10 Best Accredited Online PsyD Programs in 2025

Discover the top 10 accredited online PsyD programs in 2025, offering flexibility, quality education, and professional training for psychology graduate students.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychology is a growing field. An online Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) offers the opportunity to advance your career in psychology while providing rigorous academic training and hands-on experience. Fortunately, there are many online PsyD programs designed to meet the needs of professionals without sacrificing quality or flexibility.

Below, we'll explore these programs in more detail, discussing tuition rates, accreditation, program length, and more. Keep reading to find the best online PsyD degree that fits your academic needs and career goals.

Featured Online PsyD Programs in the U.S.

If you're looking at an online PsyD degree, affordability and program focus are key factors to consider. Whether you're interested in clinical psychology, counseling, or leadership, you'll find programs that provide rigorous academic training, hands-on clinical experience, and expert faculty.

1. Meridian University

Meridian University's 108-credit psychology program emphasizes holistic healing and transformative learning in an online or hybrid format. The program integrates core clinical courses with experiential fieldwork, drawing from diverse psychological approaches like somatic, transpersonal, and depth psychology. It prepares students for licensure eligibility in multiple states, including its home state of California, blending academic rigor with personal growth and creativity.

Tuition cost: $676 per credit hour
Program length: Students can complete the program in three to four years.
Concentrations: Over 14 concentrations are available, including business and clinical psychology.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

2. California Southern University

California Southern University offers an online PsyD in clinical psychology designed to deepen clinical knowledge and practical application in psychology. Students can choose between two affordable options: the clinical specialization (PsyD-C) for licensure eligibility or the general specialization (PsyD-G) for professional growth without licensure. The curriculum meets state requirements for licensure in California and several other states.

Tuition cost: $645 per credit hour
Program length: The program lasts four to five years.
Concentrations: The concentrations available are the clinical specialization and the general specialization.
Accreditation: It's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

3. Touro University Worldwide

At Touro University Worldwide, psychology students can pursue their doctoral degrees fully online. This program equips students with skills to design evidence-based solutions to enhance organizational performance. It's ideal for those aiming to lead change in workforce development. Graduates move on to roles, such as human resources director or executive coach.

Tuition cost: $700 per credit hour
Program length: Completion time is usually around three years.
Concentrations: It's focused on industrial-organizational psychology.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

4. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers an online PsyD program that prepares students to improve the emotional and mental health of others. With accelerated six to nine-week courses and a focus on various specializations, students are ready to excel in the workforce with skills such as professional ethics, cultural competence, leadership, and research application.

Tuition cost: $14,616 per academic year
Program length: Typically this program takes around four years to finish.
Concentrations: Students can choose between criminology and justice, health and wellness, or sport and performance psychology.
Accreditation: The school is accredited by the WSCUC.

5. Walden University

Walden University's online PsyD in behavioral health leadership prepares students to lead in mental health and behavioral organizations. Graduates are equipped to drive positive change in behavioral health systems and improve community well-being. To apply for the program, applicants need a master's degree with a 3.0 GPA.

Tuition cost: $630 per credit hour
Program length: The completion time varies.
Concentrations: There are six different specializations to choose from.
Accreditation: The school is accredited by the HLC.

6. Capella University

Capella University's online PsyD combines online coursework with in-person experiences, including residencies, practicums, and internships, to prepare students for state licensure. The program emphasizes professional psychology competencies, offering 145 quarter credits, including core courses, electives, and a clinical dissertation.

Tuition cost: $555 per credit
Program length: Students typically earn their degree in five to six years.
Concentrations: Students pursue a specialization in clinical psychology, school psychology, behavioral analysis, and general psychology.
Accreditation: It's accredited by the HLC.

7. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online PsyD program emphasizing core competencies outlined by the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP). Students gain extensive hands-on experience through clinical training, rigorous coursework, supervised practicums, internships, and a dissertation.

Tuition cost: $1,737 per credit hour
Program length: Students typically complete this program in around three years.
Concentrations: Students focus on general clinical psychology.
Accreditation: The school is accredited by the WSCUC.

8. Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University's online program in counseling psychology is tailored for working professionals, combining rigorous doctoral education with applied active learning. The hybrid program features synchronous weekly online sessions and on-campus intensives every six weeks, preparing learners for leadership in education, mental health, and human services.

Tuition cost: $10,175 per semester
Program length: The program length varies, but students must complete 93 credit hours.
Concentrations: Students focus on counseling psychology.
Accreditation: It's accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

9. William James College

William James College's accredited program is designed for professionals seeking to integrate psychological principles with leadership practices. The program blends academic rigor with practical experience, emphasizing systems thinking, organizational behavior, and change management. Students can pursue this mostly online degree full-time or part-time; however, short, four-day intensives are required several times per year on campus in Newton, MA.

Tuition cost: $1,845 per credit hour
Program length: Students can complete this program in four to six years.
Concentrations: The program focuses solely on leadership psychology.
Accreditation: The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

10. Rivier University

Rivier University's psychology program integrates counseling and school psychology, preparing students for diverse professional roles. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through extensive practicum placements and a 2,000-hour internship. Students can take foundational courses online, while other courses are in-person at the New Hampshire campus.

Tuition cost: $1,275
Program length: Students should expect to take at least five years to complete this program.
Concentrations: The program is focused on counseling and school psychology.
Accreditation: This program has received accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).

How We Rank Schools

We selected the schools on this list based on strict criteria. Some of the ranking factors we considered include:

Accreditation: All schools on this list are fully accredited, which ensures academic quality and that students can apply for federal and state financial aid.
Program reputation: We chose programs that are well-known for their quality curriculums and expert faculty.
Tuition cost: All tuition rates are under $1,845 per credit hour. All schools on this list also accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Student outcomes: Students will be prepared for various career paths and roles related to behavioral health. Some programs may even prepare students for licensure; however, it's critical to ensure that it meets your state's requirements.

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

A PsyD program offers flexibility and convenience, allowing students to balance their studies with professional or personal commitments. Expect a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced coursework in psychological theory, ethics, assessment, and treatment.

Online programs often combine virtual classes with in-person residencies or internships for hands-on experience. Students will also engage in research, clinical practice, and most likely a dissertation project.

How Long Is an Online PsyD Program?

The programs on this list usually take three to six years to finish; however, the length of a program varies depending on several factors. For instance, some students with a relevant master's degree may be able to finish their doctoral program quickly. Additionally, full-time students can fit in their required credit hours faster than part-time learners.

What Is the Fastest PsyD Program?

Accelerated PsyD programs allow students to finish their degrees quickly. Meridian University and Touro University Worldwide are two of the fastest options on this list; they both offer 3-year PsyD programs online. Motivated and qualified students can stay on this fast track and complete their degrees quickly.

Learn More: Fastest Way To Become a Psychologist

How Much Does an Online PsyD Program Cost?

Doctoral programs are generally more expensive than undergraduate programs. The degree programs listed above range from $555 per credit hour to $1,845.

What Is the Cheapest Online PsyD Program?

Fortunately, for psychology graduate students, several affordable PsyD programs are available. The cheapest option on this list is from Capella University, which costs $555 per credit hour.

Other affordable options include programs at institutions like the California Southern University and Walden University. Students can also reduce tuition through financial aid programs, such as loans, grants, or institutional scholarships.

Financial Aid for Online PsyD Degrees

Financial aid for online PsyD degrees includes various options to help students manage costs. Scholarships and grants, such as those offered by universities or private organizations, can reduce tuition fees and don't require repayment. Federal aid through FAFSA provides access to loans and potentially need-based grants.

Institutional scholarships and aid programs can also be helpful. For example, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers several scholarships and tuition discount options.

PsyD Program Admissions Requirements

PsyD program admissions requirements vary by school. Some programs require applicants to have a master's degree in psychology or a related field, while others may accept students with just a bachelor's degree.

Common requirements include a strong academic record, relevant experience in psychology or related fields, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and sometimes GRE scores. Transfer credits may also have to meet minimum GPA standards, commonly a 3.0 GPA.

Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate clinical work experience, research abilities, or a commitment to the field through volunteer work or internships. Be sure to check each program's specific requirements.

What Should I Look for in an Online PsyD Program?

When choosing an online PsyD program, it's crucial to consider accreditation to ensure the program meets high educational standards and your career goals. For example, if you want to be a clinical psychologist, ensure the program leads to licensure.

Additionally, look for experienced faculty members who are experts in the field and provide mentorship. Research student outcomes, such as graduation rates and job placement statistics, to assess the program's success.

Explore Online Psychology Doctoral Programs Near You

If you're looking for online PsyD programs that cater to various career paths in the field of psychology, check out the programs here on Learn.org. Contact any schools that interest you for information on financial aid and program details.