4 Best Accredited Online PsyD Programs in Pennsylvania 2025

From psychiatrist to counselor, the field of psychology is rich with job opportunities. If you want to expand your career options, then earning a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), is a great next step.

Pennsylvania has plenty of APA-accredited online PsyD degrees that are worth the long-term investment. Read on to learn more about online PsyD programs in Pennsylvania.

Featured Online PsyD Programs in Pennsylvania

You shouldn't let the busy nature of life get in the way of your career aspirations. The following schools make it easier than ever to earn an online PsyD degree in Pennsylvania.

1. Chestnut Hill College

Chestnut Hill College's PsyD program is designed to hone your skills in everything from psychotherapy to consultations. The curriculum is based on the necessary competencies as outlined by the National Council for Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP). Classes can be taken online on a case-by-case basis.

• Tuition cost: $25,000
• Program length: Six years
• Concentrations: Couple, family, and child therapy along with psychological assessment
• Accreditation: APA

2. Chatham University

If client strengths and social justice are some of your passions, then you'll love the PsyD program offered by Chatham University. It's one of only a few accredited programs of its kind in the United States.

The coursework takes about 85 to 103 credits to complete. Ultimately, the length will depend on your previous credentials.

• Tuition cost: $30,000
• Program length: Four years
• Concentrations: Counseling psychology
• Accreditation: APA

3. Carlow University

Carlow University offers a hybrid PsyD program. Doctoral students can learn about addressing social inequalities, psychodynamic approaches to counseling, and more.

During the program, you'll learn about a wide range of social justice issues and ways to address them. The training is evidence-based and focused on positive change.

• Tuition cost: $175,000
• Program length: Four years
• Concentrations: Clinical psychology
• Accreditation: APA

4. Widener University

If you want a unique educational experience, look no further than Widener University's dual degree program. The program features all major aspects, including practicum placement, several internships, and a research dissertation.

By the end of your education, you'll have the confidence to work in different psycho-legal settings. Best of all, over 70% of students receive one or more federal loans.

• Tuition cost: $32,000
• Program length: Five years
• Concentrations: Clinical psychology and criminal justice
• Accreditation: APA

PsyD Programs in Pennsylvania

Sometimes it's helpful to have an in-person experience rather than a fully online PsyD degree in Pennsylvania. If you'd prefer to attend brick-and-mortar classes, then consider the following programs.

West Chester University

If you want to expand your clinical experience, then consider applying to the program at West Chester University (WCU). You'll learn the skillset to help reduce the recent increase in mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Depending on your interests, you'll have the opportunity to work with children, couples, families, and even communities.

• Tuition cost: $1,430.03 for nine or more credit hours
• Program length: Five years
• Concentrations: Clinical psychology
• Accreditation: APA

Marywood University

Clinical psychologists who graduate from the PsyD program at Marywood University have gone on to work in private practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and elsewhere. Your practicum experience starts by the end of the first year so that you can use your skills in real-world situations.

• Tuition cost: $1,025 per credit hour
• Program length: Four years
• Concentrations: Clinical psychology
• Accreditation: APA

Other APA-Accredited Online PsyD Programs

With the convenience of an online program, you can branch out from online PsyD programs in Pennsylvania and attend other universities instead. The following schools offer full-time or partial online degree programs:

Capella University

Located in Minnesota, Cappella University gives students the chance to learn from almost 15 core courses. You'll also gain valuable experience from over five residency courses. With a deeper understanding of human behavior, you'll be prepared to succeed at taking the post-graduate licensure exam.

• Tuition cost: $555 per credit hour
• Program length: Four to five years
• Concentrations: Clinical psychology or school psychology
• Accreditation: APA

California Southern University

California Southern University's affordable program focuses on core clinical topics and real-world field methodologies. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) isn't required, so you can begin the program sooner. If your goal is to pursue licensure, then be sure to choose the specialization over the general degree.

• Tuition cost: $645 per credit hour
• Program length: Five years
• Concentrations: Clinical psychology or general psychology
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

The Chicago School

Aside from four in-person residencies, The Chicago School offers a flexible PsyD program. You can also choose between a wide range of electives to personalize your learning experience. Examples include trauma theory, social bases of behavior, and culturally responsive interventions.

Students appreciate the fact that The Chicago School has over four decades of experience in preparing aspiring counselors.

• Tuition cost: $1,737 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Concentrations: Applied clinical psychology
• Accreditation: APA

Alliant International University

If you see yourself working with children, then Allian International University's program can prepare you for a successful career. The coursework ranges from developmental psychopathology to multicultural counseling. Afterward, you'll have confidence working in group consultations, collaborative activities, and other professional situations.

• Tuition cost: $1,000 to $1,400 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Concentrations: Educational psychology
• Accreditation: APA

How We Rank Schools

The quality of a degree program depends on the quality of the school as a whole. The following criteria were used to assess the validity of your psychology licensure:

• Accreditation: All universities with reputable psychology programs should be accredited. Each program above has been accredited by either the APA or the HLC.
• Program reputation: The schools featured in our list offer evidence-based programs. This provides students with a path to excel in the real-world field of mental health or any other psychology concentration.
• Tuition cost: Quality schooling will always involve a significant financial investment. Still, the above schools help their students receive loans, scholarships, and more.
• Student outcomes: A given clinical psychology program should be rigorous yet fair. A higher percentage of successful graduate students is a sign of a school's overall excellence. We have selected programs that show positive student outcomes.

What Can I Expect From an Online Doctor of Psychology Degree Program?

If you've completed a master's degree and a bachelor's degree, then you likely have a clearer idea of what to expect from an advanced program. Still, a doctoral degree takes your previous knowledge and expands upon it using real-world and hypothetical training. For instance, you can expect a school psychology major to work with children and use strategies that spark their curiosity.

Types of PsyD Programs and Specializations

PsyD programs come with an impressive range of specializations. A few examples include psychotherapy, clinical psychology, counseling, and even forensic psychology. The program you decide on should complement your previous experience, whether you have clinical skills or experience in the healthcare sector.

How Long Is an Online PsyD Program in Pennsylvania?

From the practicum to the doctoral dissertation, a PsyD program will likely take five years to complete. Keep in mind that the precise program length will depend on your previous experience and other prerequisites.

For example, an aspiring school psychology student should already have some experience working with children. If you don't, you'll have to spend more time getting that before starting your first year.

How Fast Can I Complete a PsyD Program?

You'll be glad to know that accelerated PsyD programs are a dependable option. Again, this will largely depend on what schooling you've already accomplished.

While the program at Chestnut Hill College is generally six years long, aspiring clinicians can complete it a year earlier if they have Advanced Standing.

Read More: Fastest Way To Become a Psychologist

How Much Does an Online PsyD Program Cost in Pennsylvania?

An online degree is not only more convenient than an in-person one, but it sometimes comes with financial benefits. Depending on your chosen university, you can expect to pay no more than $35,000 a year, and usually less than that.

It's also worth factoring in potential savings on electronic textbooks and gas money from telecommuting.

What Is the Cheapest Online PsyD Program?

The cheapest online PsyD program is offered by Carlow University. At $17,000 per year, you can put those savings toward other aspects of your future career, such as further training or job relocation.

If you pursue scholarships and other financial aid, then more affordable PsyD programs will become available.

Financial Aid for Online PsyD Degrees

The most common form of financial aid is federal loans, which can be applied for through the FAFSA. Don't forget to look at the specific scholarships and apprenticeships that come from a given school.

Plus, the American Psychological Association has highlighted overlooked funding opportunities, including those offered by state psychological associations and the American Psychological Foundation.

PsyD Program Admissions Requirements

Since the PsyD program is at the doctoral level, you'll be expected to have at least a bachelor's degree. Some universities will also require you to have a master's degree.

Most schools will want you to have maintained a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Other requirements include letters of recommendation and a personal statement. If you don't have the necessary semester hours, you may be able to get that requirement waived with a high psychology score on the Graduate Record Examination.

Explore Online Psychology Doctoral Programs

Pursuing online PsyD programs in Pennsylvania is a dependable and convenient way of elevating your career. The investment of time and money is worth it once you use your clinical training to gain higher positions within the field of psychology.

If you'd like to learn about more online programs and other valuable educational information, be sure to browse the schools featured on Learn.org to find the right fit for your educational path.