Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!

National University offers a streamlined application process and year-round enrollment. With start dates every Monday, you could begin classes as soon as next month, depending on your program of choice. 

Career Outcomes

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology program can lead to a variety of career paths, including academic research, teaching, and clinical practice. Take a look at some careers* this degree could prepare you for:

Medical and Health Services Manager
Median Annual Salary: $117,960

Postsecondary Education Administrator
Median Annual Salary: $103,960

Postsecondary Teacher
Median Annual Salary: $83,980

*Salary information sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What You’ll Learn

• Counseling Psychology

• General Psychology

• Gerontology

• Health Psychology

• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

• Psychology of Gender and Sexual Fluidity

• Social Policy and Behavioral Health Administration

• Sport and Performance Psychology

• Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

• Trauma and Disaster Relief
  

As a graduate of the PhD-PSY program, you’ll be prepared to:

National University’s online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD-PSY) program teaches advanced skills to evaluate individual, social, organizational, and global challenges, all while developing your research skills to support your transition from a doctoral student to an independent scholar in your field.

The PhD-PSY program offers ten specializations to match your professional interests:

• Analyze theories and principles in psychology to inform professional contexts

• Evaluate research methods and data analysis in psychology

• Apply psychological principles and research to personal, social, and organizational issues

• Evaluate ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional issues

• Critique diversity issues in professional contexts

• Design clear and effective communication for fellow professionals and the public
  

Funding Your Degree

At National University, we strive to provide an affordable and accessible education through scholarships, grants, and financial aid. This allows eligible students to start classes sooner and finish their programs faster, all while working toward their career goals.

Helping You Save Money: 1:1 assistance for navigating the financial aid process, generous transfer credit policy, needs-based tuition reductions, and $77+ million in scholarships

Program at a Glance

The online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology is delivered in an accelerated format, with core courses running for eight weeks and research, dissertation, and internship courses extending to 12 weeks.

Total Credit Hours: 60*
Total Courses: 20

Application Requirements:

• A minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through National University

• GPA of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher

• Satisfactory completion of the Pre-Candidacy Prospectus course 

• University approval of dissertation manuscript and successful completion of the dissertation defense

• Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy

• Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution

• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University

• All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma and/or degree posted transcript
  

*Additional credit hours may be allowed as needed to complete dissertation research