework, each doctoral student must pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research within their specialization. The degree culminates in an original doctoral dissertation that contributes to the field of psychology. After graduation, professionals with Ph.D. degrees in psychology typically work as psychology professors or researchers.

Earning a Ph.D in psychology typically takes 5-7 years, depending on the program and whether the doctoral student completes an internship. Applicants generally need a master's degree in psychology and a strong GPA to gain admission. Some Ph.D. programs in psychology offer fellowships and other forms of funding for doctoral students.

What Is an Online Psy.D. in Psychology?

As with the online Ph.D. in psychology, an online Psy.D. in psychology refers to a doctorate in psychology program where some but not all coursework is offered online. A Psy.D. degree trains graduates for clinical roles and licensure as psychologists. Common courses include psychology research methods, psychopharmacology, and psychological testing. Doctoral students also examine research in evidence-based practice. Online Psy.D. programs also incorporate supervised internships to strengthen clinical skills.

Within a Psy.D. program, graduate students focus on specialty areas such as counseling psychology, child psychology , or behavioral psychology. After completing coursework requirements and passing a comprehensive examination, doctoral candidates conduct clinical research in their specialization areas. Degree-seekers analyze clinical problems or examine topics based on original research, then write research-based dissertations.

Earning a Psy.D. typically takes 4-6 years for full-time students. Some programs offer accelerated or part-time enrollment options. Applicant often need a master's in psychology to gain admission to a Psy.D. program.

What's the Difference Between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Psychology?

At the doctoral level, psychology offers Psy.D. and Ph.D. degrees. The two pathways offer different coursework and prepare graduates for different careers.

A Psy.D. emphasizes clinical training for careers in psychology, while a Ph.D. focuses on research and academic training. Licensed psychologists who work directly with patients often hold Psy.D. degrees, while psychology professors typically have Ph.D. degrees. In addition, a Ph.D. typically takes more time than a Psy.D.; while a Psy.D. can take as little as four years, a Ph.D. often requires 5-7 years.

When comparing Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs, prospective psychologists should consider their professional goals. Those seeking research or academic positions may prefer a Ph.D., while those considering careers as licensed psychologists should pursue Psy.D. degrees.

Choosing an Online Doctoral Psychology Program

When choosing a partially online doctoral program, prospective students must weigh several factors. For many, program cost, specialization options, and program length rank among the most important concerns.

Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees prepare psychologists for different career paths, so applicants should also consider which degree aligns best with their goals. Candidates should also consider enrollment options, course delivery methods, internship options, and tuition discounts when evaluating partially online doctorates in psychology.

By examining these factors, future psychologists can ensure that they find the best fit for their unique needs and career aspirations.

Accreditation for Online Psychology Degree Programs

Prospective applicants should always research program and university accreditation when choosing a partially online doctorate in psychology. Accredited programs follow best practices for educating psychologists, and only graduates of APA-accredited programs qualify for licensure as psychologists. Applicants should also research other state licensure requirements before choosing a program.

What Else Can I Expect From a Doctoral Psychology Program?

Doctoral-level psychology students take courses in areas like counseling psychology, evidence-based practice, human development, and psychopharmacology. These courses build advanced knowledge and skills in psychology. Doctoral students often further specialize their training by choosing concentrations like clinical psych, school psychology, or developmental psychology.

After completing coursework requirements, doctoral candidates must pass examinations and meet any internship requirements. Most programs also require a research-based doctoral dissertation in the candidate's specialization.

Common Courses for an Online Doctorate in Psychology

• Child and Adolescent Therapy: In this class, psychology students strengthen their counseling and treatment skills for children and adolescents. The coursework emphasizes clinical practice and diagnostic approaches for professionals in clinical, child, counseling, and school psychology.
• Clinical Supervision and Consultation: Students practice their supervision skills and learn how to oversee less experienced workers in the field. The course also trains psychology graduates for consultation and mediation roles.
• Community Psychology and Social Justice: The course examines psychology during times of social change. Learners explore social justice in a mental health context and its impact on society more broadly.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Doctoral students examine current research in psychology to identify applications in clinical practice. The course covers topics like evaluating evidence and applying practical research.
• Intellectual and Personality Testing: Psychology students learn to administer and interpret personality assessments. The course covers the theoretical foundations of personality testing and how to perform clinical diagnoses based on those tests.
• Psychopharmacology: In this course, doctoral students learn about the human body and its interactions with drugs. The course emphasizes mental health needs, pharmacological approaches to treating mental health issues, and drug abuse and addiction.

Psychology Specializations

• Collapse All

Clinical Psychology

A clinical psychology specialty emphasizes mental healthcare and research-based practice. Within clinical psychology, doctoral students specialize in demographics, like child psychology and geriatric mental health. The specialty trains learners to apply psychology research in diverse clinical settings.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology examines human growth and development across the lifespan. Doctoral students in this specialty conduct research on childhood development, social and emotional development, and information processing. The specialty prepares graduates for careers in research and academia.

School Psychology

A school psychology specialty emphasizes mental health in young learners. Doctoral students explore learning and behavior, including challenges to academic and social development. These psychologists work with children, families, and schools to help students thrive in education.

Social Psychology

Social psychology examines individual behavior in social settings. This specialty focuses on human interactions and their impact on people's beliefs and feelings. Social psychologists can apply their skills in several settings, including workplaces.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Doctorate in Psychology Program?

No psychology doctorate program is fully online, but earning a partially online doctorate in psychology takes around five years, depending on the program. Many Ph.D. programs require at least five years to complete coursework, research, and a dissertation, and some also require an internship. A Psy.D. program typically takes 4-6 years, including internship requirements.

Some programs offer accelerated or part-time options, which can change degree timelines. Enrollees may also complete coursework faster through a self-paced, asynchronous model, though only online courses are offered asynchronously. Because the length varies, prospective doctoral students should be sure to research prospective programs' requirements and enrollment options before applying.

Psychology Jobs

With a doctorate in psychology, graduates can pursue careers as psychologists and psychology professors. In these career paths, psychologists can conduct research, educate students, and provide clinical services. A psychology doctorate also prepares graduates for supervisory roles, such as healthcare executive.

Other psychology careers include school or educational psychologist, industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologist, and clinical social worker. This section explores common psychology jobs, including the earning potential, licensure requirements, and projected job growth for each career.

Postsecondary Psychology Teachers

Postsecondary psychology teachers, also known as psychology professors, teach at the college level. They educate undergraduate and graduate students on different topics in psychology, including research, behavioral psychology, and human development. In addition to developing syllabi, psychology professors create assignments and exams to assess student learning. These professors also conduct research and publish their work.

A tenure-track psychology professor typically needs a Ph.D., though some colleges hire candidates with Psy.D. degrees to teach clinical psychology or for adjunct positions. Psychology professors may need special licensure, depending on their research and teaching areas.

Median Annual Salary

Projected Growth Rate

Psychologists

Psychologists research behavior and the decision-making process. In specializations like clinical or counseling psychology, they work with individuals and groups managing emotional or behavioral problems. Psychologists also conduct research into human development, identify organizational dynamics, and test neurological responses, often publishing their research.

Most psychologist jobs require a doctorate, though a school psychologist or I/O psychologist may hold only a master's degree. A Psy.D. prepares psychologists for clinical roles and professional licensure. A licensed psychologist typically needs a doctorate, passing scores on a national exam, and supervised professional experience. Psychologists can also pursue specialty certification.

Medical and Health Services Managers

Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare executives, coordinate services in hospitals, medical practices, and other healthcare organizations. They set policy for their units, analyze data on quality, and implement plans to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Healthcare executives also ensure their organizations follow laws and regulations.

With psychology training, healthcare executives can work for community health and behavioral health facilities, including inpatient treatment centers. They also need administrative training in management and budgeting, and medical and health services managers often hold graduate degrees. The career path does not require a professional license.

Psychology Professional Organizations

Professional organizations help doctoral students expand their professional networks and prepare to transition into clinical practice, research roles, or other psychology careers. These organizations offer career resources, scholarships, and professional development support for doctoral candidates. They may also offer discounted student memberships.

APA represents over 122,000 researchers, clinicians, educators, and students in psychology. The association promotes psychology as a discipline, accredits psychology programs, and offers career resources for students. Members can visit the psychology help center for clinical support or read APA publications to stay current with the field. The association also awards scholarships and fellowships.

Since its founding in 1941, ICP has connected psychologists around the world. Members benefit from annual conferences and newsletters, mentorship opportunities, and professional development resources, such as webinars. This organization also offers travel and recognition awards for members.

AASP dates back to 1985 and represents sports and performance psychology professionals. Members work with athletes, business professionals, and military personnel to improve their physical and mental performance. The association offers professional certifications, hosts an annual conference with networking opportunities, and provides webinars and publications to help practitioners stay current in the field. AASP also offers grants and a student center.

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Psychology Degree

Doctoral programs typically cost tens of thousands in tuition and fees, even when courses are offered partially online. Fortunately, doctoral students qualify for many forms of financial aid to pay for their degrees.

To start, students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which qualifies filers for federal student loans and work-study programs. In addition to federal loans, students can also use private loans to cover costs. Many states also support degree-seekers with grants or scholarships.

Institutional support helps many graduate students earn psychology degrees. Universities often award fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to help recruit and retain students. Some doctoral fellowships include tuition waivers and stipends. To learn about the options at your school, check with the student assistance or finance office.

Finally, psychology degree-seekers qualify for scholarships offered by professional associations, private foundations, and private donors. For example, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology offers both scholarships and fellowships. The APA also offers scholarships and fellowships for psychology doctoral students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become a psychologist with an online degree.

Yes, though there are no accredited psychology doctorates that are available fully online. Instead, programs offer a mix of online and in-person coursework. Psychologists who earn APA-accredited degrees partially online qualify for a professional license in most states. Some career paths, including academia and research, may not require a license.

Are Online Psy.D. Programs APA Accredited?

The APA does not currently accredit any fully online Psy.D. programs. However, the APA does accredit hybrid programs. Always check local state requirements for psychologist licensure before enrolling in a psychology doctoral program to ensure that it meets specifications.

Can You Earn a Doctorate in Psychology Completely Online?

No. As of 2021, the APA — the only agency authorized to accredit psychology doctoral programs — does not accredit any fully online programs.

Learn more, do more.

More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge., popular with our students..

Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.

How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD in Psychology?

Key Takeaways

• It typically takes between four to seven years for full time students to get a PhD degree in psychology.
• It takes part-time students five to seven years to complete a PhD program in psychology.
• The length of a PhD program varies based on program prerequisites, the type of degree, and whether you attend part or full-time or online or on-campus.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 1.2% of the population have doctoral degrees. The reason? The daunting length of a PhD degree. However, that does not have to be the case for everyone. A PhD in psychology typically depends on the student’s program, education, and schedule. Knowing more about the process can help you plan your studies and career.

A PhD in psychology can brighten your career prospects and direct you toward higher-paying and rewarding career opportunities. To help you get there, we have done research on how long it takes to get a PhD in psychology.

How long does it take to get a PhD in psychology?

The time it takes to get a doctorate in psychology varies. It depends on factors like the degree type, your education, and your specific program. Typically, these programs last between four to seven years. Let’s explore how long your PhD degree will take according to your degree type.

PhD in Psychology

PhD programs usually take five to seven years  to finish. They often combine research and clinical training, following a scientist-practitioner model.

Moreover, you might need to do an internship or supervised residency alongside classes. The program typically ends with a big research project or dissertation.

PsyD Degree

PsyD programs generally take four to six years to finish. They aim to teach professionals how to use psychological knowledge to help treat people in real-life situations.

According to the American Psychological Association, PsyD programs focus more on applying psychological science through services.

EdD programs typically span three to five years, focusing on psychology, counseling, or counselor education. They integrate education and psychology themes.

Unlike PhD and PsyD applicants, who often start with a bachelor’s degree, many EdD candidates already possess a related psychology master’s degree . This distinction underscores the varied entry points into doctoral studies. Moreover, it reflects the specialized nature of EdD programs in preparing professionals for roles in education and psychology.

What is the duration of a PhD in psychology for part-time students?

You can earn a PhD in psychology while being a part-time student, says the  American Psychology Association . Both full and part-time students have the same program requirements, part-time students might take five to seven years to finish.

Not all schools accept part-time students, so check with your chosen schools first. Doing the required internship might be tough for part-time students. Part-time internships are less available compared to full-time ones.

The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers offers hundreds of internships, only 17 are for part-time students.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a PhD Program in Psychology

It’s always good to ensure you don’t sign up for a degree that takes longer than you thought. So, before picking a PhD program in Psychology, consider a few things related to how long it takes, such as:

• Program Rules:  Check what each program needs—like classes, research, and your dissertation. This helps you understand how much time you’ll spend.
• Program Setup:  See if the program is flexible with class schedules and research options that fit what you want to do.
• Teacher Support:  Look into how much help teachers give. Their guidance can make a big difference in how quickly you finish.
• Money Help:  Check if there are ways to get money, like scholarships or assistant jobs. This can ease financial stress and let you focus on studying.
• Research Focus:  Think about what the program likes to study. This can affect how long your degree takes.
• Internship Needs:  Check if the program needs you to do internships. This might change how long you’re in school.
• Success Rates:  Find out how many students finish the program and how long it takes. It gives you an idea of how long you might take.

Which Type of Degree Should You Get?

A doctorate is required to work in certain fields, like licensed clinical or counseling psychology . The American Psychological Association says you often need a doctorate for school psychology or health psychology, too.

While the PhD, PsyD, and EdD are good choices, don’t focus solely on how long they take to finish. Before committing to a doctorate, consider which degree aligns best with your career goals.

Here are some degrees and their objectives to help you understand which program best fits your career preferences.

Conducting Research

A PhD in Psychology is focused on a research-based education model. So, anyone with a PhD in Psychology offers many career choices. For instance, you can go for research, academia, and clinical positions in colleges, government offices, hospitals, and private mental health clinics.

Treating Mental Health Issues

The general focus of a PsyD degree is on a practitioner-based education model. So, individuals who earn a PsyD degree have the choice to teach or conduct research in psychology. Their main job is to offer direct mental health care in applied settings.

Applying Psychology to Help Students

Finally, you can consider a third doctorate option, the EdD or Doctor of Education. This degree is ideal for those interested in school psychology or related educational psychology fields .

Despite the time commitment, obtaining a PhD, PsyD, or EdD can be highly rewarding. According to the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , individuals with a doctoral or education specialist degree in clinical, counseling, and school psychology will have the most solid job opportunities.

Can you finish your degree early?

Generally, if your background in psychology is strong and you have finished all of the required prerequisites, you might complete your doctorate sooner. You will be ahead of those who haven’t taken those prerequisite courses.

Planning your degree well also helps you finish the program quickly. So, ensure you have a clear plan for what you want to do with your psychology degree after you’re done. You can teach, research, work with clients, or combine psychology with law or medicine.

If you’re unsure, talk to an advisor at your school. They can guide you, answer your questions, and help you decide what’s best for you.

Student Submitted Questions About PhD’s in Psychology

How hard is it to get a phd in psychology.

Obtaining an accelerated PhD in psychology  demands significant dedication and effort. Graduate students must tackle coursework, pass exams, undergo extensive internships, and conduct experimental dissertation studies. The process entails substantial commitment and perseverance, emphasizing the rigorous nature of doctoral studies in psychology.

Do you need a master’s to get a PhD in psychology?

No, a Master’s degree is not typically required to obtain a PhD in Psychology. Instead, you can apply to universities offering doctoral programs after completing a psychology bachelor’s degree . There are different types of postgraduate degrees in Psychology, such as PhD, PsyD, and EdD, each with its focus and requirements.

How much does a psychologist make?

PhD holders in Psychology can pursue diverse careers in schools, hospitals, and mental health facilities. Examples include Psychologist ($85,330), Counseling and School Psychologist ($ 81,500), and Psychology Professor ($78,810).

Earning a PhD in psychology involves years of study, typically taking three to seven years. If you’re considering a career as a psychologist, research the different program options and the time it takes to complete them.

Regardless of your choice, be prepared for a significant commitment to graduate school to complete your doctorate.

PhD Admissions

The PhD program in Psychology trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program is characterized by close collaboration between students and their faculty advisors. 

General Information

The Department of Psychology holistically reviews each candidate's complete application to assess the promise of a career in teaching and research. Consideration is based on various factors, including courses taken, grade point average, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Additionally, the Department of Psychology places considerable emphasis on research training, and admitted students have often been involved in independent research as undergraduate students or post-baccalaureate settings. Although there are no course requirements for admission, all applicants should have sufficient foundational knowledge and research experience to engage in graduate-level coursework and research.

We accept students with undergraduate degrees and those with both undergraduate and master's degrees. An undergraduate psychology major is not required; the Department welcomes applicants from other academic backgrounds.

Our application portal is now closed for the AY24-25 admissions cycle.  Please consider applying during next year's AY25-26 admissions cycle, which opens on September 15, 2024.

How to Apply

Application and deadline.

Our 2025-26 Admissions application will open on September 15, 2024.

Applications will be due on November 30, 2024

The deadline for letters of recommendation will be  November 30, 2024 . 

Once an applicant submits the recommenders' information, the recommenders will receive an automated email with instructions for submitting the letter. Late letters should be sent directly to psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . Staff will add them to the application file if the review process is still underway. Still, the faculty reviewers are not obligated to re-review files for materials submitted after the deadline.

The status of submitted applications can be viewed by logging in to the   application portal . 

The deadline to apply for the Stanford Psychology Ph.D. program is  November 30, 2024 . 

Applicants who are admitted to the program will matriculate in autumn 2025. 

In addition to the information below, please review the  Graduate Admissions  website prior to starting your application. The Department of Psychology does not have rolling admissions. We admit for the Autumn term only.

Requirements

• U.S. Bachelor's degree or its  foreign equivalent
• Statement of Purpose (submitted electronically as part of the graduate application). You will be able to specify three  Psychology Department faculty members , in order of preference, with whom you would like to work. 
• Three  Letters of Recommendation  (submitted electronically). A maximum of six letters will be accepted.
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you have attended for at least one year must be uploaded to the graduate application. Applicants who reach the interview stage will be asked to provide official transcripts as well; Department staff will reach out to these applicants with instructions for submitting official transcripts. Please do  not  submit official transcripts with your initial application.
• Required for non-native English speakers: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, submitted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) electronically to Stanford. 

Application Fee

The fee to apply for graduate study at Stanford is $125. Fee waivers are available for some applicants. Please visit Graduate Admissions for information on applying for an  Application Fee Waiver .

Application Review & Status Check

The Department of Psychology welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

To check the status or activity of your application, please log into your  application account . You can also send reminders to recommenders who have not yet submitted their letter of recommendation.

Due to limited bandwidth, the Department of Psychology staff will not answer any phone or email queries about application status, including requests to confirm the receipt of official transcripts.

Our faculty will interview prospective students before making final admission decisions. Candidates who progress to the interview round will be informed in January. Interviews are generally conducted in February.

The Department of Psychology recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

• Diversity and Engagement in Psychology PhD Programs 
• Vice Provost for Graduate Education
• Stanford IDEAL
• Graduate Application Fee Waiver Information

For More Information

Please see our  list of Frequently Asked Questions  and  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (contact us)  should you have additional questions.

• University Home
• Parsons School of Design
• Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
• College of Performing Arts
• The New School for Social Research
• Schools of Public Engagement
• Parsons Paris
• Continuing and Professional Education

PhD Program in Clinical Psychology

Take the next step.

• How to Apply
• Request Information
• Admission Events
• Check Application Status

General Admission Contact The New School for Social Research Office of Admission 72 Fifth Avenue, 1st floor New York, NY 10011 212.229.5600 or 800.523.5411 [email protected]

Admissions Liaison [email protected]

Department of Psychology The New School for Social Research 80 Fifth Avenue, 7th floor New York, NY 10011 Tel: 212.229.5727 x3119 or x3223 (for Clinical Psychology) Fax: 212.989.0846

Department Co-chairs William Hirst (Cognitive, Social, and Developmental) McWelling Todman  (Clinical)

Department Secretary Janiera Warren

Clinical Secretary Nichelle Horlacher

Director of Clinical Training Sam Winer

Assistant Director of Clinical Training Lisa Rubin

Director of Clinical Student Affairs Trisha Toelstedt

Safran Center  Melany Rivera-Maldonado , Director Donna Mulcahy , Manager

Student Advisors First-Year MA: Hong Nguyen Continuing MA: Olivia Cadwell Clinical PhD: Lovelyne Julien BAMA and CSD PhD: Anne Kathrin Lehner

Psychology Departmental Handbook

Psychology Labs Handbook

Concentration in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling Handbook

Admission Links

• Tuition and Fees
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• View Courses
• Read and Download Viewbook
• Download Catalog

The PhD in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. It is one of the few clinical programs that combine a psychoanalytic emphasis with adherence to the scientist-practitioner model.

It also recognizes the importance of understanding the roles of culture and context in mediating healthy psychological development, psychopathology, and psychotherapeutic change.

• Degree Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Credits 90 credits
• Format Full-time or part-time, on-campus
• Start Term Fall

View current tuition and fees View fellowship and funding opportunities

The mission of the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at The New School for Social Research is to train scientist-practitioners who:

• Are competent in clinical practice, including diagnostic assessment, case formulation, and intervention
• Are engaged in contributing to scholarship in all its forms 
• Are grounded in the broader field of scientific psychology and can integrate scientific knowledge with clinical research and practice 
• Can communicate about psychology effectively with a wide range of individuals
• Are respectful of the influence of context, culture, development, and individual differences
• Act ethically throughout their professional conduct

While introducing students to full range of evidence-based practice, we provide a foundation in psychodynamic theory and practice, whose core tenets we identify as 1) recognition of the importance of context and development for psychological trajectories; 2) acknowledgment of intrapsychic influences on behavior which may lay outside awareness; 3) appreciation of the fact that individuals attempt to manage difficult emotions through complex means; and 4) respect for the impact of relational factors on the amelioration of distress, including the therapist’s and client’s reactions to each other. It is expected that graduates will implement these skills in a variety of settings.

Consistent with The New School for Social Research’s institutional goals, we value progressive social thought, critical analysis, pluralism, diversity, and interdisciplinary dialogue and recognize the importance of pursuing and maintaining integration between scholarship and real-world concerns.

Approach to Training

Our overall ethos is a realistic take on the challenges to the scientist-practitioner model: Researchers sometimes fail to take into account the realities of clinical practice, and as surveys indicate, many practitioners are not interested in research findings. An important goal is thus to train students to think critically about the causes of the researcher-practitioner gap and to explore ways of reducing it. We attempt to create an atmosphere in which a critical spirit will flourish. Ongoing questioning and dialogue are encouraged, formally and informally, not only in classes and seminars but also at guest lectures, case conferences, research conferences, and various faculty and student meetings.

The program achieves mission through three primary modes of educational experiences: coursework, clinical placements, and research mentorship.

Coursework:  Students in the MA program undertake broad, foundational, and graduate-level study of psychological science, in the areas of affective, biological, cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, as well as research methods and statistics. As they move into the doctoral program, they integrate their acquired basic science learning into clinical skills coursework.

Clinical Placements and Supervision: In clinical placements, doctoral students participate in didactics on up-to-date clinical research, which their supervisors then help them incorporate into their interventions. An important element of the integration of science and practice is the clinical experience in the Safran Center for Psychological Services, in which students employ evidence-based interventions and actively participate in psychotherapy process and outcomes research.

Research Mentorship: Students are guided by mentors in their research labs in generating research that integrates the theoretical and clinical implications of their proposed research and its subsequent findings.  

For full details of the program curriculum, as well as all policies and procedures, please see the Psychology student handbook .

Program Ethos

Psychodynamic Roots: Many of our basic clinical skills courses have a broad-based psychodynamic emphasis. Others have a cognitive-behavioral emphasis. Students are also exposed to other therapeutic orientations, such as humanistic and existential approaches. They are encouraged to approach clinical practice with an open and inquiring mind and avoid a doctrinaire outlook.

In its clinical training, the program is pluralistic, with an emphasis on psychoanalytically informed practice. The psychoanalytic legacy of our program can be traced back to 1926, when Sándor Ferenczi, one of Freud's closest colleagues, taught a course at The New School. Other psychoanalytic pioneers who have taught at The New School include Alfred Adler, Ernst Kris, Karen Horney, and Erich Fromm. Our psychoanalytic legacy can also be traced to the World War II–era origins of The New School for Social Research, of which a number of founding faculty members were interested in the synthesis of social and political thought, psychoanalysis, and the humanities.

Critical Thinking: Critical inquiry and debate are encouraged, and students seek out training experiences in a range of different orientations during externship placements. Students are exposed to diverse orientations and taught to examine similarities, differences, and points of complementarity between them. They are taught to think critically about the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches and to explore different approaches to integrating both interventions and theories from different perspectives (e.g., technical eclecticism, theoretical integration, common factors approaches, assimilative integration).

Integration of Science and Practice: In accordance with the scientist-practitioner model of training for clinical psychology, we are committed to teaching our students to integrate research and practice in a meaningful way. We teach them to view the activities of conducting research and engaging in clinical practice as mutually enhancing—that is, to understand that clinical practice generates important questions and insights that can have a significant influence on the conceptualization and execution of research and that both research findings and the process of conducting research can have an important impact on clinical practice.

Consistent with the National Conference on Scientist-Practitioner Education and Training for the Professional Practice of Psychology, the emphasis in our training model is on the integration of science and practice in all activities a clinical psychologist undertakes. From this perspective, the hallmark of the scientist-practitioner model is not publishing in scientific journals but rather bringing the integrative perspective of the scientific-practitioner model to all professional activities.

Many of our graduates choose to work in clinical settings, and when they do, we expect them to approach their work with the critical sensibility that is the hallmark of science; to value and seek out up-to-date information, including expertise in both clinical techniques and empirical findings regarding assessment, psychopathology, and therapeutic methods; and to evaluate this information critically. When they do research, we expect them to be attuned to real-world clinical concerns and to use their clinical experience to generate meaningful hypotheses.

We also believe it is important for students to be aware from the outset that the practice of clinical psychology often falls short of the ideals of the scientist-practitioner model, and that there is an increasing recognition in the field of a gap between researchers and clinicians. Researchers sometimes fail to take into account the realities of clinical practice, and, as surveys indicate, many practitioners are not interested in research findings. An important goal is thus to train students to think critically about the causes of the researcher-practitioner gap and to explore ways of reducing it. We attempt to create an atmosphere in which a critical spirit will flourish. Ongoing questioning and dialogue are encouraged, formally and informally, not only in class and seminar rooms but also at guest lectures, case conferences, research conferences, and various faculty and student meetings.

A full account of degree requirements and procedures is contained in the Psychology student handbook .

PhD candidates must earn 60 credits in addition to the 30 credits taken in the General Psychology MA program, for a total of 90 credits. 

Once admitted to the Clinical Psychology doctoral program:

• Students are expected to take courses in clinical theory and technique, diagnostic testing, evidence-based practice, culture and ethnicity, ethics, and statistics, and others
• Students must also complete a practicum at the program's training site, the Safran Center for Psychological Services, in their first year, followed by two full years of externship and externship seminars
• The clinical component of training culminates in a paid, full-time, APA-accredited internship, procured through a national match process. 

Timeline to Completion:  It is possible to complete the PhD degree in four years (not including the two-year MA program). The program is structured so that students spend three years completing academic and practicum requirements and one year completing an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship. It is not unusual for students to take longer than four years, given the many concurrent academic, clinical, and research experiences that the program affords, and given many students' desire to gain additional clinical experience in light of the current internship match imbalance.

Graduate Minors

Students can use elective courses toward completing one of the university’s  graduate minors . These structured pathways of study immerse master's and doctoral students in disciplines outside their primary field and expose them to alternative modes of research and practice. Completed graduate minors are officially recorded on students' transcript.

Dissertation

The dissertation itself consists of two separate but related portions:

• Literature Review: The first portion is a stand-alone literature review article that is submitted in a form that is potentially acceptable to a peer-reviewed journal. This article should be approximately 10,000 words or 25-30 double-spaced pages in length (including references), and will review theoretical and empirical research relevant to the topic on which the dissertation research focuses.
• Empirical Article: The second portion consists of a stand-alone empirical article written in a form that would be acceptable to a peer-reviewed journal. This article should be approximately 10,000 words or 25-30 pages double spaced in length (including references). Students should familiarize themselves with the types of articles that appear in quality journals relevant to their area of research, and use these as models when writing their dissertation.  

See Dissertation Requirements in the Psychology department handbook for complete information.

Assistantships

A limited number of research and teaching assistantships are available in the Psychology department. Teaching assistantships are usually restricted to doctoral candidates.

Faculty Research Interests

The following Clinical Psychology faculty members typically serve as the primary research supervisors for Clinical Psychology doctoral students. However, all Cognitive, Social, and Development Psychology faculty members may also serve as primary research supervisors.

The most recent American Psychological Association site visit, in December 2013, resulted in the PhD program's accreditation for a full seven years. The program continues to be accredited, with its next site visit scheduled to take place in 2021.

Site visitors commented on the excellence of the program's training in scholarship, research, and practice, and on our success in integrating the three realms. 

To quote the site visit report:

“The focus of the program is not only on present knowledge available but on understanding the value of developing a stance of lifelong scholarly inquiry and the basic value of science as an important part of clinical practice. There is an emphasis on the constant change in knowledge and ideas that occur in the field and on the importance of both being aware of these changes and of being involved in them. The advanced students appear to have developed a very strong attitude of lifelong learning and also assist in the development of this attitude by being models and passing on the attitude to the new students.

"The program excels in the area of clinical training. The New School Psychotherapy Research Program provides a strong beginning to the students' clinical experience. A wide range of agencies are used for advanced practica and all are required to provide adequate supervision and appropriate professional supervisors. The clinical training experience is integrated with all appropriate courses. The practica from the very first year New School Psychotherapy Research Program placement on throughout the program are designed to fit with and be part of developing competencies and to meet both immediate and long term training during each year of the program. Since practicum training is part of the training during each year in the program, the amount, intensity and breadth of experience is well beyond what is expected by most internship sites.

"The program tracks placements of its graduates and is justly proud of the excellent jobs its students regularly obtain. In our interviews with supervisors in sites that support student placements and internships we learned that most of them consider New School graduate students to be the best graduate students they see."

Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 750 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002-4242

202.336.5979 [email protected] apa.org/ed/accreditation

Detailed policies and procedures for admissions can be found in the Psychology student handbook .

Students begin their studies toward the PhD by obtaining an MA in General Psychology, which includes courses in cognition, social psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, psychopathology, and research methods and statistics, as well as three electives. For these electives, students may take the three-course module in Substance Abuse Counseling and Mental Health. In the middle of the second year of the MA, students with a GPA of 3.50 or higher, who are also pursuing research with faculty guidance, may apply for admission to the Clinical Psychology doctoral program. The Clinical program admits approximately 15 students per year. Successful completion of the MA in General Psychology does not guarantee admission to the PhD program.

Students with MA degrees in psychology from other universities  may be eligible for "Advanced Standing" status in the New School for Social Research MA program. Accepted students are informed of whether or not they will be admitted with Advanced Standing status prior to beginning the MA program. Once accepted, eligible students may apply to enter the Clinical Psychology PhD after at least one semester of study here at the MA level, depending on how many of their credits transfer and assuming they have successfully completed requisite courses to meet eligibility for doctoral application. Students in this situation should consult the "Advanced Standing" section in the department handbook for additional information.

Admission Data

Time to Completion for All Students Entering the Program

Also, please describe or provide a link to program admissions policies that allow students to enter with credit for prior graduate work, and the expected implications for time to completion. Please indicate NA if not applicable: N/A

Program Costs

  Internship Placement Table 1

Internship Placement Table 2

  Licensure

This program has been designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in New York State. As such, a determination has not been made regarding whether this program will meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states or U.S. territories. Students who are considering enrolling in this program and who intend to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than New York should contact the appropriate agency to seek guidance and information confirming licensing or certification requirements before beginning the program. Students should be aware that licensure and certification requirements are subject to change periodically and may include educational or degree requirements, professional examinations, background checks, character and fitness qualifications, work experience, fingerprinting, and other requirements.

Disclaimer: The links below lead to websites created and maintained by other organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The New School does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance or to endorse the organizations sponsoring the websites nor to endorse the views expressed or the products or services offered on the websites. Please note that privacy policies on these websites may differ from those of The New School. Psychology Licensure Information by Profession

New School for Social Research Psychology faculty members regularly discuss their research in the media and receive honors for their work. Examples include:

• New School press release on the appointment of Miriam Steele to the Alfred J. and Monette C. Marrow Professorship in Psychology
• New York Times article , "What Can Be Learned From Differing Rates of Suicide Among Groups," featuring Lillian Polanco-Roman, assistant professor of psychology
• USA Today article , "Hurricane Fiona, natural disasters expose mental health crisis in Puerto Rico," featuring Daniel Gaztambide, assistant professor of clinical practice
• VeryWell Health article , "People With Mental Health Conditions Should Be Screened for Heart Disease Earlier," featuring McWelling Todman, professor of clinical practice
• New School News article , "Trauma and Global Mental Health Psychology Lab Partners with Danish Red Cross to Provide Short-Term Mental Health Interventions to New Yorkers," featuring Adam Brown, associate professor of psychology and vice provost for Research
• New School News article , "Psychology Professors Miriam and Howard Steele Discuss How Families Can Cope with Grief and Stress During the Pandemic," featuring Miriam Steele, Alfred J. and Monette C. Marrow Professor of Psychology, and Howard Steele, professor of psychology
• Psychology research conversation  between Wendy D'Andrea, associate professor of psychology, and Nadia Nieves, PhD Clinical Psychology '20

Take The Next Step

• Request Info

Submit your application

Undergraduates.

To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

Undergraduate Adult Learners

To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

• Undergraduate Courses
• Postgraduate Taught Courses
• Professional, Part-time and Evening Courses
• PhDs and Research Masters
• Online Courses
• Micro-credentials
• How to Apply
• Fees & Funding
• Modes of Study
• Scholarships

Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.

View Courses

• Accommodation Advisory Service
• Campus Activities
• Student Support
• Study Abroad
• International Office
• Mature Students
• Students with Disabilities
• Student Ambassador Programme
• For Parents and Guardians
• Access Student Information
• Life in Galway

University Life

Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.

Read about life at University of Galway

• News & Events
• Strategy 2020-2025
• Cois Coiribe (Publication)
• University Leadership
• Sustainability - National SDG Champion

About University of Galway

Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.

About University of Galway

• Adult Learning and Professional Development
• College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies
• College of Business, Public Policy and Law
• College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences
• College of Science and Engineering

Colleges & Schools

University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.

Colleges and Schools

Research Areas

• Research Office
• Innovation Office
• Researcher Development Centre
• Research Community Portal
• Research centres, institutes, and units

Research & Innovation

University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.

• Career Development Centre (for Employers)
• Business Innovation Centre
• Conference & Event Centre

Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway

We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.

• Latest News
• Alumni Services
• Cois Coiribe
• Alumni Awards
• Follow our Social Channels
• Update Your Details
• Upcoming Alumni Events
• Previous Alumni Events

Alumni & Friends

There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.

• About Engagement
• Learning with Community
• Community Partnerships
• Research with Communities
• University of Sanctuary

Community Engagement

At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.

Real Learning

Gateway Pages

• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
• A High Contrast
• Registration
• Office 365 (Email)
• Student Registry Helpdesk
• Fees & Grants
• Exam Timetables
• Academic Skills Hub
• Student Services
• Student Volunteering
• Students' Union
• Financial System (Agresso)
• Academic Records
• Human Resources
• Academic Terms Dates
• Information Solutions & Services (IT Services)
• Buildings & Estates
• Service Desk
• Colleges & Schools

Psychology (Structured PhD)

• Find a Supervisor/PhD Project
• Choosing a Research Programme
• Structured Programmes
• Non-Structured Programmes
• Research Scholarships

Course Overview

Course fees.

The School of Psychology has recognised research strengths in four main research clusters:

• Clinical, behavioural and biological psychology
• Lifespan development
• Perception, cognition and action
• Psychology and health

Admission to a research degree is at the discretion of the potential Supervisor and Director of Research, and is based on a proposal from the applicant following discussion with the member of staff whose academic area of interest is most appropriate. Candidates should have obtained a degree in psychology (either single- or joint-honours) to at least upper second-class honours level (or equivalent).

As part of the doctoral training available on the Structured PhD programme, students avail themselves of a range of interdisciplinary taught modules. The wide menu of available options include modules that:

• are discipline-specific in that they augment the student’s existing knowledge in their specialist area , e.g., Skill Theory and Skill Development
• are dissertation-specific in that they supply core skills which are essential to completion of the research project , e.g., Specialist Methodologies in Psychology: Research
• acknowledge a student’s professional development , e.g., presentation of a paper at an international conference
• enhance a student’s employability through generic training , e.g., careers workshops, computer literacy.

Each student will be assigned a primary Supervisor(s) and a Graduate Research Committee made up of experienced researchers to plan their programme of study and to provide on-going support to their research.

Programmes Available

Structured PhD (Psychology)—full-time Structured PhD (Psychology)—part-time Applications are made online via the University of Galway  Postgraduate Applications System . 

Learning Outcomes

Entry requirements.

Candidates should have obtained a degree qualification in psychology to at least Upper Second Class Honours level (or equivalent international qualification). Admission to a research degree is at the discretion of the potential Supervisor and Director of Research, and is based on a proposal from the applicant following discussion with the member of staff whose academic area of interest is most appropriate.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Current research projects.

Research in Psychology

Current funded research opportunity

Work placement, related student organisations, career opportunities, find a supervisor / phd project.

If you are still looking for a potential supervisor or PhD project or would like to identify the key research interests of our academic staff and researchers, you can use our online portal to help in that search

Current Projects

Dr. AnnMarie Groarke The design and role of psychological interventions for patients with cancer; illness cognitions and health outcomes, coping and adjustment in chronic illness.

Prof. Jack James  Cardiovascular behavioural health, and the psychophysiological correlates of stress; the implications of dietary caffeine for human health and well-being (cognitive performance and mood); applied behaviour analysis.

Prof. Ruth Curtis Psychophysiological explanations of stress and coping; cognitive behavioural interventions with cancer patients; personal dispositions and health.

Dr. Mark Elliott Time and more specifically the timing of psychological processes (or temporal dynamics) at the level of cognitive microstructure. His investigations concern perception, memory and to a lesser extent decision-making.

Dr. Brian Hughes Psychological stress (particularly its impact on cardiovascular psychophysiology, immunity, and health) and on psychosocial moderators of stress processes, such as social support and personality. 

Dr. Brian McGuire Pain management, diabetes care and adjustment to chronic physical illness.   Dr. John Bogue Forensic clinical psychology, risk assessment, and investigative psychology.

Dr. Molly Byrne Health promotion, coronary heart disease, primary care, health behaviour change and communication in health care settings, blood donation, sexual health and relationships among people with chronic illnesses.

Dr. Olive Healy Evidence-based treatments and non-scientific practices in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder; Behavioural procedures to increase socially significant behaviour and to decrease and eliminate challenging behaviour; Longitudinal investigations of the effectiveness of applied behaviour analysis in the education and treatment of children with developmental disorders;

Dr. Caroline Heary Child health psychology, mental health stigma and methodological issues relevant to conducting research with children.

Dr. Mike Hogan Lifespan development grounded in the philosophical framework of pragmatic systems science

Ms. Anne Marie Keane Pain management, rehabilitation and implementation of change in health-care systems.

Dr. Geraldine Leader Applied Behaviour Analysis.

Dr. Padraig MacNeela Clinical judgement and decision making, health services and nursing research, and volunteering.

Dr. Denis O’Hora Experimental analysis of behaviour;  relational frame theory, coordination dynamics and continuity of mind. 

Dr. Kiran Sarma Forensic social and abnormal psychology

Dr. Ian Stewart The Experimental Analysis of Language and Cognition; Applications of Relational Frame Theory; Philosophical Issues in Psychology

Dr. Jane Walsh Preventative health behaviour and the use of theory-based interventions in both community and hospital settings.

Researcher Profiles

See  www.nuigalway.ie/psychology/staff_acad.htm for information on research interests/profiles of staff in the School of Psychology

Fees: Non EU

Extra information.

EU Part time: Year 1  €4,250 p.a. (€4,390 including levy) 2024/25

All students, irrespective of funding, must pay the student levy of €140.

School of Psychology T +353 91 493 101 E psychology@ universityofgalway.ie https://www.universityofgalway.ie/psychology/

What Our Students Say

Jenny Groarke |   PhD Psychology

My PhD research, within the Discipline of Psychology, is looking at why people listen to music, and whether music has any benefits for our emotions, cognition and wellbeing. Of particular interest to me is how music might promote well-being into advanced age. The aspect of research I’ve found most engaging has been designing a large four-year project from a very simple idea. It’s been really rewarding designing the study and searching for a gap in the literature, and coming up with interesting hypotheses, and experiments to test those hypotheses. I would recommend NUI Galway to other prospective research students. Galway is an exciting, vibrant city to live in and the University is at the centre of that. The campus is beautiful and historical, the research infrastructure is excellent, and the staff are knowledgeable and supportive.

Postgraduate Prospectus 2024 PDF (3.3MB)

Manage Cookies

Some features need cookies to work properly. Cookies also let us (a) remember your preferences, (b) collect anonymous usage statistics, and (c) see how well our online ads are working.

No personal data is stored on these cookies but, under EU law, we still need to ask you this every 6 months. To learn more about our use of cookies, view our Privacy Policy .

Founded in 1845, we've been inspiring students for over 175 years. University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching.

University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland H91 TK33 T. +353 91 524411

Get Directions Send Us an Email

Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn RSS

© 2023 University of Galway. All Rights Reserved. Server AWS University of Galway is a registered charity. RCN 20002107

• Privacy & Cookies
• Contact & Enquiries
• Accessibility

2024 Part Time PsyD Programs [Doctor of Psychology]

A number of universities now offer part time PsyD programs that may allow you to earn your degree according to your own schedule.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

With a PsyD, you may advance your career in the field of psychology and even qualify for psychology licensure.

Part-Time PsyD Programs

With a PsyD, you may pursue a career in psychology. This professional doctorate may build upon your undergraduate or masters degree to advance your knowledge and expertise in this field.

You may earn your part time PsyD either online or in person on a traditional campus. If you attend a part time doctorate program that’s on campus, your classes may be at night or on the weekends. If you choose to enroll in a part time online program, you may have additional flexibility and can often take classes according to your own schedule.

PsyD programs may include courses on child, adolescent, and adult development as well as case conceptualization. You may also complete an internship in the field, where you may work under supervision to gain experience. The final task of your doctorate may be a dissertation.

With the completion of a PsyD program, you may qualify for psychology licensure and likely increase your earning potential.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time PsyD Programs

If you are considering getting your PsyD, you can attend either part time or full time, depending on where you enroll. There are many program options available with various factors to consider.

Both full time and part time graduate school programs may have online and on-campus options. For a part-time program, traditional on-campus classes are often on weekends or evenings to allow you to have more flexibility with your schedule.

An online program may offer even more flexibility, as you can often access your classes any time of the day or night that’s most convenient to you. Part-time PsyD programs let students enroll in fewer classes each semester. The number of classes may range, depending on the program, but it will not be a full course load.

Full time students, on the other hand, must take on a full course load each semester to maintain their full-time status.

Time to Completion

Enrolling in a doctorate program part time means that it will likely take longer to complete the program. As a part time student, the number of courses you take is up to you. It can extend a 3 to 5 year program to 6 or more years, depending on where you enroll.

Full time enrollment is often a faster route to graduation since you are taking more credits each semester. Some online programs, though, may allow you to speed up the graduation process with 8 week classes and year-round enrollment.

Likewise, if your doctoral program requires an undergraduate degree in the field, you may want to consider earning one of the fast track online psychology degrees offered by some universities.

Pros and Cons

Psyd careers & salaries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are many career paths that you can go into within psychology with a PsyD.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for psychologists is $82,180. Those with a doctoral degree in an applied specialty may have the best job prospects.

While postsecondary teachers often have a PhD, you may still teach at a postsecondary institution with a PsyD, especially if you’re teaching applied skills.

PsyD Curriculum & Courses

A PsyD program has a robust curriculum filled with courses and internships. Courses vary by university, but they may include:

• Child and Adolescent Development : You’ll learn about the developmental processes that occur in childhood all the way through adolescence.
• Clinical Internship : Your internship places you at a site with supervision and allows you to gain experience in the field.
• Consultation and Supervision : This course gives you the tools you will need to do consultations and supervisions when you are working as a psychologist.
• History and Systems of Psychology : This course goes into the history of psychology and how it grew to what the field is today.
• Professional Ethics : This class teaches about the ethics of being a psychologist and discusses common ethical issues that psychologists encounter.
• Adult Development : During this course, you can learn how human functioning works in adults.
• Dissertation : A dissertation is a detailed research-based paper that you must propose, research, complete, and defend. It supports your candidacy for your doctoral degree.
• Advanced Topics in Professional Psychology : This course introduces students to the clinical and research aspects of advanced concepts and skills related to professional roles in psychology.
• Principles and Methods of Assessment : Assessing a case is the first step in deciding the tools you will use to help your patient. This course goes into the principles and methods of that assessment.
• Group Counseling : As a psychologist, you may do individual, couple, or group counseling. This course help equip you with the tools to hold group counseling sessions.

These are only some of the courses and clinical work that you may encounter during your doctoral program.

How to Become a Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists may work with individuals or groups who have mental health disorders. If you are interested in becoming a licensed psychologist, you can follow these steps:

• Undergraduate degree . Get your bachelors degree.
• Apply for doctoral program . Apply for full-time or part-time enrollment in a PsyD or PhD in Psychology program.
• Choose a specialty . During your coursework, you may choose whether you want to learn within general clinical psychology programs or within a specialty.
• Earn doctorate . Complete your coursework and internship requirements.
• EPPP exam . Most state licensing boards require that you pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
• Supervised hours . Complete the amount of supervised hours required by your state licensing board.

Upon fulfilling all of your state licensing board’s requirements, you may gain your license to become a clinical psychologist. You may work as a clinical psychologist in many different settings. You may work in a hospital or a school or even start your own practice.

Admissions Requirements

When applying for PsyD programs, there are a variety of admissions requirements you may encounter. The requirements vary by school, but they may include:

• Undergraduate degree . Many PsyD programs require a bachelor’s degree from a 4 year, regionally accredited institution. Some programs may also require a master’s degree in a similar field or program.
• GPA requirement . Some programs require a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 or higher from your previous programs.
• Personal essay . When applying for a PsyD program, you might be required to write a personal essay based on your experience or your desire to join the program.
• Letters of recommendation . Collecting letters of recommendation from prior mentors, teachers, and employers may boost your application.

These requirements might be required of you in addition to the application. Every school is different but will generally list admissions requirements on their website.

Accreditation

When figuring out what program to get your degree in, regional accreditation is one factor you may want to consider. Regional accreditation is the recognition of a university’s high educational standard.

Accreditation legitimizes your degree, so getting your degree from an accredited school may help your job prospects. Most school websites have information about their accreditation status. You can also check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to find out if the programs you are interested in are accredited.

It may also be beneficial for your doctoral program in clinical psychology to be APA accredited, especially if you plan to pursue psychology licensure.

PsyD Licensure and Certifications

PsyD licensure and certification requirements may vary by state. You can still have a career in the field of psychology without a license, but a license is required if you want to be a clinical psychologist.

If you want to become a licensed psychologist, an APA accredited PsyD or PhD in Psychology is often required. You may have to complete an internship during your doctoral program as well.

Once you have your doctorate, you can apply to your state’s board of psychology for your license and fulfill their specific requirements. Each state typically requires a certain amount of supervised practice hours. That amount may range from 1,000 to 4,000 hours.

Depending on the state, a portion of your supervised hours can happen while you are getting your degree while the rest must be done after you graduate. Some states may allow your doctoral internship to encompass some of your supervised practice hours.

Each state has different licensing exams that you take once the other requirements are fulfilled. Once you have fulfilled your state board’s licensing requirements and are a licensed psychologist, you may choose to continue on to earn a Board certification in a psychology specialty area.

A certification may help you stand out as a professional specialist in a specific psychology field.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

For full-time and part-time doctoral degree programs in psychology, there are a few financial aid options you may qualify for:

• Graduate assistantships . Graduate assistantships are provided per department and are based on merit. There are teaching, research, and lecturer assistantships. They often provide a tuition waiver or stipend.
• Federal and state aid . Federal aid and state aid commonly come in the form of loans and grants. To apply, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .
• Scholarships and grants . Need-based or merit-based scholarships and grants can range in amount and may be awarded by businesses and organizations as well as universities.
• Fellowships . Fellowships can include a scholarship and can be used to fund research or other work projects.

If you are working while earning your PsyD part time, you may also see if your employer offers any tuition programs or scholarships for employees who are furthering their education.

What Is a PsyD?

PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology. This is a professional doctorate that helps prepare its graduates for careers in psychology.

A PsyD program can take a few years to complete, depending on if you enroll full-time or part-time. This type of doctoral program will often include courses, an internship, and a dissertation or capstone project.

This doctoral program can help you advance your knowledge in psychology and apply your learned skills to counsel individuals, groups, and organizations.

Is a PsyD a Doctor?

Yes, someone with a PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology. Having a doctoral degree, though, does not make someone a medical doctor (MD).

A PsyD cannot prescribe medication, but a medical doctor can. A medical doctor goes to medical school and has a different education and route to licensure that allows them to treat patients with medicine.

A Doctor of Psychology may become a licensed psychologist if they choose to work in a clinical capacity.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PsyD?

Whether or not you need a master’s degree to get your PsyD depends on the university. What you can do with a bachelor’s in psychology is a bit more limited as some university programs require a masters degree in a related field. However, some universities may let you start your doctorate degree right after you have completed your bachelors.

Others may even offer combined masters and PsyD programs , letting you earn both degrees in less time than if you earn each separately.

The admission criteria varies by university. When looking at programs to apply to, you may want to check their admission requirements to see whether or not a masters is needed to apply. This information is often readily available on schools’ websites or by contacting their admissions offices.

Can You Get a PsyD Part Time?

Many assume that getting your doctorate requires a full-time commitment, but a growing number of schools now offer part time PsyD programs.

The flexibility of a part time program may make obtaining your PsyD more accessible. With taking fewer classes at a time, you may be able to keep working, taking care of family, or maintaining other responsibilities. If you are considering getting your PsyD part time, you may talk to your university to see what part time options they offer.

Are PsyD Programs Hard to Get Into?

Requirements for admittance into a PsyD program can vary by university. Some universities require GRE scores, an interview, and letters of recommendation while others do not. Some universities require a masters degree while others do not.

Whether the program is difficult to get into depends on the particular program as well as your expectations. Some universities request a written personal essay to better to get to know you, your goals, what you hope to get out of the program, and what you think you can contribute to the program.

The more you familiarize yourself with your prospective schools admissions requirements, the more prepared you may feel as you gather the necessary materials.

Can You Work While Getting a PsyD?

Yes, you may be able to work while getting a PsyD, especially if you opt for a part time program. Working towards your PsyD part time may allow you to have more flexibility when it comes to choosing your schedule and making it work around your job.

Part time PsyD programs that take place on campus will often have weekend or night classes available. Online programs, whether full-time or part-time, are often the most flexible option, depending on your preferences.

What Can You Do with a PsyD?

A PsyD may lead to a few different careers. Common careers for PsyD graduates include psychologist, school or career counselors, marriage and family therapists, and postsecondary teachers.

Licensed psychologists study groups or individuals, including their social processes, thought processes, emotions, and behavior. Psychologists then use their observations to see how those individuals or groups relate to others as well as their environment.

Within psychology, there are many specialized careers that a PsyD can lead to. Health psychology, neuropsychology, and child psychology are just a few specialties within this field.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PsyD?

A PsyD program generally takes between 3 to 5 years to complete when enrolled full-time. If you are a part time student, it may take longer. Part time students may take 6 or more years to complete their PsyD programs.

How long it takes you to earn your degree depends on how many credits you are able to take each semester. Some online programs offer 8 week terms that may allow you to finish more quickly if you stay enrolled year-round.

Part time PsyD programs are generally flexible, allowing you to earn your degree at a pace that works for you.

What’s the Difference Between a PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology?

A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology, and a PhD in Psychology is a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. These two psychology doctorates share similarities as well as differences.

In so far as enrollment, you can attend part time psychology PhD programs as well as part time Psy.D. programs. The main difference between a PsyD and a PhD in Psychology is that the PhD program is more research-based.

This affects factors such as how long it may take to complete the program as well as the types of careers that the degree holder might pursue.

Is a PsyD Worth It?

Yes, a PsyD is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, community and social service jobs are set to grow at 12% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Common PsyD careers in this field include psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, postsecondary teachers, and school counselors.

Some of these careers require a doctorate and additional licensure, such as a clinical psychologist. For careers that only require a bachelors or masters degree, you may obtain a higher starting salary or acquire a management position with a professional doctorate.

Universities Offering Online Doctor of Psychology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

The PsyD in Educational Psychology from Alliant International University is an opportunity for students to pursue a career in helping others through strong leadership, evaluations, and research-based treatment plans. This degree has two paths for students to take. One approach is the School Psychology Track, and the other is the School Counseling Track.

Alliant International University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

California Southern University’s Doctor of Psychology degree program engages students in practical applications and theoretical methodologies in the industry. Students completing this program can apply for licensure as clinical psychologists. Communication, assessment, and cultural impact are some of the concepts taught in this program.

California Southern University  is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Capella University’s Doctor in School Psychology blends coursework, internships, and clinical experience to give students a well-rounded education. Graduates can take on a supervisory role in schools, colleges, and other educational facilities. This program is offered online and on-campus.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Completing a Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology at Touro University Worldwide equips professionals with the tools needed to stand out in the business world.

Students will learn how to turn problems into solutions and how to increase efficiency and effectiveness in their profession. This program takes 66 credits to complete and can be finished in 3 years.

Touro University Worldwide  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Walden University’s PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership allows students to advance their leadership skills and improve the mental and behavioral branch of the healthcare industry.

This program can be completed online and offers six specialization areas for students to choose from, including international practice, public health, teaching, and more. Two residencies are required.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your Part Time PsyD Online

If you’re interested in human behavior and helping others, then you may consider a career in the field of psychology.

Earning your PsyD online may allow you to gain expertise in this field and help you qualify for psychology licensure according to your own schedule. There are part time programs available on campus as well as online. With part time options, you may choose the pace of your own studies.

If you’re interested in furthering your education and career in the field of psychology, you can begin exploring accredited universities today.

Search NYU Steinhardt

Doctor of Philosophy Counseling Psychology

The principles underlying our Counseling Psychology doctorate are a focus on a developmental understanding of clients; commitment to a health model of intervention; and appreciation of the gendered, cultural, and institutional contexts of people’s lives, as these contexts affect both clients and counselors.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Counseling Psychology

About the Program 

The program follows the basic pattern of a scientist-practitioner model. The major components of the Counseling Psychology doctorate are course work, clinical training (practica, externships, internship), and research training (including dissertation). Solid training in teaching and mentoring, giving students the professional background toward a career in academics, is another key feature of our program. Across all components, attention is given to the integration of practice, theory, and research.

Licensure and Accreditation

The PhD in Counseling Psychology was first registered with the New York State Department of Education for the professional preparation of psychologists in 1971. Graduates of the program become fully qualified psychologists with specialized training in counseling and are eligible for licensure by the state. Learn more about licensure requirements in those states in which students are doing learning placements.

The Counseling Psychology program has been fully accredited since 1981 by the American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington DC 20002-4242 (202-336-5979). Questions related to the program's accreditation status may be directed to this office.

Center for Counseling and Community Wellbeing

The Center is part of the teaching and training program in Counseling Psychology and provides services to meet the local community's social, emotional, and behavioral health. We provide a range of services to children, adolescents, adults, and families.  Learn more about the Center , an important part of the Department of Applied Psychology at NYU Steinhardt.

Admissions Information

Careers and outcomes.

CNPS Student Handbook

Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program Online Info Session

Individuals interested in learning about and applying for the Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University will have the opportunity to hear from the Chair of the Admission Committee, Dr. Anil Chacko, about the process. This will include information about the mission of the program, requirements for applying, and what makes for a successful candidate/application. There will also be an opportunity for Questions and Answers.

Registration Required. 

GRE Requirements: 

Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2024 admissions cycle, the GRE general test score is optional, and the GRE subject test is not required. The Admissions Committee will review all applications holistically, and the applications submitted without GRE scores will not be disadvantaged in the review.

Research Mentors:

The doctoral program in counseling psychology at NYU is a small, individualized scientist-practitioner training program; thus, we pay close attention to the match between the candidate and the program’s faculty and resources. In particular, we seek to admit students whose professional interests align with the program as a whole and whose research interests are well-matched with those of more than one faculty member. Each new student will be matched with a primary research mentor and will also be supported by secondary faculty mentors in other research and clinical roles.

The faculty who are available to serve as primary research mentors for the Fall 2024 admission are:

• Anil Chacko
• Shabnam Javdani
• William Tsai

Other faculty are potentially available to serve as secondary mentors, so we encourage you to write about your interests and experiences that demonstrate that you are a good match with the program as a whole as well as with your potential primary mentor.

Questions: 

If you have questions regarding admission requirements, please review our How to Apply  page.

If you have any additional questions that are not addressed on the "How to Apply" page, please contact us at  [email protected] .

NYU Steinhardt offers a competitive funding package for PhD students who study full time.   Learn more about Steinhardt's funding opportunities .

Our program will prepare you for diverse roles in academia, social research, and clinical practice. In the academic arena, our students can go on to jobs in schools of psychology, public health, and public policy. In the area of social research, students are prepared to obtain positions in research, advocacy, and social service organizations. 

Additionally, our students are well-positioned for jobs in private-practice and healthcare organizations. Indeed, there is increasing demand for evidence-based strategies in health and social service organizations and our students are qualified to contribute to the design and implementation of such strategies, and the delivery of evidence-based interventions.

Learn more about Students Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data .

Take the Next Step

Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

Clinical Psychology

Mission statement.

Our mission is to advance knowledge that promotes psychological well-being and reduces the burden of mental illness and problems in living and to develop leading clinical scientists whose skills and knowledge will have a substantial impact on the field of psychology and the lives of those in need. Our faculty and graduate students promote critical thinking, innovation, and discovery, and strive to be leaders in their field, engaging in and influencing research, practice, policy, and education. Our pursuit of these goals is guided by the values of collaboration, mutual respect, and fairness, our commitment to diversity, and the highest ethical standards.

Information about the Clinical Psychology Graduate Major

UCLA’s Clinical Psychology program is one of the largest, most selective, and most highly regarded in the country and aims to produce future faculty, researchers, and leaders in clinical science, who influence research, policy development, and practice. Clinical science is a field of psychology that strives to generate and disseminate the best possible knowledge, whether basic or applied, to reduce suffering and to advance public health and wellness. Rather than viewing research and intervention as separable, clinical science construes these activities as part of a single, broad domain of expertise and action. Students in the program are immersed in an empirical, research-based approach to clinical training. This, in turn, informs their research endeavors with a strong understanding of associated psychological phenomena. The UCLA Clinical Science Training Programs employs rigorous methods and theories from multiple perspectives, in the context of human diversity. Our goal is to develop the next generation of clinical scientists who will advance and share knowledge related to the origins, development, assessment, treatment, and prevention of mental health problems.

Admissions decisions are based on applicants’ research interests and experiences, formal coursework in psychology and associated fields, academic performance, letters of recommendation, dedication to and suitability for a career as a clinical scientist, program fit, and contributions to an intellectually rich, diverse class. Once admitted, students engage with faculty in research activities addressing critical issues that impact psychological well-being and the burden of mental illness, using a wide range of approaches and at varying levels of analysis. Their integrated training is facilitated by on-campus resources including the departmental Psychology Clinic, the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and the David Geffen School of Medicine.

Our program philosophy is embodied in, and our goals are achieved through, a series of training activities that prepare students for increasingly complex, demanding, and independent roles as clinical scientists. These training activities expose students to the reciprocal relationship between scientific research and provision of clinical services, and to various systems and methods of intervention, assessment, and other clinical services with demographically and clinically diverse populations. The curriculum is designed to produce scientifically-minded scholars who are well-trained in research and practice, who use data to develop and refine the knowledge base in their field, and who bring a reasoned empirical perspective to positions of leadership in research and service delivery.

The program’s individualized supervision of each student in integrated research and practice roles provides considerable flexibility. Within the parameters set by faculty interests and practicum resources, there are specializations in child psychopathology and treatment, cognitive-behavior therapy, clinical assessment, adult psychopathology and treatment, family processes, assessment and intervention with distressed couples, community psychology, stress and coping, cognitive and affective neuroscience, minority mental health, and health psychology and behavioral medicine. The faculty and other research resources of the Department make possible an intensive concentration in particular areas of clinical psychology, while at the same time ensuring breadth of training.

Clinical psychology at UCLA is a six-year program including a full-time one-year internship, at least four years of which must be completed in residence at UCLA. The curriculum in clinical psychology is based on a twelve-month academic year. The program includes a mixture of coursework, clinical practicum training, teaching, and continuous involvement in research. Many of the twenty clinical area faculty, along with numerous clinical psychologists from other campus departments, community clinics, and hospitals settings, contribute to clinical supervision.  Clinical training experiences typically include four and a half years of part-time practicum placements in the Psychology Clinic and local agencies. The required one-year full-time internship is undertaken after the student has passed the clinical qualifying examinations and the dissertation preliminary orals. The student receives the Ph.D. degree when both the dissertation and an approved internship are completed.

Accreditation

PCSAS – Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System

The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at UCLA was accredited in 2012 by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). PCSAS was created to promote science-centered education and training in clinical psychology, to increase the quality and quantity of clinical scientists contributing to the advancement of public health, and to enhance the scientific knowledge base for mental and behavioral health care. The UCLA program is deeply committed to these goals and proud to be a member of the PCSAS Founder’s Circle and one of the group of programs accredited by PCSAS.  (Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, 1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036-1218. Telephone: 301-455-8046). Website:  https://www.pcsas.org

APA CoA – American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation

The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at UCLA has been accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation since 1949. (Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE. Washington, DC 20002-4242. Telephone:  202-336-5979 .) Website:  http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/

Future Accreditation Plans:  

Against the backdrop of distressing evidence that mental health problems are increasingly prevalent and burdensome, the field of psychological clinical science must think innovatively to address the unmet mental health needs of vulnerable populations. UCLA’s clinical psychology program remains committed to training clinical psychological scientists who will become leaders in research, dissemination, and implementation of knowledge, policy development, and evidence-based clinical practice. This commitment is firmly rooted in our overall mission of promoting equity and inclusion, adhering to ethical standards, and developing collaborations in all aspects of clinical psychology.

Increasingly, we believe that significant aspects of the academic and clinical-service requirements of accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) obstruct our training mission. Too often, APA requirements limit our ability to flexibly adapt our program to evolving scientific evidence, student needs, and global trends in mental health. Like many other top clinical science doctoral programs, we see our longstanding accreditation by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) as better aligned with our core values, including advancement of scientifically-based training.

Accordingly, we are unlikely to seek renewal of our program’s accreditation by APA, which is set to expire in 2028. The ultimate decision about re-accreditation will be made with the best interests and well-being of current and future students in our program in mind. To that end, we will continue to monitor important criteria that will determine the career prospects of students completing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from programs accredited only by PCSAS. For example, we are working to understand the potential implications for securing excellent predoctoral internships and eligibility for professional licensure across jurisdictions in North America. Although the UCLA clinical psychology program has no direct influence over these external organizations, we are excited to continue to work to shape this evolving training landscape with the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science (APCS) and leaders from other clinical science programs.

Our ongoing monitoring of trends in clinical psychology training is encouraging for PCSAS-accredited programs. However, evolving circumstances could result in our program changing its opinion with respect to seeking APA re-accreditation in the future. In the spirit of transparency and empowering potential applicants to make informed choices for their own professional development, we are pleased to share our thinking on these important issues.

Notice to Students re: Professional Licensure and Certification

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

NOTE:  Although the UCLA Clinical Psychology Program is not designed to ensure license eligibility, the majority of our graduates do go on to become professionally licensed.  For more information, please see  https://www.ucop.edu/institutional-research-academic-planning/content-analysis/academic-planning/licensure-and-certification-disclosures.html .

Clinical Program Policy on Diversity-Related Training 

In light of our guiding values of collaboration, respect, and fairness, this statement is to inform prospective and current trainees, faculty, and supervisors, as well as the public, that our trainees are required to (a) attain an understanding of cultural and individual diversity as related to both the science and practice of psychology and (b) provide competent and ethical services to diverse individuals.  Our primary consideration is always the welfare of the client.  Should such a conflict arise in which the trainee’s beliefs, values, worldview, or culture limits their ability to meet this requirement, as determined by either the student or the supervisor, it should be reported to the Clinic and Placements Committee, either directly or through a supervisor or clinical area faculty member.  The Committee will take a developmental view, such that if the competency to deliver services cannot be sufficiently developed in time to protect and serve a potentially impacted client, the committee will (a) consider a reassignment of the client so as to protect the client’s immediate interests, and (b) request from the student a plan to reach the above-stated competencies, to be developed and implemented in consultation with both the trainee’s supervisor and the Clinic Director.  There should be no reasonable expectation of a trainee being exempted from having clients with any particular background or characteristics assigned to them for the duration of their training.

Clinical Program Grievance Policies & Procedures

Unfortunately, conflicts between students and faculty or with other students will occur, and the following policies and procedures are provided in an effort to achieve the best solution. The first step in addressing these conflicts is for the student to consult with their academic advisor. If this option is not feasible (e.g. the conflict is with the advisor) or the conflict is not resolved to their satisfaction, then the issue should be brought to the attention of the Director of Clinical Training. If in the unlikely event that an effective solution is not achieved at this level, then the student has the option of consulting with the Department’s Vice Chair for Graduate Studies. Students also have the option of seeking assistance from the campus Office of Ombuds Services and the Office of the Dean of Students. It is expected that all such conflicts are to be addressed first within the program, then within the Department, before seeking a resolution outside of the department.

More Clinical Psychology Information

• For a list of Required Courses please see the  Psychology Handbook
• Psychology Clinic
• Student Admissions Outcomes and Other Data

• Utility Menu

Department of Psychology

• https://twitter.com/PsychHarvard
• https://www.facebook.com/HarvardPsychology/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFBv7eBJIQWCrdxPRhYft9Q
• Participate

Graduate Program

The Department of Psychology offers a PhD program in four areas: Clinical Science, Social, Developmental, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB). Admissions information, program requirements, funding and financial aid details, and other resources for the graduate program are detailed on the   Psychology Graduate Program website  and on the Harvard Griffin GSAS website . 

• Undergraduate Program
• Clinical Psychology
• Postdoctoral Program
• Doctoral Alumni

28 Part time PhD Degrees in Psychology 2024

• Health Care
• Mental Healthcare

Health Care (28)

• Allied Healthcare (2)
• Alternative Medicine (8)
• Biomedical Studies (9)
• Dental Sciences (1)
• Geriatric Medicine (1)
• Global Healthcare (19)
• Health Sciences (8)
• Healthcare Studies (6)
• Healthcare Technology (4)
• Medical Studies (8)
• Psychoanalysis (2)
• Psychology (32)
• Psychotherapy (1)
• Substance Abuse (1)
• Neuroscience Studies (4)
• Nursing Studies (9)
• Nutritional Science (8)
• Optometric Medicine (1)
• Pharmaceutical Medicine (2)
• Physiotherapy (4)
• Reproductive Medicine (1)
• Speech and Language Pathology (1)
• Sports and Exercise Medicine (1)
• Veterinary Science (2)
• Back to main category
• United Kingdom (3)
• Australia (0)
• Bachelor (0)
• Certificate (0)
• Diploma (0)
• Associate of Applied Science (0)
• Associate Degree (0)
• Graduate Certificate (0)
• Associate of Arts (0)
• Summer Course (0)
• Advanced Diploma (0)
• Postgraduate Diploma (0)
• Graduate Diploma (0)
• Foundation Year (0)
• Postgraduate Certificate (0)
• A-level (0)
• Preparatory Program (0)
• Doctor of Education (0)
• Advanced Certificate (0)
• Juris Doctor (0)
• Undergraduate Pathway (0)
• Undergraduate Certificate (0)
• Graduate Pathway (0)
• 3 years (16)
• 2 years (2)
• Full time (19)
• Part time (28)
• English (25)
• Spanish (2)
• Portuguese (1)
• Italian (1)
• On-Campus (18)
• Distance Learning (11)
• Blended (3)
• Psychoanalysis
• Psychotherapy
• Substance Abuse

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Research in Clinical Psychology

Auream phoenix university for women.

Full time, Part time

Distance Learning

English, Italian

PhD by research via Distance Learning is awarded after successfully completing a theoretical research specialization. This research is presented in the form of a doctoral thesis. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the only doctoral degree that can be achieved through distance learning. The main requirement for a PhD online through distance learning is to present and discuss a thesis of at least 100 pages for review and evaluation by an academic committee at Selinus University. This research program reveals the enormous potential of clinical psychology to help individuals, groups and societies. The candidate should develop a final thesis that explores an aspect of knowledge of this stimulating field from a clinical perspective that integrates psychology, biology and chemistry focused on the treatment of different pathologies. He will also have to face the roles and responsibilities of the contemporary clinical psychologist, his scientific bases and his theoretical orientations.

Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counselling

American international theism university.

• Englewood, USA

Distance Learning, On-Campus

American International Theism University has something for everyone. Now with our Accelerated Degree Programs, you can complete your Master’s or Doctorate Degrees in up to three years. Each course offers six credit hours and lasts for six weeks. Let your hard work and dedication pay off by achieving your degree in half the time. Enrollment is open, and students may begin the program at any time. All courses take place in classrooms, with a faculty member that provides one-to-one mentoring. Students also have free access to our comprehensive Study Tactics and Resources Center, which offers links to subject-related websites, libraries, articles, and research assistance.

Doctorate in Psychology

Atlantic international university.

• Honolulu, USA

English, Portuguese, Spanish

The Doctor of Psychology (Ph.D., DPsy) goal is to prepare students for the general practice of professional clinical psychology including education and training regarding the broader social and systemic factors that contribute to human dysfunction such as poverty, oppression, and marginalization. The program will help students develop evaluation techniques and assessment, psychological foundations, remediation and intervention procedures, and program evaluation and research.

Ph.D. in Assessment and Measurement

James madison university.

• Harrisonburg, USA

JMU is a national leader in educational outcomes assessment and in applied and theoretical measurement. Students are prepared to be leaders in assessment and psychometric methods in a wide range of settings. The vision of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in assessment and measurement at JMU is to establish and maintain a national reputation as a valuable resource in educational outcomes assessment and in applied and theoretical measurement. As such, the program will help meet the growing demand for assessment and measurement professionals in a wide variety of applied settings.

Ph.D. in Clinical and Health Psychology

Charles university faculty of arts.

• Prague, Czech Republic

Graduates of the doctoral study program in Clinical and Health Psychology are experts in the latest and scientifically supported procedures with a critical view of their content and especially their methodological contexts. They have demonstrated a profound knowledge of both the field and the methodology of their major topic of interest, which was the topic of their dissertation project.

Ph.D. in Psychology

Pavol jozef safarik university faculty of arts.

• Košice, Slovakia

The Ph.D. in Psychology is a research-intensive program in which students pursue training in Social Psychology and Psychology of Work. Ph.D. study can lead to careers in research, academia, industry, and health care domains, as well as positions involved in the public sector. Only the students with the best performance can be admitted and work on the most recent research topics and tackle difficult open issues. The study involves the possibility to participate actively in international collaboration, present their results at international conferences, and publish in leading scientific journals.

Ph.D. in Social Psychology and Psychology of Work

Graduates of the doctoral study program in Social Psychology and Psychology of Work are experts in the latest and scientifically supported procedures with a critical view of their content and especially their methodological contexts. They have demonstrated a profound knowledge of both the field and the methodology of their major topic of interest, which was the topic of their dissertation project.

PhD Programme in Applied Transpersonal Psychology

• Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, United Kingdom

With our partner university, Liverpool John Moores University, Alef Trust offers a collaborative PhD in Applied Transpersonal Psychology. The collaborative basis of the PhD means that you will conduct your research under guidance from supervisors from both Alef Trust and LJMU. Given our expertise in the topic, the Alef Trust supervisor will lead in most academic aspects of the programme. Those accepted onto the programme will benefit from being registered with LJMU, giving you full access to LJMU’s Doctoral Academy.

PhD Psychology

University of latvia.

• Riga, Latvia

Aim of the Programme is to prepare highly qualified scientists and teaching staff in various areas of psychology (general, clinical, development, personality, social/organisational psychology) through improvement of their research work organisation, management and implementation skills based on greater in-depth understanding of psychology theories and methodology in at least two sub-areas of psychology, skills in national and international cooperation with other specialists in the area, and through preparation of an original scientific research study (dissertation study) to be defended to acquire an internationally recognised doctoral degree in psychology. The programme additionally offers specialisation in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to the students studying for their doctoral degree in clinical psychology. These additional studies are aimed at improvement of their professional skills in psychotherapy (within the Baltic States, such specialisation at the doctoral level is available only at the University of Latvia).

PhD in Industrial Psychology

University of johannesburg.

• Johannesburg, South Africa

The purpose of the Ph.D. in Industrial Psychology is to combine the science of psychology with a practice that focuses on the scientific study of the workplace – including both the organizations, their employees, and the community.

PhD in Psychology

Meridian university.

• Petaluma, USA

Blended, Distance Learning

The Ph.D. in Psychology curriculum offers coursework in Psychology drawing on spiritual traditions, somatic practices, creative arts, mythology, indigenous wisdom, literary and poetic imagination, deep ecology, mystical philosophy, cultural history, and social critique. The Ph.D. program emphasize research, clinical, and cultural praxis skills as well as acquiring the knowledge base of psychology as a profession. The research coursework prepares students for the completion of an original research dissertation. The Ph.D. in Psychology is designed to meet the educational requirements for the state of California Psychologist license. The Ph.D. in Psychology also meets the educational requirements for the state of California MFT license (Board of Behavioral Sciences, Senate Bill 33, Section 4980.36, Business and Professions Code), and the state of California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), (Senate Bill 788, Section 4999.33, Business and Professions Code), provided that fieldwork is done in accordance with BBS requirements.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai

• Academic City, United Arab Emirates

The PhD Psychology is a 36-month full-time research degree conducted under the supervision of a faculty member culminating with submission of a research thesis.

Psy.D. in Clinical and School Psychology

JMU’s oldest doctoral program, the clinical and school psychology program produces leading professional psychologists who are broadly trained in the science and practice of psychology. The mission of the clinical and school psychology (Psy.D.) doctoral program is to produce leading professional psychologists who are broadly trained in the science and practice of psychology, actively self-reflective, and optimally prepared to work in a wide variety of settings with a diverse clientele and demonstrably committed to an ethic of personal responsibility, social awareness, and global engagement.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology curriculum offers innovative coursework in Psychology to prepare students for professional practice, including core, clinical, and research courses. The core curriculum provides a foundation for the clinical and research courses, supporting the student’s evolving relationship to clinical engagement. The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is designed to meet the educational requirements for the state of California Psychologist license. The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology also meets the educational requirements for the state of California MFT license (Board of Behavioral Sciences, Senate Bill 33, Section 4980.36, Business and Professions Code), and the state of California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), (Senate Bill 788, Section 4999.33, Business and Professions Code), provided that fieldwork is done in accordance with BBS requirements.

Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Program at CIIS

California institute of integral studies.

• San Francisco, USA

CIIS’ Clinical Psychology department provides advanced and specialized training in clinical psychology that combines the principles of integral education with the clinical efficacy of contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy. In the exploration of depth psychology, students will focus on the psyche, human development, personality formation, and individuation, and explore the subtle, unconscious, and transpersonal aspects of human experience.

Popular degree type

Popular study format

Popular education type

Popular locations

Part time PhD Degrees in Psychology

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.

Part time learning allows one to obtain part-time degrees even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at his or own pace, gradually accumulating credits which count towards final qualification.

LET US HELP

Welcome to Capella

Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.

FIND YOUR PROGRAM

Connect with us

A team of dedicated enrollment counselors is standing by, ready to answer your questions and help you get started.

• PsyD in Clinical Psychology

PsyD in Clinical Psychology Doctor of Psychology

Reach the pinnacle of your career while helping others develop their potential. The online PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Capella deepens your understanding of human behavior and helps you prepare for state licensure eligibility.

The program includes coursework, face-to-face residencies, clinical practicum, internships, and research to help you put theory into practice. A support team of licensure experts, advisors, and teaching assistants will help you stay on track for graduation.

Prepare for licensure

This program features online coursework and face-to-face experiences, both designed to help you pursue licensure. Learn more

Blend of in-person and online experiences

Coursework, residencies, clinical practicum, internships, and research complement online learning to help prepare you for real-world clinical settings.

Professional and credible

This program is designed around the core goals, objectives, and competencies that define the practice of professional psychology.

Use the code WINTER  to waive the $50 application fee.

At a glance

• Online and in-person
• 14 Core courses
• 30 Max transfer credits
• 2 Elective courses
• 6 Residency courses
• 3 Practicum courses
• 4 Internship courses
• 1 Dissertation Preparation course
• Clinical dissertation

Courses and skills

Explore clinical psychology courses.

• This degree requires a total of 131 quarter credits
• You'll need to complete 14 core courses, 2 elective courses, 6 residency courses, 3 practicum courses, 4 internship courses, one dissertation preparation course and one clinical dissertation.

View all courses in catalog

What you'll learn

Our PsyD in Clinical Psychology equips you with comprehensive clinical skills based on the theoretical and scientific foundations of psychology, from assessment to intervention. It is designed to help you pursue licensure, subject to the requirements in your state.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate the attitudes, behaviors, and foundational knowledge required for the practice of psychology
• Act consistently with the ethics and laws pertaining to clinical practice
• Integrate science and theory into the practice of psychology
• Understand, respect, and apply issues of diversity in the practice of psychology
• Provide effective and appropriate psychological intervention to clients
• Accurately select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests
• Employ research as a means to advance the science and practice of psychology

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the doctor of psychology cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$555  per credit,  131  quarter credits, 30 max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$555 Per quarter credit

131 quarter credits; Dissertation is additional

Per quarter credit

Practicum and Internship

Included in coursework costs; additional expenses such as site-required expenses not included. Minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours; minimum of 2,000 supervised internship hours

Included in coursework costs, 6 required. 4 one-week sessions and 2 two-week sessions. Travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.

Dissertation Preparation

$2,780 Per quarter

Per quarter

Clinical Dissertation

Resource kit fee

Per quarter, coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials

Application fee

$50 One-time fee

One-time fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:

• The program specialization you choose
• Scholarships and finances
• Prior coursework

Transfer credits

• Employer and/or military benefits
• Amount of time spent working on practicum
• Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
• Complexity of your dissertation
• Academic performance
• School/work/life balance
• Unexpected life events

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2023–24 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2023. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost scenarios

Get the details.

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are  more ways to save  than you might think.

Get the credits you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.  Get started

Employer & association discounts

If your employer or organization is a Capella network partner, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.

10% military discount

If you’re an active-duty military service member, spouse, dependent, or veteran, you may be eligible for discounts on tuition at Capella.  Get details

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

Understanding professional licensure

Preparing for licensure.

It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.

Licensure details

How to apply

What are the psyd admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• A master’s degree in psychology or a related field from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution.
• Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

Additional requirements for Doctor of Psychology programs are:

• 3 letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can assess your aptitude for doctoral education in psychology
• An extended goal statement and writing sample.
• Your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
• After submitting admission materials, applicants may be required to take part in a faculty interview for assessment of professionalism and academic fit to the program

International Student Requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.

Doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed coaching sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

Helping Professions Program Guide

Wondering about the differences between PhDs and professional doctorates? What are the unique features of online and traditional doctoral programs? Read on to learn more and find the right program for you.

What’s It Like to Be a Doctoral Student?

Get details on Capella University programs in counseling and family therapy, psychology, social work and human services, and applied behavior analysis. Compare learning formats, financing options, and more.

Career exploration

What can you do with a psyd in clinical psychology degree.

Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology.

Related job titles to explore*

• Psychologist
• Clinical psychologist
• Clinical manager
• Adjunct instructor or part-time psychology faculty
• Full-time psychology faculty
• Clinical director
• Research psychologist
• Clinical therapist

Employment settings to explore

• Hospital—inpatient or outpatient
• Community college
• Land-based or online college or university
• Community counseling center
• Social service agency
• Government—local, state, federal
• Health care clinic
• Mental health clinic
• Consulting firm
• Private practice

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

Take the first step toward earning your degree and achieving your goals. {page-tel}

Are you sure you want to cancel?

Information for

• Current Students
• Parents & Families
• God-Sized Dreams

What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree? The Ultimate Career Guide for Psychology Majors

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and human development. Psychology majors study human behavior, looking at things such as how people make decisions, process emotions, and what motivates them.

What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

Getting a bachelor’s degree in psychology does not automatically qualify you for a career in clinical psychology. Students with a psychology degree may decide to seek graduate studies and become a certified psychologist. However, there are also many non-clinical career options for psychology majors.

A psychology degree is broadly applicable in many industries, so there are truly endless career opportunities for psychology degree holders.

Here we will cover some of the most popular clinical psychology, non-clinical psychology, and non-psychology careers for psychology degree graduates.

Earn Your Psychology Degree Online

PBA’s community psychology degree can be completed in a flexible online format and provides the rigorous training needed to create effective programs and interventions. Graduates of community psychology programs often go on to develop violence prevention programs, multicultural programs, and programs for the elderly. A community psychology degree is also a great choice for students interested in doing research in areas like social psychology and public health.

Careers in Psychology with a Bachelor’s Degree

There are some roles within the field of psychology that bachelor’s degree holders will be qualified for. 

Behavioral Support Technician

A behavioral support technician works under the supervision of a behavioral analyst. They offer mental health support services to clients and patients, including tasks such as administering medication, home visits, and conducting assessments

• Average Salary: $37,330 per year
• Career Projection: 9% growth over the next decade

Non Clinical Social Worker

Working as a non-clinical social worker requires only a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, such as psychology. 

• Average Salary: $55,350 per year
• Career Projection: 7% growth over the next decade

Community Psychologist

Community psychology involves the consideration of problems at a societal level and the physical well-being of people in the community.

• Average Salary: $46,190 per year
• Career Projection: 14% growth over the next decade

Careers in Psychology with a Graduate Degree

The following careers in psychology typically require at least a master’s degree in psychology as well as any relevant clinical qualifications. 

Clinical/Counseling Psychologist

A clinical psychologist works with patients who are dealing with a variety of difficulties in their life, including mental, physical, or relational difficulties. 

• Average Salary: $85,330 per year
• Career Projection: 6% growth over the next decade

Educational Psychologist

Educational psychologists work with children’s development and learning processes. They often help support students with learning disabilities or behavioral difficulties.

• Average Salary: $84,940

Research Psychologist

Research Psychologists spend their time conducting research and publishing their findings in academic journals. These psychologists often work for universities or external funding agencies. 

• Average Salary: $68,230 per year
• Career Projection: 13% growth over the next decade

Environmental Psychologist

An environmental psychologist studies how people interact with their environments and how their environment impacts them. This can include someone’s natural environment or “built” environment such as their work or home space. 

Neuropsychologist

A neuropsychologist studies how brain injuries and brain conditions affect the way that people work, move, and feel. They assess issues with the brain and support patients by providing treatment plans.

• Average Salary: $102,000 per year

Sport Psychologist

Sports psychologists work with players, coaches, and teams to assess their performance and communication strategies. 

• Average Salary: $106,413 per year

Organizational Psychologist

Organizational psychologists work with the behavior of employees and the culture within a workplace. They work to improve the work environment and create strategies for effective communication.

• Average Salary: $147,420
• Career Projection: 5% growth over the next decade

Careers for Psychology Majors in Non-Psychology Industries

A psychology degree is useful in many fields outside of psychology. Here are some of the most popular non-psychology careers for psychology majors.

Teachers help children learn through a range of pedagogical techniques. Psychology majors make great teachers and can pivot to a teaching career quite easily.

• Average Salary: $61,620 per year
• Career Projection: 1% growth over the next decade

Human Resources

Human resource specialists work in administration, recruitment, and training of employees. Psychology majors have skills that are very applicable to human resource careers.

• Average Salary: $130,000 per year

Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising involve understanding people’s behavior and motivations. Psychology majors can make the switch to marketing and use their skills to succeed in the marketing industry.

• Average Salary: $138,730 per year

Fundraising

Fundraising involves working for an organization and being responsible for raising money through events, applying for grants, and encouraging others to make donations.

• Average Salary: $61,190 per year

Admissions Counseling

Admissions counselors help recruit students to a college or university and support them as they apply and enroll. Psychology majors are great at encouraging students as they find their perfect degree program.

• Average Salary: $99,940 per year
• Career Projection: 4% growth over the next decade

Public Relations

Public relations professionals are responsible for managing the relationship between an organization and the public and media.

• Average Salary: $67,440 per year

UX (user experience) designers create services, products, or websites that improve the experience of the user. Understanding people and what they want is a big part of UX design.

• Average Salary: $80,730 per year
• Career Projection: 16% growth over the next decade

Law Enforcement

There are many careers within law enforcement that are perfect for psychology majors.

• Average Salary: $69,160 per year
• Career Projection: 3% growth over the next decade

Criminal Justice

Criminal behavior is an important area of human psychology. All careers in criminal justice can benefit from a thorough understanding of human motivation and decision-making processes.

• Average Salary: $59,860 per year
• Career Projection: 3% growth over the next decade\

Sport Coaching

Modern sports coaches are increasingly asked to be aware of the mental health and well-being of their players. A background in psychology can help sports coaches develop cohesive groups and confident athletes.

• Average Salary: $44,890 per year

A degree in psychology can help you understand aspects of technology such as user experience. Psychology students will also have some experience with data analysis.

• Average Salary: $102,240 per year
• Career Projection: 10% growth over the next decade

What Do You Learn in a Psychology Major?

Psychology is a broad field that contains many sub-fields and areas of emphasis. A psychology degree will overview areas such as learning, human development, abnormal behavior, marriage and family, perception, clinical practice, community psychology, addiction, research methods, and trauma. While clinical psychotherapy is an important part of psychology, there are many other topics in psychology that can broaden your perspective on the world. One of the benefits of a psychology major is the broadly applicable nature of many of the classes.

What is Community Psychology?

Community psychology is the part of psychology that seeks to understand human experience at the level of the community. Community psychology provides a perspective on the way individuals make up communities and how communities shape individuals. Because there are many factors that influence community development, community psychology takes a holistic multidisciplinary approach. If you are passionate about changing the world, PBA’s degree in community psychology can prepare you to make a positive impact. 

Earn Your Degree Online

Request Information

Degree Type:

Start Term:

Email Address

Mobile Phone

Candidate Type OLUG

Candidate Type GR

Learn More about PBA’s Psychology Programs

PBA’s psychology programs are designed to give you the state-of-the-art training you need to thrive in the current psychology landscape. Reach out to PBA to learn more about our psychology programs.

Master’s Study in Psychology

Develop the understanding, professional skills and empathetic approaches that are critical for success in psychology with a master’s degree in psychology from Adelphi University in New York.

Three Degree Options

Choose from MA programs in general psychology, mental health counseling, and school psychology. Each offers optional specializations and valuable field placements.

Making Your Degree Affordable

Adelphi and the Derner School of Psychology offer many ways to help you pay for master’s study, including graduate merit scholarships, scholarships for master’s psychology students, teaching assistantships and even employer tuition reimbursement.

A master’s degree in psychology opens doors to a wide variety of careers and can serve as a pathway to a doctorate.

Derner’s master’s in psychology programs give you the knowledge, training, critical reasoning skills and cultural competence you’ll need to excel in your career. Each includes optional specializations to help you focus on your interests:

• General Psychology: Human Resource Management, Substance Abuse Counseling
• Mental Health Counseling: Global Mental Health, Substance Abuse Counseling
• School Psychology: Bilingual School Psychology, Autism Specialization

Our rigorous master’s programs also offer part-time options and flexible schedules to meet our students’ work or family responsibilities.

Graduate Psychology Programs

Exceptional hands-on training.

As a master’s student at the Derner School of Psychology, you’ll gain clinical skills through practica and internships in local healthcare settings, schools, agencies and organizations, and community services offered by Adelphi. You can also gain valuable experience—and earn money to help cover tuition—in graduate assistantships.

Field Placements

Field experience is a vital part of our master’s degree programs, helping you develop the professional skills and the cultural competence to thrive in any working environment.

Graduate Assistantships

Working with faculty, staff and students helps cover the cost of your graduate education. Choose from research, testing or departmental assistantships.

“A number of professors in this program have made a profound impact on my development. The coursework, practica and internship experiences helped prepare me to obtain a job prior to graduation.

Mentoring Future Psychologists

• Our Inclusive Community
• Apply to the Program

Awards & Recognition

Earn Your Master’s Degree at the Derner School of Psychology

Graduate program contacts.

• [email protected]
• 516.237.8572
• 516.877.4754
• Hy Weinberg Center 320

• [email protected]
• 516.877.4743
• Hy Weinberg Center 311
• Current Students
• Parents & Families
• Alumni & Friends
• Local Community
• Student Profile
• Apply for Aid 
• Billing 
• Loans 
• One-Stop Student Services 
• Pay Your Bill 
• Refunds 
• Scholarships & Grants 
• Tuition & Costs 
• Tuition Insurance 
• Add/Drop a Course 
• Change Major/Minor 
• Course Search 
• Degree Audit 
• Enrollment/Degree Verification 
• Forms & Guidance 
• Register for Classes 
• University Bulletin (Course Catalog) 
• Academic Calendar 
• Academic Petitions 
• Academic Resources 
• Advisement 
• Final Exams 
• General Education 
• Grading Policies 
• International Services 
• Learning & Writing Centers (Tutoring) 
• Mentoring 
• Study Abroad 
• Assistive Technology 
• Bridges to Adelphi (Neurodiversity) 
• Housing Accommodations (Section 504) 
• Learning Disability & ADHD Support 
• Student Access Office 
• Athletics (Adelphi Panthers) 
• Bookstore 
• Clubs & Activities (MyAULife) 
• Commuter Student Services 
• The Delphian (Student Newspaper) 
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging 
• Dining Services & Meal Plans 
• Interfaith Worship 
• Locker Rentals 
• Lost & Found 
• Multicultural Center 
• Residential Life & Housing 
• Student & Community Engagement 
• Career & Professional Development 
• Internships 
• Job Search (Handshake) 
• Leadership & Development 
• On-Campus Jobs 
• Prep for Success (Kaplan Career Core) 
• Care Team 
• Community Concerns & Resolution 
• Conduct & Community Standards 
• Report Harassment 
• Title IX 
• Apply to Graduate 
• Commencement 
• Health Insurance & Waiver 
• Health Portal 
• Health Services Center 
• Immunization Requirements 
• Infectious Disease Prevention (COVID-19) 
• Mental Health Counseling & Support 
• Mindfulness Center 
• Nutritionist/Dietitian 
• Panther Pantry & Food Insecurity 
• Recreation & Fitness 
• University Libraries 
• My Library Account 
• Library Services 
• Clery Act 
• Emergency Notifications (RAVE) 
• Parking 
• Report Suspicious Behavior (BIT Team) 
• Shuttle Schedule 
• Help Desk (Tech Support) 
• Linkedin Learning 
• Technology Services 
• Disclosures & Info 
• Student Consumer Info 
• Student Disclosure 
• Academic Catalog 
• Financial Scholarly Support 
• Curriculog 
• Library 
• Navigate 
• OARAA 
• Provost 
• Research & Sponsored Programs 
• Administrative Calendar 
• Alice Brown Early Learning Center (Childcare) 
• Brand & Style Guide 
• Community Discounts 
• Emergency Notification (RAVE) 
• Faculty Payroll & Course Load 
• Faculty Senate 
• FCPE 
• Human Resources 
• LinkedIn Learning 
• Paid Time-Off 
• Public Safety & Transportation 
• Technology 
• Share Your News or Story 
• University News 
• University Events 
• Administrative Calendar
• Accounts Payable 
• Benefits 
• Concerns and Resolutions 
• Contracts 
• Handshake / Post Jobs 
• Staff Council 
• Parents & Families Info
• Career Services
• High School Programs
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• FERPA 
• General Education Requirements 
• Registrar 
• Paying a Bill 
• Accessibility Office 
• Availability of Employees 
• Campus Map 
• Handbooks & Brochures 
• Health Services 
• Parents & Families Association 
• Athletics 
• Performing Arts Center 
• Adelphi Gold 
• Discounts & Benefits 
• Jobs at Adelphi 
• Networking 
• Order a Transcript 
• Performing Arts Center
• Camps 
• High School Programs 
• Pre-College Programs 
• Art Exhibitions 
• Adult Fitness Program 
• Gym Membership 
• Continuing Education & Professional Development 
• Community Auditing Program 
• Credit for Prior Learning 
• Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program 
• Hy Weinberg Center for Communication Disorders 
• Institute for Parenting 
• Literacy Center 
• Mental Health Services 
• Social Training Center 
• Become a Mentor 
• Center for Nonprofit Leadership 
• Reserve Event Space 

You are now leaving the Adelphi University website...

Adelphi is not responsible for the content of third-party sites. External sites may have different Privacy and Security policies than Adelphi University. You should review the policies of any third-party website before you provide personal or confidential information.

Go back Continue

• Schools & departments

Clinical and Health Psychology PhD, MScR

Awards: PhD, MScR

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Discovery Day

Join us online on 18th April to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh

View sessions and register

Research profile

The PhD and MSc by Research in Clinical Psychology offer the chance to work with, and be supervised by, a range of clinical academics across many areas of psychology.

Candidates should note that these programmes do not lead to Chartered Clinical Psychologist status.

Our research involves national and international collaborations, with many projects involving NHS partnerships.

Our research interests include:

• mindfulness and third wave approaches
• eating behaviours and disorders
• psychosis and complex mental health
• risk and resilience in children and adolescents
• psychological treatments
• violent behaviour
• sexual offending

You can find out more about MScR and PhD programme options, including supervision information, on the School of Health in Social Science's website:

• MScR Clinical and Health Psychology
• PhD Clinical and Health Psychology

We have an active research group in the area of applied developmental psychology and psychological therapies research for severe mental health issues. A large number of the clinical psychology team and our students are part of the Centre for Applied Developmental Psychology, specialising in research that aims to promote the wellbeing of young people and aid recovery in those with mental health problems.

• Centre for Applied Developmental Psychology

Programme structure

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses.

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

The PhD and MSc by Research programmes allow you to conduct an independent research project that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field of study and to further develop your research skills. We provide expertise in a variety of research methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches.

You will be assigned two supervisors (usually one for MSc by Research) and you will meet with your supervisors regularly. Workshops, seminars and courses in research methods are available to postgraduate students undertaking a higher degree by research.

We work in close collaboration with the Graduate School of Social & Political Science, enabling School of Health in Social Science research students to benefit from the extensive suite of social science research courses offered by both Schools.

With close ties with other humanities disciplines and with colleagues in the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, we offer PhD students excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary supervision and research project development.

PhD by Distance option

The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes: Clinical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Health in Social Science and Nursing Studies.

The programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh full time to study for a PhD in a field of Health in Social Science from their home country or city - however this is not intended to be a fully online distance learning programme.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisors. The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study.

For further information on the programme (including entry requirements and how to apply) please see the school website:

• Health in Social Science PhD by Distance

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

For MScR: A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject area.

For PhD: A UK 2:1 honours degree and a UK masters degree, or their international equivalents, in a relevant subject area. We may also consider your application if you do not have a masters degree, but have other relevant research experience.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

• [Postgraduate research scholarships and funding] ( https://www.ed.ac.uk/health/subject-areas/postgraduate-research/scholarships )

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Research Admissions Administrator
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5144
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Health in Social Science
• Medical School
• Teviot Place
• Central Campus
• School: Health in Social Science
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Clinical Psychology - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd by distance in clinical psychology - 3 years (full-time), phd by distance in clinical psychology - 6 years (part-time), msc by research clinical psychology - 1 year (full-time), msc by research clinical psychology - 2 years (part-time), application deadlines.

The School of Health in Social Science operates a gathered field approach to PGR applications - this means that all complete applications which satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be held until the nearest deadline and an admissions panel will meet to consider all applications received together after that date.

The application deadlines and dates for decision are listed in the table below. In order to ensure full consideration of your application we ask that you submit your complete application including all supporting documentation by these dates. More information about what will be considered a complete application and how to apply can be found on our School website:

• School of Health in Social Science Postgraduate Research

Applicant's planning to apply for the University of Edinburgh's funding opportunities must apply by the first deadline.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

To apply for this programme you must submit the following:

• a completed research proposal form
• 2 references
• the online application form, completed via the ‘Apply’ section above

For guidance on completing the research proposal form, please see the research proposal guidance document provided by the School of Health in Social Science:

• Research proposal guidance

We strongly recommend that you discuss a draft version of your research proposal form with your proposed supervisor and/or with the Programme Director. Please read the ‘Discuss and develop your idea’ section in the research proposal guidance document for more information.

Your reference must be specific to your application, on headed paper, signed by the referee, and dated within the last 6 months. Your reference can be uploaded directly by your referee, or you can upload it yourself.

• Guidance on uploading a reference to the Applicant Hub

We must receive all the information before the deadline for your application to be considered.

If your online application is not completenby the application deadline it will be rejected. If this happens, you can submit another application for a later application deadline.

After you apply, we will evaluate your application. If we are able to progress your application beyond the online stage, you will be invited to participate in an interview with your prospective first supervisor.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• Published: 16 April 2024

From the lab to a career in graduate education

• Teresa Schubert 1  

Nature Reviews Psychology ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

• Scientific community

Nature Reviews Psychology is interviewing individuals with doctoral degrees in psychology who pursued non-academic careers. We spoke with Deepti Ramadoss about her journey from research scientist to director of graduate studies.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 12 digital issues and online access to articles

55,14 € per year

only 4,60 € per issue

Buy this article

• Purchase on Springer Link
• Instant access to full article PDF

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Nature Reviews Psychology https://www.nature.com/nrpsychol/

Teresa Schubert

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Teresa Schubert .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Schubert, T. From the lab to a career in graduate education. Nat Rev Psychol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-024-00310-3

Download citation

Published : 16 April 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-024-00310-3

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

• Eagle Connect

What Can You Do With a Master's in Psychology?

Published on: March 5, 2024

If you already have a bachelor's degree and are looking to expand your career prospects, then it may be time to explore an advanced degree. Specifically, a master's degree in psychology can open the door for all kinds of job opportunities. Whether you are interested in pursuing a more traditional clinical/counseling role or are interested in a corporate role, there are plenty of potential jobs with a psychology master's degree.

With a better understanding of the different types of master's degrees in psychology along with some common career paths for this degree, you can determine whether this path may be right for you.

Get Your Applied Psychology Degree

Types of Master's Degrees in Psychology

Psychology is a relatively broad field, so there are quite a few different master's degree programs available that you may want to consider. The two main types of degrees are a Master of Arts and a Master of Science (or applied science).

So, what is the difference between an MA and an MS in psychology? Typically, an MA is more focused on the application and practical uses of psychology concepts (such as in a clinical setting), whereas an MS is more focused on the scientific methods and research behind psychology concepts.

Both degree types can have their benefits, depending on what you are planning to do with your degree and where your interests lie. For many students, a Master of Applied Science in psychology offers the best of both worlds, incorporating some scientific research/theory while also covering practical applications that can be useful in the real world.

Within graduate degrees in psychology, there may also be specialized degree programs for those who want to focus their studies even further. You may be able to explore master's degree programs, for example, in:

• Behavioral psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Organizational psychology

Job Outlook for Master's in Psychology Graduates

There is an increasing demand for psychologists and those with graduate-level psychology degrees across the United States. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for psychologists is  expected to grow by 6 percent between 2022 and 2032. That's faster than the national average for all occupations.

Common Careers With a Master's in Psychology

So, what can you do with a master's in psychology? There are so many possibilities to explore, depending on what your interests and career aspirations look like. From clinical roles to corporate, educational and legal roles, you can explore the area of the field best suited to your goals.

Clinical and Counseling Roles

Some people who obtain their master's degrees in psychology go on to work clinical jobs in counseling, therapy and similar roles. Of course, this will depend on the state in which you plan to work. Some states allow psychologists to practice at a limited capacity with just a master's degree, while others may require a doctoral degree.

Corporate and Organizational Psychology

Interested in more of a leadership role in the corporate world? Then working as a human resources manager can be a challenging yet rewarding line of work for a myriad of graduates with master's degrees in psychology. In this kind of role, you can use your understanding of the human mind and its functions to better serve team members and keep the organization running as smoothly as possible.

Educational and School Psychology

If you are more interested in how the principles and theories of psychology may apply to how people learn and grow, then studying educational or school psychology may be right up your alley. With a master's in psychology and proper training, you may be able to work in this fascinating field as a school psychologist or educational psychologist.

Research and Academia

You do not necessarily have to practice applied psychology in your everyday work to make a career out of it. Some people who obtain their master's degrees in psychology go into the realm of academia. These graduates may collaborate with other academics to conduct important research or even teach classes on psychology. 

Legal and Forensic Consulting

Another potential line of work to consider once you have your psychology degree is getting into legal or forensic counseling. These professionals typically work for police departments and government agencies to handle everything from profiling criminals to conducting psychological research on specific cases. This area of the field can be quite challenging and requires a lot of problem-solving and critical thinking, but it can be a good fit for those who like a good challenge.

Sports Psychology

Some graduates of a master's in psychology program may also end up working in the field of sports psychology, which uses psychological theories and concepts to better understand how athletes develop and reach peak performance. If you have a passion for sports or exercise, then this could be the perfect line of work for you to get into after you finish your degree.

Health Psychology

Another potential career path to consider with a master's degree in psychology is getting into health psychology, where principles and theories are used to promote better health and wellness among patients. As a health psychologist, you might work in a hospital setting or in a physician's office, and you can work with a wide range of ages and populations. This can be an excellent area of the field worth exploring if you enjoy helping others and making a difference.

How to Prepare for the Job Market

Regardless of the specific line of work that you are interested in pursuing, having a master's degree in psychology is only one step toward landing your dream job. There are some additional steps you will want to take to better prepare yourself for the job market and ensure that you are a competitive candidate.

Evaluate Your Career Goals

Start by considering your short- and long-term career goals, or what you see yourself doing in the next several years. Do you plan on finishing school once you complete your master's degree program, or do you see yourself potentially pursuing a mental health doctoral degree? Ultimately, this will depend on how far you want to work up your career ladder and what you envision yourself doing professionally down the road.

Identify Your Preferred Clientele or Work Environment

You will also want to consider the kind of people you prefer to work with and where you would like to work within the psychology field. For example, if you enjoy working with children, then getting into school psychology can be a great starting point. On the other hand, if you prefer to take on more of a human resources role where you work in an administrative setting, then organizational/corporate psychology may be a better fit.

Develop Essential Skills

Once you have a better idea of where you see yourself working within the psychology field, you can begin working on the skills you need to succeed in these areas. Many of the skills you need can be sharpened during your graduate program, but you may need to work separately on some essential soft skills (such as communication and critical thinking) to stand out from other talent.

Acquire Necessary Qualifications

Depending on the line of work that you are pursuing, you may also need to acquire additional qualifications beyond your formal degree. For instance, in some states you need to obtain a license to practice as a psychologist. In other areas of the field, certification or other designations may be preferred or required by employers.

Take the Next Step in Your Educational Journey With Husson University

A master's degree in psychology can help you take your career to new heights or even open the doors of opportunity for a career change. That said, not all graduate degree programs are created equal — which is why it is so important to explore and thoroughly research your options before you commit to a program.

At Husson University Online, we offer a  master of science degree in applied psychology  that can be completed in as little as 24 months. This program includes a flexible curriculum that allows you to personalize your studies, as well as free 24/7 tutoring services and career services for all students.  Get in touch  to learn more about this program or any of our other available programs. We would love to speak with you!

Select a Program

Related posts.

Psychology Jobs Guide: Understanding Mental Health Careers

Exciting Jobs You Could Get With a Psychology Major

Cool Psychology Facts That Will Make You Want to Explore a Degree

How to Become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner