Online PhD Programs in Psychology

A career as a psychologist is extremely rewarding because as you study the human mind and human behavior, you are helping others improve themselves. Do you want to start your PhD in psychology but need to keep your schedule flexible and convenient?  There are now numerous online PhD programs in psychology at accredited colleges and universities across the country.

What to Expect

The available online PhD programs in psychology vary depending on the institution, but all programs typically include both practical and theoretical study. The curriculum includes courses such as, human development, theories of personality, social psychology, and quantitative research. In addition, you will take classes related to your specific area of interest.  Specializations include clinical, counseling, school, industrial-organizational, developmental, social, and research psychology.

Online PhD programs in psychology usually take 3-4 years to complete with a part time commitment.  While most of the classes are online, most programs require a few short on- campus residencies.  The program culminates in the research, writing, and defense of a dissertation or professional journal article.

Career Opportunities

With all of the different specializations available, online PhD programs in psychology prepare graduates for many different career paths.  Graduates can work in different environments, such as a public school system, private sector, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or military veteran’s facilities. For those with a PhD, a career at university performing research or teaching is also an option.  Many students also go on to open their own practices. In general, employment in the psychology field is expected to grow faster than average.

While there are so many benefits of enrolling in one of the online PhD programs in psychology, earning your PhD will take a lot of hard work and dedication. With an online program, you can continue to work while attending school. Thus, you can apply what you are learning directly into practice immediately.