The best psychology doctoral programs include online Ph.D.s at top universities. Explore our program rankings list and learn about online and hybrid instructional formats, practical experience requirements, and what to look for when choosing an online Ph.D. in psychology program. We also answer readers' frequently asked questions.
Popular Online Psychology Doctoral Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Psychology PhD Programs Online
What to Look For in an Online Psychology Ph.D. Program
When researching psychology Ph.D. programs, consider several important factors, including the curriculum focus, program format, faculty-to-student ratio, admission requirements, costs, and accreditation.
Admission requirements often indicate whether you meet the qualifications for acceptance. Ph.D. in psychology programs offer concentrations in behavioral neuroscience, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and more. Make sure the program offers a focus that aligns with your career goals.
Online Ph.D. study may consist of fully online coursework or a hybrid of on-campus and distance learning. Look for the best format for your learning style. If the program follows a cohort model, the faculty-to-student ratio can indicate how much interaction you'll have with professors.
Tuition is another consideration, including whether the program offers funding to Ph.D. students, such as scholarships, assistantships, or fellowships. The best psychology doctoral programs have accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA), which ensure it meets educational and industry standards.
Hybrid and Online Options
Online programs offer asynchronous learning, with course materials available 24/7, or synchronous learning, meaning that class sessions follow a set schedule. Hybrid formats blend online and in-person learning.
Online and hybrid programs may require students to come to campus for residencies. All fieldwork requirements must be completed in person. Additionally, research assistantships or fellowships also require in-person attendance.
The best psychology doctoral programs hold APA accreditation, including those offered online. However, it's important to note that the APA does not accredit fully online programs. Any APA-accredited program requires students to complete a certain percentage of classes and training in person.
Practical Experience Requirements
Psychology Ph.D. programs include supervised practical experience hours, which students must complete in person. Practical experiences encompass practicums, internships, and clinical rotations. Practicums typically occur during the second or third years, and hours can vary by program and concentration.
One-year internships are usually completed during the fourth or fifth year (or later) after students finish their coursework. State licensing requirements mandate that students log 1,500- 2,000 hours during their internship. Clinical Ph.D. in psychology internships may offer clinical rotations in specific concentration areas.
Students complete practical experience hours at partner sites and under clinical supervisors affiliated with their schools and programs. Faculty and staff assist with placements and help prepare students for them beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs
Yes, many Ph.D. in psychology programs, including those listed in our rankings, offer online coursework. Practical experiences, including practicums and internships, must be completed in person at on-campus or affiliated sites. However, the American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit fully online programs. APA-accredited programs require a certain percentage of classes and training to be completed in person.
