Can you get a doctorate in psychology without a master's?

Yes, many schools accept psychology doctoral candidates without a master's degree in psychology. However, you do need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Also, a master's degree could give you valuable experience to take into your psychology doctoral program, especially in research methods and academic writing.

How much does it cost to get a doctoral degree in psychology?

According to 2019-2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, full-time doctoral students paid an average of $39,192 a year for a Ph.D. in psychology and $47,810 a year for a Psy.D. To help finance your degree, consider looking for funding opportunities for psychology majors, such as graduate scholarships and grants. Some schools also offer assistantships, which provide a stipend in exchange for teaching or research duties, or fellowships, which don't require work and are typically based on merit.

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

Generally, a doctorate in psychology takes 4-5 years to complete if attending full time. However, many programs offer part-time options that extend the maximum completion time to 8-9 years.

What can you do with a doctorate in psychology?

Common careers for doctorate in psychology graduates include licensed psychologist, university professor, school psychologist, clinical researcher, and behavioral health consultant. Your exact path depends on your doctoral specialization, if any, and whether you pursue a Ph.D. in psychology or a Psy.D. However, both degrees can lead to roles in education, government, healthcare, or private practice.

Online Doctorate In Psychology: What To Know

An online doctorate in psychology can prepare you for research and academia-focused roles in mental health, human behavior, education, or performance. This degree covers psychological theories, research methods, assessment techniques, and ethical practices that prepare you for advanced professional work in the field.

With an online doctoral program in psychology, you can enjoy the flexibility to complete your studies while maintaining your job and personal life. Use this guide to explore how Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs compare, why accreditation for this degree is crucial, and which schools offer the best online doctorates in psychology.

Top Online Doctoral Programs in Psychology

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation is important in the field of psychology. In the U.S., psychologists must graduate from accredited programs before they can become licensed. When researching doctorates in psychology, look for programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). These programs meet the highest standards for training psychologists.

While the APA does not accredit fully online programs in psychology, it does accredit hybrid programs — programs with a mix of in-person and online coursework. The APA's database of programs provides more information on accredited programs in psychology.

If you are not pursuing a career as a licensed psychologist, then programmatic accreditation may not be necessary for your degree program. However, at minimum, you should confirm that your school holds institutional accreditation, as that is a requirement for federal financial aid eligibility.

What Is the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D.?

There are two main types of doctoral degrees in psychology: a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology and doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). Both degree types require a research component, but a Ph.D. in psychology generally emphasizes psychology research and teaching, while a Psy.D. focuses more on clinical psychology training.

Ph.D. in Psych

4-5 years full time
60-100 credits
Research-oriented
Often fully funded
Online and in-person options

Psy.D.

4-5 years full time
80-130 credits
Practice-oriented
Sometimes fully funded
Online and in-person options

Explore Doctoral Specializations in Psychology

Refer to our doctoral degree guides below to learn more about career prospects, curricula, and admissions for popular psychology subfields.

Is an Online Doctorate in Psychology Worth It?

An online doctorate in psychology can give you some flexibility to maintain your job while studying. This degree offers the same level of academic rigor as an in-person program, but usually with weekly assignments and discussions that you can complete around your schedule. Other benefits of earning this degree online include:

Potentially Lower Tuition: Online campuses sometimes charge the same tuition rate to in-state and out-of-state students, and you'll likely pay fewer campus-related fees.
Wider Program Access: Because you can learn from anywhere online, you can choose from top programs across the country.
Personalized Learning: Online programs may blend live sessions, written discussions, video recordings, and interactive assignments to support different learning styles.

However, unless you live near campus and have time to attend on-campus events, you might miss out on face-to-face networking opportunities in an online doctoral program. Online programs may have virtual mentorships and resources to help you complete your dissertation, but building strong faculty and peer relationships may require more initiative on your part.

Whether you earn it online or on campus, an online doctorate in psychology can be a powerful investment toward your future. According to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for doctoral graduates (across all subjects) was $99,260 for the class of 2023 — nearly $39,000 higher than that of master's program graduates.