Obtaining a Doctorate in Psychology Online

Two main doctorates are awarded in psychology: the Ph.D. and the Psy.D. The Ph.D. emphasizes research, so it’s best suited to individuals interested in a research career or entering private practice. The Psy.D. is designed more for careers in counseling; much less emphasis is placed upon research.

The following schools award doctorates in psychology online.

• The Adler School of Professional Psychology offers a Psy.D. program in clinical psychology through courses online or on its Chicago campus. The program is accredited by the American Psychology Association (APA) and includes research training. It is structured to be completed in five years when taken full-time.

• The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has accredited online Ph.D. programs in international psychology and organizational leadership. The international program includes two nine-day international field experiences, and the organizational leadership program includes two three-day residencies in Chicago. Both programs are three years long.

• The Union Institute and University offers an accredited Psy.D. degree with a concentration in Clinical Psychology. An optional focus on families is available too. Students take courses online but meet in small cohorts every month. Semi-annual academic meeting attendance is required in Cincinnati, Ohio or Brattleboro, Vermont.

• The University of Phoenix offers different online doctoral programs through different campuses. One example is the Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program, which is available in northern California and other regions. Check the University of Phoenix link for programs in your area.