online phd programs in school psychology

Education & Human Development

Educational psychology, how to apply.

The Department OF Educational Psychology

The Department of Educational Psychology (EPSY) is home to a variety of interrelated disciplines and degree options focused on human development and well-being in educational and community contexts. Our undergraduate programs prepare students to work with children and youth in a variety of community and school contexts. We also offer a range of professional master’s degrees geared towards professionals in schools, communities, and the corporate world. For those interested in doctoral studies we offer Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Educational Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and School Psychology.

Program Areas to choose from

Educational psychology, us news & world report 2021, number of online courses available, former student highlight, michele sheppard.

“When I started at A&M, it was unlike any other, they push you to be your very best. Being a single mom and going back to school was not always easy but you can do it!”

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Emphasis Areas

Educational psychology programs.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

EPSY offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education and University Studies, with one of three focuses.

Undergraduate Studies

Graduate Programs

The department of Educational Psychology offers a range of professional graduate degree programs.

ONLINE EDUCATION

EPSY offers a wide variety of online programs and courses to many the diverse needs our students.

Online Education

Certificates

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to complete certificate programs while completing their degree requirements.

FROM OUR FORMER STUDENTS

“I came to the conclusion that being a special educator is less about whom you teach and more about what you teach.”

– Stephanie Haetchen ’12 Special Education Programs

Upcoming Events

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Doctorate in:

School psychology.

Ph.D. in School Psychology

Our Ph.D. in School Psychology is designed to give candidates a thorough and comprehensive knowledge their professional field and training in methods of research, as well as competencies required for practice.

This degree is awarded based on a candidate’s grasp of subject matter in a broad field of study, a demonstrated ability to do independent research, and demonstrated competencies for practice as a health service professional. In addition, candidates must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages.

This degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met.

• For a student who has completed a master’s degree, a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD at a U.S. institution, a minimum of 64 hours is required on the degree plan for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
• For a student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree or a U.S. DDS/DMD, DVM or MD , a minimum of 96 hours is required on the degree plan for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Students gain the knowledge and skills for:

• Research • Assessment • Intervention • Consultation • Supervision • Ethical and Professional Practice

Program graduates work in a variety of private and institutional settings, including:

• Public and private schools • Hospitals and medical clinics • Community-based health and educational organizations • University settings

Disclosure of Education & Training Outcomes

SPSY 2024 Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data is for informed decision-making by prospective students, as well as others.

Where are our Graduates?

A recent evaluation of program graduates over the last 10 years, from the academic year 2010-2011 to 2019-2020, finds our graduates are currently in the following work settings:

School District

Hospital/medical centers, community mental health clinic, independent practice, other: dod schools (consultant), other: community agency, university academic setting (non-medical) teaching/faculty, chosen unemployment, admissions deadlines.

• Applications are currently open and will close on December 1, 2024.

RECOMMENDED GRE/GPA SCORES

Recommended gre/gpa scores.

• 1000 (old scoring system) or
• 310 (new scoring system)
• Undergraduate (and Graduate, if applicable) GPA could impact admission.
• GRE scores are not required for 2022 applicants.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

Submission criteria.

• Letters of reference from professors and employers.
• Membership in professional organizations.
• Involvement in research activities.
• Relevant job experience.
• Personal characteristics such as bilingual status or experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Essay outlining goals, research interests, and skills.

Application reviews occur in December. Full program faculty and a graduate student select students for interviews in early January. On-campus interviews start at the beginning of February.

Admission Interviews

• Expect a formal interview, informative sessions, and interaction with both faculty and graduate students. Applicants also will have the opportunity to see the campus, clinics, and community.
• For out-of-state students, we try to subsidize the cost of travel.

Post-Interview Process

• Admitted students must notify us in writing by April 15 of their intent to enroll the following fall.
• Students who enter the program are assigned a student mentor and a temporary advisor.

Program Details

Degree: Ph.D. in School Psychology Degrees Offered: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Credit Hours: minimum 104-112 hours

• Students completing the program obtain the Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology.
• For students entering with a baccalaureate, the program requires  a non-thesis option M.Ed. after completion of the first 36 credits . The doctoral degree plan includes a minimum of an additional 64 credits for all students including internship.
• The program meets criteria for the state and national credentials for practice in the schools and licensure as a psychologist in most states.

Select College of Education and update credit hours.

Accreditation

The School Psychology Program at Texas A&M University is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) .

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 750 First Street, N.E. Washington, DC 20002-4242 (202) 336-5979

Our Program has been approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) .

Program Requirements

• Students engage in coursework and field experiences that are sequential and increase in complexity.
• All students must complete the core curriculum.
• Students choose an area of more in-depth coverage as they progress through the program.

Read the School Psychology Student handbook for details about our mission, required coursework, field experiences, and student performance evaluations.

Consideration for Prior Graduate Credit

In recognition that some students enter the program with a master’s or specialist’s degree in School Psychology or related field, the program has established the Direct to Doctorate  process.

Degree Requirements

Review the School Psychology degree requirements associated with time commitment and acquiring residency.

Research Apprenticeship

Students participate in mentored research activities beginning in their first year. They present as part of research at the regional, national and international convention and publish with faculty mentorship.

Scientific inquiry (i.e., research) is the most powerful and prominent method for creating new knowledge and testing extant theories. The skills and attitudes of scientific inquiry are essential to the development and delivery of sound professional services, and directly benefit the clients and constituencies served.

We believe that the Ph.D. degree in School Psychology should indicate the student’s ability to generate and disseminate (e.g., through professional conferences and journals) new knowledge that contributes to our understanding of important theoretical and/or practical issues and questions in the area of psychology. This requires that students are well versed in the knowledge base in their specialty area, and have developed facility with all aspects of the research process. Our graduates are able to function as researchers both independently and collaboratively in clinical and research settings.

Expectations

Our program is designed to foster doctoral students’ continuous involvement in research. Students are expected to participate in mentored research activities from the start of their doctoral training by joining existing research teams led by faculty mentors. At early stages, involvement in research may include assistance with data collection, study management, and data entry or organization. As students’ skills develop, opportunities for conducting data analyses, designing new studies, producing scholarly products (e.g., conference presentations, journal articles), and mentoring in grant writing may be available.

Through these mentored research opportunities, students will develop the full spectrum of research skills necessary for formulating their dissertation and conducting research independently. Research involvement and competence will be reviewed annually by the student’s doctoral committee and/or program committee to provide written feedback about their progress toward meeting program research expectations.

Program Assessments

Annual evaluation.

Annual Evaluation of School Psychology Student

Practicum Student Evaluation

Practicum Student Evaluation Form

Annual Review of Departmental and Clinical Expectations

Practicum Directory

Practicum opportunities.

Elective Practicum Opportunities

Program Handbook

Notice to students pursuing programs that may lead to a professional license or certification required for employment:

The following programs may lead to a professional license or certification that is required for employment. Professional licensure/certification requirements vary from state to state, which may affect a student’s ability to apply for a professional license/certification upon the completion of the program. The U.S. Department of Education regulation,  34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v) , requires an institution to disclose whether the program will fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification for each state. The administrative departments that offer the programs have made the following determination regarding their curriculum.

Additional conditions explained

* The School Psychology Doctoral program is aligned with requirements for the License as a Psychologist (LP) and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) in the State of Texas and the National Certification as a School Psychologist (NCSP). The curriculum is consistent with accreditation by the American Psychological Association and as such provides required coursework and training for most states; however, students should be aware that state licensure and educational certification requirements change and vary by state. In particular, some states (i.e., California and Michigan) require specific didactic courses or supervisory provisions (i.e., New Jersey and Virgin Islands) not required in Texas or other states for licensure/certification. As such, students are encouraged to investigate the requirements in other states to identify additional courses they may need. For a fuller summary of the requirements for licensure in each state, please visit the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board .

** North Dakota Board of Examiner’s specifies that telepsych may not replace face-to-face individual supervision. During the COVID pandemic, the TAMU School Psychology program utilized telepsych practices to engage in supervision. We advise students interested in licensure in ND to consult with that psychology board regarding these special circumstances if we continue this approach for safety reasons.

Contact Advisors

Peggy Brigman

Academic Advisor IV

View Directory Profile

Program Faculty

Sara Castro-Olivo

Associate Professor

Daniel Hajovsky

Clinical Assistant Professor

Justin Allen

Assistant Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

• Doctoral 10

List of Bachelor Degree Equivalencies

Please view a brief  List of Bachelor Degree Equivalencies by Country . If you do not find your country listed and are unsure of your degree equivalency, please contact the Office of Admissions at  [email protected] .

Can my Application fee be waived?

Yes. This fee may be waived only in exceptional cases for low-income applicants and McNair Scholars. To receive the waiver, you must submit an awards letter from your current school’s financial aid office showing the award of a Pell Grant. Your Student Aid Report (SAR) from a current FAFSA can also be submitted to show financial need. McNair Scholars must submit a letter from their McNair Program Director verifying their status as a McNair Scholar in good standing to receive the fee waiver. Submit this information to the Academic Affairs Business Office and include your major of interest and term of application. Waiver of application fee is not available for international students.

Statement of Purpose Essay

All applicants must complete the Essay, Statement of Purpose and explain the following:

• Why you applied to this program
• Academic background and training
• Potential for graduate study
• Research experience
• Other relevant professional experiences

I want/need a Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship – how do I apply?

Please note that we cannot guarantee any financial assistance to any student. We will contact all admitted students about the process for applying for all available assistantships. This is a separate process from applying for admission. The department and programs will choose students to be nominated for Graduate Diversity or Graduate Merit fellowships. These fellowships are only open to U.S. citizens. Please do not ask to be nominated for one of these fellowships as the program will determine which students are competitive for these awards.

How do is submit my letters of Recommendation?

The  GraduateCAS  online application includes a Recommendations section where you must add your recommenders’ information. Once you have saved the recommendation requests, GraduateCAS will contact each recommender via email to request the completion of the recommendation form and letter of recommendation. We require three letters of recommendations and they must be submitted directly by recommenders through the electronic system.

Is there an admissions cycle for Spring semester?

No. For our Ph.D. programs we only have admissions in fall semesters.

What are the typical program costs?

Check out the cost of attendance estimator.

Please note, you must update the program hours.

For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our cost and tuition rates webpage ( https://aggie.tamu.edu/billing-and-payments/cost-and-tuition-rates ). This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.

Can you guide me through the application process?

How to Apply: Master’s Application Information | Doctoral Application Information

I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?

Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.

Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?

Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance through the following departments: Office of Graduate Studies Financial Aid

Request Information

Tuition & fees.

For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our cost and tuition rates webpage ( https://aggie.tamu.edu/billing-and-payments/cost-and-

tuition-rates). This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.

Can't find what you are looking for?

School Psychology PhD

Doctor of philosophy in school psychology.

For Fall 2024 admissions, the TC School Psychology programs have retained use of the GRE scores

Faculty use the scores, along with undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, the personal statement, and other materials to perform a holistic review of each applicant. There is no minimum GRE cutoff score for either the EdM or PhD program in School Psychology.

For Fall 2024 admissions, the following faculty members will be reviewing PhD applications from external students (i.e., students not already in our EdM program): Dr. Melissa Collier-Meek [email protected] . Please indicate in your personal statement which of these faculty you are applying to work with.

The Ph.D. program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). For general information about APA accreditation or specific information about the accreditation status of our program contact:

Jacqueline Remondet Wall, Ph.D. Director, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association  750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 (202) 336-5979 /  http://www.apa.org

If you have questions regarding the accreditation of the program by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) contact:

Natalie Politikos, Ph.D. National Association of School Psychologists 4340 East West Highway Suite 402 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-657-4155 / http://www.nasponline.org

Our Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 90 points. Attainment of the doctoral degree prepares students for certification as a school psychologist and licensure as a psychologist. On average, doctoral students should plan on five years of full-time attendance, including summers. This includes three years of coursework, a two-semester externship in the third year, a full-year internship during the fifth year, and a dissertation. The program can be completed in 5.2 years (enter in September of Year 1, graduate in October of Year 5 as internships end on either June 30 or August 31 and the next graduation date is early October) if students begin a program of research early in the program and complete the doctoral certification requirements (research methods examination, theoretical and empirical paper) by the 4th year of the program. Typically, most of the coursework (including practica, fieldwork, and externship) is completed by the end of the third year if the student completes only the one required externship. However, for many years, all students have completed two externships to make themselves more competitive in the APPIC match (one in a clinical setting, one in a public school), extending externship into the 4th year. Some students have chosen to do a third externship if they are specializing in intellectual disabilities/autism or child neuropsychology. The third externship increases competitiveness in the internship match and postdoctoral competition. The 4th and 5th (or 6th) years are devoted to dissertation and internship.

For more detailed information about our program, please download our Student Handbook.

Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Points/Credits: 90
• Entry Terms: Fall

Certification

View Public Disclosure Notification

• NY State Provisional: School Psychology

Application Deadlines

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines , such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

View Full Catalog Listing

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D., 90 points)

Our American Psychological Association (APA)- and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)- accredited doctoral program (Ph.D.) requires a minimum of 90 points. Students may have to complete courses in addition to those included in the curriculum if their advisor deems it necessary (e.g., an extra statistics course). Attainment of the doctoral degree prepares students for certification as a school psychologist and licensure as a psychologist. On average, doctoral students should plan on five years of full-time attendance, including summers. This includes three years of coursework, a two-semester externship in the third year, a full-year internship during the fifth year, and a dissertation.

Suggested Sequence of Courses by Year and Semester

Fall (12 credits)

HBSK5320(3) Individual Psychological Testing I*

HBSK4025(3) Professional and Ethical Functions of School Psychologists

HBSK4073(3) Childhood Disorders*

HUDM4122(3) Probability and Statistical Inference (most semesters)

HBSK657_(0) Research Practicum

Spring (15 credits)

HBSK5321(3) Individual Psychological Testing II*

HBSK5378(3) Practicum in Psychoeducational Assessment of School Subject Difficulties*

HBSK5050(3) Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions for Youth

HBSK6380(3) Practicum in Psychoeducational Assessment with Culturally Diverse Students

HBSE 4015(3)  Applied Behavior Analysis I

Summer (6 credits)

HUDM5122(3) Applied Regression Analysis (most semesters)

ORL5362(3)    Group Dynamics: A Systems Perspective (most semesters)

Second Year

Fall (13 credits)

ORLJ5040(3)   Research Methods in Social Psychology

HBSK5280(4)   Fieldwork in School Psychological Services

HBSK6584(3)   Seminar: School Psychology Consultation

HBSK6382(3)   Advanced Practicum in Psychoeducational Interventions in Schools

HBSK657_(0)   Research Practicum

Spring (18 credits)

HBSK5031(3) Family as the Context for Child Development

HBSK5280(4) Fieldwork in School Psychological Services

HBSK 6362(3) Group Work with Children & Adolescents

HBSK 4030 (3)   Multicultural Issues in School Psychology

BBS 5069 (2)  Brain and behavior I

Summer (8 credits)

HUDM5059(3) Psychological Measurement

HUDM5123(3) Linear Models and Experimental Design

BBS 5069 (1)   Brain and behavior II

Fall (5 credits)

HBSK5271(2)  Supervised Externship in Psychoeducational Practice (Section 1)

HBSK657_(0)  Research Practicum

HUDK6520(3) Seminar in Lifespan Developmental Psychology (offered every other year)

HBSK4074(3)   Development of Reading Comprehension

Spring (6 credits)

HBSK5096(3)  Psychology of Memory: Cognitive and Affective Bases

HBSK5273(1)  Supervised Experience in Supervision

HBSK 6383 (3)    Neuropsychological Assessment of Children and Adults

HBSK657_(0)  Research Practicum: 

Summer (3 credits)

CCPX6020(3) History and Systems of Psychology

Fourth Year

Fall (4 credits)

ORLJ5540 (3) Pro-seminar in Social Psychology

HBSK7503(1) Dissertation Seminar**

HBSK5271(0) Supervised Externship in Psychoeducational Practice (Section 2)

Spring (0 credits)

HBSK8902(0) Dissertation Advisement

HBSK6480(0)  School Psychology Internship

PLEASE NOTE

The following courses, which are included in a fall or spring semester in the suggested sequence can be taken in the summer. However, before deciding to take any of the following in the summer, please consult with your advisor.

1. HUDM4122, Probability and Statistical Inference (most semesters)

2. HBSK4074, Development of Reading Comprehension

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Phone: (212) 678-3942

Email: schoolpsychology@tc.columbia.edu

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Doctorate of Education in School Psychology​​

This ​program will prepare you to enhance the learning and mental health of all children and youth​. There is currently a nationwide shortage of school psychologists and you can help fill a much-needed role in a child's life. 

University of Findlay's online Doctor of Education in School Psychology Program is accepting applications for the 2025 cohort - application opens June 1, 2024. ​

Early Review Application Deadline: November 1, 2024

Final application review deadline: february 1, 2025, highlights of the program​​​.

• Offered entirely online with the exception of our week-long​ Summer Institute and final internship year
• Can be completed in four years
• No master's degree needed for admission 
• Doctoral faculty members have been recognized as  offering the best dissertation support in the nation in 2022 by Intelligent.com.​ ​

​​ Accreditation

The program is approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission.  The College of Education is accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

The program will seek accreditation through the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). This program was founded in 2020 and new programs can become accredited upon the graduation of their first class. ​

​ Financial Aid and Loan Options

In addition, there are other financial aid and loan options available to graduate students at the university of findlay.

As a graduate student at UF, you are eligible to apply for loans through the  William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program . Through the federal program, you can obtain federal funds directly from the U.S. Department of Education. See below to learn more about Federal and private loan programs.

Federal Loan Programs

Private loan options, employer reimbursement.

Program Director Kara Parker, Ph.D.

Doctor of Education in School Psychology

• Best Online Doctorates In Psychology

Best Online Doctorates In Psychology Of 2024

Updated: Mar 28, 2024, 12:13pm

Psychologists don’t just work one-on-one with patients to treat behavioral and mental health issues. Today, psychologists advise corporations, study cognitive science and the brain, coach athletes to peak performance and help students thrive in school.

In addition to clinical counseling, an online doctorate in psychology can lead to well-paying work in diverse fields like education, business, social services, nonprofit management and community organizing.

To help with your search, Forbes Advisor reviewed 43 programs and ranked eight schools that met our criteria. Each school demonstrates a commitment to student experience, outcomes, credibility and affordability. Programs include Ph.D.s, Psy.D.s and Ed.D.s, with specializations like leadership, community or educational psychology. Explore our recommendations below.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked eight accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degrees in psychology in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed all eight schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Doctorates in Psychology

Should you enroll in an online psychology doctoral program, accreditation for online doctoral programs in psychology, how to find the right online doctorate in psychology for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in psychology, national louis university, liberty university, keiser university-ft lauderdale, university of the southwest, the chicago school at los angeles, southern california seminary, william james college, adler university.

Graduate Tuition

$800/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

This Chicago-based college was founded in 1886 with a mission to train elementary school teachers. Today, National Louis University (NLU) offers a fully online Ph.D. in community psychology to prepare professionals for work in areas including housing, urban education, child abuse and substance abuse.

NLU teaches the foundations of community psychology and encourages learners to research topics that pique their interest. Coursework provides training in quantitative and qualitative methods, grant writing, advocacy, and community development. Online learners complete an internship and dissertation in addition to coursework. NLU offers both synchronous and asynchronous formats.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 69 to 72 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Community organizing, statistics for community psychology
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, internship required

$595/credit (full-time)

Liberty University ’s Ph.D. in psychology teaches human behavior from a biblical perspective. This nonclinical, nonlicensure program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Liberty offers six specializations, including social psychology and developmental psychology. Learners conduct their own research, with the opportunity to present their work at conferences. Optional on-campus intensive courses allow students to deepen their academic and professional skills alongside faculty and classmates.

Current and former military members and their spouses qualify for discounted tuition at $300 per credit.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Psychological research and biblical worldview, teaching of psychology
• Concentrations Available: Behavioral health leadership, developmental psychology, general psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, social psychology, theology
• In-Person Requirements: No, but optional in-person intensives offered

$528/credit (in-state)

The Fort Lauderdale branch of Keiser University , Florida’s largest private, nonprofit university, offers a research-based online Ph.D. in psychology. The program employs a “scholar-practitioner” model that integrates leading research and professional practices into the classroom experience.

The school offers hybrid and fully online programming. Online learners have access to technical support and academic counseling. With courses held in eight-week terms, students can complete the program in as little as 36 months.

Keiser also offers a baccalaureate entry path; admitted students only need a bachelor’s degree before starting their Ph.D.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Behavioral neuroscience, sociocultural basis of behavior
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two residencies required

$799/credit (in-state)

The University of the Southwest (USW) offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in educational psychology. The degree suits professionals who work or hope to work in educational leadership and administration. USW’s curriculum focuses on four key areas: leadership foundations, organizational dynamics and change, strategic planning, and research. With an optional self-design track, learners can customize their specialization courses.

Online learners receive free virtual healthcare and a free laptop in their first course. The tuition price includes the cost of all textbooks and course materials. Students can also access leading software designed to guide them through the dissertation process.

Two clinical residencies provide real-world experience. They can be completed in person or virtually.

• Application Fee: N/A
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organizational dynamics of human behavior, advanced study of educational psychology
• In-Person Requirements: No, but optional in-person residencies offered

$1,703/credit

The Chicago School at Los Angeles ’ Ph.D. in international psychology prepares learners to work in organizations with global missions. In addition to classwork, the program features an international internship and real-world training opportunities. Students complete two on-campus residencies and two international field experiences.

Learners must pass written and oral comprehensive exams and complete an original dissertation addressing a gap in international psychology’s professional study. The nonlicensure program can be completed in three and a half years.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of international psychology; ethics and professional development
• Concentrations Available: Organizations and systems, trauma services
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, residencies and international trip required

$650/credit (in-state)

Southern California Seminary ’s nonlicensure Psy.D. program uniquely integrates theology and psychology to prepare learners for private counseling, local church ministry, or work in a service or institutional setting. The El Cajon-based school also offers an M.A. to Psy.D. track, which requires a minimum of 99 credits.

Students can choose between four emphases: psychology, educational psychology, international/multicultural psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. Classes begin every seven weeks.

In addition to academic requirements, learners must demonstrate moral integrity and be recommended for graduation by at least four faculty members.

• Application Fee: $85
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 to 73 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Advanced psychosocial basis of behavior, hermeneutics
• Concentrations Available: Psychology, educational psychology, international/multicultural psychology, industrial/organizational psychology
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,675/credit (in-state)

William James College ’s Psy.D in leadership psychology integrates hands-on experience with classroom learning to deeply explore how humans function as leaders and followers. Full-time students can complete the program in four years, while part-time students may take six years.

Students can concentrate in four psychology subject areas or participate in a co-curricular college-wide concentration such as Asian or Latino mental health.

The blended program features a mix of online synchronous activities, like webinars and team projects, as well as asynchronous discussion boards, readings, and pre-recorded lectures. Program graduates complete 900 hours of supervised field training: a 600-hour practicum and 300-hour internship. Practicum sites include Comcast and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The college is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

• Application Fee: $60
• Degree Credit Requirements: 68 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: The neurobiology of leadership, organization development and change
• Concentrations Available: Educational leadership, inclusive leadership, leading nonprofits and NGOs, neuroscience of leadership psychology
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for required residencies

$972/credit (in-state)

The online Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology by Chicago-based Adler University helps graduates reach their full potential in organizational settings. Elective courses teach skills like consulting, talent management and entrepreneurship.

Learners without a master’s degree can enroll in a 90-credit post-bachelor’s program; those with a master’s degree in a related field can finish in as little as three years. To graduate, learners must pass a comprehensive exam and complete a dissertation in addition to a 200-hour social justice practicum at an aligned community site.

• Application Fee: $32
• Degree Credit Requirements: 90 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organizational theory; job and task analysis
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, practicum required

While an online psychology doctoral degree has its upsides, it isn’t the right move for everyone. In light of the huge commitment of time and money—to say nothing of effort—think hard about factors like budget, scheduling and learning style.

Online doctoral programs often cost less than campus programs since they allow you to save on big-ticket expenses like housing and transportation. Plus, some state schools extend in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of their state residency status.

Online learning provides flexibility to work around work and family obligations. However, some programs mix asynchronous lessons with synchronous events like discussion groups.

Remote learning works well for disciplined self-starters. But if you need the accountability and support that come with in-person learning, an online doctoral program might not be a good fit for you.

There are two kinds of accreditation to consider in online psychology doctoral programs: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation is given by bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). To receive federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited institution. Several institutions on this list have earned accreditation by regional agencies like SACSCOC or the Higher Learning Commission.

Programmatic accreditation proves that a degree has been vetted to meet certain academic standards. The primary accreditor for post-graduate psychology programs in the U.S. is the American Psychology Association (APA), which accredits Ph.D. and Pys.D. programs. APA accredits specific degrees, not departments. You can find programs using APA’s accredited programs search tool . WHAT

To confirm a college’s accreditation status, search CHEA’s directory .

Consider Your Future Goals

To choose the best program for you, think through your long-term career goals. This helps inform whether you should pursue a Psy.D. or Ph.D. and what kind of field experience you may need to complete.

Programs vary in their focus on clinical application of psychological principles versus research and classroom instruction. For example, William James College’s Pys.D. in leadership psychology allows learners to work an additional 150 practicum hours beyond the program requirement. The extra hands-on experience could help you prepare for more specialized psychology careers .

A degree from an APA-accredited program is required for some employment opportunities and, in some states, licensure. If you intend to become a licensed psychologist after graduation, make sure your program prepares you for this path.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The programs on this list vary greatly in terms of cost. On the high end, the Chicago School at Los Angeles charges $1,703 per credit. At $528 per credit, Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale offers the cheapest option. Both programs require 60 credits, putting our range between about $31,000 and $102,000.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to learn about financial aid opportunities. Other financing options to explore include assistantships, scholarships, grants and loans.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in psychology?

A psychology doctorate typically takes four to six years, but some programs can be completed in less time. In addition to coursework, programs generally require clinical or practicum hours and a dissertation.

Is it worth it to get a doctorate in psychology?

A doctorate in psychology is not easy to obtain, but it can help you land an in-demand job that tends to pay well. However, many people pursue this degree out of personal interest rather than a desire for financial gain.

Is a Psy.D. higher than a Ph.D.?

Both degrees concern the same subject matter, but a Psy.D. focuses on clinical practice, while a Ph.D. has more to do with scientific research. Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy , programs are more common and contain more sub-fields. A Psy.D., or Doctor of Psychology, focuses on preparing students to serve clients and patients.

Is a psychology doctorate hard?

Doctorate programs are generally difficult and take a long time to complete. The vast field of psychology features training in both the natural and social sciences. In addition to years of coursework, most psychology doctorate programs require supervised practicum hours and an original dissertation.

Garrett Andrews is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Political Science at Portland Community College where he teaches State and Local Government.

Ph.D. in School Psychology

What you can earn, credits earned, time commitment, upcoming deadline, leaders of school psychology research and practice.

The School Psychology Ph.D. degree prepares leaders in the field of research and practice within school psychology. Our program stresses the expanded role of the school psychologist and offers formal coursework and practica in assessment, consultation, intervention, and counseling.

Our philosophy is grounded in the scientist-practitioner model and offers a strong background in the scientific foundations for the practice of school psychology as well as training in applying current research knowledge and theory to educational services.

The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) , approved by the  National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) , and meets requirements for state level licensure as a psychologist.

Our mission is to prepare scientist-practitioners whose practice of psychology is grounded in scientific knowledge and focused on enhancing the educational and socio-emotional competence of school-age children and youth.

The role of a health service psychologist with a specialty in school psychology is to assess, consult, and provide prevention and direct intervention services that focus on learning, behavior, and mental health. The graduate program in School Psychology at the University of Washington stresses the expanded role of the school psychologist and offers formal course work and practica in assessment, consultation, intervention, and counseling. In addition, the program philosophy is grounded in the scientist-practitioner model and offers a strong background in the scientific foundations for the practice of school psychology as well as training in applying current research knowledge and theory to educational services.

What you'll learn

The following are the nine profession-wide competencies and the specific objectives for graduates. Students' learning experiences are guided by the Discipline Specific Knowledge areas of APA and by the Profession-Wide Competencies in the APA Standards of Accreditation.

Program Objective: To prepare health service psychologists to be critical consumers of research, to have the knowledge and skills to conduct scientific inquiry, and to disseminate research.

Program Objective: To prepare health service psychologists to be competent in navigating and legal and ethical challenges and engaging in best practices associated with the APA Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

Program Objective: To prepare health service psychologists to integrate self-awareness, cultural knowledge, and culturally responsive skills in all professional activities including research, teaching, and clinical service.

Program Objective: To prepare health service psychologists to reflect the values and attitudes of psychology through integrity, professional identity alignment, professional behavior, and responsiveness to supervision and feedback.

Program Objective: To prepare health service psychologists to maintain effective relationships with colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and clients.

Program Objective: to prepare health service psychologists to incorporate the diversity characteristics of clients in psychological assessments and to present findings in an effective manner that is appropriate for audiences outside the discipline of psychology.

Program Objective: To prepare health service psychologists to implement evidence-based interventions with fidelity to empirical models along with the flexibility to adapt the interventions to the cultural and linguistic context of the clients.

Program Objective: To prepare health service psychologists to provide effective supervised supervision to less advanced students and peers appropriate for the service setting.

Program Objective: To prepare health service psychologists to demonstrate the ability to effectively collaborate in interdisciplinary contexts and integrated healthcare settings.

After graduation

Graduates are prepared for college teaching, clinical, and research positions in a variety of settings:

• School settings to serve students from all cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• University settings as trainers of school psychologists and continue to generate new knowledge for the practice of psychology
• Research settings where investigations are conducted related to learning, development, and behavior of school-aged children
• Teaching hospitals and other health agencies providing outpatient services for patients with school-related problems

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Related programs

The first three years of this Ph.D. program follow the sequence of the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program . The final three years of the Ph.D. program build upon and extend the training.

The Ph.D. degree is a six-year, full-time program that requires three years of Ed.S. degree coursework, two years of Ph.D. coursework and one year of a predoctoral internship. If you already have an Ed.S. degree, the Ph.D. course of study can be shortened to three or more years.

With the support of your advisor, you will design an individualized program of study that is guided by a supervisory committee and chaired by a core school psychology faculty member.

Students who complete their Ed.S. degree at UW will use that coursework as their specialty area. Students who completed their Ed.S. at another institution will have their transcripts reviewed to determine course credits that may be applied to their Ph.D. program of study.

As doctoral students are completing the individualized program of study requirements, they must also complete the Ph.D. degree milestones (research and inquiry, general exam, dissertation proposal, dissertation defense). These procedures are described in the program handbook sections under “Ph.D. degree milestones.”

For details,  download the student handbook

The first three years of the Ph.D. degree follow the course sequence of our Ed.S. degree . The Ed.S. course sequence is organized so that all basic foundation courses are completed the first year, the second year is centered on applied experiences in schools and at the University of Washington, and the third year is a full-time, school-based internship in public schools. Students who have already earned their Ed.S. degree may begin the Ph.D. coursework immediately.

Autumn quarter

• EDPSY 565: Adv Practicum in Clinical Practice (4)
• EDPSY 508: Adv Practicum- Supervision & School Mental Health (2)
• EDLPS 525: Educational Inquiry (3)
• EDPSY 529: Developmental Psychopathology and the DSM (3)
• Additional cognate courses (including research methods courses)

Winter quarter

• EDLPS 526: Educational Inquiry (3)
• EDPSY 538: Multiple Regression (3)
• Additional cognate and research methods courses
• Prospective Candidacy

Spring quarter

• EDPSY 585: History, Systems, & Contemporary Issues in School Psychology (3)
• Research and Inquiry

Summer quarter (session A)

EDPSY 581: Seminar in APPIC/CDSPP internships (2)

• EDPSY 579: Advanced Practicum in Assessment and Intervention (3)
• R & I presentation (Nov)
• General Exam (Nov or Dec)
• If not doing APPIC, start working on creating a local CDSPP-aligned Internship
• Register only if completing the general exam this quarter
• To obtain an add code for dissertation credits, go to  education.uw.edu/practicum , select your advisor, EDUC 800 course, and describe your dissertation project.
• General Exam (if not completed in Autumn)
• Dissertation Proposal (or in Spring)
• Internship interviews and APPIC Match Day
• Register for 25 dissertation credits (total) by the end of the academic year. Leave 2 credits for the following year when you defend your dissertation (final orals).
• Dissertation Proposal (if not completed in Winter)
• EDUC 800: Dissertation (8-10)

Students apply for “on leave” status EVERY quarter except the quarter of the dissertation defense. If a student does not apply each quarter, they will drop from the University system and have to reapply for active status and pay a $250 fee to the Graduate School. During the quarter of the dissertation defense, students MUST register for the remaining 2 credits.

Each doctoral student is required to identify two supportive cognate fields in addition to the area of specialization. Depending upon your academic background, the range of credits required for each supportive cognate is between 6 and 15. The breadth and depth of each cognate is normally defined by the graduate advisor and the faculty member selected to represent the cognate area.

Each student must form a specialization from a unit outside of the College of Education.  The specialization outside the College will normally be in a single department (e.g., Social Work, Public Health). In exceptional cases, it may be a series of courses from different departments containing a common thread (e.g., Ethnic Studies, which may draw upon courses based in several departments). The breadth and depth of the specialization outside the College is normally defined by the graduate faculty representative from that specialization serving on your Supervisory Committee. 

The culminating experience for the Ph.D. degree is a predoctoral internship, which includes advanced, integrative, supervised experiences in applying science to practice. The predoctoral internship must be completed after the general exam is passed and the dissertation proposal has been approved.

The predoctoral internship requires an additional 1,500 hours of experience and can be completed in a school or non-school setting. Students are strongly encouraged to apply to APA-accredited predoctoral internship programs through the Association of Postdoctoral Psychology and Internship Centers (APPIC) Match process. Those who do not have the ability to complete APA accredited internships must complete local predoctoral internships that are CDSPP compliant.

Students take a required 27 dissertation credits after passing the oral general examination, complete an approved dissertation proposal prior to predoctoral internship,  and complete the dissertation either before or during the predoctoral internship.

Admission requirements and process

Preferential consideration is given to applicants who have had employment or volunteer experiences in P-12 schools and who also have research training and experience.

We accept applications once a year, for autumn quarter admission.  You must apply to the Graduate School by December 2 . Faculty reviews commence in January and continue until all vacancies are filled.

We are committed to recognizing and fostering the values derived from a diverse student population and are striving to promote increased diversity among practicing school psychologists. Toward this end, we apply a variety of criteria when evaluating applicants. We strongly encourage racially and ethnically diverse students to apply to this program.

A bachelor’s degree is required for applicants who will complete their Ed.S. degree coursework first. A degree may be in-progress when applying but it must be completed before the Program starts.

Applicants may apply to begin the Ph.D. coursework under ONE the following conditions:

• They are enrolled in the UW Ed.S. degree in School Psychology Program and have completed at least two years of coursework,
• They have completed their school psychologist certification, or
• They have earned a master’s degree or Ed.S. in school psychology.
• Include one transcript from each institution from which you've earned a degree and one from every institution you have attended in the previous 5 years.
• Your transcripts must include your name, coursework, and degree (if completed).
• If you are offered admission, the UW Graduate School will request an official transcript from your most recent degree earned.

The UW Graduate School requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0. However, we review your application holistically. If your GPA is below 3.0, contact us at [email protected] for advice on how to strengthen your overall application.

During the online application process, you will be given instructions for adding your recommenders and getting their letters submitted electronically. Your recommenders should be able to address:

• your communication skills, both written and oral
• your ability to interact productively with supervisors, peers, and children
• your ability to function without supervision
• your research competence and experience
• your teaching, counseling and/or assessment skills 
• other relevant aspects of your academic or professional development

A current academic and professional resume or vita is required. In addition to educational degrees and professional experience, you should include a list of all relevant awards, publications, presentations or other achievements that will help us to evaluate your application.

The admissions committee uses your statement of purpose, along with other evidence, to determine whether your goals are well-matched with our Program. Your statement should address goals, relevant experience, future plans, and how the desired specific program meets your needs. Include personal experiences that have prepared you for the challenge of graduate school, topics like:

• Reasons for seeking entry into this program 
• Post-baccalaureate experiences in teaching, counseling, and assessment  
• Your professional aspirations
• Your research interests

Your statement must be no more than 750 words (3 pages double-spaced) using 12-point font and 1-inch margins.

While optional, you can add to your application by submitting a personal history statement with each application. This statement should address your intellectual growth and development, inclusive of and beyond your academic goals. 

Statements should be no longer than two pages long, double-spaced, with 12-point font and 1-inch margins.

• Gather all required documents
• Visit the Graduate School website
• Log into your account or create a new profile if you are a first-time applicant
• Complete all steps in application process and upload your documents
• You may request a fee waiver during the application process
• Submit your application

Here is our general timeline for decisions.

Step 1: Application processing

• Within 7 business days after the deadline, we will check if your application if fully complete
• We will email you whether your application is complete or incomplete
• If your application is missing anything, you will have a short amount of time submit these items
• You can also log into the online tool and check your status and see any missing items

Step 2: Application review

• Committees begin reviewing applications about two weeks after the deadline
• You will receiving an email when your application has entered the review phase

Step 3: Interview day

We host an interview day during the first or second week of February for finalists who remain competitive after the primary and secondary review of their application. For those who are unable to attend this event, a web based or phone interview with one or more members of the core faculty in school psychology is required. Interviews are only by invitation.

Step 4: Decision notification

• The final decision will be emailed to you
• Your status will also be updated in the online application tool

We value and welcoming applications from international students! If you are applying from outside the United States, there are additional requirements and application materials.

• At minimum, you must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree (a four-year degree from an institution of recognized standing)
• The national system of education in the foreign country
• The type of institution
• The field of study and level of studies completed
• International transcripts must be submitted in the original language.
• Your transcript should include date of graduation and title of the awarded academic degree
• If your transcript is not in English, you must also provide a certified English translation
• You do not need to have your transcript evaluated for the degree by an agency

Per  UW Graduate School policy , you must submit a demonstration of English language proficiency if your native language is not English and you did not earn a degree in one of the following countries:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Trinidad and Tobago

The following tests are accepted if the test was taken fewer than two years ago:

• Minimum score: 80
• Recommended score: 92+
• The UW's 4-digit code is 4854
• University of Washington All Campuses, Organisation ID 365, Undergrad & Graduate Admis, Box 355850, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States of America
• Minimum score: 6.5
• Recommended score: 7.0+
• School information for submission: University of Washington, All Campuses Undergraduate & Graduate Admission Box 355850 Seattle, WA 98195
• Minimum score: 105
• Recommended score: 125+
• Follow the instructions on the Duolingo website to submit your scores

If apply and are offered admission to UW, you will need to submit a statement of financial ability.

Costs and funding

We are a tuition-based program. Estimated tuition rates are based on your residency: 

• Washington state residents: $19,584 per year
• Out-of-state students: $35,352 per year

Estimates are subject to change and may differ due to course load and summer quarter enrollment. Estimates include building fees, technology fees, U-Pass, etc. Additional program-specific fees are not included in this estimate.

View the UW tuition dashboard → Visit the Office of Planning & Budgeting →

Graduate Student General Scholarships

School psychology clinic.

The UW School Psychology Clinic serves as a training site for graduate students in the School Psychology Ed.S. and Ph.D. programs. All services are supervised by a licensed psychologist/clinician, along with a program faculty member. The center also services as a clinical-research site for faculty and students.

Disclosure, outcomes and other data

We post Program data, including students’ time to completion, program costs, internship placement, attrition, licensure, and other disclosures.

View outcome data

Program Director

Kristen Missall

Program faculty.

Janine Jones

Alexa Matlack

James Mazza

Program staff.

Jen Haveman

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• PsyD in School Psychology

PsyD in School Psychology Doctor of Psychology

Accelerate your career and help students overcome obstacles. Capella’s PsyD in School Psychology equips you with theoretical and practical tools to assess students, consult with school personnel, and supervise school psychologists.

Develop your expertise through online coursework, graduate teaching, clinical practicum, and internships. Gain the skills to pursue supervisory positions in school districts or higher education and make a lasting difference in the lives of students.

Scholar-practitioner faculty

Learn the latest in academic theory and applied practice from experienced doctoral faculty members who are actively engaged in their professions.

Network with faculty and peers, and gain access to valuable resources to use during your program and beyond, through a doctoral residency.

Practicum/internship

Apply your skills and knowledge with direct client contact and supervision, in both a part-time practicum and a full-time internship.

Prepare for licensure

This program features online coursework and face-to-face experiences, both designed to help you pursue licensure.  Learn more

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

• Online and in-person
• 20 Core courses
• 50 Max transfer credits
• 4 Residency courses
• 2 Practicum courses
• 4 Internship courses

Comprehensive exam

Courses and skills

Explore school psychology courses.

• This program requires a total of 145 quarter credits
• You’ll need to complete 20 core courses in addition to residency, practicum and internship requirements

View all courses

What you'll learn

Develop your skills for clinical practice, including psychological and neuropsychological assessment, clinical supervision and consultation, psychopathology of children and adolescents, and collaboration in school systems.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Effectively lead problem-solving, taking into consideration multiple, complex variables and perspectives
• Strategize a process for consultation and collaboration with professionals at the leadership level of the school system and outside of the school system, regarding systemic improvement
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate interventions to improve academic performance and address multiple, complex, and challenging issues
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate interventions designed to improve social, behavioral, and life skills
• Integrate knowledge of school system structure and evidence-based practice to design school- and district- level interventions
• Design, evaluate, and monitor systems to prevent and respond to multiple, complex, and challenging issues impacting the schools
• Analyze multiple, complex, and challenging family issues and their impact on student performance
• Integrate knowledge of various types of diversity and its potential impact on performance at the school and district level
• Integrate knowledge of research design, statistics, and measurement techniques to develop complex programs based on best practices
• Integrate knowledge of professional, ethical, and legal standards of performance and their impact at the school- and district-level
• Design strategies to supervise and mentor school psychologists

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the doctor of psychology cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$555  per credit,  140  coursework credits,  50  max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$555 Per quarter credit

140 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

Included in coursework costs, 4 required. 2 in-person sessions and 2 virtual sessions. Travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.

$2,780 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

Per quarter, coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:

• The program specialization you choose
• Scholarships and finances
• Prior coursework

Transfer credits

• Employer and/or military benefits
• Amount of time spent working on practicum
• Number of quarters spent working on integrative project
• Complexity of your integrative project
• Academic performance
• School/work/life balance
• Unexpected life events

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost scenarios

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are  more ways to save  than you might think.

Get the credits you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.  Get started

Employer & association discounts

If your employer or organization is a Capella network partner, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.

10% military discount 

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, guard and reserve members, veterans, their spouses* and dependents. *Starting in July, spouses of veterans can now benefit from a 10% discount on eligible certificates, master’s and doctoral programs and a 15% discount on eligible bachelor’s programs.

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

Capella University’s Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2024. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.

Understanding professional licensure

Preparing for licensure.

It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.

Licensure details

How to apply

What are the psyd admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
•  Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

Additional requirements for Doctor of Psychology programs are:

• 3 letters of recommendation completed by professionals in psychology who can assess your aptitude for doctoral education in psychology
• An extended goal statement and writing sample.
• Your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
• After submitting admission materials, applicants may be required to take part in a faculty interview for assessment of professionalism and academic fit to the program

International Student Requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.

Doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed coaching sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

Helping Professions Program Guide

Wondering about the differences between PhDs and professional doctorates? What are the unique features of online and traditional doctoral programs? Read on to learn more and find the right program for you.

What’s It Like to Be a Doctoral Student?

Get details on Capella University programs in counseling and family therapy, psychology, social work and human services, and applied behavior analysis. Compare learning formats, financing options, and more.

Career exploration

What can you do with a psyd in school psychology degree.

Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PsyD in School Psychology.

Related job titles to explore*

• Adjunct professor of psychology
• Assistant professor of psychology
• Associate professor of psychology
• Contract school psychologist
• K-12 school psychologist
• School psychologist
• School psychology specialist**

Employment settings to explore

• Educational services
• Land-based or online college or university
• Community or technical college

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

**Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.

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