liberty university online phd programs

PhD in Psychology Further Your Understanding of Psychology

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Understand the Human Experience from a Biblical Worldview with an Online PhD in Psychology

Do you want to deepen your knowledge in psychology and use your research to contribute to the field of understanding human behavior? Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology can provide rigorous research training that can better prepare you for a career in academia and research. An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Liberty’s PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of the human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those you work with.

With Liberty’s PhD in Psychology, you can take part in optional face-to-face on-campus intensives that will allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology Degree?

Liberty’s online PhD in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology and develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychiatric practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
• Develop a grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
• Master psychiatric research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
• Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors so that you have the option to present research at conferences.

Through this program, you will be encouraged to become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychiatric research and practice and offer insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help people heal and thrive.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 510 — Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
• PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the  Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides   (login required).
• View the  PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

To help you meet your educational goals in a way that fits your life, our online PhD in Psychology provides scheduling flexibility and keeps affordability in mind. Our PhD in Psychology’s online format allows you to take your classes from home without traveling to campus. However, this program still provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional intensive courses to allow you to connect in person.

Throughout this program, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into your instruction. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life. Additionally, our caring faculty are devoted to helping you grow personally and academically.

With our online PhD in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can be equipped with a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field.

Earning a PhD in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychiatric practice critically and biblically. If you are interested in becoming a thoughtful, articulate, and research-focused professional, then this is the program for you.

Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Psychology Graduates

• Corporate psychologist
• Program or department head
• Project manager

Degree Options for Our PhD in Psychology Program

Focus your studies in psychology with a specialization.

Behavioral Health Leadership

Through the  PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership , you can hone your research and leadership skills as you prepare to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Developmental Psychology

Through the online  PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology , you can learn about research theory related to human development, including cognitive development, social development, and language development.

General Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology – General Psychology provides an in-depth study of advanced psychiatric research and practice while giving you room to customize your course content.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology  track, you will study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You will focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and applying that knowledge to developing solutions for challenges in the workplace.

Social Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology  track, you can learn about research and theory related to social processes and relationships, attitudes, and other constructs related to social psychology.

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Theology  track, you can learn how to study the Bible and integrate that study of the Bible with research in psychology to further your understanding of psychological concepts.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our PhD in Psychology Degree

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information  for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose  is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there opportunities to interact in-person with peers.

You can meet faculty and fellow students in person through optional on-campus intensives.

Can I have an impact through this degree?

Through your dissertation, you can contribute to the understanding of human experience and behavior.

Inner Navigation

• What Will You Study?
• Potential Careers
• Specializations
• Tuition & Aid
• Admission Information

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PhD Adv. Education Studies: Curriculum and Instruction

Learn More About The Program

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Find your degree of interest from one of our many programs of study offered 100% online.

Liberty University's online programs offer you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from your home or office, while retaining a level of structure that will help you stay on track toward achieving your educational goals. You'll receive a quality education - that is both flexible and affordable - from an accredited institution.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Advanced Educational Studies – Curriculum and Instruction

Engage in advanced research with liberty’s online ph.d. in curriculum and instruction.

Do you want to build on your practice-focused teaching expertise with innovative academic research? With Liberty University’s 100% online Ph.D. in Advanced Educational Studies – Curriculum and Instruction degree program, you can expand your knowledge, skills, and training in curriculum development and teaching methods through advanced course content and in-depth research. By transferring in up to two-thirds of your conferred Ed.D. degree, you can fast-track your doctoral dissertation project with Liberty’s Ph.D. in Advanced Educational Studies.

Educators strive to influence classrooms across county, state, and national levels by creating innovative and effective curriculums that help students live up to their fullest potential. However, if your doctoral studies were in a practice-focused Doctor of Education track, you may now find that you are missing a research credential to meet your career goals. With our program, you can build on the valuable knowledge and insight you have already gained in your Ed.D. to engage in cutting-edge research through your dissertation.

What Will You Learn in Liberty’s PhD in Advanced Educational Studies – Curriculum and Instruction?

Through this program, you will:

• Develop highly advanced and effective curriculum
• Engage with curriculum and instruction theory
• Learn advanced research skills for the doctoral dissertation
• Study current trends and issues in education

Through our curriculum and instruction concentration, you will evaluate the process of designing curriculum and implementing instructional practices. You will analyze pedagogical concepts and approaches based on research and knowledge of the discipline. You will also utilize highly advanced research content from these courses and previous Ed.D. studies to develop your dissertation.

Potential Career Options with a Curriculum and Instruction Degree

• Curriculum creator
• Curriculum specialist
• Educational consultant
• Educational instructor
• Executive education position
• K-12 administrator
• Superintendent of schools*
• Survey researcher
• Training and development specialist
• University administrator
• University professor

Benefits of Our PhD in Curriculum and Instruction Degree

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online PhD in Advanced Educational Studies degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• The PhD in Advanced Educational Studies is 100% online with no required on-campus intensives.Our PhD online allows you to transfer in up to 39 credit hours so you can turn your EdD into a PhD in as little as 1.5-2 years – depending on your transfer credit.
• Completing your PhD with an integrated dissertation gives you a terminal educational credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of your field’s achievement.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only   $300/credit hour .   Find out   how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 39 credits

Next Start Date

Jan 13, 2025

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Maximize Your Time

• 100% online programs   at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
• Earn credit for prior learning.
• Transfer in up to 75%  of a bachelor’s degree.
• Transfer in up to 50%  of a master’s degree.

* excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs

Your goals on your time

We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible. One of our admissions counselors is ready to assist you with starting the process.

Contact Us:   (800) 424-9595

Why Choose Liberty University?

Prepare for a career.

Go from merely surviving in your current job to thriving in the career of your dreams.

Enjoy Flexible Courses

Complete assignments at your own pace, at a time convenient to you within each week.

Access Academic Support

Access our electronic and print resources through the Jerry Falwell Library, writing resources, study aids, and IT support.

Grow in Your Faith

Each of our programs is grounded in biblical principles, and our professors consider teaching to be more than a job – it’s their calling.

Liberty’s online courses give you the ability to choose when and where you study.

Financing options, financial aid.

87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid.

Tuition Discounts

Available for military service members, including active duty, reserve, veterans, and their spouses, as well as emergency response personnel.

Corporate Tuition Assistance

Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay for your classes.

Other Payment Options are Available

Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

An Accredited Private Education Made for You

As a nonprofit university, we have been pioneering distance education since 1985 and offer a unique and proven approach to online education.

Along with our advanced accreditations, we also have been recognized by the following organizations for our excellence in education.

Liberty University is proud to announce that we are recognized by multiple institutions for our affordability, accessibility, and academic quality. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . 

Course Catalog | Liberty University

Liberty university - online programs.

The mission of Liberty University throughout online programs is to provide Liberty University courses and programs through distance learning delivery systems. While Liberty University online and residential course offerings may differ due to distinctions in student profiles and methodologies of instruction, the residential and Liberty University online courses and programs are comparable in range, goals, and purpose.

Founded in 1985 as the Liberty University School of Lifelong Learning (LUSLL), the distance learning program was designed to bring an accredited University program to non-traditional learners at home, military personnel, and Christian school teachers seeking certification from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). The courses were adapted from those offered on the University campus and the initial programs offered were the A.A. in Religion, B.S. in Church Ministries, and M.A. in Counseling.

The initial goal to provide quality Christian education to students around the world has remained intact. Currently, Liberty University offers online services to over 100,000 students across the globe in degree programs including certificate programs, diploma programs in Biblical Studies, and hundreds of associate to doctoral programs.

Using innovative methods, students can take classes without having to relocate. The same quality courses that are offered on the Lynchburg campus are made available to our online students in the convenience of their own homes. Some courses are also offered in an intensive format a number of times throughout the year.

Instructional Delivery Method

Liberty University offers its online courses through Canvas as its primary delivery method. Students can access individual lessons, have interaction with other students taking the same course, utilize links to online resources, view supplemental streaming video clips, and receive direct feedback from their professors using this means of delivery. Video, printed, and online learning tools ensure that students have a learning opportunity available to them that equals or surpasses the traditional classroom model.

Currently, Liberty University offers most online courses in an eight-week format with multiple entry dates throughout the year (see academic calendar ). Some courses are offered in a 14- to 17-week format (with one entry date per semester) in which students may enroll at the beginning of each term. Students will need to show consistent progress throughout their coursework in order to maintain good academic standing. Liberty provides students with tools for success. However, students must manage their time and resources to take advantage of these tools.

Degree Program Format

With the online delivery format, courses in a program are delivered in an online classroom experience that is flexible, personal and challenging. Through the online format a student can earn a degree entirely online. Some programs require that a minimum number of courses be taken as on-campus intensives .

Course Assignments

Students take timed tests online and receive immediate feedback and test results. Essay exams and papers are also submitted online, graded by the course instructor and returned to the student. Portions of assigned work are used to facilitate student-to-student interaction. The interaction is often included as an element in student grading.

Course Materials

Students are encouraged to purchase all materials from Barnes and Noble College Services. Purchases can be made online by accessing the web page at https://bncvirtual.com/liberty or by calling (800) 325-3252. Students should purchase materials after registration but prior to the sub-term start date (course activation). Liberty does not guarantee that required course materials will be available after the sub-term start date.

Some course materials are offered to students in the course via  Inclusive Access , an enhanced educational experience that leverages various interactive learning platforms by converting print content from top publishers into digital content. Applicable fees will be charged to a student's account for these services.

Basic Regulations

To view the Code of Conduct , please see the Office of Community Life section in the Student Affairs section of this catalog.

All students enrolled in Liberty University online programs are subject to the Liberty University Online Code of Honor and Personal Code of Honor. Please see the Academic Information and Policies – Online Programs section of this catalog for more information.

Important Information Regarding Licensure-Based Degree Programs, Internships and Clinical Placements

Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships, or practica through their Liberty University program, should be aware that a criminal background check, finger printing, drug screenings, or other screening processes may be required by Liberty University and/or the host facility.

Internships, Practica, and Clinical Placements

In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the university will provide guidance to admitted students seeking placement in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility.

Licensure-Based Degree Programs

Students in licensure-based degree programs are responsible for understanding the requirements of the program by becoming thoroughly familiar with the Degree Completion Plan (DCP) and the academic school’s web page that outlines degree requirements.

Students seeking licensure are urged to contact the relevant licensing agency to determine the licensing requirements for the jurisdiction. Successful completion of a program of study at Liberty University does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.  Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State certification body.

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