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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 many professional settings.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
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Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
- Flexibility
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.*
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Scholarships & grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Ways to save
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.
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.
Financial support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Additional support resources
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.
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.
PhD in Psychology program insights
Specializations
“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
92%
of doctoral alumni agree that Capella faculty were well qualified and did a good job.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2023–2024, point of graduation
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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