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A flexible PhD in Psychology
The PhD in Psychology degree program provides students with advanced academic preparation with an emphasis on research and scholarship. Students pursue a specialization during which they engage in a competency-based, scholar-practitioner curriculum that can be applied within the field of psychology.
PhD in Psychology program overview
The PhD in Psychology program is designed to help you master psychology theory and practice, contribute original research and strengthen your ability to consult, teach or lead in diverse professional settings.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
- Flexibility
Reduce your tuition
Scholarships & grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
- Capella Progress Rewards – These rewards are not need-based and are simply our way to support your commitment to your education. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
- Student/Alumni Referral Scholarship – Capella students and alumni can refer eligible friends, family or colleagues to Capella to pursue a degree with a scholarship.
Previous experience
Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university or getting credit for prior learning
*All transfer and Credit for Prior Learning credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.
Military benefits
Military benefits may be available in select programs and learning formats for service members, veterans, their spouses and family members.
Employer benefits
Tuition discounts and scholarships are available for eligible employees of our partner organizations.
Program specializations
Various factors impact your time and cost to complete your degree, such as your program specialization. For more information, visit the PhD in Psychology specialization pages.
PhD in Psychology specializations
Expert advisory board
The purpose of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board is to provide a critical link between the strategic objectives of the school and the needs of external constituents through input, insight, feedback and consultation. Board members have backgrounds in the fields of applied behavior analysis, clinical psychology, clinical mental health counseling, general psychology, marriage and family therapy, school counseling and school psychology.
The advisory board will help ensure that Capella University provides:
- Innovative, student-centered education that is competency-based, rigorous, relevant and transformative
- Preparation to help graduates be change makers in behavioral health to meet the needs of a diverse, ever-evolving society
PhD in Psychology outcomes
The PhD in Psychology program provides students with advanced academic preparation with an emphasis on research and scholarship. Students pursue a specialization during which they engage in a competency-based, scholar-practitioner curriculum that can be applied in a range of fields, including psychology, behavioral health, education, business and public policy. Successful graduates of this degree program will be prepared to apply psychological principles within the field of psychology.
Distinguished faculty
Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experiences to the classroom, with practical insights that can help you bridge the gap between learning in the classroom and working in the real world. They teach the skills you need right now and share their understanding of what it’s really like to work in your chosen profession.
1 86% of doctoral alumni agree that the Capella faculty were well qualified and did a good job.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
PhD in Psychology specializations
PhD in Psychology services and resources
Education isn’t one-size-fits-all – that’s why support is available to you at every step. From choosing your program and starting classes, to coursework assistance and graduation, our support teams are here for you.
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Career support
- Resume help, interview prep and employer database of job listings
- One-on-one career coaching
- Learner & Alumni Networking Platform to connect in your field
Personal support
- Disability services
- Student communities and peer-to-peer mentoring
- 24/7 tech support
“My enrollment counselor at Capella made the process very easy and educated me on how my practical experience can be blended with my academic pursuits to further my career.”
Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel
PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
*Actual Capella alum who agreed to appear in our promotional materials
Alumni Association
As a graduate, you’ll have a community of Capella students, alumni and faculty you can tap into for career advice and networking.
1 87% of doctoral alumni agree that Capella provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degree.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Career Development Center
Explore your career options, navigate your job search and move toward your goals with help from our Career Development Center. We offer a variety of resources, including one-on-one career coaching. Start planning early.
PhD or professional doctorate: which is best for you?
There are two kinds of doctoral degrees: PhDs and professional doctorates. Deciding which is right for you depends, in part, on how you want to use your education and the standards in your professional field. The kind of research that most interests you should also play a part in your decision. For either option, our GuidedPath learning format offers the flexibility to study when it works for you, with set deadlines to keep you focused and on track.
1 93% of alumni agree Capella provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degrees.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Research focus: original or applied?
PhD students are expected to create, expand and contribute to knowledge, research and theory in their discipline. This kind of discovery is often called original research.
Professional doctorate students are expected to expand and apply existing knowledge and research to existing problems in their professional field. This is often referred to as applied research.
Final deliverable: dissertation or project?
PhD students summarize the findings of their research in a five-chapter paper called a dissertation. At completion, they must defend their work in front of a faculty committee. The dissertation is ultimately published and shared with other scholars in the field and the general public.
Professional doctorate students present their research in one of a variety of forms including projects, portfolios, journal articles or even dissertations. In some instances, students are required to defend their work in front of a faculty committee.
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the PhD in Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admission requirements for PhD in Psychology specializations: General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
Our faculty and students collaboratively explore the way humans, organizations and systems work and work together to promote optimal functioning. Using Capella’s competency-based curriculum design, the faculty focuses on assessing students on the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field of psychology.
The PhD in Psychology is offered online in the GuidedPath learning format.
Learn more about the student experience at Capella and explore what additional support resources we offer to help you find and succeed in your degree program.
Additional PhD in Psychology resources
Explore your path in the field of psychology
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