Many programs now allow students to complete their degrees online. So, in case you want to do further studies, you might be curious if you can get a doctorate in psychology online.
The flexibility of an online program is attractive, as it puts you in charge of the schedule. Read on to answer the question, “Can you get a doctorate in psychology online?”
Here are ten universities that offer a doctorate in psychology programs. These programs are considered cutting edge. (1)
Liberty University offers a Ph.D. in Psychology-Industrial/Organizational. This online program requires 60 units for completion.
Regent University also offers an online program called Doctor of Education-Education Psychology. This particular program requires 66 credits for completion.
Loyola University Chicago offers an Ed.D. in School Psychology. This is a blended program, so it’s not entirely online.
A Psy.D in Clinical Psychology is offered at the University of the Cumberlands. Just like Loyola University Chicago, the program is blended.
You can also consider Texas Tech University to pursue a doctorate in psychology online. It offers Ph.D. in Educational Psychology.
There are some things to consider before starting your program. In general, online doctoral programs in psychology must be accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Accreditation means that the program meets high standards of quality education and will likely be eligible to grant you licensure upon graduation. If you’re unsure whether an online program will work for you, ask your program director for more information.
What’s the difference between a Ph.D. and a PsyD in psychology? While Ph.D. programs are more theoretical, Psy.D. programs focus more on clinical work. Both types of programs require doctoral projects and clinical fieldwork.
Regardless of your career or where you’re looking for a new position, earning a Ph.D. in psychology will help you succeed in your career. Earning a Ph.D. will qualify you for higher-paying positions, independent practice, and even state licensure.
Most high-level positions in clinical psychology, for example, require a doctorate, and you must have a valid state license to practice. This degree is also the highest level of education in the field.
A doctorate in psychology program is designed to give you the knowledge, training, and tools necessary to become an expert in your field. It will allow you to pursue a variety of career paths, including research, consulting, and organizational leadership.
The fact that you can earn a doctorate in psychology online, you can have the freedom to study from home and work while you study. You can keep your current job while earning your Ph.D.
However, some programs are also designed to accept bachelor’s degree holders. However, you’ll need to have a minimum 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate degree to qualify. You’ll also need to have a few years of work experience before you can earn your doctorate.
In addition to becoming a psychologist, you can work in the government or the private sector. In fact, a doctorate in psychology can lead to a lucrative career in government or the business sector.
In general, a Ph.D. in psychology requires students to take 70 credits of coursework. The exact course requirements will vary, so check with the school before you begin.
Ph.D. programs in psychology usually focus on a specific area. Addiction psychology, for example, focuses on treating addictions in order to minimize the interpersonal and medical problems associated with them.
Child psychology, on the other hand, focuses on the development of children, including their mental and social contexts.
If you want to study psychology online, you’ll need to decide how much time you want to devote to the program. Some programs offer part-time options, which can be more convenient for working people.
These graduates can also pursue careers in academic, medical, or ambulatory health care, public service, nonprofit organizations, or counseling centers. Many also have their own private practices.
While the specific requirements for a Ph.D. in psychology online program vary, there are certain commonalities. First, you should have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or the equivalent.
Most Ph.D. programs also include a master’s-level curriculum. This coursework counts towards the Ph.D. degree and may even be the terminal degree, depending on your performance.
Secondly, there may be an internship or clinical component, which is required by some state licensing authorities for psychologist licensure. The good thing is that you can get a doctorate in psychology online.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Doctorate In Psychology?
It takes five to seven years to get a doctorate in psychology. A PsyD degree typically takes four to six years to complete.
You will have to complete coursework, clinical work, and mentoring experiences. APA-accredited programs prepare graduates for clinical work in a variety of settings.
Earning a Ph.D. can provide you with higher earnings, better job prospects, and personal satisfaction. In addition to private practice, you can find jobs in research and education. As a psychologist, you can work for a nonprofit organization, a government agency, a marketing department, or even a market research firm.
Is Getting A Doctorate In Psychology Worth It?
Earning a Ph.D. in psychology opens many doors for a person interested in the field. A PhD is required for many positions in the field.
You may be able to find employment in a number of fields, from substance abuse treatment to expanding other people’s minds. A Ph.D. in psychology will give you the education and the credentials necessary for these positions.
Getting a Ph.D. in psychology is not an easy process. It requires years of study and research, as well as personal dedication and determination.
In addition to the gruelling workload, a Ph.D. in psychology also requires excellent GRE scores. However, more schools are waiving this requirement.
There is no shortage of lucrative opportunities, and that’s what makes a degree in psychology well worth the effort.
Can You Be A Psychologist Without A Doctorate?
There are also two other routes you can take to become a psychologist. You can earn a master’s degree as a stepping stone to a doctoral program.
Some people choose to pursue a master’s degree instead of a doctorate. In some states, a master’s degree is enough to get them a license.
As an aspiring psychologist, you’ll need to meet the education requirements required by your state to become a licensed practitioner. The requirements for licensing vary, but generally speaking, a doctorate degree in psychology is required in most states.
Since you can get a doctorate in psychology online, you can meet the education requirements at your own pace.
