Top 7 PsyD Programs That Accept Master's Credits 2026

Psychologists study mental, social, and emotional processes by observing and interpreting how clients relate to other people and their environments. Psychologists use their findings to improve behaviors and mental health.

To become a licensed psychologist, you must earn a doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). If you have already earned your master's degree in psychology, you may be interested in PsyD programs that accept master's credits. Continue reading to learn about PsyD programs that accept graduate-level transfer credits, online degree requirements, and more.

Do Master's Credits Transfer to PsyD Programs?

Yes, some master's credits transfer to PsyD programs. However, credit-transfer policies vary according to school and program. Some programs accept graduate-level credits, while others do not. The type of course you've taken and the grade you receive also affect its transfer acceptability. All previous master's degree coursework must have been completed at an accredited college or university.

How To Transfer Master's Credits to a PsyD Program

First, you must confirm with your chosen PsyD program department that your master's degree credits align with the program's curriculum. Then, you must request your official transcript from your previous school. You should also gather the coursework description and details to support the credit transfer process.

List of PsyD Programs That Accept Master's Credits

The following colleges and universities have PsyD programs that accept master's credits. Note that tuition costs are estimates, and that by applying credits toward your degree, you could reduce your overall education expenses.

1. Walden University

Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a school that specializes in distance learning. Walden University offers an online PsyD in behavioral health leadership. Doctoral students can follow a general track or choose from one of six degree specializations:

• public health
• healthcare management
• health psychology
• teaching
• industrial and organizational psychology
• international practice

The online PsyD program is designed for students looking to take on leadership positions within the healthcare industry and has a strong focus on business and management skills. The 98-credit program can be completed in three to eight years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $630 per credit hour
• Maximum transfer credits: 40 credits
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. California Southern University

California Southern University (CalSouthern) is a private school based in Chandler, AZ. CalSouthern has an online PsyD program with a clinical psychology specialization option.

The 66-credit program curriculum consists of core courses, electives, a doctoral project, and an internship. Core courses include advanced psychopathology, cultural diversity, and ethical and professional issues.

• Estimated tuition cost: $645 per credit hour
• Maximum transfer credits: 30 credits
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Chestnut Hill College

Located in Philadelphia, PA, Chestnut Hill College (CHC) is a small private school where students can earn their PsyD in clinical psychology. Optional degree concentrations include psychological assessment and couple, family, and child therapy.

Students who hold their master's degree in clinical psychology or counseling psychology may be eligible to advance directly into the second year of CHC's PsyD program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,110 credit hours
• Maximum transfer credits: 24 credits
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

4. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large private school that offers a PsyD in clinical psychology at its Lynchburg, VA, campus. The program is 126 credit hours, and doctoral students can transfer up to 39 eligible credits toward their degree.

Students take core courses such as lifespan development, adult psychopathology, and clinical neuropsychology. Students gain real-world experience beginning in the second year of the PsyD program through a clinical practicum.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,100 per credit hour
• Maximum transfer credits: 39 credits
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. National Louis University

Located in Chicago, IL, National Louis University (NLU) is a mid-sized private school with an in-person PsyD in clinical psychology program. PsyD students may follow a general program track or choose one of the following concentrations:

• health psychology
• trauma psychology
• child and adolescent psychology
• client-centered and experiential psychotherapies

The PsyD program curriculum includes core courses such as social psychology, biological basis of behavior, and family and couples therapy. In addition to core courses, the program includes electives, a practicum, and an internship.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,162 per credit hour
• Maximum transfer credits: 15 credits
• Accreditation: APA

6. Biola University

Biola University, based in La Mirada, CA, is a Christian school that offers a PsyD program on campus. The PsyD in clinical psychology program is 126 credit hours and can be completed in five to six years. The program consists of coursework, doctoral research, a clinical internship, and a dissertation.

Core course requirements include cognitive behavior therapy, social psychology, and advanced developmental psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,462 per credit hour
• Maximum transfer credits: No explicit policy; considered on a case-by-case basis
• Accreditation: APA

7. Alliant International University

Alliant International University is a private school with campuses in California and Arizona. Alliant International University offers an in-person PsyD in clinical psychology at five campuses: Fresno, Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The PsyD program has a strong multicultural emphasis, preparing graduates to work with varying populations and age groups. Doctoral students gain hands-on experience through clinical practicums and internships.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,475 per credit hour
• Maximum transfer credits: 30 credits
• Accreditation: APA

How We Rank Schools

We consider factors such as accreditation status, the number of transfer credits accepted, and a program's reputation when deciding which schools to feature.

• Accreditation: All of the colleges and universities listed are regionally accredited institutions. Some doctoral programs have additional accreditation from the American Psychological Association.
• Credit-transfer policy: These programs accept eligible master's degree credits for transfer.
• Program reputation: A PsyD program's reputation is determined by its accreditation status, curriculum, experienced faculty, and any industry awards or special recognition.

Factors That Influence PsyD Transfer Credit Acceptance

PsyD programs have strict standards, which help to ensure all doctoral students receive a quality education. To best support your transfer credit acceptance, you must be sure your master's credits align with your chosen PsyD program's curriculum.

The type of master's degree you hold is a major factor. Holding a master's degree in counseling or clinical psychology from an APA-accredited program helps greatly. Many programs require that you have earned a certain grade (e.g., a B or higher) in the courses you would like credit for.

As each PsyD program has its own unique standards and credit-transfer policy, it is best to reach out directly to the department with your credit-transfer requests. Submitting your transcript and supporting documents, like course descriptions and syllabi, helps support the credit acceptance process.

FAQs About PsyD Transfer Credits

In this section, we answer frequently asked questions about PsyD programs and the transfer process.

Can You Transfer PsyD Programs?

Yes, you can transfer PsyD programs. However, transferring from one doctoral program to another is not an easy process. To successfully transfer from one PsyD to another, you must be sure the programs' curricula align and that your previous academic performance is sufficient for the new program. It is best to work directly with your new program's admissions office to ensure you fulfill the necessary requirements.

How Many Master's Credits Usually Transfer Into a PsyD?

There is no one standard answer to this question. Doctoral programs' credit-transfer policies vary greatly according to school and particular program. For example, one school may accept up to 40 eligible credits while another may accept zero. As master's credits are variable as well (i.e., courses taken, program accreditation, grade received), a PsyD program may accept more transfer credits from one student than another.

Do Online Master's Psychology Credits Transfer to PsyD Programs?

If you earned your online master's degree in psychology at an accredited institution, it may be accepted for transfer to your PsyD program. Credits earned for a master's degree in clinical psychology or counseling psychology from an APA-accredited program are more likely to transfer to a PsyD program.

What Happens If My Credits Don't Transfer?

If your master's credits are not eligible, you may be able to petition for a waiver. Some schools allow students to waive certain courses if they have already completed the equivalent coursework. While you wouldn't need to take the course a second time, you would need to take another course, like an elective, to fulfill the program's credit requirements.

If your petition waiver is not successful, then you will have to take the equivalent course in your PsyD program.

Explore PsyD Programs

To learn more about PsyD programs, we invite you to connect with the featured schools on Learn.org. Reach out for more information and discover which program best supports your professional goals.