PhD in Psychology

by Frank Hilley

Searching for a PhD in Psychology Program?

A career in psychology can be a very rewarding and challenging choice. Psychologists are in high demand and is one of the fields that requires a PhD in order to become licensed and rise to the highest ranks in the industry.

Walden University

PhD in Psychology

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of The North Central Association.

Walden University offers Psychology degree programs that can help you determine the science and theory of mental development. Delve into the minds of diverse people and discover techniques to understand how the human minds work and why people behave the way they do.

Walden University offers the following Psychology Programs:

  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Counseling
  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – General
  • Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies
  • Master of Science in Education
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – Forensic Psychology in the Community
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – General
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – Mental Health Applications
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – Program Planning & Evaluation in Forensic Settings
  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – Psychology & Legal Systems
  • Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling – Forensic Counseling
  • Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling – General
  • Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling – TrauMaster’s in and Crisis
  • Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling – Forensic Counseling
  • Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling – General
  • Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling – TrauMaster’s in and Crisis Counseling
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Health Psychology
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Media Psychology
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Organizational Psychology & Nonprofit Management
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Psychology of Culture
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Psychology, Public Administration & Social Change
  • Master of Science in Psychology – Social Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – Clinical Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – Counseling Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – General
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – General Educational Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – General Research Evaluation
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – Health Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology – Organizational Psychology
  • Post-Doctoral Psychology Certificate – Clinical Child Psychology

Walden University offers classes year-round so that you can complete your degree at an accelerated pace. In addition, you can study anytime and anywhere that is convenient for you.

Read more or get a program guide from Walden University.

PhD in Psychology

Specializations

Prior to enrolling in a PhD program, you will need to reflect upon your ultimate career goals to determine what specialization to choose. The most common choice is that of a clinical psychologist. This is often what we think about when we hear the term “psychologist”.  Other specialties include counseling psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, and organizational psychology. Bear in mind that not all specialties will be available at each university.

Program Length

The program length will greatly depend on which doctorate degree in psychology you choose to pursue and which specialization. It is important to note that a PhD in psychology is not your only option at this level. You can also get a PsyD as well. The differences between the two degrees are subtle. A PsyD is more in tune with those that wish to go into the practice of psychology. A PhD is for those that wish to go into research or academia in the field of psychology. While both programs are similar in nature, the PsyD tends to take less time overall.

Program Requirements

Programs will vary depending on your specialization and which doctorate degree you choose to pursue. All programs will require that you take a series of courses. This part typically takes 2-3 years to complete. Upon successful completion, students will be required to research and write a dissertation. The findings from the dissertation will generally have to be defended in front of a university board and will often be published in a professional journal. In addition, some programs will require that students perform an internship as well. Only after successful completion of all requirements will the student be awarded the title of “doctor”.