Aug 3, 2023 · In order to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, you need to first begin by earning your bachelor's degree. While earning your undergraduate degree in psychology can be helpful, students with bachelor's degrees in other subjects can also apply their knowledge to psychology Ph.D. programs. ... Oct 3, 2024 · Students may enroll in a Ph.D. in psychology program after earning their bachelor's in psychology. Pro: To become a licensed psychologist, you must earn a doctorate in psychology and obtain a state license. ... Nov 7, 2023 · Getting a PhD in psychology can take several years of graduate study. If you are thinking about becoming a psychologist, research your degree options to figure out what type of degree you need and how long it will take to enter your chosen profession. ... Sep 16, 2024 · Is it possible to get a Ph.D. in psychology online? You cannot earn a Ph.D. or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) entirely online, though some psychology Ph.D. programs include classes with an online option. How long is a Ph.D. in psychology? A psychology Ph.D. typically takes 5-7 years. ... Find answers to commonly asked questions about pursuing graduate education in psychology. Learn more about how the advantages and disadvantages of online education in psychology. Understand what to expect from the PSYCAS application process if your graduate program uses this service. ... Dec 10, 2024 · A doctorate in psychology can give you access to higher-paid clinical, research, and industry roles with more responsibility and impact. But given how expensive and demanding the process of earning a Ph.D. can be, it’s important to make sure the benefits support your personal and professional goals. ... May 14, 2024 · In simple terms, a Ph.D. in psychology is more research-focused, while a Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice. The best choice between the two depends on your career goals and whether you prefer research and academia or direct clinical work. Why study for a doctorate in psychology? ... Jul 9, 2024 · Are you considering a doctorate in psychology? If so, you’re in good company — thousands of Americans are awarded doctorates in psychology every year. However, doctoral programs are an incredibly varied field of study, with options available for you to study online, in person, or in a hybrid format. ... Jun 13, 2024 · Here’s how to get a PhD in Psychology, what to expect in a doctoral degree program, and what you might gain from obtaining one. Start Your Journey. A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in Psychology is one of two of the highest degrees in the field of psychology. ... Our goal is to help demystify the process and reduce barriers to obtaining a Clinical Psychology PhD (should they choose!) to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our field. What is a Clinical Psychology PhD? ... ">
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How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Psychology?

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

getting a phd in psychology

Emily Swaim is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, and Vox.

getting a phd in psychology

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  • How Long Will It Take?

Before You Earn PhD in Psychology

Which type of degree should you get, can you finish your degree early.

Just how long does it take to get a PhD in psychology? The answer can vary depending on your program, educational background, and academic schedule. In general, most PhD psychology programs take anywhere from five to seven years to complete.

Learning more about what it takes to get a doctorate in psychology can help you better plan your educational and career journey.

At a Glance

Getting a PhD in psychology can take several years of graduate study. If you are thinking about becoming a psychologist, research your degree options to figure out what type of degree you need and how long it will take to enter your chosen profession. No matter what you decide, plan to spend anywhere from three to seven years in graduate school to earn a doctorate.

How Long Will It Take to Get a Doctorate Degree?

How long it takes to get a doctorate in psychology depends on various factors, including the type of degree you have selected, your educational background, and the individual doctorate program in which you have enrolled.

Most doctorate programs in psychology take between four to seven years to complete.

PhD in Psychology

Most PhD programs require at least five to seven years to complete. These programs often follow a scientist-practitioner model that trains professionals both in research and clinical practice.

In addition to regular coursework, you may also be expected to complete an internship or supervised residency. The program usually culminates in completing an original research project or dissertation.

PsyD Degree

Most PsyD programs require between four to six years to complete. A PsyD is a degree designed to train professionals to apply psychological knowledge to treating and helping people in real-world settings.

According to the American Psychological Association, PsyD programs focus more on applying psychological science, usually in the form of service.  

Most EdD programs require between three to five years to complete. EdD programs are often focused on psychology, counseling, or counselor education. They explore topics that involve both education and psychology.

It is important to note that many applicants to EdD programs already hold a master's degree in a related field. This differs from applicants to PhD and PsyD programs, who often begin their program of study with a bachelor's degree.

Before you begin your academic journey, it is a good idea to look at just how long it will take you to complete your degree. The amount of time it will take can depend upon various factors, including:

  • Your chosen specialty area
  • The program you select
  • The course load you can take each semester

A doctorate-level degree in psychology is required to work in many job areas, including as a licensed clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist. According to the American Psychological Association, a doctorate degree is also often required in fields such as school psychology or health psychology .

So how long does it take to get a PhD in Psychology ? First, it is essential to realize that the degree requirements can vary depending on the field that you decide to pursue. A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy degree is not necessarily your only option. In some cases, you might want also to consider the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) or the EdD (Doctor of Education) degree options.

The PhD, PsyD, and EdD are all great options, but don't let how long it takes to complete be the primary deciding factor. Before you decide to get a doctorate degree, start by deciding which type of degree is most suited to your professional goals.

If you want to conduct research:

A PhD in Psychology tends to focus on a research-based model of education. People with a PhD in Psychology are qualified for a wide range of teaching, research, and clinical positions in colleges, universities, hospitals, government offices, and private mental health practices.

If you want to treat mental health issues:

The PsyD degree option generally focuses on a practitioner-based model of education. Individuals with a PsyD degree can also teach or conduct psychology research, but they frequently work in applied settings to provide direct mental health services.

If you want to apply psychology to help students:

Finally, there is also a third doctorate option that you might also want to consider depending on your career goals. If you are interested in working as a school psychologist or in a related educational field, the EdD, or Doctor of Education, is a possible option.

Despite the years of work, earning your PhD, PsyD, or EdD can be well worth the effort. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that workers with a doctoral or education specialist degree in clinical, counseling, and school psychology will find the strongest job opportunities.

Generally, if you have a strong background in psychology and have completed all of the necessary prerequisites, you can finish your doctorate sooner than students who have not taken the prerequisite courses.

Carefully planning your degree can also help ensure you complete the program requirements quickly.

Be sure you have a clear idea of what you want to do with your psychology degree once you've completed it. Do you want to teach, or is research more appealing to you? Are you interested in seeing clients, or are you planning to combine your training in psychology with another field, such as law or medicine?

If you need help deciding, make an important with an academic advisor at your school. They can help you explore your options and answer any questions you may have.

What This Means For You

No matter the degree you decide to pursue, earning a doctorate in psychology requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort. Because of this, it is essential to carefully consider your goals before deciding on a graduate program. You should also think about whether you need a doctorate or if a master's might be more appropriate.

Gee DG, DeYoung KA, McLaughlin KA, et al. Training the next generation of clinical psychological scientists: A data-driven call to action .  Annu Rev Clin Psychol . 2022;18:43-70. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-092500

Loyola University. Can I get my Psy.D. without a Master's in Psychology?

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different ?

Franklin University. Is getting a Doctorate in Education worth it?

American Psychological Association. Frequently asked questions about graduate school .

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Carr, A. Clinical Psychology: An Introduction . London: Routledge; 2012.

Kuther, TL. The Psychology Major's Handbook . Boston, MA: Cengage Learning; 2016.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated September 16, 2024

Diana Zaremba

Copy Editor

Reviewed by

Megan Pietrucha

Contributing Reviewer

Our Integrity Network

Psychology.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

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Psychology.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?

The best online doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology program for you will vary based on your academic background, preferred specialty, tuition and budget, learning style, and logistics such as clinical hours.

This guide outlines the most important factors for you to consider as you narrow your list of Ph.D. in psychology programs and schools. Use the information on this page to help you decide.

Best Online Ph.D. Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. Psychology.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.

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Online + Campus

Students can earn a Ph.D. in psychology through online learning at Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale. The research-based, non-clinical online psychology Ph.D. program comprises 60 credits, which degree-seekers can complete in 36-60 months. 

Students enroll in 20 courses, which they complete through eight-week terms. Courses focus on foundational concepts, such as behavioral neuroscience, research, and a dissertation. Learners also complete two residencies, at the beginning and end of the program. 

Prospective students can apply with a bachelor's or a master's degree, although non-master's students must take extra classes and complete a thesis. Keiser does not require GRE scores for admission. Incoming students can bring apply up to 18 transfer credits. 

National University

  • San Diego, CA

At National University, degree-seekers can earn an online Ph.D. in psychology in 46 months. Students can choose from eight specializations: 

  • Substance related and addictive disorders
  • General psychology
  • Health psychology
  • Social policy and behavioral health administration 
  • Counseling psychology
  • Counseling psychology on the California licensure track
  • Psychology of gender and sexual fluidity
  • Gerontology
  • Industrial organizational psychology
  • Trauma and disaster relief

Most specializations focus on theory and research, although the counseling in psychology with the California licensure track trains students to clinically practice as psychologists. Each focus area requires 20 courses. 

Applicants must hold a master's degree. Those who don't already possess a psychology graduate degree must apply through the evaluation track, in which the university evaluates applicants' previous coursework. The university offers six full-tuition scholarships for graduate students. 

Saybrook University

  • Pasadena, CA

Based in Pasadena, California, Saybrook University offers a 66-credit online psychology Ph.D. degree . Students need 60-75 credits to graduate, finishing the program in 5-6 years. Although the program follows a web-based format, Ph.D. candidates participate in on-campus residential orientations and conferences as well.

The curriculum focuses on humanistic theory, with emphasis on conscious awareness and responsible living. The program offers four concentrations: 

  • Consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health
  • Creativity studies
  • Existential and humanistic psychology
  • Psychophysiology 

Learners in all specializations complete a dissertation to graduate. 

Saybrook only considers prospective students with a master's degree, but applicants do not need GRE scores for admission. Students can also apply to transfer up to 12 credits from previous studies. 

Our Ranking Methodology

Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.

Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This ranking is from 2023. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, read more about our full ranking methodology .

What to Look For in an Online Psychology Ph.D.

Every Ph.D. in psychology has strengths and weaknesses, so the secret to finding the right program is making sure it aligns with the factors that matter most to you. Understanding your goals and needs will help you weigh these factors.

Primary Factors to Consider

Accreditation.

Accreditation of psychology programs is the most important factor of all, so much so that this guide and website only list accredited programs. The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits psychology Ph.D. programs, but does not accredit online programs.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) both track accreditation status, which you can check on the DAPIP or CHEA websites .

Admission Requirements

You will generally need a master's degree from an accredited program to apply for a Ph.D. in psychology program, though some schools accept other degrees.

Most psychology Ph.D. programs require at least a 3.25 GPA, two or more references, and an application with an essay or personal statement. Requirements can tell you what the school values and what your classmates will be like.

Cost and Financial Aid

Cost and financial aid for psychology students should also be considered, since it takes years to finish a psychology Ph.D. However, if your dream Ph.D. in psychology seems out of reach financially, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness or a scholarship if you commit to work in an underserved area once you graduate. Many Ph.D. programs also offer paid assistantships or TA positions that can help offset costs.

Hybrid and Online Options

Because of the importance of personal interaction in supervising clinical hours, there are no 100% online fully accredited psychology Ph.D. programs to date. However, hybrid programs let you finish some of your work online — typically the classes that cover theory, methodology, and research techniques. You may be able to complete up to two-thirds of your classes online.

Practical Experience Requirements

Psychology Ph.D. programs require practicum and internship hours in psychology . During the practicum, you will spend most of your time observing. In your internship, you will work directly with patients at an increasing level of independence.

Schools typically help you find a placement or arrange practicums, but you must find and apply for your internship. Be aware that there are often more applicants than approved internship openings, so start your planning early during your Ph.D. in psychology.

How to Apply to an Online Psychology Ph.D.

To apply for a Ph.D. in psychology , you must have a master's degree, references, essay or personal statement, and resume. You may need to complete a criminal background check.

Give yourself plenty of time to apply and have a trusted mentor review your application to make sure that it represents you and your strengths. You will need to send your references and transcript securely; different schools have different methods for this.

If you do not have a master's in psychology, you will need to document that your program included the requisite topics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Doctorates

Are online psychology degrees respected.

An online psychology degree earns the same diploma as the on-campus program. However, there are no fully accredited doctoral psychology programs that are entirely online.

Is it possible to get a Ph.D. in psychology online?

You cannot earn a Ph.D. or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) entirely online, though some psychology Ph.D. programs include classes with an online option.

How long is a Ph.D. in psychology?

A psychology Ph.D. typically takes 5-7 years. This psychology degree prepares you either to teach or work as a practicing psychologist.

How much can you make as a psychologist?

According to data from the BLS , psychologists earn a median annual salary of $92,740. Salaries for psychologists range from $52,430 to $151,880 a year, among top earners as of May 2023. Clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median annual salary of $96,100.

Latest Posts

Doctorate in Psychology (Ph.D. and Psy.D.) – everything you need to know in 2024

What’s in this guide, ph.d. or psy.d..

  • Why get a doctorate in psychology?

Entry Requirements

  • PhD in psychology jobs
  • How long does it take to study?

How to choose a program

How much does it cost, earning potential , find your degree.

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

A doctorate in psychology is a terminal degree typically lasting 4-7 years. It prepares graduates for independent research, clinical practice, or university-level teaching careers in psychology.

There are many reasons you may want to pursue a doctorate degree in Psychology, the following guide will provide everything you need to know; from the options, costs, timeframes, career advantages and more.

getting a phd in psychology

First up, what are the two types of doctorate degree you can get and what are the differences?

The two doctorate degrees you can get in psychology are Ph.D. and Psy.D.

In simple terms, a Ph.D. in psychology is more research-focused, while a Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice. The best choice between the two depends on your career goals and whether you prefer research and academia or direct clinical work.

Why study for a doctorate in psychology?

  • Doctorate-level psychologists typically have higher earning potential compared to those with a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in the field.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in your chosen area of specialization within psychology.
  • Potentially make significant contributions to the field.
  • Advanced career opportunities in various settings, such as academia, research institutions, government agencies, hospitals, and private practice.
  • Connect with other professionals, researchers, and academics in the field of psychology, expanding your professional network

The minimum requirements to study a doctorate degree in psychology will vary from institution to institution. However, there are several common requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree:  all programs require applicants to have completed a  bachelor’s degree , in psychology or a related field. Some programs may accept candidates with a degree in another discipline if they have completed prerequisite coursework in psychology.
  • Master’s degree : Some doctoral programs require applicants to have a  master’s degree in psychology  or a related field. Others may admit students directly from their bachelor’s degree and incorporate a master’s degree into the doctorate program.
  • GPA : Many programs have a minimum GPA requirement, usually 3.0 or higher. Some competitive programs require a higher GPA.
  • Letters of recommendation : Applicants typically need to submit letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can speak to their academic and research abilities.
  • Research experience : Prior research experience is often valued by doctoral programs in psychology. This may include experience working on research projects, completing a thesis, or participating in research internships or assistantships.
  • Personal statement:  Applicants usually need to submit a personal statement or statement of purpose that outlines their academic and research interests, career goals, and why they are interested in the specific doctoral program.

Doctorate in psychology jobs

  • Addiction Counselor
  • ABA Therapist
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Licensed Mental Health Conselor
  • Licensed Professional Counselor
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • School Psychologist
  • Organizational Psychologist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Sports Psychologist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Counseling Psychologist
  • Research Psychologist
  • Professor of Psychology
  • Child Psychologist

*Outside of the licensed psychologist jobs listed above many of the above roles  do not require a doctorate but it is important to note that employers for these roles are increasingly favoring candidates with a doctorate. 

How Long Does It Take To Study?

For the majority of students, a doctorate in Psychology may take anywhere from 4-7 years to finish, which will include a research dissertation and most likely residency or an internship in clinical or medical environments.

getting a phd in psychology

By far and away the question our career coaches get asked most frequently about doctorate degrees is how to choose a program. The choice of institutions and programs is truly overwhelming.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Accreditation – Ensuring the program is accredited by the American Psychological Association . Accreditation affects the quality of education you will receive, your eligibility for professional licensure, and your job prospects after graduation.
  • Program Focus and Curriculum –  Different programs may emphasize various aspects of psychology, such as clinical practice, counseling, research, or specific subfields like neuropsychology or health psychology. Match the program’s strengths and curriculum to your career interests and goals. Investigate whether the program offers courses and training that are critical to your desired career path.
  • Faculty Expertise – Look into the backgrounds and areas of expertise of the faculty within the program. Consider how these align with your research interests or the professional skills you wish to acquire. Having mentors who are experts in your area of interest can provide invaluable guidance and opportunities for collaboration.
  • Research Opportunities – For those interested in research, evaluate the resources available, such as labs, funding, and support for attending conferences or conducting fieldwork. Check if the program encourages or requires publications and what kind of support it offers to achieve these milestones.
  • Clinical Training and Internships – For clinically oriented programs, look at the quality and variety of their practicum and internship placements. These are often required for licensure.
  • Funding and Financial Support – Understand the types of financial support offered by the program, including teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and grants. Funding can significantly impact your experience by allowing you to focus more fully on your studies and research without needing to seek employment externally.
  • Alumni Success and Networking Opportunities –  Investigate where alumni of the program are currently working. This can give you a sense of the program’s reputation and effectiveness in placing graduates in jobs. Additionally, networking opportunities through alumni networks, professional associations, and academic conferences can be critical for career development.
  • Program Size and Student Support Services – Consider the size of the program and the ratio of faculty to students, which can affect the amount of individual attention and mentoring you receive.
  • Location – Certain locations might offer better practicum, internship, and employment opportunities in your field of interest due to the presence of significant healthcare facilities, research institutions, or industries.

Depending upon the institution, method of study, location and type of program then you can expect to pay $25,000-$80,000 per year to study for a doctorate in psychology.

An online program would likely fall at the lower end of this range whilst an out of state student in a private university might expect to pay the upper end of this range.

Many psychology doctoral programs, particularly in research-oriented universities, offer funding packages to their students. These can include full or partial tuition waivers, health insurance coverage, and a stipend to help with living expenses

The average salary for an individual with a doctorate in psychology is $114,768.

Earning potential varies considerably by specialty, location and industry but we see roles requiring a doctorate advertised in the $80,000-$130,000 range.

  • PhD in Organizational Psychology
  • PhD in Educational Psychology
  • PhD in Forensic Psychology
  • PhD in Counseling Psychology
  • PhD in Behavioral Psychology
  • PhD in Child Psychology
  • PhD in Clinical Psychology
  • PhD in Neuropsychology
  • PhD in Sports Psychology

Guide to Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Ellery Weil, Ph.D.

BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Are you considering a doctorate in psychology? If so, you’re in good company — thousands of Americans are awarded doctorates in psychology every year. However, doctoral programs are an incredibly varied field of study, with options available for you to study online, in person, or in a hybrid format. You can also choose a specialty and even choose to earn either a Ph.D. in psychology or a Psy.D.

Whatever your field, you’ll be studying and conducting original research as you earn your doctorate. Keep reading to learn about what a psychology doctoral program might look like and how to choose the right program for you.

What Are the Benefits of a Doctorate in Psychology?

Featured online programs.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

How to Choose a Doctorate Program?

When you’re comparing different psychology doctoral programs, you should consider multiple factors before deciding on one to enroll in. Here are four considerations to bear in mind as you’re preparing your applications and comparing potential programs:

Accreditation

Graduation rate, dissertation requirements, financial aid, how long does it take to get a doctorate in psychology.

A doctorate is a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest qualification you can attain in the field. It’s not unusual for a doctoral program in psychology to take more than five years to complete. This can mean over 50 credits of required work, but these will generally be split between traditional coursework credits and credits earned through practicum training and work on your original research/dissertation.

If you choose to study online, this timeline may be slightly different. Some online doctoral programs offer accelerated courses, which can allow you to complete your degree at a quicker pace.

Is a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in Psychology Better?

Both a Ph.D. and Psy.D. are legitimate and respected doctorates, but they have a few key differences.

A Psy.D. is a professional doctorate structured with a focus on clinical practice. A Ph.D., on the other hand, is a research doctorate focused on producing original research. Which is right for you will largely depend on whether you’re planning on a career in clinical practice, research, or academia.

Top Career Paths With a Doctorate in Psychology

It’s natural to wonder what kind of job opportunities a doctorate in psychology can lead to — and what kind of salaries you can expect. Here are some of the most popular careers for graduates of psychology doctorates, along with their median salaries for 2023:

How Much Money Can I Make With a Doctorate in Psychology?

Graduates with a doctorate in psychology earn an average salary of about $92,000, according to Payscale data from September 2023. This is approximately $29,000 more per year than those with a master’s in psychology.

Your salary will also vary depending on your specialty. For example, clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median annual salary of around $96,000, while industrial-organizational psychologists earn around $147,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

It is important to note that these figures may also vary depending on your experience and location.

Median Annual Wage for Psychologists, May 2023

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $96,100

Industrial/Organizational Psychologists $147,420

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Is a doctorate in psychology worth it.

Whether or not a doctorate in psychology is “worth it” or not is a personal question only you can answer. You will need to consider your career goals and personal financial situation , as well as if you are ready to make the time commitment required for a doctorate, before making your decision.

How to become a psychiatrist with a psychology degree?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, meaning you will need to go to medical school and earn an MD to become one. While you’re there, you can specialize in psychiatric medicine and complete a residency in psychiatry before you can practice.

How difficult is it to get into a psychology Ph.D. program?

How difficult it is to be accepted into a psychology Ph.D. program will depend heavily on the program and school. You should look up your school’s admissions requirements, as well as its Ph.D. program’s acceptance rate, to get an idea of how difficult it typically is to be accepted.

Can you get a doctorate in psychology online?

There are schools that offer doctoral programs in psychology either fully or partially online. Online programs may require you to complete in-person clinical practice or internships in your community.

Can you get into a doctorate program in psychology without a master’s degree?

There are doctoral programs in psychology that do not require you to hold a master’s degree to apply. While a master’s degree can improve your odds of acceptance, it is not a requirement for many programs, and you can be accepted with a strong undergraduate record alone.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 12, 2024.

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  1. Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology - Verywell Mind">Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology - Verywell Mind

    Aug 3, 2023 · In order to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, you need to first begin by earning your bachelor's degree. While earning your undergraduate degree in psychology can be helpful, students with bachelor's degrees in other subjects can also apply their knowledge to psychology Ph.D. programs.

  2. In Psychology (Ph.D. And Psy.D.)">Guide To Doctorates In Psychology (Ph.D. And Psy.D.)

    Oct 3, 2024 · Students may enroll in a Ph.D. in psychology program after earning their bachelor's in psychology. Pro: To become a licensed psychologist, you must earn a doctorate in psychology and obtain a state license.

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    Nov 7, 2023 · Getting a PhD in psychology can take several years of graduate study. If you are thinking about becoming a psychologist, research your degree options to figure out what type of degree you need and how long it will take to enter your chosen profession.

  4. Ph.D. Programs In Psychology Of 2024">Best Online Doctoral Ph.D. Programs In Psychology Of 2024

    Sep 16, 2024 · Is it possible to get a Ph.D. in psychology online? You cannot earn a Ph.D. or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) entirely online, though some psychology Ph.D. programs include classes with an online option. How long is a Ph.D. in psychology? A psychology Ph.D. typically takes 5-7 years.

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    Find answers to commonly asked questions about pursuing graduate education in psychology. Learn more about how the advantages and disadvantages of online education in psychology. Understand what to expect from the PSYCAS application process if your graduate program uses this service.

  6. in Psychology 2025 | BestColleges">Top Online Doctorate in Psychology 2025 | BestColleges

    Dec 10, 2024 · A doctorate in psychology can give you access to higher-paid clinical, research, and industry roles with more responsibility and impact. But given how expensive and demanding the process of earning a Ph.D. can be, it’s important to make sure the benefits support your personal and professional goals.

  7. in Psychology (Ph.D. and Psy.D.) - everything you need to ...">Doctorate in Psychology (Ph.D. and Psy.D.) - everything you need...

    May 14, 2024 · In simple terms, a Ph.D. in psychology is more research-focused, while a Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice. The best choice between the two depends on your career goals and whether you prefer research and academia or direct clinical work. Why study for a doctorate in psychology?

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    Jul 9, 2024 · Are you considering a doctorate in psychology? If so, you’re in good company — thousands of Americans are awarded doctorates in psychology every year. However, doctoral programs are an incredibly varied field of study, with options available for you to study online, in person, or in a hybrid format.

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    Our goal is to help demystify the process and reduce barriers to obtaining a Clinical Psychology PhD (should they choose!) to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our field. What is a Clinical Psychology PhD?