phd in business psychology online

Los Angeles - Chicago - Washington D.C. - Online

Program overview.

The PhD Business Psychology (I/O Track) is a post-bachelors or post-master’s doctoral program that trains doctoral-level professionals for a career in academic research as well as for corporate, consulting, and other work settings. The curriculum is a unique blend of business, industrial and organizational psychology that prepares students to conduct empirical research with a multi-disciplinary approach that contributes to new knowledge to the scholarly literature while addressing real-world individual, group and organizational problems. The program combines research skills with psychological theory to help graduates succeed in their roles as academicians, organizational leaders, or consultants.

Applicants can enter the program with either post-bachelors or post-masters.  When entering with only a Bachelor’s degree, the first two years of the program will work towards an I/O Master’s degree. If the applicant has an I/O or equivalent Masters, then the applicant can enter the program for a three year post-masters doctoral program. 

Program Philosophy

The PhD Business Psychology program has adopted a distinctive blend of general psychology and business competencies, aimed at supporting the professional in a competitive market that demands both relational and performance success. It provides students with a broad knowledge of individual and organizational psychology together with a foundation in business principles to allow students to address the wide variety of work settings which leaders and consultants encounter.

The PhD Business Psychology program prepares students to build their careers and assume professional responsibilities as professional psychologists in the executive ranks, management consulting, strategic HR, and organizational effectiveness positions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program students will be able to:

Professional Practice

• Produce written documents that are well researched, cited, and organized for easy reading and understanding. Students will be able to deliver presentations targeted to business and academic audiences.
• Describe and apply effective practices within the field of Business Psychology or Organizational Leadership. 
• Explain and build upon the role that individual and group differences play in the workplace (e.g., race, gender, age, national culture, cognitive style, socio-economic status, job title/power and etc.). Students will be able to demonstrate cross-cultural competence and operate within a framework of global diversity.

Professional Behavior

• Demonstrate personal integrity and ethical behavior in professional practice.
• Form effective professional relationships based on attitudes and communication skills that foster trust, open dialogue, and collaboration, regardless of differences in background, education, position in the organization, points of view or other personal characteristics.

Scholarship

• Cite the theoretical knowledge and research integral to their fields of study. Students will be able to describe the philosophies of science underpinning their field’s theoretical knowledge and research. Students will be able to apply published research to the development of new areas for scholarly study. Students will be able to design and conduct research studies. Students will be able to analyze and interpret the data produced by research.
• Analyze and evaluate the work of others, including probing for more information, searching for logic flaws, and creating alternative solutions to problems.

Admissions Requirements

For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is currently authorized, licensed, registered, exempt or not subject to approval, please visit   https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/why-us/state-authorization/

Application to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s PhD Business Psychology (I/O Track) program is open to applicants who have earned a bachelor or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Psychology, the Behavioral Sciences, or Management, and who meets other entrance requirements. For all applicants entering the I/O Track Post-Master’s degree, the master’s degree must be equivalent to 36 semester hours.  Additionally, the Chicago School requires 21 hours of the following foundational IO Psychology graduate courses: principles of industrial psychology, selection, two internship courses or an Applied Project/Thesis equivalent, performance appraisal, training, and surveys.

Depending on the number of hours an applicant is missing, these prerequisite requirements can be fulfilled at the Chicago School prior to admission to the PhD Business Psychology (I/O Track) program by enrolling in the Industrial and Organizational Psychology Generalist Certificate.  Prerequisites for admission may also be fulfilled at the Chicago School by successfully completing comparable coursework following the policies outlined in the Student at Large section of this catalog.

The school admits applicants whom it judges to possess sufficient academic aptitude, as well as the emotional and social maturity to function effectively as a professional. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors considered in admission are:

• GPA from undergraduate and graduate schools;
• successful work history;
• admission essay(s);
• 3 letters of recommendation from academic professors or professional or volunteer experience supervisors.
• Official GRE Score (Post-Bachelor’s Only)
• An undergraduate or graduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission to the school’s Business Psychology doctoral program.

Based on the evaluation of these materials, selected candidates may be invited to interview for further consideration of their application. Applications must be submitted with the $50.00 (USD) application fee in order to be evaluated.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications.

For students completing online coursework: In additional to the admission criteria, it is recommended that students have access to a computer that is less than three years old. It is required that students have access to, a broadband or Internet connection, and the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook and, at minimum, the following computing skills:

• A basic level of comfort with Internet technology
• The ability to open and attach files from and to email
• The ability to send and receive email
• The ability to save documents

This track also requires applicants to have successfully completed at least two (2) undergraduate courses, including a statistics course and an upper level undergraduate or master’s level organizational behavior or psychology course with a grade earned of ‘C’ or better in the courses.  These courses must be completed in accordance with the policies outlined in the I/O Track Progression Requirements section below. 

PhD Business Psychology: I/O Track Progression Requirements

This program requires applicants to have successfully completed (with a grade earned of “C” or better) at least two (2) undergraduate courses by the end of their first semester (second online term) of study. One (1) course must be in statistics, and at least one (1) course must be an upper level undergraduate or master’s level organizational behavior or psychology course.  Students must successfully meet this progression requirement through the following options:

• A grade of “C” or higher in TCS 380 Introduction to Psychology and TCS 390 Introduction to Statistics;
• A grade of “C” or higher in a comparable course(s) at The Chicago School; or
• A grade of “C” or higher in a comparable course(s) at another regionally accredited institution

Applicants accepted who are missing one or both of the two (2) courses will be required to register for the applicable TCS course(s) in their first ground semester or online term. All students must meet this progression requirement by the end of their first semester (second online term) of study. Students who do not successfully fulfill this requirement will not be allowed to register in any future coursework in the program of study until this requirement is met. Extensions can be granted by the Program Chair or designee when extenuating circumstances prevent completion of the requirement in the specified timeframe.  Requests for an extension must be submitted in writing to the Program Chair for consideration.

Applicant Notification

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once review begins, complete applications will be considered by the Admission Committee and applicants will be notified regarding the admission decision. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.

If a student is offered admission and in order to secure a place in the incoming class, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $250 will be required by the deposit deadline indicated in the offer of admission. The non-refundable deposit will be applied in full toward the student’s tuition upon enrollment.

The following policies are located under  Academic Policies and Procedures   : Academic Calendar, Admissions Requirements, Attendance, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Service Learning, and Transfer Credit/Course Waiver. Click the link above for detailed information.

Degree Completion Requirements

• Successful completion of 61 credit hours of coursework (post-master’s entry) or 97 credit hours of coursework (post-baccalaureate)
• Successful completion of two 300 credit hour internships (post-baccalaureate only)
• Successful completion of the Applied Research Project course series (post-baccalaureate online only)
• Successful completion of comprehensive competency examination
• Successful completion of dissertation

Internship (On-Ground)

Students who enter the program post-baccalaureate will complete two 300 credit hour internships (for a total of 600 hours of internship experience). The internship should involve the student in learning specific, transferable, I/O-relevant or HR-relevant professional skills. All internship must be pre-approved by the faculty internship supervisor. Students registered in this program incur a one-time $195 Experiential Learning Technology Fee.

Applied Research Project (Online)

Students who enter the program post-baccalaureate will complete an Applied Research Project. Students with sufficient work experience in the field may qualify to enroll in the Applied Research Project (ARP) Track. Students in the ARP track complete classwork over the course of their studies that guide them through the process of writing the Applied Research Project. A faculty member will approve and supervise the project through these courses.

Comprehensive Examination (CE)

Every student is required to pass a comprehensive competency examination. The aim of this assessment exercise is to evaluate the student’s knowledge of theory, research, and practice. This is also an opportunity to assess the student’s ability to demonstrate this knowledge and skill in simulations of work scenarios in order to judge his or her abilities as a future business psychologist. The Comprehensive Examination is taken upon completion of the second year of doctoral courses.

Dissertation

Completion of the dissertation is an essential aspect of Business Psychology students’ academic experience and professional education. It provides the school the opportunity to evaluate the student’s ability to think critically and creatively about an applied issue in business psychology and to produce new research in the field. The dissertation should clearly and concisely demonstrate the student’s command of the research in a specific area of business psychology. In the dissertation, will conduct empirical research using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods to produce new knowledge within the theoretical framework that comprises the PhD Business Psychology curriculum.

The Curriculum

I/O Track: 52 credit hours

Electives: 9 credit hours

Foundational Master’s Level (I/O & ARP Tracks): 36 credit hours

Program Total

Ph.D. Business Psychology: I/O Track (post-master’s entry) : 61 credit hours

Ph.D. Business Psychology: I/O Track (post-baccalaureate entry): 97 credit hours

I/O Track - Required Core

• IO 519 - Statistics and Lab (4 credit hours)
• PB 400 - Professional Development Seminar* (3 credit hours)
• PB 439 - Adult Development and Work (3 credit hours)
• PB 447 - Cognitive Psychology (3 credit hours)
• PB 451 - Social Psychology/Behavioral Economics (3 credit hours)
• PB 455 - Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• PB 468 - Systems Theory (3 credit hours)(course fee $30)
• PB 535 - Business and Financial Literacy (3 credit hours)
• PB 536 - Strategic and Organizational Planning (3 credit hours)
• PB 537 - Change Management (3 credit hours)
• PB 610 - Dissertation Development I (3 credit hours)(auto full time)
• PB 611 - Dissertation Development II (3 credit hours)(auto full time)
• PB 612 - Dissertation Development III (3 credit hours)(auto full time)
• PB 530 - Individual Interviewing and Assessment (3 credit hours)(course fee $122.50)
• PB 580 - Residency I (auto half time) (0 credit hours)
• PB 620 - Competency Examination (3 credit hours)(course fee $12)

Students choose between one of the following two courses.

• PB 528 - Advanced Statistics (3 credit hours)
• OL 621 - Qualitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• PB 571 - Inventories (3 credit hours)
• PB 572 - Simulations (3 credit hours)
• PB 573 - Advanced Interviewing and Assessment (3 credit hours)
• PB 574 - Talent Management and Succession Planning (3 credit hours)
• PB 622 - Special Topics I (1 credit hour)
• PB 623 - Special Topics II (2 credit hours)
• PB 624 - Special Topics III (3 credit hours)(course fee)
• OL 623 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• OL 634 - Virtual and Global Leadership (3 credit hours)
• OL 637 - Team Interventions (3 credit hours)
• OL 640 - Governance in Non-profit (3 credit hours)
• OL 641 - Supervising and Coaching Employees (3 credit hours)
• OL 642 - Strategic Human Resources Effectiveness (3 credit hours)
• OL 643 - Social Entrepreneurship (3 credit hours)
• OL 644 - Leadership Ethics (3 credit hours)
• OL 645 - Diversity (3 credit hours)
• OL 646 - The Role of Technology in Organizations (3 credit hours)
• OL 647 - Public Policy Leadership (3 credit hours)
• OL 675 - Independent Study I (1 credit hour)
• OL 676 - Independent Study II (2 credit hours)

Foundational Master’s Level Courses (I/O Track)

• IO 400 - Professional Development Seminar (3 credit hours)
• IO 510 - Organizational Behavior (3 credit hours)(course fee $92)
• IO 511 - Organizational Culture and Design (3 credit hours)
• IO 512 - Organizational Consulting Skills (3 credit hours) (course fee $50)
• IO 520 - Personnel Psychology (3 credit hours)
• IO 591 - Ethics (1 credit hour)
• IO 593 - Internship I (1 credit hour)(auto full time)
• IO 599 - Internship II (1 credit hour)(auto full time)

Choose four of the following five courses (12 credits)

• IO 522 - Performance Appraisal (3 credit hours)
• IO 523 - Job Analysis and Employee Selection (3 credit hours)
• IO 524 - Training: Theory, Design, and Evaluation (3 credit hours)
• IO 525 - Organizational Leadership (3 credit hours) (course fee $45)
• IO 531 - Organizational Attitudes and Survey Development (3 credit hours)

Diversity Elective (3 credits) - See M.A. I/O Catalog page for a complete list of offerings

General Elective (3 credits) - See M.A. I/O Catalog page for a complete list of offerings

Foundational Master’s Level Courses (ARP Track)

Diversity Elective (3 credits) See MA Industrial and Organizational Psychology    page for a complete list of offerings

General Elective (3 credits) See MA Industrial and Organizational Psychology    page for a complete list of offerings

• IO 611 - The Applied Research Project: Intro to ARP and ARP Needs Assessment (1 credit hour)(auto full time)
• IO 612 - The Applied Research Project: Literature Review (1 credit hour)(auto full time)
• IO 613 - The Applied Research Project: Intervention and Program Evaluation (1 credit hour)(auto full time)
• IO 614 - The Applied Research Project: Professional Ethics (1 credit hour)(auto full time)
• IO 615 - The Applied Research Project: Final Deliverable and Showcase Preparation (1 credit hour)(auto full time)
• IO 616 - The Applied Research Project: ARP Showcase Defense (1 credit hour) (auto full time)

Extension Courses

• IO 767 - Internship Extension (0 credit hours)(auto full time)
• PB 950A-F - Dissertation Extension (1 credit hour) - auto half-time
• PB 951A-F - Dissertation Extension (1 credit hour) - auto full-time
• PB 952 - Dissertation Extension (1 credit hour) - Not F.A. eligible
• PB 953 - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto full-time
• PB 954 - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto half-time
• PB 955A-L - Dissertation Extension (.5 credit hours) - auto half-time
• PB 956A-L - Dissertation Extension (.5 credit hours) - auto full-time
• PB 957A - Dissertation Extension (.5 credit hours) - Not F.A. eligible.
• PB 957B - Dissertation Extension (.5 credit hours) - Not F.A. eligible.
• PB 958A - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto half-time
• PB 958B - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto half-time
• PB 959A - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto full-time
• PB 959B - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto full-time

Earning a Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

A student in the post-bachelor PhD Business Psychology (I/O Track) program may earn an MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology following the successful completion of required coursework and specific program requirements. At the beginning of the semester in which a student expects to be eligible for the master’s degree, they are required to submit a Petition for Degree Conferral to the Office of the Registrar. The petition is a request to conduct an audit to determine eligibility for the degree. A student who meets the requirements is eligible to participate in the next scheduled commencement. A student who files a Petition for Degree Conferral is charged a fee. 

The specific requirements are as follows: 

Academic and Financial Aid Good Standing 

Successful completion of foundational required coursework.

The Curriculum: Internship/Thesis Track 

Required Core: 13 credit hours 

Track: 7 credit hours 

Seminar: 12 credit hours 

Internship Option: 2 credit hours 

Thesis Option (replaces Internship I and II and one elective (3 credit hours) when approved by Chair): 5 credit hours 

Electives: 6 credit hours (3 credit hours must be Diversity Elective) 

Program Total 

M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Internship and Thesis Tracks): 40 credit hours 

Required Core

 (Choose Four Courses)

Track Courses

Internship option courses.

Internship Option Courses 

Thesis Option Courses

• IO 584 - Thesis I (2 credit hours)(auto full time)
• IO 594 - Thesis II (3 credit hours)(auto full time)

Students in the Internship Option choose one. 

• IO 552 - Professional Coaching (3 credit hours)
• IO 554 - Data Management (3 credit hours)
• IO 555 - Work Team Dynamics (3 credit hours)
• IO 556 - Strategic Human Resource Management (3 credit hours)
• IO 558 - Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (3 credit hours)
• IO 540 - Special Topics in I/O Psychology (2 credit hours)
• IO 550 - Compensation and Benefits Administration (3 credit hours)
• IO 551 - Legal Issues (3 credit hours)
• IO 559 - Talent Management and Succession Planning (3 credit hours)
• IO 560 - Training Facilitation and Instructional Design (3 credit hours)
• IO 561 - Consumer Motivation (3 credit hours)
• IO 562 - Critical Thinking and Business Writing (3 credit hours)
• IO 563 - Project Management (3 credit hours)
• IO 571 - Development and Deployment of Employee Surveys (3 credit hours)
• IO 572 - Productive Labor Relations (3 credit hours)
• IO 573 - Reaching the Target Market: Qualitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• IO 574 - Understanding Consumer Perceptions: Quantitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• IO 575 - Legal Issues in Healthcare Leadership (3 credit hours)
• IO 576 - Strategic Planning in Healthcare Diversity (3 credit hours)
• IO 581 - Independent Study I (1 credit hour)
• IO 582 - Independent Study II (2 credit hours)
• IO 583 - Independent Study III (3 credit hours)
• IO 588 - Strategic and Organizational Planning (3 credit hours)
• IO 589 - Survey of Quality Management and Process Control (3 credit hours)
• IO 696 - Special Topics I (1 credit hour)
• IO 697 - Special Topics II (2 credit hours)
• IO 698 - Special Topics III (3 credit hours)

Diversity Electives

* Not all Electives are offered every term or semester.

• IO 557 - Managing Organizational Diversity (3 credit hours)
• IO 564 - Managing Changes in Global HR Management (3 credit hours)
• IO 568 - International Business Skills (3 credit hours)
• IO 578 - Beyond Compliance: Building Ethical Organizations (3 credit hours)
• IO 579 - Promoting Diversity (3 credit hours)

Concentration Option (Internship/Thesis Track Students Only) Human Resource Concentration

The Human Resource concentration incorporates the Diversity Course requirement by making the Managing Changes in Global HR Diversity course a required course. In addition, 3 other courses must be completed to receive the Human Resources Concentration: Business & Financial Literacy, SHRM-CP/SPC Certification Preparation Course, and Strategic Human Resource Management. Each of these four courses is 3 credit hours each.

• IO 534 - Business and Financial Literacy for HR Professionals (3 credit hours)
• IO 535 - SHRM-CP/SPC Certification Preparation Course (3 credit hours)(course fee $522)

Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Online

Online Industrial-Organizational Psychology Degree: An Overview

Jobs for industrial-organizational psychology degree holders, example courses.

• Cognitive psychology
• Psychology of leadership
• Personnel psychology in the workplace
• Organizational behavior
• Research methods

Degree Requirements

Prerequisites for an online industrial-organizational psychology ph.d., online coursework.

• Research, ethics and scholarly writing.
• Theories of learning and motivation.
• Cross-cultural methods of tests and measurements. 
• Adult development and work.
• Virtual and global leadership. 

How long does an online industrial-organizational psychology degree take to complete?

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ethical behavior and integrity. 
• Critical thinking. 
• Problem solving. 
• Interpersonal skills. 

Accreditation, Licensure and Certification

Cost and return on investment (roi), how much does an online industrial-organizational psychology degree cost, how to estimate the return on investment (roi) of your degree.

• Based on a 100% chance of graduation.
• Adjusted to account for the percentage of students who drop out.
• Or adjusted to include completion rates and additional underlying expenses.
• How will you pay for the degree? Do you qualify for scholarships, grants or other financial aid? Is your employer subsidizing all or part of your education expenses?  
• How much income will you have while in school?
• How long do you anticipate it will take for you to complete your desired degree program?
• What is the average salary for your desired role post-graduation?

Job Outlook and Salary

Pay for online industrial-organizational psychology doctorate degrees.

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• PsyD vs PhD

How to Choose an Online PhD in Business Psychology Degree

Featured school of the month.

Study Online PhD & PsyD, Masters, Bachelors in Psychology, Counseling, Therapy

Find your psychology niche and take your career to the next level–perhaps start a consulting business, prepare to teach, build your practice, or expand your understanding of human development. Ask about our award-winning FlexPath online learning format, available for select programs. No GRE Required!

Sponsored School(s)

The expert practice of business psychology, commonly referred to as industrial-organizational psychology, or I/O, helps large organizations boost efficiency through the application of the principles of psychology. A PhD in business psychology serves as the highest possible level of academic achievement in I/O and enables a person to research, teach or work in the field of business psychology. And an online PhD can be ideal for professionals who don’t want to put their careers on hold while they earn their doctoral degree.

For prospective online students who are unsure which online PhD in business psychology is right for them, breaking down the areas they need to consider can help narrow their search for an academic home.

Research Admissions Criteria

First things first: You need to get into your chosen online PhD program. So be sure you understand the ins and outs of admissions criteria at each of the schools you’ll be considering. Many criteria are the same across the board, but each educational institution is a bit different. For instance, some expect all PhD applicants to have a master’s degree, while others will consider bachelor’s degree-holders as well.

Other potential admissions criteria you may need to navigate:

• Application fees, usually non-refundable
• Essay or statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample (may be separate from an essay)
• Undergraduate and graduate coursework and transcripts from an accredited institution
• Undergraduate and graduate GPA
• GRE score (for bachelor’s applicants)
• TOEFL proficiency (for non-native English speakers)
• Faculty interview

Generally, the most common admissions criteria are application fees, transcripts/coursework, essays and letters of recommendation, though each school has particular metrics within each area. For instance, online Ph.D. students generally need a graduate school GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though schools will vary on the required GPA they’ll accept.

But it’s also important to remember that with the exception of certain criteria, such as payment of an application fee, most admissions offices will consider applicants who don’t necessarily perfectly fit all criteria. For instance, even if a school prefers students with a GPA of at least 3.0, it may not be a deal-breaker.

Consider How Much Time You Can Devote

A PhD is a serious academic commitment that requires aggressive research and classroom achievement. As such, the time involved is likely to stretch into years rather than months. Traditional doctoral degrees typically take seven years or more to complete, but online learners may be able to shave off considerable time.

Especially for those who are able to pursue their doctorate on a full-time basis, the difference can be dramatic. Fully online programs tend to be quicker to complete, with some students finishing in as little as three years. And some schools require students to attend full time, while others provide the option but don’t require it. But not all students will be able to devote full-time hours, so consider whether the flexibility to be able to continue working full time is important for you.

In addition to classroom work, a PhD involves intensive research projects that, at most schools, culminate in a dissertation and oral defense. Most doctoral programs center around the dissertation requirement, and the project will consume huge swaths of time for the typical student, as they work with faculty members to propose their topic, deliver drafts and, finally, defend their dissertation.

An online PhD is very much like a traditional PhD in that regard, but the laser focus on learning that’s afforded by not being in a traditional university setting (many traditional PhD students are required to teach classes) means that very little time is wasted.

Figure Out How Much You Can Afford & How You’ll Pay

Budgeting for your online PhD is a complicated process that involves developing a deep understanding of your own finances as well as the costs your prospective school charges. For instance, will you need to pay lab or database fees, or will you ever need to travel to your school in-person?

A few cost areas to consider include:

• Per-credit online tuition
• Dissertation tuition
• Transportation and lodging
• Background check
• Books and materials

Generally, online doctorates are cheaper than their in-person counterparts, though the traditional means of paying for a PhD — teaching at the school — usually doesn’t apply for online students. Still, a broad range of financing is available for online PhD students, including grants, loans, scholarships and even federal work-study for some students.

Online students, like traditional brick-and-mortar learners, will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, as well as certain financial aid forms at their individual schools. The Chicago School, for instance, encourages California residents pursuing their PhDs online to apply for Cal Grant programs.Most other states have their own programs as well.

Typical total costs for an online PhD in business psychology will run from about $50,000 to upwards of $150,000, depending on how long a student takes to complete their degree. But when you consider that a PhD qualifies a professional to practice at the highest levels in the I/O psychology space as well as teach in the field, salaries in the area tend to be high. That means that even if a student has to borrow to finance their education, business psychology jobs are likely to pay off in the long run.

Think About Your Preferred Focus Areas

It’s last on our list, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s a minor concern: You should get a PhD in Psychology degree that supports and inspires your curiosity in business psychology, so make sure that the schools you’re considering offer coursework that does that.

Business psychology is a broad field with varying educational paths, and it’s important that you explore the classes offered by each of the universities you’re considering. Some may have a technological focus that others don’t, while others may devote more courses to the nonprofit space than others.

SEE ALSO:  Salary Outlook with a Ph.D. in Business Psychology Degree

Most online programs tell you right up front what types of courses they offer, and if you’re really interested in a school that doesn’t have an in-depth course list online, most will provide that if you ask.

Potential research and course tracks within business or I/O psychology include:

• Consultancy
• International
• Human resources
• Training & development
• Conflict resolution
• Consumer behavior

Featured Online Program

Chicago school of professional psychology.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online Ph.D. in Business Psychology with two tracks – Consulting and Industrial-Organizational Psychology .

• Institution type : Private, non-profit
• Delivery method : Online
• Headquarters : Chicago
• Accreditation : Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees offered : Ph.D. in Business Psychology with a concentration in Consulting or Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Expected total tuition : $1,492 per credit hour
• Prerequisites : Master’s degree in psychology

More information on these programs below:

Consulting Track

Business Psychology, Consulting Track (PhD)

The Consulting Track focuses on understanding how human behavior affects company effectiveness. Students emerge from this program with the skills and strategic knowledge needed to assume executive roles in an international business environment.

Consulting track students also learn how to advise organizations on business efforts involving talent management, strategic planning, executive coaching, employee engagement, change management, and diversity and inclusion.

Students develop high-level skills in executive advising and leadership, internal and external consulting, and organization design and operations.

Required courses in this track include:

• Business and Financial Literacy
• Strategic and Organizational Planning
• Change Management

Industrial-Organizational Track

Business Psychology, I/O Track (PhD)

The Industrial-Organizational Track prepares you for a leadership role as an I/O psychologist in global companies and organizations. You will develop a strong foundation in business psychology principles, which will ready you to offer practical business solutions in the modern business environment.

With this accredited online degree, you will be highly qualified to offer assessment and interventions to address and resolve company conflicts, boost employee performance, and manage departmental teams.

Graduates typically work in for-profit and non-profit organizations and work with business owners, HR personnel, CEOs, and supervisors to improve company and employee performance.

Required courses include:

• Adult Development and Work
• Systems Theory
• Virtual and Global Leadership

Business or industrial-organizational psychology is an exciting and popular field. With a focus on improving efficiency and office morale, I/O specialists can impact the daily lives of dozens of people at once with their expert analysis. With employment projected to expand by about 8% over the next several years and median wages near six figures, pursuing an online PhD in business psychology just may be the best investment you could make.

Additional References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists. (2019.) Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-1

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →
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Organizational Behavior

• Technology & Operations Management
• Program Requirements

Scholars in the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School are prepared to pursue an interdisciplinary inquiry into issues that are broadly related to the functioning of individuals within groups, at either the micro or macro level. Graduates of our program go on to become the leading researchers and thinkers in organizational behavior, shaping the field and advancing theoretical understanding in posts at schools of management or in disciplinary departments.

The Organizational Behavior program is jointly administered by the faculty of Harvard Business School and the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our program offers two distinct tracks, with research focused either on the micro or macro level. Students who choose to focus on micro organizational behavior take a psychological approach to the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and groups, and the effects that groups have on individuals. In macro organizational behavior, scholars use sociological methods to examine the organizations, groups, and markets themselves, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives.

Your core disciplinary training will take place in either the psychology or sociology departments, depending on the track that you choose. You will also conduct advanced coursework in organizational behavior at HBS, and complete two MBA elective curriculum courses. Students are required to teach for one full academic term in order to gain valuable teaching experience, and to work as an apprentice to a faculty member to develop research skills. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare and present a dossier that includes a qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement outlining a plan for their dissertation. Before beginning work on the dissertation, students must pass the Organizational Behavior Exam, which presents an opportunity to synthesize academic coursework and prepare for an in-depth research project.

Research & Dissertation

Examples of doctoral thesis research.

• Cross-group relations, stress, and the subsequent effect on performance
• Internal group dynamics of corporate boards of directors
• Organizational mission and its effect on commitment and effort
• Psychological tendencies and collaboration with dissimilar others

Aurora Turek

Justine Murray

Jaylon Sherrell

“ In HBS’s Organizational Behavior program I receive outstanding, rigorous training in disciplinary methods and also benefit from the myriad resources that HBS has to offer. HBS scholars are looking to apply their research to real-world problems, come up with interventions, and make a real difference. ”

Current Harvard Sociology & Psychology Faculty

• George A. Alvarez
• Mahzarin R. Banaji
• Jason Beckfield
• Lawrence D. Bobo
• Mary C. Brinton
• Joshua W. Buckholtz
• Randy L. Buckner
• Alfonso Caramazza
• Susan E. Carey
• Paul Y. Chang
• Mina Cikara
• Christina Ciocca Eller
• Christina Cross
• Fiery Cushman
• Frank Dobbin
• Samuel J. Gershman
• Daniel Gilbert
• Joshua D. Greene
• Jill M. Hooley
• Rakesh Khurana
• Alexandra Killewald
• Talia Konkle
• Max Krasnow
• Michèle Lamont
• Ellen Langer
• Joscha Legewie
• Ya-Wen Lei
• Patrick Mair
• Peter V. Marsden
• Katie A. McLaughlin
• Richard J. McNally
• Jason P. Mitchell
• Ellis Monk
• Matthew K. Nock
• Orlando Patterson
• Elizabeth A. Phelps
• Steven Pinker
• Robert J. Sampson
• Daniel L. Schacter
• Theda Skocpol
• Mario L. Small
• Jesse Snedeker
• Leah H. Somerville
• Elizabeth S. Spelke
• Tomer D. Ullman
• Adaner Usmani
• Jocelyn Viterna
• Mary C. Waters
• John R. Weisz
• Christopher Winship
• Xiang Zhou

Current HBS Faculty

• Teresa M. Amabile
• Julie Battilana
• Max H. Bazerman
• David E. Bell
• Ethan S. Bernstein
• Alison Wood Brooks
• Edward H. Chang
• Julian De Freitas
• Amy C. Edmondson
• Robin J. Ely
• Alexandra C. Feldberg
• Amit Goldenberg
• Boris Groysberg
• Ranjay Gulati
• Linda A. Hill
• Nien-he Hsieh
• Jon M. Jachimowicz
• Summer R. Jackson
• Leslie K. John
• Jillian J. Jordan
• Rakesh Khurana
• Joshua D. Margolis
• Edward McFowland III
• Kathleen L. McGinn
• Tsedal Neeley
• Michael I. Norton
• Joseph Pacelli
• Leslie A. Perlow
• Jeffrey T. Polzer
• Ryan L. Raffaelli
• Lakshmi Ramarajan
• James W. Riley
• Clayton S. Rose
• Arthur I Segel
• Emily Truelove
• Michael L. Tushman
• Ashley V. Whillans
• Letian Zhang
• Julian J. Zlatev

Current Organizational Behavior Students

• Jennifer Abel
• Yajun Cao
• Hanne Collins
• Grace Cormier
• Megan Gorges
• Bushra Guenoun
• Elizabeth Johnson
• Caleb Kealoha
• Kai Krautter
• Justine Murray
• C. Ryann Noe
• Dominika Randle
• Elizabeth Sheprow
• Jaylon Sherrell
• Yoon Jae Shin
• Erin Shirtz
• Samantha N. Smith
• Tiffany Smith
• Channing Spencer
• Yuval Spiegler
• Emily Tedards
• Aurora Turek
• Julie Yen

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, nicole abi-esber, 2023, elliot stoller, 2023, ariella kristal, 2022, leroy gonsalves, 2020, alicia desantola, 2019, catarina fernandes, 2019, rachel arnett, 2018, evan defilippis, 2023, hayley blunden, 2022, lumumba seegars, 2021, karen huang, 2020, stefan dimitriadis, 2019, elizabeth hansen, 2019, erin frey, 2018, jeff steiner, 2023, ahmmad brown, 2022, yanhua bird, 2020, jeffrey lees, 2020, alexandra feldberg, 2019, martha jeong, 2019.

2023 Best Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs

If you’re interested in top roles helping today’s industry leaders use insights into human behavior for large-scale workforce management, you may consider getting a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology online.

Earning a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology means becoming immersed in theoretical frameworks and the latest research in the field. You may become an expert in the disicpline.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Your PhD may open doors to well-paid jobs, including exciting opportunities in executive leadership, consulting, or postsecondary teaching. Today there are many options for pursuing industrial organizational psychology doctoral programs online, making your dreams even more accessible.

Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs

Leaders in the field of industrial and organizational psychology use insights into what makes people tick for defining and advancing best practices in workforce human resources.

For industry leaders with large workforce teams to manage, industrial and organizational psychologists provide critical expertise into some of the most complex areas of labor policy.

Industrial human resources executives rely on research and survey data to discover or improve upon the best practices that will support effective hiring and promotion. They also utilize this information to improve team collaboration incentives and outcomes, reduce employee turnover, and accelerate the development of human and social capital.

With a doctorate in industrial organizational psychology, you may gain the skills needed to apply research methods in real workforce settings. This is similar to the case with a PhD in child psychology , forensic psychology, or adolescent psychology. You’ll also be trained in how to contribute your own research and how to find and keep pace with new research and emerging best practices.

With this developed expertise, you may qualify for opportunities in senior HR management and policy making roles or leading HR training and development design and implementation. You may also engage in research, advocacy, consulting, or university teaching roles.

Today’s automation-driven changes in workforce dynamics are accelerating workforce professional development needs and increasing the need for effective workforce collaboration. So, the role that organizational psychologists can play may be growing more urgent every day.

Industrial Organizational Psychology Careers & Salaries

With an online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, you may qualify for important management, consulting, and teaching roles. Getting an online Ph.D. may also open doors to roles in research and policy advocacy, including government careers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , leaders in IO psychology can qualify for a range of dynamic and well-paid jobs.

Experts in IO psychology may help senior executives develop or evaluate all aspects of HR policy, design, and implementation. Senior policymakers in HR management might be charged with applying scientific methods to improving hiring and placement practices.

They may also be tasked with increasing productivity and employee satisfaction and loyalty as well as designing cost-efficient, effective employee evaluation and retention programs.

With an advanced degree in industrial organizational psychology, you should find yourself equipped to follow a number of exciting and diverse career options. In some cases, positions may require additional licensing.

Doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology Curriculum

Advancing on what an online bachelors in industrial organizational psychology and an online masters in industrial organizational psychology will provide, online PhD organizational psychology programs help students develop expertise in research methods and analysis.

They offer courses in the psychological sciences designed for real-world workforce policy and management.

• Introduction to IO Psychology : This course is a survey of the principles underlying psychological investigation and theory, including competing theories of organizational behaviors and dynamics.
• Organizational Behavior : You’ll learn about the personal, interpersonal, cultural, and structural dynamics that influence behaviors in large organizations.
• Theories of Organizations and Organizational Development : You’ll learn how insights into organizational behavior support competing theories of organizational structures and development. You’ll also receive insights for designing effective workforce systems and policies.
• Leadership Competencies : You’ll learn about the relational, ethical, and cultural challenges leaders face in effectively managing, supporting, and developing human and social capital in large organizations and complex systems.
• Personality Theory and Research : You’ll develop your knowledge of personality dynamics from a range of perspectives: biological, cultural, psychological, and social-interpersonal.
• Team Theory and Team Development : This course is an exploration of the psychological and interpersonal dynamics that impact team development, including effective collaboration, knowledge sharing, goal setting, motivation, productivity, and achievement.
• Psychometric Testing Theory and Test Construction : You’ll study the principles of psychometric testing and test design, with attention to assumptions, reliability, and ethics.
• Recruiting, Development, and Retention Management : You’ll learn practical applications of IO psychology theory for core pillars of workforce policy and management as well as for design and implementation of effective hiring, development, promotion, and retention policies.
• Research Methods : You’ll learn a variety of psychological researching and surveying methods as well as ethical parameters for using them.
• Statistical Methods : You’ll learn advanced techniques for gathering, constructing, and evaluating complex data sets and for interpreting data from different kinds of survey constructs.

Courses will vary by program, but your online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology is a deep dive into fundamentals of psychological theory and testing. You’ll study how to best utilize these fundamentals in the design and assessment of policies and practices supporting effective human resource management.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions to an online PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program will often require that you’ve completed an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field. Some may also require work-related experience or completion of a masters degree.

In most cases, to apply for your online doctoral program in IO psychology, you will need:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree
• A satisfactory college GPA
• GRE or GMAT test scores, if required
• Letters of recommendation

Many online IO psychology PhD programs strive to make the application process as quick and convenient as possible. School admissions officers are both knowledgeable and helpful if you need assistance.

Accreditation

Doctoral programs need to deliver high-quality instruction in advanced practices, research, and methods.

Regional accreditation helps ensure you’re getting a good return on your investment in terms of faculty qualifications, online programs, and other academic resources that can support your learning and advanced research work.

Earning your doctorate from an accredited online program can help ensure that your achievements will be honored by other institutions and by prospective employers. Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can help you learn more about accreditation and identifying accredited schools.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you are committed to earning an advanced degree, like a PhD in IO Psychology, there are many financial aid options available to qualifying students to help you achieve your goals.

Common forms of need-based financial aid include student loan programs, grants, and scholarships. If you’re already working in your field, you may qualify for workforce incentives of employer-based tuition assistance.

Many organizations also offer merit-based scholarships that you may qualify for. If you’re anticipating need-based financial aid, you may start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

What Can You Do with a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology?

A Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology should qualify you for a range of high-level positions in a variety of professional roles and settings.

Careers you may be equipped to pursue include human resources manager or specialist, training and development specialist, senior psychologist or research psychologist, and postsecondary teacher.

Working in industrial and organizational psychology roles may also qualify you for opportunities in the business sector, in health care, in consulting, and in government.

Roles and areas of concentration you may want to consider include organizational policy and development, workforce training implementation, workplace testing and assessment, personnel management and evaluation, leadership development, and teamwork dynamics.

If you’re interested in research, teaching, and advocacy, you may find interesting job opportunities in higher education, consulting, and labor relations policy development.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology?

Getting an advanced degree requires coursework as well as time for researching and writing a dissertation or for doing a research-related practicum. So, an online doctoral degree will typically require about 3 to 5 years.

How long it takes to get a PhD can vary by school and program. Some online programs offer more accelerated study timelines. For example, if you follow an 8 week semester and stay continuously enrolled year-round, you may be able to finish in less time.

By the same token, online programs offer lots of flexibility. If you plan to keep working or need to balance school with other commitments, this kind of flexible study schedule is likely to increase the time it takes you to finish your online PhD.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Industrial vs. Organizational Psychology?

Industrial and organizational psychologists help develop policies, systems, and interventions related to human capital.

A PhD in Industrial Psychology focuses on establishing effective systems that can be applied at scale across large work forces. Such systems include:

• Recruitment
• Classification
• Compensation
• Performance Appraisal

Organizational psychology focuses on applying results-oriented workplace structures and practices.

The organizational psychologist helps business leaders incentivize positive employee growth, increase motivation, and activate shared and collaborative decision-making across all levels of the organization with designs that impact:

• Socialization
• Occupational Stress
• Group Performance
• Organizational Development

Depending on your interests and academic concentration, you may focus more on science-based human resource policy management, or you may have more interest in the personal, psycho-dynamic factors that influence workplace culture.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Organizational Development vs. Industrial Organizational Psychology?

With an online doctorate in industrial organizational psychology, you should find yourself well positioned to pursue jobs in organizational development. Leaders in organizational development are usually more focused on change-based initiatives and organizational transformation.

Experts in organizational development help organizations assess impediments to organizational innovation, adapt to environment changes, or achieve specific goals for improving key aspects of organizational culture or for carrying out organizational transformation.

Organizational development specialists or consultants may also serve as leadership coaches or leadership recruiters, helping organizations define and develop leadership competencies aligned with specific organizational change initiatives.

Is a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, life, physical, and social science jobs are set to grow at 5% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Common IO psychology careers in this field for those with advanced degrees include human resources manager, development and training specialist, organizational development specialist or consultant, and university professor.

Today’s business leaders are increasingly aware of the valuable role that human capital plays in organizational productivity and innovation.

With your online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, you should be equipped to help organizations implement or design evidence-based policies and practices to improve human resource efficiencies on a large scale.

With a concentration in organizational psychology or organizational development, you can help both successful and struggling organizations drive improvements to workplace culture, helping them confront new challenges or meet new goals.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Adler University’s social justice-driven PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program teaches students to analyze and understand scientific research and become socially responsible organizational experts.

Graduates often find work in nonprofit organizations, corporate enterprises, consulting firms, and the public sector, maximizing human potential and shaping the culture of these organizations.

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students enrolled in the PhD in Psychology program at Capella University can select the industrial and organizational psychology concentration in order to learn about consultation ethics, leadership theories, and practical methods for promoting positive workplace change.

Required courses include consultation psychology, psychology of leadership, program evaluation, and world analysis and selection.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program from Keiser University is a research-based, online program that helps students prepare for active leadership positions within various organizations.

Most of the core coursework can be completed online, but students will be required to take part in two on-campus residencies before graduation.

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University offers a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Strong emphasis is placed on learning about team processes, the structure of organizational development, small group theory, and the dynamics of leadership and management.

The program requires the completion of 20 courses and typically takes 4 years to complete.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a PhD in Business Psychology with an optional industrial and organizational psychology track. It’s only for full-time students, and it takes between 3 and 5 years to finish. Courses in the curriculum include systems theory, adult development and work, and virtual and global leadership.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Getting Your PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology Online

A PhD in IO Psychology may open doors to an exciting mix of jobs in senior HR management, organizational development or organizational leadership consulting, workforce recruitment and training, or postsecondary teaching.

Many of these positions combine academic research and the implementation of powerful policies and solutions to drive organizational productivity or transformation.

If you want to gain expertise in this intriguing area of critical leadership practice, then enrolling in an online industrial organizational psychology doctorate program could be a beneficial move. You can even start your PhD journey today by exploring accredited online degrees in psychology to find the one that best fits your study preferences and career goals.

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SCHOOL OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

• PhD in Psychology

Expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives with a PhD in Psychology from Capella. Build expertise that matches your interests to help you prepare for the next phase of your career.

Build professional skills that fit your career goals with a PhD in Psychology

Expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives with an online PhD in Psychology. Our four specializations provide tools you can use to advance as a leader or consultant in areas like psychology, mental health, education, business or public policy.

Doctor of Philosophy in 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.

Courses that help build essential skills for psychology professionals

As a PhD in Psychology student, you’ll begin with core courses that lay the foundation for your program and develop skills in key areas of the field. From there, you’ll move into coursework and residencies for your chosen specialization to grow your expertise and advance toward your dissertation.

An online PhD in Psychology degree program from an accredited university

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 .  

PhD in Psychology admission requirements

Applicants to the PhD in Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:

• 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 , Behavior Analysis , 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 .

PhD in Psychology program costs

The total cost of your PhD in Psychology program will depend on your specialization, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, academic performance and other factors. 

Find detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for PhD in Psychology specializations:  General Psychology ,  Behavior Analysis ,  Developmental Psychology ,  Educational Psychology ,  Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Choosing a PhD in Psychology specialization

Every doctoral journey is different. Your chosen specialization can help you leverage your unique passions and interests to advance your psychology expertise for the next phases of your career.*

• Learning outcomes
• Career exploration

General Psychology

• Think critically in response to psychological challenges
• Design, plan and conduct appropriate research in the field of psychology

Learn more »

Developmental Psychology

• Apply critical thinking skills in response to challenges in developmental psychology
• Design, plan and conduct research and/or evaluation to advance knowledge and practice in developmental psychology

Educational Psychology

• Design, plan and conduct research and evaluation to advance knowledge and practice in educational psychology
• Discern how humans learn, process and communicate information to create knowledge

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

• Evaluate and apply critical thinking in response to behavior in the workplace
• Synthesize theoretical and research findings from the discipline of I/O psychology
• This program can help you prepare to work in diverse settings, such as academia, social services and health care
• Explore roles such as full-time psychology faculty and program administrator
• Skills taught in this program can help you prepare for leadership in diverse areas, from higher education to advocacy
• Explore job titles such as developmental psychologist and program administrator
• This degree can help you prepare for opportunities in areas like higher education and corporate training
• Explore professional roles such as psychometrician, test administrator and curriculum manager
• Skills taught in this program can apply in corporate, health care, military and  industrial settings
• Explore job titles such as director of labor relations, and director of training and development 

*Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.

Reduce your tuition by $20,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.*

*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Why choose a PhD in Psychology from Capella University?

Relevant, real-world learning.

Your psychology coursework allows you to conduct research in consultation with Capella faculty.

Complementary coursework approach

Get direct, intensive experience with face-to-face residencies that enhance your online coursework and help you complete your program successfully.

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Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced doctoral faculty actively engaged in their professions.

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Top 9 Online PhD in organizational Psychology

Industrial organizational psychology is an area of psychology focused on human behavior in the workplace. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage for Industrial and organizational psychologists to be $105,310. I/O psychology is a lucrative career for professionals with the right training and experience. Earning an online PhD in industrial and organizational psychology gives students the knowledge and skills needed to understand problems based on the scientific understanding of human behavior in the workplace and then solve them.

Featured Schools

For current I/O psychology practitioners, earning an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology allows them to continue their education while holding their current jobs. Students don’t need to relocate or take time away from their obligations to attend class. Working students and those with family or professional obligations benefit from the flexibility that an online program can offer. Whether the PhD student decides to ultimately work within an organization, conduct research, or teach at the collegiate level, earning an organizational psychology PhD online can open doors to career advancement.

Methodology

To create our ranking of the top online PhD industrial organizational psychology programs, we used information gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator. We identified accredited colleges that offer doctoral degrees in industrial organizational psychology. We narrowed our focus to regionally accredited institutions offering the degree in either an online or hybrid format. Information regarding student to faculty ratios, and courses/specializations were noted, and colleges were ranked by average in-state graduate student tuition.

Ranking the Top 9 Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Average Graduate Tuition Rates

• Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
• $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
• $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
• $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
• Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 5 Points
• 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
• Greater than 20:1= 1 Point

#9 – Adler University – Chicago, Illinois

Online doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $40,530 Points: 4 Adler University offers a top affordable PhD in organizational psychology online that prepares students to be forward-thinking organizational experts. Required courses include:

• Advanced Organizational Development and Change
• Job and Task Analysis
• Advanced Human Factors

Students complete a unique 200-hour civic-minded internship that spans four courses. Applicants should have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in their master’s degree and submit a writing sample to be considered for the program. Graduates are successful in diverse fields such as:

• corporate enterprise

#8 – Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Industrial and organizational psychology, phd.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $29,632/year Points: 4 Keiser University offers a cost-effective online PhD in I/O psychology that follows a cohort model. Cohort students complete two residencies during the program, attending workshops and presentations and engaging with faculty face-to-face. Courses include:

• Personnel Psychology
• Interventions in Social Systems
• Organizational Applications

Graduates will be able to contribute to the field through scholarship, research, and independent learning.8

#7 – Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Doctor of philosophy in psychology-industrial/organizational psychology online.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 32:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $14,784/year Points: 5 The top affordable online PhD in organizational psychology from Capella University is a relevant, real-world program with online courses and face-to-face residencies. Students will learn the latest theories and best practices that will help them advance team performance within their organization.

Capella offers several ways to save on the cost of tuition. The Capella Progress Reward is a $20K scholarship students can apply for to offset expenses. Capella also offers discounts to specific employers and organizations. Graduates of this top PhD industrial organizational psychology online program can apply their skills to a variety of settings including:

• research organizations
• the military.

#6 – William James College – Newton, Massachusetts

Leadership psychology doctorate online.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $34,800 Points: 6 William James College features a high-value online leadership psychology doctorate degree with concentration areas in:

• educational leadership
• leading non-profits and NGOs
• neuroscience of leadership psychology

This 98-credit hour program can be completed in four to six years. Courses are conducted online except during residencies. Residencies are four-day intensives that allow students to work together on theory and practice in I/O psychology. Students will attend three residencies and complete a 600-clock hour practicum and a 300-hour internship.

#5 – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, Illinois

Online phd in business psychology-i/o psychology track.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $22,554/year Points: 7 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a high-quality online PhD in industrial/organizational psychology through their business psychology program. Students with their master’s degree can complete their degree in three years. Students with a bachelor’s can expect to finish in five years. Hands-on experience is key and students who enter the program post-baccalaureate will complete two internship experiences to develop professional skills. Course offerings include:

• Adult Development and Work
• Systems Theory
• Virtual and Global Leadership

The Chicago School is committed to keeping school affordable and has a variety of financial aid opportunities available.

#4 – Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona

Phd in psychology – industrial and organizational psychology – qualitative research.

• social and organizational principles to business and industry
• probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data and statistical testing

Courses are offered in eight-week sessions and students can access course content at any time. Students can complete two or three hands-on doctoral residencies to support their dissertations. Independent research opportunities are available to better understand how memory, reasoning, and motivation play a role in the workplace.

#3 – Northcentral University – San Diego, California

Industrial-organizational psychology specialization phd.

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 1:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,881/year Points: 8 Northcentral University offers a cost-effective PhD in industrial-organizational psychology that aligns with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) guidelines for education and training. Northcentral offers unmatched flexibility, allowing students to complete their degree around personal and professional obligations. There are no scheduled lecture hours and no group assignments. Courses include:

• Work Motivation and Attitudes
• Recruitment, Selection, and Training
• Organizational Development

Students interact one-on-one with their professors and receive personalized mentoring. This 60-credit hour program can be completed in about 48 months.

#2 – Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

Ph.d. in psychology – industrial/organizational.

Website Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,847/year Points: 8 Liberty University is a non-profit Christian university offering a high value online PhD in I/O psychology. Students gain research and professional skills to make a significant impact in their organization. Classes are completed online, and students can save money by transferring in up to 50% of the degree total. Courses include:

• Organizational Behavior and Development
• Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview

Various start times throughout the year allow students to begin the program when it is most convenient. An online I/O psychology PhD degree from Liberty is affordable. Unlike many other schools, Liberty has not raised tuition rates in six years.

#1 – Touro University Worldwide – Los Alamitos, California

Online doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,000/year Points: 10 Our top online PhD in organizational psychology is at Touro University Worldwide. Touro offers a 66-credit hour program that takes about three years to complete. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions and there are no on-campus residency requirements. Students will study organizational psychology, leadership psychology, and industrial psychology. Courses include:

• Applied Social Psychology
• Applied Media Psychology
• Applied I/O Psychology

Graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to design effective evidence-based solutions to touch challenges in the workplace.

Related Resources:

• 30 Great Scholarships, Grants & Awards for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• What are the Prerequisites for Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Top 10 Bachelor’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology 
• Top 25 Campus Based Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
• Top 15 Industrial/Organizational Certificate Programs

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Combine theoretical and methodological rigour with managerial relevance

Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful and productive scholar.

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Contribute to our research output - the cornerstone of our ability to have a positive impact on the world

• Train to become a scholar in the field and secure an academic job in a research-oriented university
• Pursue research on the behaviour of individuals, groups and organisations, with the goal of advancing theoretical understanding of these phenomena
• Develop content knowledge and learn to conduct original empirical research
• Tutor, teach and internalise the professional values and traditions of the field.
• Integrate psychological, sociological and economic perspectives on the study of organisations and their members
• Emphasise the interplay between theory development and empirical research. 
• Work closely with our outstanding OB faculty

ethics and morality

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team and group processes.

Interested in applying to London Business School for your PhD? Our students share their experience of what it's like, from consideration to congregation. 

A primer on the LBS OB PhD

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10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Grad School Programs

Find your perfect graduate degree.

Change in industries and businesses worldwide not only concerns practices, economics, and technology, but also workplace culture as well.

Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the field of industrial and organizational psychology. These developments have led to a deeper understanding and increased knowledge of the dynamics within organizations and businesses. 

As a result, organizations and businesses have been reshaped to better accommodate and consider the various layers of human behavior and interactions in the workplace. This has allowed for a greater understanding of the natural complexities that exist within organizations and how to effectively manage them.

Organizational Psychology is seen to be an area of growth in the field, projected at 12.5% , according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is thus an interesting field to enter for professionals and practitioners, amid the overall perception of the importance of a deepened understanding of human dynamics as one of the keys to organizational success. Entry typically requires a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program.

Additional Resources:

• Best Grad Schools with Online Doctorate in Assessment & Measurement
• Best Grad Schools with Online Doctorate in Coaching
• Best Grad Schools with Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
• Best Online Doctor of Organizational Leadership Degrees
• Best Online Doctor of Social Work Degrees

As Industrial and Organizational Psychology is a specialized application/sub-field of psychology, many universities typically assume their prospective students to already be actively working in the field, and design their programs with this in mind, i.e. in a convenient format that lets students work their coursework into their normal schedules with minimal disruption.

This list features doctorate degrees, specifically Ph.D. degrees, which expect students to generate original research in the form of a dissertation. 

Methodology

We selected these Industrial Organizational Psychology online doctorate programs based on these characteristics:

• Delivers their programs in a primarily online or hybrid format, in a manner that retains the overall structure and rigor of their on-campus program equivalents,
• Features a comprehensive curriculum that develops students’ skills in scientific research while covering both theoretical and practical aspects that are crucial in their future practice in the field,
• Feature residencies, internships, or other experiential opportunities that give students valuable hands-on experience,
• Taught by faculty who hold terminal degrees in Organizational Psychology, with extensive experience as expert scholar-practitioners in the field,
• Features competitive tuition rates, as well as a host of other options that let students manage their educational costs, like financial aid,
• Holds the proper institutional and/or programmatic accreditation credentials that serve as assurance of educational quality. 

For details, visit our Methodology .

Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Psychology Degree Programs

The University of Arizona

Online Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership

The University of Arizona, through its Global Campus and the Forbes School of Business & Technology, offers its affordable online Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Leadership, which is aimed at preparing students’ skills in assessing organizations, anticipating the impact of strategic initiatives, and applying theories and models of human and organizational behavior.

The 4-year, 62-credit hour program is designed to develop students’ strength in research, as well as their critical thinking. The program’s coursework includes applications in a variety of subjects including employee motivation, ethics, performance management, organizational change, executive coaching, and more. Students take one course at a time, and courses are at accelerated 6 to 9-week lengths.

Students are also required to complete 3 non-credit In-Residence workshops. As this is a Ph.D., the program concludes with students successfully completing and defending a dissertation in their chosen area of focus, carried out using either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research.

The University of Arizona also holds the Quality Matters Online Teaching Support certification, which ensures the quality of delivery of its online programs.

National University

PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

National University offers an online Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology, designed to prepare students to effectively apply psychological theories and principles to social and organizational contexts and critical issues in industry and business, work with various research methods, and be effective communicators.

The program is 100% online and consists of 20 courses for a total of 60 credit hours. The program spans a minimum of 4 years to complete. Aside from specialization courses, the program also covers tests & measurements, quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as scholarly writing. Specialization courses cover dynamics of leadership, employee motivation & engagement, structure and procedures of organizational development, and more.

The program concludes with a dissertation which students are expected to gradually complete before moving on to the final data gathering and completion phase. National University’s Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology is designed to align with the guidelines for education and training prescribed by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).

Liberty University

PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational

Liberty University offers an online Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, aimed at addressing the needs of solving a range of workplace problems and improving productivity. The program focuses on developing students’ professional and research skills in this regard, as they apply principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior in addressing workplace challenges.

The program contains a total of 60 credit hours and includes courses in test construction & validation, organizational behavior, organizational consulting & organizational change, personnel and performance management, as well as key theories and contemporary topics in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

The program concludes with the completion & defense of dissertation research, which takes up around 18 credits of the program’s total. Liberty is a Christian institution, and as such, adopts the unique practice of integrating Biblical principles into the understanding of human behavior.

Adler University

PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Adler University offers an online Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, a program designed to prepare students to harness scientific research in deepening our understanding of human motivation and maximizing human potential in the context of organizations. The program is aimed at bringing expertise in the fields of psychology, leadership, decision-making, research, and statistics to workplace needs.

The fully online program contains a total of 90 credit hours since it is designed as a post-bachelor’s degree program. Those who have a closely related MA or MS can also opt to transfer in up to 36 credit hours, letting them complete the program within 3 years. The program includes courses in key areas of Industrial/Organizational Psychology and advanced research. 

Students are required to complete 12 credit hours for their dissertation, on top of 24 credits worth of electives. A unique feature of this online doctorate program is the required 200-hour Social Justice Practicum, which serves to give students valuable real-world experience in a chosen civic-minded category and community outreach site. The program serves as good preparation for a number of fields and careers including consulting, academia, nonprofits, corporate enterprises, and the public sector.

Keiser University

PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Keiser University’s Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is designed to develop students’ skills in leveraging psychological principles, understanding of human behavior, and academic research methods to aid organizations and companies in achieving greater success.

The program emphasizes preparing students for independent research and scholarship, as well as hard skills related to maximizing teams’ motivation, performance, and mental health.

The program consists of 20 courses, adding up to a total of 60 credit hours. Courses are in 8-week long terms, with the program having a completion timeline of 3 to 4 years. The program adopts the scholar-practitioner model, which encourages the integration of research with real-world application and classroom experience.

The program is offered throughout Keiser University’s various campuses, as well as online. Students can enter the program through the traditional post-master’s entry point, as well as a Baccalaureate entry, which adds an additional 18 graduate-level credits.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

PhD in Business Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Track

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a Ph.D. in Business Psychology, with an Industrial and Organizational Track. The program is designed with a multidisciplinary approach and blends business and organizational psychology with the aim of addressing the needs of individuals, groups, and organizations.

Students can enter the program either through a post-bachelor’s or a post-master’s entry point. The post-bachelor’s entry point sees students working toward a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology for the first 2 years of their study.

Students entering through the post-baccalaureate option will have to complete two 300-credit hour internships (for those enrolled in the on-campus program) or an Applied Research Project (for those enrolled online) which is approved and supervised by faculty.

The program also requires students to compete in two short residency stints which last around three and a half days each, as well as completing a comprehensive exam. The comprehensive competency exam is completed during their second residency.

Students are expected to complete a dissertation in a specific area of business psychology, taking the form of empirical research using either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.  

Alliant International University

Alliant International University offers their Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology through their Los Angeles Campus or Online. The program, which follows a scholar-practitioner approach, is designed to develop students’ skills in conducting organizational diagnosis and intervention, helping organizational leaders make informed, evidence-based decisions, and generating new knowledge.

The program is structured to be a post-master’s degree program and contains a total of 66 credit hours. The program lasts 3 years and also has a part-time option. Students who have previous relevant doctoral courses can transfer in up to 25% of the program (16 credit hours). The online format includes asynchronous courses, with two yearly start dates (January or August).

The program also prepares students to take a consultation psychology approach in addressing the needs of individuals, teams, and organizations, and assessing and designing organizational interventions. Students who qualify can also avail of an internship option, with the program concluding with a dissertation.

Grand Canyon University

PhD in Psychology – Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Qualitative)

Grand Canyon University offers a Qualitative Ph.D. in General Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The program focuses on conducting qualitative research, designed to deepen the understanding of human behavior and dynamics.

The qualitative program requires students to create relevant data-gathering tools such as sampling plans, design, and field test their research tools, as well as collect and analyze data using a systematic approach. The program contains a total of 60 credit hours, with 8-week long courses.

The program also includes two or three hands-on doctoral residencies, with additional requirements for those who are planning to eventually pursue eventual licensure. The program’s curriculum covers the key areas of leadership psychology, social and organizational principles of business and industry, research methods (probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data), personnel and human resources management, and more.

Walden University

Walden University’s online PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is designed to prepare students with the skills crucial in exploring the relationships between human behavior and organizational success, as they become industrial and organizational psychologists who are first and foremost catalysts and agents for crucial organizational change.

The program’s coursework includes key theories and principles and scientific research methods, with the curriculum designed to align with the standards and guidelines set by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Students can choose among 6 specialization areas which include:

• Consulting Psychology,
• Evidence-Based Coaching,
• General Practice,
• Human Resource Management,
• International Business,
• or a Self-Designed specialization option.

The Evidence-based Coaching specialization also serves to prepare students to sit for the Board-Certified Coach Examination.

Students who have a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology can automatically waive 6 of the program’s courses, letting them finish sooner. The program also includes 4 academic residencies, placed at 4 strategic points throughout the program. These residencies are designed to let students ease into the program and prepare them to complete the key steps of their dissertation.

Capella University

PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Capella University offers a Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis on Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The program is designed to develop students’ skills in advancing team performance and creating and maximizing efficiency in organizations, through the application of theory and research, ethical principles and professional psychology standards.

Students are also prepared to evaluate, administer, and interpret workplace-appropriate psychological tests, and effectively communicate psychological concepts.   

The program is offered online, containing a total of 87 credit hours. This is divided into 7 core courses, 9 specialization courses, 3 doctoral project development seminars, and a comprehensive exam. Some of the program’s courses include:

• consultation psychology,
• work analysis and selection,
• psychology of motivation and performance,
• leadership psychology,
• as well as key principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

The program also includes a number of intensive in-person residencies that are designed to enhance the learning of online courses. 

Students can transfer in up to 25 transfer credits of previous courses. On top of various scholarships, employer discounts and military discounts that students can access, Capella University also features GuidedPath, their own approach to a structured learning format that features faculty guidance and the support of an active peer community. Being a Ph.D., the program also concludes with the completion of a dissertation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some typical admission requirements for doctorates in organizational psychology.

Like any master’s and doctorate level degree, applicants must pass a specific GPA threshold, typically a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Potential applicants may also be required to have professional letters of recommendation and/or proof of relevant work in the field, as part of their filtering.

Also, since most of these programs are designed as PhDs (which involve a huge amount of scholarly writing, research, and analysis, students are also typically expected to submit a writing sample. 

Does a Doctorate in Organizational Psychology specifically require students to have a Psychology-related master’s degree?

Some universities do require at least a nationally accredited master’s degree related to psychology, but in other cases, this can be more of an unwritten rule. While many programs do not specifically require students to have a background in psychology, these programs typically contain advanced-level coursework that requires students to have a good grasp of the fundamentals and key concepts of psychology, specifically in the field of organizational behavior, as well as strong research skills.

Most of the time, these needs may not be adequately covered by pre-requisite/foundational courses that may sometimes be required in other fields to get students coming from other fields up to speed, and they may end up struggling even more. Some universities, however, can be more considerate and may opt to assess individual students coming from outside the field for specific suitability to the doctoral degree.

How much time does a Doctorate in Organizational Psychology take to complete? How many credit hours are typically required?

These doctorate degrees vary in terms of their structure, but overall, they typically contain a total of 60 credit hours, including the required dissertation. Some degree programs also have accelerated formats that let students finish faster, but most of these industrial and organizational psychology doctorate programs take a minimum of 3 years to complete on full-time enrollment.

These are only minimum years, however, and it’s best to talk directly to particular universities regarding their maximum limits to complete the program, which is inevitably the more important figure to be mindful of for most students.

Does the typical online doctoral program in organizational psychology still have on-campus/residency requirements?

Generally, yes. The bulk of coursework in these industrial organizational psychology programs is delivered online, but they also typically have a set number of residency requirements that students are required to complete. These are scheduled in advance, however, and have regular lengths, so students can plan well ahead for their travel to campus.

Key Takeaways

• Industrial and Organizational Psychology is a specialized application of the field of psychology. Industrial and Organizational Psychologists’ work focuses on human behavior and dynamics and organizational culture as they pertain to workplace, business, organizational, or industry contexts and settings.
• Most doctorate degrees in Industrial and Organizational Psychology are designed as Ph.D. degrees, which place emphasis on research methods & skills and expect students to generate new and original knowledge and demonstrate virtual and global leadership in this field.
• As the doctorate programs featured in this list are all PhDs, students are expected to generate original research i.e. dissertations as part of their final requirements, as opposed to applied projects that are typical in professional doctorate programs.

The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Staff Writers

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated October 23, 2023

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A Ph.D in psychology prepares graduates for careers as licensed psychologists, research psychologists, and psychology professors. Doctoral students examine human behavior, social interactions, and mental health treatments. The degree also incorporates practical training through a supervised internship or practicum, helping students develop the skills needed for careers in psychology.

With a psychology degree , graduates can work many different psychology jobs . For example, psychologists earn a median annual salary of over $85,330, and a doctorate meets the requirements for most careers in this field.

Our list includes the top psychology programs offering some online coursework. It is important to note that while several doctorate in psychology programs offer online courses, there are no fully online psychology doctoral programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Thus, rather than ranking schools, we list these programs alphabetically to help prospective applicants find the program that best matches their needs.

This article also explores the differences between Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees, common courses and specialization options, and careers for graduates who earn doctorates in psychology.

Featured Online Schools

The best doctoral psychology programs available online.

These rankings include TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

#1 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

California Southern University

• Costa Mesa, CA

The doctor of psychology program at California Southern University offers an online option for doctoral students. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.

The 66-credit doctoral program incorporates advanced psychology coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. With a doctorate in psychology, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students pay for the program with federal financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships. Contact the psychology program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.

California Southern University at a Glance:

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

#2 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Fielding Graduate University

• Santa Barbara, CA
• Online + Campus

Doctoral students seeking an online psychology program benefit from the Ph.D. in clinical psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.

The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in psychology. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. Graduates with a doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.

Online doctoral students can pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.

Fielding Graduate University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 944

Online Master's Programs: 2

Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,292

#3 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Southern California Seminary

• El Cajon, CA

The doctor of psychology program at Southern California Seminary offers an online option for doctoral students. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.

In the online psychology program, graduate learners complete advanced classes. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. A doctorate in psychology prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.

Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.

Southern California Seminary at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 130

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,588

#4 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• Chicago, IL

The online Ph.D. in international psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology ranks among the best in the field. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.

During the online program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. The psychology program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. With a doctorate in psychology, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at a Glance:

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 4-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $20,610

#5 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Touro University Worldwide

• Los Alamitos, CA

The doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology program at Touro University Worldwide offers an online option for doctoral students. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.

The online program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. As the terminal degree in psychology, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.

At the accredited institution, online doctoral students qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

Touro University Worldwide at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,903

Online Master's Programs: 8

Online Doctoral Programs: 1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,000

Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs Ranking Guidelines

We selected these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

What Is an Online Ph.D. in Psychology?

Doctoral degrees in psychology cannot be conducted completely online. However, some programs do make some coursework available to learners online, helping them complete their graduate studies from anywhere.

The typical curricula for a Ph.D. in psychology emphasizes research and prepares graduates for academic and research roles. Doctoral students take courses in research design and methods, psychology statistics, and cognitive development. Ph.D. programs also offer specialized coursework in neuroscience and affective science.

A Ph.D. in psychology builds strong research and analytical skills. In addition to coursework, each doctoral student must pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research within their specialization. The degree culminates in an original doctoral dissertation that contributes to the field of psychology. After graduation, professionals with Ph.D. degrees in psychology typically work as psychology professors or researchers.

Earning a Ph.D in psychology typically takes 5-7 years, depending on the program and whether the doctoral student completes an internship. Applicants generally need a master's degree in psychology and a strong GPA to gain admission. Some Ph.D. programs in psychology offer fellowships and other forms of funding for doctoral students.

What Is an Online Psy.D. in Psychology?

As with the online Ph.D. in psychology, an online Psy.D. in psychology refers to a doctorate in psychology program where some but not all coursework is offered online. A Psy.D. degree trains graduates for clinical roles and licensure as psychologists. Common courses include psychology research methods, psychopharmacology, and psychological testing. Doctoral students also examine research in evidence-based practice. Online Psy.D. programs also incorporate supervised internships to strengthen clinical skills.

Within a Psy.D. program, graduate students focus on specialty areas such as counseling psychology, child psychology , or behavioral psychology. After completing coursework requirements and passing a comprehensive examination, doctoral candidates conduct clinical research in their specialization areas. Degree-seekers analyze clinical problems or examine topics based on original research, then write research-based dissertations.

Earning a Psy.D. typically takes 4-6 years for full-time students. Some programs offer accelerated or part-time enrollment options. Applicant often need a master's in psychology to gain admission to a Psy.D. program.

What's the Difference Between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Psychology?

At the doctoral level, psychology offers Psy.D. and Ph.D. degrees. The two pathways offer different coursework and prepare graduates for different careers.

A Psy.D. emphasizes clinical training for careers in psychology, while a Ph.D. focuses on research and academic training. Licensed psychologists who work directly with patients often hold Psy.D. degrees, while psychology professors typically have Ph.D. degrees. In addition, a Ph.D. typically takes more time than a Psy.D.; while a Psy.D. can take as little as four years, a Ph.D. often requires 5-7 years.

When comparing Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs, prospective psychologists should consider their professional goals. Those seeking research or academic positions may prefer a Ph.D., while those considering careers as licensed psychologists should pursue Psy.D. degrees.

Choosing an Online Doctoral Psychology Program

When choosing a partially online doctoral program, prospective students must weigh several factors. For many, program cost, specialization options, and program length rank among the most important concerns.

Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees prepare psychologists for different career paths, so applicants should also consider which degree aligns best with their goals. Candidates should also consider enrollment options, course delivery methods, internship options, and tuition discounts when evaluating partially online doctorates in psychology.

By examining these factors, future psychologists can ensure that they find the best fit for their unique needs and career aspirations.

Accreditation for Online Psychology Degree Programs

Prospective applicants should always research program and university accreditation when choosing a partially online doctorate in psychology. Accredited programs follow best practices for educating psychologists, and only graduates of APA-accredited programs qualify for licensure as psychologists. Applicants should also research other state licensure requirements before choosing a program.

What Else Can I Expect From a Doctoral Psychology Program?

Doctoral-level psychology students take courses in areas like counseling psychology, evidence-based practice, human development, and psychopharmacology. These courses build advanced knowledge and skills in psychology. Doctoral students often further specialize their training by choosing concentrations like clinical psych, school psychology, or developmental psychology.

After completing coursework requirements, doctoral candidates must pass examinations and meet any internship requirements. Most programs also require a research-based doctoral dissertation in the candidate's specialization.

Common Courses for an Online Doctorate in Psychology

• Child and Adolescent Therapy: In this class, psychology students strengthen their counseling and treatment skills for children and adolescents. The coursework emphasizes clinical practice and diagnostic approaches for professionals in clinical, child, counseling, and school psychology.
• Clinical Supervision and Consultation: Students practice their supervision skills and learn how to oversee less experienced workers in the field. The course also trains psychology graduates for consultation and mediation roles.
• Community Psychology and Social Justice: The course examines psychology during times of social change. Learners explore social justice in a mental health context and its impact on society more broadly.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Doctoral students examine current research in psychology to identify applications in clinical practice. The course covers topics like evaluating evidence and applying practical research.
• Intellectual and Personality Testing: Psychology students learn to administer and interpret personality assessments. The course covers the theoretical foundations of personality testing and how to perform clinical diagnoses based on those tests.
• Psychopharmacology: In this course, doctoral students learn about the human body and its interactions with drugs. The course emphasizes mental health needs, pharmacological approaches to treating mental health issues, and drug abuse and addiction.

Psychology Specializations

• Collapse All

Clinical Psychology

A clinical psychology specialty emphasizes mental healthcare and research-based practice. Within clinical psychology, doctoral students specialize in demographics, like child psychology and geriatric mental health. The specialty trains learners to apply psychology research in diverse clinical settings.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology examines human growth and development across the lifespan. Doctoral students in this specialty conduct research on childhood development, social and emotional development, and information processing. The specialty prepares graduates for careers in research and academia.

School Psychology

A school psychology specialty emphasizes mental health in young learners. Doctoral students explore learning and behavior, including challenges to academic and social development. These psychologists work with children, families, and schools to help students thrive in education.

Social Psychology

Social psychology examines individual behavior in social settings. This specialty focuses on human interactions and their impact on people's beliefs and feelings. Social psychologists can apply their skills in several settings, including workplaces.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Doctorate in Psychology Program?

No psychology doctorate program is fully online, but earning a partially online doctorate in psychology takes around five years, depending on the program. Many Ph.D. programs require at least five years to complete coursework, research, and a dissertation, and some also require an internship. A Psy.D. program typically takes 4-6 years, including internship requirements.

Some programs offer accelerated or part-time options, which can change degree timelines. Enrollees may also complete coursework faster through a self-paced, asynchronous model, though only online courses are offered asynchronously. Because the length varies, prospective doctoral students should be sure to research prospective programs' requirements and enrollment options before applying.

Psychology Jobs

With a doctorate in psychology, graduates can pursue careers as psychologists and psychology professors. In these career paths, psychologists can conduct research, educate students, and provide clinical services. A psychology doctorate also prepares graduates for supervisory roles, such as healthcare executive.

Other psychology careers include school or educational psychologist, industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologist, and clinical social worker. This section explores common psychology jobs, including the earning potential, licensure requirements, and projected job growth for each career.

Postsecondary Psychology Teachers

Postsecondary psychology teachers, also known as psychology professors, teach at the college level. They educate undergraduate and graduate students on different topics in psychology, including research, behavioral psychology, and human development. In addition to developing syllabi, psychology professors create assignments and exams to assess student learning. These professors also conduct research and publish their work.

A tenure-track psychology professor typically needs a Ph.D., though some colleges hire candidates with Psy.D. degrees to teach clinical psychology or for adjunct positions. Psychology professors may need special licensure, depending on their research and teaching areas.

Median Annual Salary

Projected Growth Rate

Psychologists

Psychologists research behavior and the decision-making process. In specializations like clinical or counseling psychology, they work with individuals and groups managing emotional or behavioral problems. Psychologists also conduct research into human development, identify organizational dynamics, and test neurological responses, often publishing their research.

Most psychologist jobs require a doctorate, though a school psychologist or I/O psychologist may hold only a master's degree. A Psy.D. prepares psychologists for clinical roles and professional licensure. A licensed psychologist typically needs a doctorate, passing scores on a national exam, and supervised professional experience. Psychologists can also pursue specialty certification.

Medical and Health Services Managers

Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare executives, coordinate services in hospitals, medical practices, and other healthcare organizations. They set policy for their units, analyze data on quality, and implement plans to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Healthcare executives also ensure their organizations follow laws and regulations.

With psychology training, healthcare executives can work for community health and behavioral health facilities, including inpatient treatment centers. They also need administrative training in management and budgeting, and medical and health services managers often hold graduate degrees. The career path does not require a professional license.

Psychology Professional Organizations

Professional organizations help doctoral students expand their professional networks and prepare to transition into clinical practice, research roles, or other psychology careers. These organizations offer career resources, scholarships, and professional development support for doctoral candidates. They may also offer discounted student memberships.

APA represents over 122,000 researchers, clinicians, educators, and students in psychology. The association promotes psychology as a discipline, accredits psychology programs, and offers career resources for students. Members can visit the psychology help center for clinical support or read APA publications to stay current with the field. The association also awards scholarships and fellowships.

Since its founding in 1941, ICP has connected psychologists around the world. Members benefit from annual conferences and newsletters, mentorship opportunities, and professional development resources, such as webinars. This organization also offers travel and recognition awards for members.

AASP dates back to 1985 and represents sports and performance psychology professionals. Members work with athletes, business professionals, and military personnel to improve their physical and mental performance. The association offers professional certifications, hosts an annual conference with networking opportunities, and provides webinars and publications to help practitioners stay current in the field. AASP also offers grants and a student center.

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Psychology Degree

Doctoral programs typically cost tens of thousands in tuition and fees, even when courses are offered partially online. Fortunately, doctoral students qualify for many forms of financial aid to pay for their degrees.

To start, students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which qualifies filers for federal student loans and work-study programs. In addition to federal loans, students can also use private loans to cover costs. Many states also support degree-seekers with grants or scholarships.

Institutional support helps many graduate students earn psychology degrees. Universities often award fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to help recruit and retain students. Some doctoral fellowships include tuition waivers and stipends. To learn about the options at your school, check with the student assistance or finance office.

Finally, psychology degree-seekers qualify for scholarships offered by professional associations, private foundations, and private donors. For example, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology offers both scholarships and fellowships. The APA also offers scholarships and fellowships for psychology doctoral students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become a psychologist with an online degree.

Yes, though there are no accredited psychology doctorates that are available fully online. Instead, programs offer a mix of online and in-person coursework. Psychologists who earn APA-accredited degrees partially online qualify for a professional license in most states. Some career paths, including academia and research, may not require a license.

Are Online Psy.D. Programs APA Accredited?

The APA does not currently accredit any fully online Psy.D. programs. However, the APA does accredit hybrid programs. Always check local state requirements for psychologist licensure before enrolling in a psychology doctoral program to ensure that it meets specifications.

Can You Earn a Doctorate in Psychology Completely Online?

No. As of 2021, the APA — the only agency authorized to accredit psychology doctoral programs — does not accredit any fully online programs.

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Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs

Psychology.org Staff

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated August 1, 2023

Psychology.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

An online Ph.D. in psychology program focuses on studying emotional, cognitive and social functions, and human behavior. Psychologists interpret, observe, and record how people interact in various settings.

Fully online psychology Ph.D. programs target students with career interests in research, academia, and non-clinical fields. The job outlook remains strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a job growth rate of 6% from 2021 through 2031.

The BLS also reports that psychologists earned a median pay of $81,040, or $38.96 per hour, in 2021.

What to Look For in an Online Psychology Ph.D. Program

When considering online Ph.D. in psychology programs, consider the following.

• Accreditation: Ensure the school holds accreditation and that the accreditation status remains current.
• Program Cost: Consider whether distance learners must pay in-state or out-of-state tuition.
• Class Size: Does the staff-to-student ratio allow for individualized attention?
• Admission Requirements : Find out if test scores are required and whether your undergraduate degree or GPA meets the admission standards. Applicants may need to provide a background check, essays, or personal/professional references, as well as an interview with admissions or faculty members.
• Financial Aid Options : Consider federal financial aid, doctoral grants and fellowships, and scholarships offered by the school.

Online Psychology Ph.D. Accreditation

The American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System accredits doctoral graduate degrees and postdoctoral psychology programs. Accrediting bodies evaluate curricula, course materials, and faculty qualifications.

Accreditation is important for many reasons, including:

• Accredited programs provide quality education.
• In accredited institutions, graduates gain the skills and knowledge to practice psychology at the doctorate level.
• Some institutions do not accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools.
• Students attending an accredited school can receive financial aid, including federal loans.

Our list of Ph.D. psychology programs includes only accredited institutions. Keep in mind that the American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit fully online Ph.D. programs. Depending on state law, professionals may need to attend an APA-accredited program to become a clinically licensed psychologist.

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

Hybrid and Online Options

The curriculum structures of an online Ph.D. program vary by institution. Ph.D. psychology classes take place on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. A hybrid program combines online classes with on-campus requirements. A fully online course includes no on-campus coursework requirements, but learners must complete clinical practicums in person.

Some institutions define a program requiring over three campus visits per year as being hybrid, while those that require three or fewer campus visits are considered online programs. On-campus requirements often occur on the weekends to accommodate working students.

Practical Experience Requirements

Practicums and internships are required components of Ph.D. psychology programs. Students gain experience working in a clinical setting with actual clients. Practicums allow students to perform assessments and psychological testing, engage in treatment planning, and provide therapy under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Internships give students clinical experience with less direct supervision.

The practicum requirement for Ph.D. programs is three 600-hour practicums. Each school has its own clinical rotation schedule. For example, students may be required to complete 20-26 hours per week.

The educational institution usually pre-arranges practicums. Many universities have onsite clinical training facilities at outpatient clinics or inpatient facilities.

Online Ph.D. Programs

• Collapse All

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the private Keiser University offers an online Ph.D. in psychology . featuring a 60-credit curriculum with two residencies. Some of the foundation courses include research, ethics, and scholarly writing; cognitive and affective basis of behavior; and behavioral neuroscience. As part of the culminating work toward the end of the program, students enroll in 12 credits of dissertation coursework.

Other topics students explore in the eight-week courses involve curriculum design as well as the theory of learning and motivation, sociocultural behaviors, cross-cultural measurements, and educational psychology. The program allows for two pathways for students so that they may enter either with a master's degree or a baccalaureate degree.

Keiser requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and encourages submitting GRE or MAT scores for future applicants.

Keiser University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty, a private Christian university based in Lynchburg, Virginia, features an online Ph.D. in psychology among its many curriculum offerings. Courses in the 60-credit curriculum focus on interpreting psychology and human behavior concepts with a Biblical perspective. Courses include general psychology, clinical techniques, behavioral theory, and culminating dissertation courses.

Liberty requires a 3.0 GPA and 12 credits of psychology courses from undergraduate work for applicants, as well as letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose outlining an applicant's goals. Transfer students may apply up to 50% of their previous coursework to the program. Additionally, a 50% military discount on tuition is offered, along with other financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Potential careers for graduates of Liberty's Ph.D. program in psychology include roles as a professor, corporate psychologist, researcher, project manager, or program/department head.

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

East Lansing, MI

Located in East Lansing, MSU enrolls more than 45,000 students annually. Known for flexibility and affordability, one program MSU offers is a hybrid doctoral program in counseling, educational psychology, and special education . The specialized coursework situates graduates for success in psychology fields within academia. Many graduates pursue careers in K-12 school systems, virtual education organizations, community colleges, higher education, and academic nonprofits.

Annual tuition runs around $14,000 for Michigan residents and $27,000 for out-of-state students. Students generally study in the program for about five years prior to graduating, depending on whether they are full- or part-time.

Potential future applicants must submit GRE scores, a writing sample, and a statement of professional and scholarly goals. MSU recommends candidates for the Ph.D. in counseling, educational psychology, and special education hold at least some prior teaching experience.

Michigan State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Norfolk, VA

Norfolk State University, based in Norfolk, Virginia, offers a Ph.D. in clinical psychology . Designed for students pursuing academic careers within the field of psychology, the degree offers a balanced view of clinical psychology. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model and graduates must pass a comprehensive exam as well as write a dissertation prior to receiving their doctoral degree. Full-time students may complete the degree within five years, including a one year internship.

Students at NSU take part in the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, which awards the Ph.D. This consortium provides balanced training in science as well as practice and follows a model which produces graduates who are ethical psychologists, knowledgeable about diversity, experienced in empirical research, and prepared for leadership roles in healthcare settings or academic service.

Norfolk State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Virginia Beach, VA

Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University offers a 100% online curriculum for its Ph.D. in counseling and psychological studies degree . The 51-credit program includes a common core in research, statistics, psychometrics, and Christian leadership.

Career opportunities for Regent's Ph.D. program include university faculty and leadership, research writer, mental health services executive, guidance director, and nonprofit administration roles. A variety of concentration areas allow students to focus on the topics and interests most relevant to their career path. Some areas of focus involve courses such as addictions and biblical counseling, human services for student affairs, marriage and family ministry, or trauma and crisis counseling.

Ph.D. applicants must hold a master's degree in mental health or a closely related field, a minimum 3.5 GPA, and one year of experience working in the field of mental health or psychology.

Pasadena, CA

Saybrook, a private university based in Pasadena, California, offers a hybrid Ph.D. in psychology program . While students must typically hold an undergraduate degree in social work, counseling, or psychology, 12 credits of psychology coursework may waive this undergraduate degree requirement. The curriculum emphasizes scholarship based in the traditions of existential, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology.

Students generally complete the program in five to six years with up to 83 credits, and graduate with an area of specialization within psychology. Specialization areas include one of four topics: consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health; psychophysiology; transpersonal psychology; or creativity studies. Tuition is $1,200 per credit and courses are synchronous with occasional on-campus residencies.

Saybrook University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Chicago, IL

The Chicago School, centrally located in downtown Chicago, Illinois, offers several online Ph.D. in psychology degrees with a wide array of specializations to more than 4,000 students annually.

Prospective doctoral students choose from one of many options: an Ed.D. in educational psychology and technology, a Ph.D. in business psychology, a Ph.D. in organizational leadership, or a Ph.D. in international psychology. Some additional choices include the online Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis, which may be completed with or without the credential component, and concentrations in trauma services or organizations & systems. Students also may explore the Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision program.

The Chicago School is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a psy.d. and a ph.d. in psychology.

The difference between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. is the course content and the program length. A Ph.D. program takes 5-8 years to complete. Due to the extensive research emphasis, it usually takes 4-6 years to complete a Psy.D. program. A Psy.D. degree prepares students for a career in clinical psychology, whereas a Ph.D. focuses on the research aspect of psychology.

How long does it take to complete an online Ph.D. in psychology?

After completing a master's in psychology, it usually takes 5-8 years to complete a Ph.D. in psychology.

What can I do with an online Ph.D. in psychology?

Because fully online Ph.D. in psychology programs do not receive full accreditation, graduates are limited to non-clinical roles. Many Ph.D. in psychology graduates of accredited programs pursue careers in research psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, forensic psychology, or neuropsychology.

How much can I make after completing an online Ph.D. in psychology?

According to a 2021 report published by the BLS , the median annual salary for psychologists is $81,040, or $38.96 per hour. Your earning potential after completing an online Ph.D. in psychology will vary based on employer, industry, geographic location, and experience.

Latest Posts

Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)

Are you looking for a career boost and want a doctoral degree as quickly as possible? We rank the fastest online PhD doctoral programs in psychology.

Key Takeaways

• The average time to earn a PhD in psychology through online doctoral programs is six to ten years.
• Accelerated online doctoral degree programs in psychology can take as little as two to four years!
• While accelerated online doctoral degree programs take less time to finish than traditional ones, they do require students to carry a heavier workload.

Featured Programs

Why are accelerated online doctoral programs in psychology a good option.

For most working professionals, especially those who want opportunities for a tenure track in academia, PhD doctoral programs are the ultimate goal. However, traditional and most online programs take a long time to complete.

Unfortunately, many students don’t have the time or financial resources to enroll in traditional doctorate degree programs.

According to U.S. News & World Report data, the average time for completing a PhD is six to ten years. The curriculum in a traditional psychology PhD doctoral programs involves up to 100 credits of advanced seminars, dissertation work, and research assistantships.

According to a report, the rate of students actually completing all coursework for their PhD doctoral programs in ten years is only 56.6%.

Bottom Line: A traditional doctorate degree program in psychology is a huge time and financial commitment to complete. On the other hand, an online doctoral degree in psychology can be completed in less time and potentially for a lower total investment.

PsyD Doctorate Degree vs. PhD Doctoral Program in Psychology

The most significant distinction between a PhD doctoral program in psychology and a Doctor of Psychology is the focus. Psychology PhDs focus on the theoretical and abstract aspects of psychology. On the other hand, PsyD programs typically concentrate on the application of information.

An online doctorate degree and PhD online programs degree frequently serve the same purposes and should be given roughly equal weight.

Whether choosing a PhD or PsyD, advanced coursework, research projects, and the dissertation are the main components of accelerated online doctorate programs in psychology.

An online PhD doctorate degree typically leads to a career in academia or research, while the PsyD doctorate degree leads to a career boost in the field of psychology or counseling.

What do we mean by fastest accelerated doctorate and PhD programs in psychology?

Psychology doctorate degrees, especially PhDs, can take up to ten years to complete. Students who enroll in traditional coursework and follow the suggested course sequencing graduate within four to six years.

Accelerated online doctorate degree programs in psychology provide a quicker route to a degree for individuals who want to finish their studies sooner. These programs typically take from two to four years to complete.

Consider the Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Accelerated Online Doctorates and PhD Programs

Many colleges offer accelerated PhD programs that guarantee faster degree completion. Prospective students with other important obligations may consider an accelerated degree program as they start selecting the best curriculum.

But just because accelerated online programs have a significant advantage, they still come with a cost.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of fast, accelerated online doctorate degree programs in psychology before enrolling in one.

What is the workload in an accelerated doctoral degree program in psychology?

The shortest doctoral program online in psychology typically attracts non-traditional students who have other obligations. These prospective students either have family and work commitments or want a faster way to get that career boost.

For these students, attending six to ten years of graduate school is just not realistic.

While the prospect of obtaining a degree more quickly can be quite alluring, if the student is unprepared for the time commitment, the fast pace can become too much and result in failing and/or dropping out.

In accelerated doctorate degree programs, students must finish the coursework in a condensed amount of time. This means that students will take on a much heavier workload compared to obtaining a doctorate degree through a traditional program.

So, instead of enrolling in the usual 2 courses per term, students usually enroll in at least 3 courses per term. Or the length of a term may be condensed.

According to the Carnegie Unit Report , a traditional 14-week course equates to at least 3 hours of weekly student involvement and 6 hours for a 7-week course, essentially doubling the workload.

The Journal of Continuing Higher Education published the result of their qualitative study of accelerated degree programs. Some faculty and critics of the study found that these programs hinder the information transfer process and prevent the content from moving to the student’s long-term memory.

In contrast, one professor in the same qualitative study stated that the increased pace of the accelerated classes raised attendance rates. Additionally, the fast-paced courses helped the students stay on task and prepare for class.

Many colleges that provide graduate degrees online have switched to competency-based course completion models. The capacity of a student to complete a course is independent of when they started.

Students must instead demonstrate proficiency in key knowledge and/or skill areas. They can now advance at their own pace as a result. Through quick mastery and progression, highly driven students can breeze through classes and save critical time.

Even better, because you spend less time in school, accelerated degree programs frequently incur lower costs. Many students also choose online programs because they save money by forgoing some expenses and fees related to on-campus study.

Learning Methods in Accelerated Online Psychology PhD Programs

Synchronous learning occurs when all of the students in a class are actively engaged in the learning process at the same time while listening to a lecture.

Asynchronous learning is learning on a student’s own time. They listen to pre-recorded lectures or complete guided projects or independent research.

Professors can choose synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid learning environments. In many accelerated online doctorate degree programs, professors choose synchronous learning most often because of the rigid schedule.

A live lecture, live chat room, conference call, video conference, or Google Hangout are all used for synchronous learning.

Benefits of synchronous learning include:

• Students can ask questions to their professors in real-time.
• Students develop a better sense of community and connection with peers and advisors.
• Students feel more engaged.
• Students develop enhanced collaboration skills.

Students can access recorded lectures, PowerPoint presentations, or reading assignments for asynchronous study at their convenience.

Benefits of asynchronous learning include:

• Students can move forward with their education whenever, in whatever order, and at whatever speed they choose.
• There is more time for students to consider what they have learned.
• Shy or introverted students will feel more comfortable and feel less pressure talking with their professors or peers.
• Students can participate in the same activities regardless of their location or time zone.

For students enrolled in remote education, the most significant disadvantage of synchronous learning is the need to be online at a specific time. This indicates that students are not free to access content whenever they wish. This can be a challenge for college students who have full-time jobs and other commitments like family.

Bottom Line: While synchronous learning is more engaging, asynchronous learning helps students engage with the material more deeply.

Why Choose an Accelerated Online Doctoral Degree in Psychology

Accelerated online doctorate degree programs could appeal to people who wish to enter the workforce sooner rather than later. Most prospective students are already employed and want to change or develop careers.

Some students may want to finish a degree program they started in the past or pursue an advanced degree. Some people consider an accelerated degree a quick method to switch careers.

Those who want to complete their education relatively quickly should be certain of their major and long-term objectives. Students pursuing an accelerated online doctoral degree boost their chances of success if they have a strong work ethic and the ability to encourage themselves, regardless of their educational background or experience.

Getting Started with an Accelerated Online Doctoral Degree in Psychology

Pursuing an accelerated PhD in psychology doctoral degree program is one of the hardest decisions in your life. Choosing the wrong program or university can cost you a fortune. So, it’s very important to do your research first.

Many universities claim that their accelerated online programs offer a comprehensive curriculum. This can only be proven through accreditation. The US Department of Education-approved accrediting agencies grant accreditation to the top colleges.

The following accrediting agencies grant regional accreditation in the United States:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Key Point: A college or university must be accredited in order to be eligible to offer financial aid to their students, even those in an online program. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information on applying for financial aid.

When considering online PhD programs, you can also see if the college or university is good by checking the following:

• University’s name, history, and reputation
• Student services and resources
• Faculty credentials
• Alumni network

If you have researched psychology online doctorate programs and have several on your wishlist, here are a few factors to include when comparing which university best suit your needs:

• Admission requirements
• Learning format
• Online courses available
• Specializations
• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Tuition and financial aid
• Residency, internship, or practical requirements
• Transfer credits

The Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorate Degrees

Alliant international university.

Tuition + fees

Student body

Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Alliant International University

Alliant International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Criminal Justice
• Social Work
• Computer Science

Most Influential Alumni

• Barry Black
• Maulana Karenga
• John Barrowman
• Yvonne Sanchez

Alliant International University offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs that help students obtain the skills and knowledge necessary for their fields. Alliant is mainly known for its graduate and online degree programs. Additionally, Alliant emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, practicals, consulting, and community service initiatives to help students receive the professional practice they need.

One of Alliant’s vastly known online doctoral programs is the accelerated Doctor of Psychology in Educational Psychology. Having only two years of average completion time, this PsyD is one, if not the shortest doctoral program online. This program has an 8-week calendar with 11 terms and 4 phases. The second year offers the PsyD project’s Final Phase, and students are expected to complete it by the end of their second year.

Only those with a master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field will be eligible for this fast and accelerated online PsyD program. Additionally, applicants with a license or certification in school psychology can obtain the School Psychology Track.

• Required Credits: 50
• Completion time: 2 years
• Format: Online

What we love about Alliant International University

Alliant’s recognition as one of the country’s most military-friendly universities and being a top provider of graduate degrees for minorities for the past six years.

Alliant International University is great for students who:

Want diversity but still be able to attend small-sized classes.

Alliant International University might not be the best fit for students who:

Wish to have plenty of time for Greek life.

University of Arizona Global Campus

Career outlook for psychology degree at university of arizona global campus.

University of Arizona Global Campus’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Anthropology
• Communications
• Engineering

The University of Arizona’s Global Campus is among the biggest and most progressive online campuses in the United States. UAGC has expanded into a national online organization dedicated to assisting adult learners in achieving their personal and professional goals from a small, traditional college. UAGC is mainly known for its accelerated 5- to 6-week courses, which fit students who want to earn their degrees faster but with the same curriculum and rigor.

UAGC’s Doctor of Psychology is among the fastest online doctoral programs. Students are expected to follow a 4-year term, complete all coursework by the end of their third year, and focus on the Applied Doctoral Project during their fourth year. This accelerated online program is designed for students who can fully commit to their studies and aspire to become practitioners who desire to serve the community by enhancing their clients’ emotional and mental health.

This program offers three specializations: Criminology and Justice Studies, Health and Wellness Psychology, and Sport and Performance Psychology. Applicants, however, must note that this is not a licensure program. Prospective online students outside Arizona should confirm with their state if this online program’s curriculum meets their state licensure examination requirements.

• Required Credits: 62
• Completion time: 4 years

What we love about the University of Arizona - Global Campus

The opportunities to attend on-campus networking and other social events.

The University of Arizona - Global Campus is great for students who:

Are focused and committed to their studies.

The University of Arizona - Global Campus might not be the best fit for students who:

Do not have the determination and capacities to keep up with fast-paced courses.

Walden University

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Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Walden University

Walden University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Political Science
• John Antonakis
• Eboni Edmonson Haynes

Walden University is a top-ranked institution for offering comprehensive online degree programs and allowing students to choose between Course-Based Learning and Tempo Learning formats. Students looking for more flexible ways to earn a degree often choose the Tempo Learning format, while those who prefer a fast-paced and more engaging curriculum prefer Course-Based Learning.

Walden offers a hybrid PhD in Psychology with a fast-track option. Unlike the traditional 2 courses per term plan, online doctoral students who enroll in the fast-track option should follow a strict 3 courses per term plan. This accelerated degree program aims to cut the average completion time to half; traditional students complete the PhD program in eight years, while those in the fast-track doctoral program can complete all coursework in four years.

Eligible online students can choose from six tracks/concentrations: Educational Psychology, Health Psychology, Research in Psychology, Self-Designed, Social Psychology, or Teaching in Psychology.

• Required Credits: 65
• Format: Hybrid

What we love about Walden University

Walden is greatly known for offering opportunities for busy working adult students to earn a flexible and affordable degree.

Walden University is great for students who:

Are busy with their personal or professional lives and have no time for traditional classes.

Walden University might not be the best fit for students who:

Want a traditional college experience, such as Greek life, living in a dorm, and on-campus classes.

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• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
• #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
• #7 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #7 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #8 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #9 Best Online Associate in Physics
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 Best Online DBA Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #12 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
• #12 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
• #13 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #17 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #6 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Liberty University

Liberty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Religious Studies
• Susan Wise Bauer
• Michael R. Licona
• Michael Tait
• Jerry Falwell Jr.
• Jessica Moore
• William Byron
• Tracy Packiam Alloway

Liberty University is one of the most prominent Christian liberal arts colleges that emphasizes faith and competitive learning and is a pioneer in online education. Non-Christian students, on the other hand, can also apply for Liberty’s degree programs. The institution offers over 700 academic majors and degree programs with cutting-edge technology and esteemed faculty.

Liberty is also known to offer fast-paced online doctorate programs, one being the online PhD in Psychology designed for graduate students who want a better grasp of psychology and human behavior. Students can transfer up to 50% of their previous credit hours to the PhD program to help them finish their online doctorate faster than the program’s 3-year average completion time.

This online accelerated online PhD doctoral degree program specializations in Behavioral Health Leadership, Developmental Psychology, General Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Social Psychology, and Theology. Online graduate students have optional on-campus intensives to meet with peers and faculty for better engagement.

• Required Credits: 60
• Completion time: 3 years

What we love about Liberty University

The doctoral programs that help students simultaneously strengthen their faith and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for their chosen field

Liberty University is great for students who:

Want to put Christ in the middle of their learning.

Liberty University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer not to get involved in religion.

George Mason University

• #2 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #14 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #1 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #5 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for Psychology degree at George Mason University

George Mason University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Tyler Cowen
• Peter Boettke
• Stephen Moore
• Alex Tabarrok
• Steven Horwitz
• Stephen Blair Hedges
• Fred Foldvary
• Peter Leeson
• Jon Gettman
• Ivan Katchanovski
• Richard Bausch

George Mason University is Virginia’s most diverse public research institution, offering over 200 majors that lead to bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. GMU is known to prepare students to pursue fulfilling lives and prosperous careers through a well-rounded curriculum and engaging campus community. Its on-campus degrees are also famous for offering fast and accelerated courses for students doctoral programs that can be completed quickly.

GMU offers one of the shortest on-campus doctoral programs in psychology. The PhD in Psychology allows students to transfer up to 30 credit hours from their master’s degree in psychology, which will help them approach their final projects faster and graduate earlier. Doctoral students obtain expertise in the fundamental areas of psychology and receive hands-on experience to help address issues in relationships, the workplace, and education.

The program’s concentrations include Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Human Factors/Applied Cognition, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, and Applied Developmental Psychology.

• Required Credits: 72-79
• Format: On-campus

What we love about George Mason University

Diversity and inclusivity.

George Mason University is great for students who:

Want to live in a busy city and campus.

George Mason University might not be the best fit for students who:

Thrive with individualized attention and one-on-one interactions with advisors.

Pepperdine University

• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in California
• #3 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
• #3 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
• #11 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #23 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required

Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Michael Shermer
• Molefi Kete Asante
• Christine Blasey Ford
• James Tabor
• Mike Cernovich
• Steven Barnes
• Michelle Fields
• John Lasseter
• William B. Allen
• Mike Aamodt
• Dennis Johnson
• Richard de Mille

Pepperdine University , a Christian university, is dedicated to offering the highest academic performance standards and Christian principles. Because Pepperdine is also a liberal arts university, its 45 majors and 47 minors include liberal arts foundational courses and courses related to Christianity. Pepperdine, however, is one of the most expensive institutions. Nevertheless, many students still choose to enroll at the university because of the supportive faculty and rigorous academic programs.

The on-campus PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University has an average graduation time of 4 years—half the average completion time of most doctoral programs. This psychology online doctorate degree program uses a practitioner-scholar paradigm, combining academic study, clinical practice, and research. Doctoral students must follow the program’s strict timetable and complete coursework within three years and internship and clinical dissertation within a year.

This fast PysD is best suited for students who can fully commit all their time and effort to the program. Students have four university-based clinics that serve as practical training locations and three external training rotations all around southern California. The extensive hands-on training will prepare students to become licensed psychologists.

• Required Credits: 82

What we love about Pepperdine University

The beautiful campus and supportive faculty. Faculty members offer individualized attention to each student and guide them toward success.

Pepperdine University is great for students who:

Thrive in a small, tight-knit campus community.

Pepperdine University might not be the best fit for students who:

Want to explore diverse curricular offerings and thrive in large-sized campuses with many school parties.

George Washington University

• #2 Best Colleges in DC 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #5 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #6 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #10 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for Psychology degree at George Washington University

George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• J. Edgar Hoover
• L. Ron Hubbard
• Glenn Greenwald
• Bob Woodward
• George Armitage Miller
• Allen Dulles
• Juan Guaidó
• James E. Webb
• Roger Stone
• Michael D. Griffin
• Lester Frank Ward
• Julius Axelrod

Because of its campus location, academic rigor, and distinguished faculty, George Washington University confidently offers students a global-impacting education. GWU gives students learning opportunities inside and outside the classrooms, thanks to its partnership with the community and access to start-up and Fortune 500 firms. Additionally, GWU provides various funding options to support unpaid internships to help students have the best GW experience without worrying much about their educational costs.

GWU’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology is an on-campus degree designed to help students earn a doctorate faster. Students will complete four years of clinical psychology education and training, which includes three years of focusing on coursework and a year of internship. Students without a master’s degree in psychology can earn one while earning a doctorate.

The school’s accelerated programs, like the PsyD doctoral program focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills and information to assess and manage psychopathology and seek employment in various professional settings. During their second year, students will choose one of the program’s three tracks as a major area of study: Adult, Assessment, or Child and Adolescent.

• Required Credits: 83

What we love about George Washington University

The location is the best thing about GWU. Students have access to thousands of internship opportunities, which can help them obtain employment immediately after graduation.

George Washington University is great for students who:

Want to live in a fast-paced environment and become active in school and social activities.

George Washington University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer a quiet campus and one that offers more affordable degree programs.

Saint Louis University

• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024
• #3 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Missouri 2024
• #3 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #4 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
• #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #5 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #6 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #7 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #14 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #17 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Garry Wills
• Walter J. Ong
• Marilyn vos Savant
• Harvey Itano
• Walter Brueggemann
• Elizabeth Bates
• Imogene King
• Gary Gutting
• Frederick K. Goodwin
• Robert J. Richards
• Walter Halloran
• Richard Kieckhefer

St. Louis University is the first Catholic university in the US and one of the only 15 Catholic universities to receive a very high classification for research from the Carnegie Foundation. In addition to its ground-breaking research, SLU is known for fostering deep dedication to faith and service and having more than 1.6 million hours of volunteer work annually.

SLU’s PhD in Clinical Psychology offers a fast four-year curriculum for students who enter the degree program with a master’s degree. While this PhD program primarily focuses on adult clinical psychology, students can choose their major study area. Specializations include Clinical Child Psychology, Trauma Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Health Psychology, Or Sports Psychology.

There is a required on-campus training in psychological assessment by the Psychological Services Center. Additionally, students can receive training in health psychology, pediatric and clinical child psychology, academic psychology, and neuropsychology.

• Required Credits: 78

What we love about St. Louis University

The individualized teaching style that helps students reach their full academic potential.

St. Louis University is great for students who:

Thrive in a close-knit community and enjoy studying with other people.

St. Louis University might not be the best fit for students who:

Avoid social interactions. SLU encourages students to participate in school activities and form lifelong bonds.

Career Outlook for Students with Psychology Degree

Degree level: doctorate.

• Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
• Avg. Starting Salary*: $65,225
• Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $90,375
• * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

Average career salaries, promising job markets, top industries.

Next Start Date

About start dates.

Additional future start dates include:

Spring 2024

Summer 2024.

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Placement Tests

• Accreditation

The Ross College of Business at Franklin University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located  at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA . For a listing of accredited programs, click  her e . 

Click  here  to see our IACBE Public Disclosure of Student Achievement. 

Learn more >

Refine your personal leadership style with an MBA in business psychology

Transformational leaders have the power to mitigate environmental ambiguity associated with increasing levels of fear, uncertainty and doubt. With Franklin’s online accredited MBA with a Specialization in Business Psychology, you’ll gain knowledge in brain science and personality styles, individual and organizational intelligence and innovation and change management. While your MBA will help you elevate your business expertise, you’ll enhance your ability to lead and understand teams.

Program Availability

1-Year Online MBA

Finish your MBA in Business Psychology faster.

IACBE Accredited

Real-world experts.

Learn best practices from in-field professionals.

No GRE/GMAT Required

Bypass expensive, time consuming tests and get started sooner.

MBA-Business Psychology Program Overview

Apply principles of brain science to human personality.

The way individuals work and perceive the world is based on anatomical preferences within the brain. Learn more about those preferences and their workplace implications by examining the fields of business and psychology individually and in combination including the application of positive psychology to the workplace. As you explore brain organization and dominance, you’ll assess your own strengths and create a self-development plan. You’ll be introduced to the concepts of neuroscience and learn to apply a neuroscience tool to resolve workplace issues.

Evaluate the match between intelligence types and organizations

You’ll explore various intelligence types, as well as what constitutes intelligence. Because individuals work in groups, you’ll apply systems theory, social psychology concepts and organizational life cycles to business operations. As a result, you’ll be able to characterize a current organization as a system, diagnose an organizational culture and assess the overall business intelligence of an organization. 

Leverage the power of creativity, innovation and change

Innovation is the practical application of creativity within an organization. You’ll study the relationship between creativity, innovation and change and design a process to stimulate organizational innovation. You’ll learn to formulate your personal approach to change management that’s based on psychological principles. You’ll analyze an organizational change using change theory. 

Learn from in-field experts in instructor-led online sessions

If you’re looking for the flexibility of online learning alongside personalized attention from faculty, you’ll find it at Franklin. Online synchronous meetings provide the opportunity to ask questions, dig into assignments, work through problems, and discuss course topics with the instructor as a class. While the interactive sessions are regularly scheduled in advance, they are optional and are recorded for students to access at a later time if they choose to. In addition to accessible faculty, who are in-field practitioners, some courses include industry experts as guest speakers.   

Future Start Dates

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please  request free information  & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Your MBA degree, your way with Franklin’s FlexFIT Online MBA

Earn your master’s in business without throwing your life, budget and schedule into chaos. Franklin’s FlexFIT MBA degree program was designed specifically to help you avoid the typical roadblocks that stop others from finishing by giving you the flexibility you need to stay on track.   Here’s how FlexFIT empowers you to complete your master’s in business in the way that fits your:

F inances: Schedule as many or as few classes to accommodate your budget.

I nterests: Pick your path. Choose from a general track for a broad-based business perspective or follow your interests with a focused specialization.

T ime: Start, study and finish at your pace because with FlexFIT, you decide how much time to devote to your coursework.

Your Best Value MBA

Choose Franklin's accredited MBA and get a high-quality degree that fits your life and your budget.  

Fastest Finish

Realize your career goals sooner and reap the benefits.

Take 2 classes at a time and finish in 12 months.

Partner? Pay Less.

Search below to see if you could save tuition through an employer or professional organization partnership.

• Tuition Guarantee

Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one through graduation.

Highly Recommended

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

MBA-Business Psychology Courses & Curriculum

More than ever before, the ability to understand and be understood is critical for success in the corporate world. Communication is no longer limited by the narrow definitions of the past. Achieving a business leadership position today means not only being adept at both oral and written communication, but also understanding communication from a strategic point of view and knowing how to effectively organize and present information to audiences of all sizes. In this course, you will develop and refine these capabilities. What you gain from this course will be of value throughout your MBA program, as well as in the workplace.

This course surveys the fundamental concepts and methods of economic analysis for managers. Real-world decision making is emphasized. Application of key economic concepts such as market demand, market supply, market equilibrium, marginal analysis, production, costs, revenue, profit, and market structure constitute the core material of the course.

In today's business world, success can often be attributed more to the genius of a company's marketing efforts than to the genius of its products or services. A clear understanding of the importance of marketing, as well as a grasp of effective marketing practices, is essential for anyone who wishes to achieve a position of leadership. You will gain a working knowledge of both marketing theory and the practical application of innovative marketing strategies. You will come to understand how product, price, place, and promotion contribute to the marketing mix as you explore research-based insights into consumer behavior. As your final course assignment, you will prepare and present a marketing plan of your own.

Effective leadership in today's complex and highly regulated business environment demands more than a working knowledge of basic accounting practices. Managers must fully grasp sophisticated financial and managerial accounting concepts and be able to apply them with ease in handling day-to-day responsibilities. Managers must also be well versed in the intricacies of corporate governance and asset protection. In this course, students will develop a clear understanding of these critical functions and issues. Students will study the foundational aspects of financial accounting, including professional structure, the interrelationships of financial statements, and multiple forms of financial analysis. Additionally, the functional aspects of managerial accounting will be covered, including planning, decision making, and performance evaluation.

Organizations are composed of groups of people who work together to achieve defined outcomes. Experience has proven time and again that the key factor which differentiates successful companies from those who struggle to survive is people who make up the employee base. While the human resources function is given the specific task of planning for and resolving many employee-related issues and needs, individual managers have direct responsibility and accountability for motivating and leading employees to achieve sustained organizational success. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with human resources to enhance the contributions of all employees to organizational effectiveness. Students will learn about the elements which drive business success, theories of motivation, and methods for creating a plan for maximizing the human capital of an organization.

One of the keys to success for today's organizations is their ability to develop, implement, and accurately evaluate effective business strategies. In this course, you will integrate the knowledge you have gained from your prior MBA courses to develop and sharpen your skills for formulating, deploying, and assessing an organization's strategy for achieving competitive advantage in the marketplace. This course will enable you to merge your knowledge of all of these individual disciplines into a comprehensive and meaningful whole.

This course systematically explores the external environment in which businesses operate - legal and regulatory, macroeconomic, cultural, political, technological, and natural. Additionally, the course will examine the critical opportunities and threats that arise from an analysis of external business conditions. Students will apply scenario planning to a selected industry and synthesize trends in the external environment in the presence of risk and uncertainty.

In today's business environment, the success of organizations depends on the effective and efficient management of operations. Methods to select, plan, and improve organizational processes will be examined. The application of optimal capacity decisions in supply chains, development production, and inventory plans and schedules will be performed. The student will learn quality management and improvement process to increase the efficiency of a process.

Financial decisions made at the higher levels of a business organization can have far-reaching effects. Intended to achieve firm operating goals and create shareholder value, they must be made judiciously, with a thorough understanding of all the factors involved. In this course, you will learn to apply the analytical techniques required for developing effective and workable financial solutions at the executive level. You will gain an overall understanding of the workings of the U.S. financial system. In addition, you will study the concepts of financial risk, return, and the valuation of bonds, common and preferred stock, cost of capital, capital budgeting, capital structure, and the evaluation of investment opportunities.

Organizational Leadership Specialization:

This course provides and overview of the historical and current leadership concepts, theories and constructs. Application and assessment of the individual leadership style will enable the student to develop their leadership voice. This course will provide a construct that will enable the student to identify transferrable skills that align with the organization that they are serving in. This course will also challenge students to assess their own leadership strengths and weaknesses and produce an in-depth plan of action to develop and refine leadership competencies. Students will conduct substantive scholarly research to address and capture relevant and cutting-edge leadership theoretical work for application in course assignments.

This course focuses on research and evaluation of the key theoretical concepts and practices central to the leading of organizational change initiatives. Students will evaluate real-world situations in a manner that supports the ability to initiate, implement and sustain major change. The management of change is a dynamic process. This course focuses on understanding how to plan and implement change in various organizations and other settings.

This course will explore the psychological influences on the development and behavior of managers and organizational leaders. Topics include: follower influences, nature vs. nurture in the development of leaders, relationship of personality to leadership style, behavioral decision- making biases, tactical, operational, and strategic decision-making , group think, and scenario planning.

Finance Specialization:

This course provides students with advanced knowledge of the capital markets, financial institutions, financial products, and analytical tools and skills needed for investments portfolio management. The objective is to provide students with a solid foundation of advanced concepts, tools, and techniques for making informed decisions in the highly dynamic investment environment. Students will utilize computer software, simulations, and internet tools to understand the viewpoint of professional investors more fully. The course will adopt an application-oriented approach so that students will be able to explain their financial decision under conditions of uncertainty. The course will provide students with a framework that will be useful in business settings where such analyses are routinely made.

No longer are only mammoth corporations concerned with the complexities and nuances of multinational financial operations. Today the leaders of companies of even moderate size often must have at least a fundamental knowledge of the global financial environment. In this course, you will be introduced to the workings of international finance as it relates to business operations. You will gain an understanding of such international macroeconomic topics as the balance of payments and models of exchange rate determination, while at the same time focusing on institutional issues such as the choice of exchange rate regime and growth of offshore currency markets. You will examine business and investor decisions involving exchange rate risk management, cross-border investment strategies, and participation in international money and capital markets.

Business Analytics Specialization:

This course provides an introductory overview of methods, concepts and current practices in the field of statistics and data analytics. Topics to be covered include data collection, data analysis and visualization as well as probability, statistical inference and regression methods for informed decision-making. Students will explore these topics with current statistical software. Some emphasis will also be given to ethical principles of data analytics.

This course focuses on collecting, preparing, and analyzing data to create visualizations, dashboards, and stories that can be used to communicate critical business insights. Students will learn how to structure and streamline data analysis projects and highlight their implications efficiently using the most popular visualization tools used by businesses today.

This course teaches data management from an applied perspective. The topics include fundamentals of database management systems, structured query language (SQL) for data analytics, relational database design, and data warehousing.

Operational Excellence Specialization:

The purpose of this course is to train individuals in Lean Six Sigma skills and strategies to improve processes and provide safe, effective care environments. The learner will demonstrate the practical application of tools utilized with Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge learned during this course concurrently with a case study designed specifically to use Six Sigma methodologies. Students will develop a Lean Six Sigma project plan that can serve as the foundation for completing a major project for Lean Six Sigma certification following the completion of the course. Interested students would need to apply for Lean Six Sigma certification and complete the major project with Franklin University's Center for Professional Training & Development.

Operational excellence can provide an important competitive advantage for firms in today?s marketplace. This course presents the concepts in quality. It builds upon the responses of six sigma and lean principles. This course also blends qualitative and quantitative information so that organizations can capitalize on opportunities and data driven management.

Business Psychology Specialization:

A brief history and overview of the fields of business and psychology as well as a discussion of the issues and opportunities related to their integration. Topics include brain organization and dominance, neuroethics, neurolinguistic programming, multiminds, mindmapping and the application of positive psychology to work settings. Includes the application of recent discoveries in cognitive psychology and neuroscience to resolve contemporary issues in the workplace.

This course focuses on the application of systems theory, social psychology concepts, organizational lifecycles, and biological principles to the understanding of business operations. Includes a review of basic business principles, multiple intelligences, organizational intelligence, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, biomimicry and organizational DNA.

This course provides a study of the relationship between creativity, innovation and change from a psychological perspective. Areas of interest include: social-technical change waves, change facilitation, unintended consequences, Appreciative Inquiry, creativity enhancement, and diffusion of innovation.

Marketing Specialization:

The integration of existing and emerging technology with marketing and communication strategies has become a major marketing and societal force. Topics explored in this course will range from social media strategies to the metrics used to analyze the impact of integrated digital marketing campaigns.

The ability to develop communication strategies has never been more important for business leaders than in today's complex digital marketing environment. In this course, you will develop a broad knowledge of the fundamentals of effective marketing communication planning and implementation.

In this course, students will demonstrate their marketing competencies by developing marketing strategies and tactics for a live client, including market analysis, target marketing, branding, and message development.

Human Resources Specialization:

The primary purpose of this course is to introduce the principle theories and practices in the area of employment and workplace law. Topics include the federal and state laws associated with hiring, firing and discipline, medical leave (including FMLA, ADA and worker's compensation), discrimination, harassment, immigration, labor law, unemployment compensation, workplace privacy. Additional topics may include workplace investigations, workplace violence and employment-related legal processes, including EEOC Charges and lawsuits.

This course addresses the need for planned change focused on an organization's ability to compete strategically. The framework of consultation as helping organizations reach a level of optimum performance will be applied. Topics addressed include individual, team, and organization-wide interventions that can raise productivity/quality, improve competitiveness, increase skills, morale, and commitment.

The course will introduce students to the field of strategic human resource management (SHRM). Current topics in SHRM that have resulted from environmental and organizational challenges, e.g., technology, globalization, legislation, restructuring, work/life balance, changing labor markets, are discussed Emphasis will be placed on problem solving issues, policies, and practices affecting HR specialists, practitioners, and managers.

Information Technology Specialization:

This course examines various issues related to the management of information systems. Topics include: strategic planning, organizing the technology resources, means of prioritizing and selecting information technology, staffing, personnel management, and assessment. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

This course covers the fundamentals of security in the enterprise environment. Included are coverage of risks and vulnerabilities, threat modeling, policy formation, controls and protection methods, encryption and authentication technologies, network security, cryptography, personnel and physical security issues, as well as ethical and legal issues. This foundational course serves as an introduction to many of the subsequent topics discussed in depth in later security courses. Note, this course has proctored exam(s). This exam requires additional technology, if student uses online proctoring.

FlexFIT MBA 

Accelerate business growth and success.

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MBA-Business Psychology Program Details

Know the total cost of your master’s from day one.

Save yourself the anxiety of annual tuition increases with Franklin’s Tuition Guarantee. The guarantee lets you lock-in what you’ll pay from first-term through graduation, as long as you remain actively enrolled. Not only will this help you maximize funding sources - like employer reimbursement or financial aid, it will keep you focused on earning your degree. 

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students' progress through their program of study. Click HERE to view the Master of Business Administration matrix.

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

• Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
• Master of Business Administration students must earn at least 24 of the 36 required credits at Franklin University – in any modality (on-site, hybrid or online).
• Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees;
• Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Transfer credit awarded based on experiential learning shall not count toward the residence requirement at Franklin University.

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with a GPA of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.*

Applicants who earned at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned bachelor’s degree will automatically be granted conditional enrollment status. Applicants who earned lower than a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned bachelor’s degree can petition for conditional enrollment status to the program chair by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a graduate program. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc. 

Conditional enrollment requires students to achieve a final grade of “B” (3.0 GPA) or better in the first graduate-level course of their program. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University. 

Program Prerequisites

English language testing & toefl ielts.

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

• The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
• The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
• The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the  Academic Catalog .  

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

MBA-Business Psychology Career Opportunities

Human resources development manager.

Human resources development managers assess learning and development needs and design training that drives organizational development.

Corporate Trainer

Corporate trainers collaborate with leadership to deliver employee training and ensure employees have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet work expectations.

Team Leader

Team leaders oversee day-to-day departmental activities and budgets, while supervising and mentoring employees.

Employment Outlook

From 2021-2031 jobs related to business psychology are expected to increase by 7%.

All Occupations

Chief Executives

General and Operations Managers

Human Resources Managers

Managers, All Other

Human Resources Specialists

Business Operations Specialists, All Other

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Source information provided by Lightcast.

Mba-business psychology knowledge & skillsets.

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

• Clearly articulate the organization’s mission, vision and values, and develop strategic plans for organization-wide implementation
• Develop, communicate and implement priorities, goals and objectives in accordance with the strategic plans
• Coordinate efforts across business lines and functions, harnessing organizational synergies and ensuring strategic alignment
• Create and monitor strategies to ensure long-term financial viability
• Identify key metrics and develop reporting systems to measure performance across functional units, identifying growth and efficiency opportunities
• Develop organizational core competencies, positioning organizations to create competitive advantages in evolving industries
• Oversee product-line strategies, generating prioritized, actionable insights from consumer and industry research
• Apply effective change management strategies to help leadership, employees and other stakeholders successfully embrace organizational changes and improve performance  
• Review all elements of the marketing mix, including product formulation, price, packaging and promotion to build brand equity and optimize sales, market share and profitability
• Implement multi-year brand-category growth strategies, leveraging product development and marketing innovations
• Develop and execute annual marketing plans to achieve market share, volume and profit objectives
• Create unique and ownable market positions relative to competitors with clear points of differentiation
• Leverage the full marketing mix, executing on compelling tactics that ingrain brand position and key differentiators into the minds of target audiences
• Determine the most effective media mix across traditional and digital channels, balancing direct response initiatives with building long-term brand equity
• Closely monitor and analyze sales volumes, market share trends and competitive activity
• Assure effectiveness of marketing programs by completing post-promotion analysis of data, comparing results to established objectives
• Collaborate with internal teams to drive success via customer engagement, competitive positioning, pricing and promotional activities
• Promote strategic priorities and drive brand reputation through development and management of leadership events and speaking opportunities  
• Maintain accounting standards, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Prepare consolidated financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements and statements of cash flow
• Prepare account reconciliation
• Consolidate and submit financial transaction reports
• Analyze financial statements
• Collaborate with business development in tracking and reporting sales efforts
• Determine how changes in business and organizational structure impact reporting and operating results
• Analyze transactions to identify issues, determine root causes of variances, and recommend appropriate corrective action
• Ensure integrity of financial data for decision support and cost accounting systems, maintaining cost standards
• Provide costing reports and make recommendations to support change in resource allocations, work methods and materials
• Recommend and implement process, systems and reporting improvements to provide more visibility into financial results
• Develop and execute cost-effective actions and expense-saving initiatives in support of financial objectives
• Use accounting principles and practices to inform and recommend process improvement changes
• Create top-talent management development and succession planning processes
• Attract, recruit and inspire A-list employees who can help drive organizational success
• Identify key domestic and international forces impacting the current and future workforce
• Develop, coach and train high performance employees and managers to attain high levels of responsibility and performance
• Design and implement organizational change strategies to enhance employee motivation and organizational efficiency
• Build highly effective teams that work together to solve problems and innovate 
• Advise on opportunities to align organizational structures and competencies with business strategies
• Lead creation of data-rich ecosystems, inspiring staff to collect reliable, complete data and use it opportunely
• Analyze organizational processes and programs, identifying operational improvement opportunities
• Define and implement integrative indicators to measure organizational effectiveness and uncover development opportunities
• Work with business leaders to implement business model changes and new technologies
• Facilitate cross-functional projects that promote organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and profitability
• Deliver 360-degree mentoring, coaching, and consulting services to various leadership levels
• Develop and implement coaching, succession management, and talent management strategies
• Provide objective employee and management coaching to deal with sensitive workplace issues
• Coach management in human resources-related topics and effective employee relations practices
• Advise managers on effective methods for addressing employee performance and conduct issues
• Support organizational goals and objectives by developing and implementing training and organization development (OD) programs, such as workshop training, group facilitation, team development, and program design
• Design, develop, and facilitate employee learning and development programs
• Partner with key stakeholders in implementing company-wide leadership development roadmaps

MBA with a Business Psychology Specialization or M.S. in Business Psychology?

Find the master's program that fits your goals.

If you’re interested advancing your business career, Franklin has several great options. The best fit for you depends on your interests and goals. Compare programs and identify your perfect match.

Focus:  Take a quantitative approach to advanced business concepts with a qualitative approach to leadership and organizational development.   Skills: Build your leadership skills based on psychological principles.   Careers:  Use your MBA-Business Psychology to better understand how to work with others and lead teams.   How many courses are in the program? Nine 6-week courses   How quickly can I complete the program? 12 months

Focus:  Take a qualitative approach to advanced business concepts by applying neuroscience and psychology research.    Skills: Leverage psychology and neuroscience to motivate behavior and resolve workplace challenges.   Careers:  Use your M.S. in Business Psychology to bring out the best in individuals and teams.   How many courses are in the program? Nine 6-week courses

How quickly can I complete the program? 14 months

Learn More >

Get College Credit for What You Already Know

The certificates and training listed below are relevant to this degree program. Search our database to view pre-evaluated credentials and see how a license, certification or professional training saves you time and money toward your degree.

MBA - Business Psychology Frequently Asked Questions

The MBA with a Specialization in Business Psychology is a theory-to-practice master’s-level program that helps you build business and management skills, while also providing a psychology-based approach to leadership and organizational development.

With an MBA with a Specialization in Business Psychology, you’ll gain quantitative business skills with an emphasis in applied psychology and prepare for a variety of positions including human resources development manager, corporate trainer and team leader.

With an MBA with a Specialization in Business Psychology, you’ll examine the fields of business and psychology; apply systems theory, social psychology concepts, organizational life cycles and biological principles to the understanding of business operations; and study the relationship between creativity, innovation and change from a psychological perspective.

Franklin’s MBA with a Specialization in Business Psychology is a 12-month, 100% online program that integrates business and applied psychology. In Franklin’s theory-to-practice program, you’ll learn through team research projects and be taught by in-field practitioners.

Choose from eight start dates each year – fall (August, September and November), spring (January, February and March) or summer (May and June).

Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost. Our 2023-2024 tuition rate is $670 per credit hour. Use Franklin’s free MyCost Estimator to get a personalized estimate of your total degree cost. If you have any questions, ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs.

Franklin's master's degree programs are specifically designed for busy, working adults -- that means you could finish your MBA with a Specialization in Business Psychology in as few as 12 months.

Yes. Specializations are designated on diplomas and included on official transcripts.

Yes. Specializations are included on official transcripts and designated on diplomas.

Back to College Blog

What Is Industrial-Organizational Psychology?

What Can I Do with a Business Psychology Degree?

Is a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Worth It?

What You Need to Know About Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Programs

Business Psychology Salary: What Can You Expect To Earn?

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2023 Best Online PhDs in Business

Working professionals seeking further education to obtain executive-level positions may pursue an online PhD in business. This online doctoral program is the next step from a master’s in business administration, covering similar topics but on a more advanced level. Some potential courses students may come across with an online PhD in business include Strategic Decision Making, Ethics in Business, and Comparative Economics. Prospective students can expect to complete a dissertation, a comprehensive exam, a doctoral research project, and seminars are required. Many online schools offer specializations students can tack on to their degree, like Accounting, Strategy and Innovation, and Healthcare Administration. Graduates of this online doctoral program may include chief executive officers, management consultants, and accountants.

View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU . You may also want to explore a similar degree to a PhD in business is an online master’s of business administration in international business .

OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad."  Learn more  about how we make money. ">ADVERTISEMENT

Online Business Doctoral Degrees You May Be Interested In

Grand Canyon University

Annual Tuition: $11,538

20 Programs ( view all)

• Bridge D.B.A. Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship - Qualitative
• Bridge D.B.A. Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship - Quantitative

Liberty University

Annual Tuition: $8,475

18 Programs ( view all)

• Doctor of Business Admin: Accounting
• Doctor of Business Admin: Executive Coaching

The University of Arizona Global Campus

Annual Tuition: Not Provided

1 Programs ( view all)

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organizational Development and Leadership

Liberty University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Annual Tuition: $11,700
• Locations: Lynchburg (VA)

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges is a regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others.

Accreditation agencies as reported by the Department of Education .

Liberty University (LU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution offering an online Doctor of Business Administration , which totals 60 credit hours. It can take three years for full-time students to complete this program. The online doctoral degree offers 17 specializations, including accounting, supply chain management, and logistics.

LU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This program prepares students for corporate management roles. Sample courses include Managing the Supply Chain, Marketing for Competitive Advantage, and Understanding the Organization. A dissertation is required for graduation. Prospective careers include accountants, financial analysts, and human resource specialists.

Capella University

• Annual Tuition: $14,148
• Locations: Minneapolis (MN)

Higher Learning Commission is a regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others.

Capella University is a private, for-profit university that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration , requiring 90 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend three years to finish this program. The program has three specializations: (1) general management, (2) strategy and innovation, and (3) organizational leadership and development.

At Capella, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. This degree has an industry-inspired curriculum that includes insights from industry leaders. Some of the program’s courses include Effective Organizational Leadership, Teaching Business in Higher Education, and Strategic Decision Making. Students must complete a capstone to graduate. Potential careers include budget analysts, executive officers, and chief operating officers.

University of Phoenix

• Annual Tuition: $9,552
• Locations: Nationwide

The University of Phoenix is a private, for-profit university with an online Doctor of Business Administration , equaling 54 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years completing this degree online. Students are required to complete an eight-week online symposium instead of an on-campus residency.

Phoenix uses the learning management system Blackboard to deliver asynchronous courses. The program gives students the skills to become successful business leaders. The program’s courses are Transforming the Business, Leadership Theory and Practice, and Financial Measures of Value Added. A dissertation and a capstone are required for graduation. Graduates may go on to careers like management analysts, general managers, and operations directors.

University of Maryland Global Campus

• Annual Tuition: $12,336
• Locations: Adelphi (MD)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration that requires 48 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within three years. An on-site residency program is required for graduation.

At UMGC, online students complete courses delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on D2L Brightspace. This online program is designed for working professionals in executive roles. Some of the program’s courses include Data Analytics in Practice, Evidence-Based Research Methods, and Research as a Tool for Management Decision Making. Students must complete a dissertation to graduate. Future careers include financial managers, marketing managers, and management analysts.

University of the Cumberlands

• Annual Tuition: $9,875
• Locations: Williamsburg (KY)

The University of the Cumberlands (UC) is a private, nonprofit, Christian university that offers two online doctorates of business: (1) Doctor of Business Administration and (2) Doctor of Philosophy in Business . Each program requires 66 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend three years completing these programs. Both programs have seven specializations, such as entrepreneurship and marketing.

At UC, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. The programs’ curriculums cover topics like applied research and business theory and literature. Sample courses include Comparative Economics, Inferential Statistics, and Managerial Ethics and Social Responsibility. A dissertation is required for graduation. Prospective careers include healthcare administrators, chief executive officers, and C-suite executives.

National University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Annual Tuition: $13,320
• Locations: La Jolla (CA)

WASC Senior College and University Commission is a regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others.

At National University (NU) — a private, nonprofit university that recently acquired Northcentral University — prospective students can pursue two online doctorates in business administration, a Doctor of Business Administration (48 credit hours) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (60 credit hours). It can take between 34-38 months to complete this program. Both programs offer 10-12 specializations, like financial management and strategic marketing.

NU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. Both programs provide students with the knowledge to solve organizational problems. Sample courses are Ethics in Business, Business Strategy and Innovation, and Business Financial Systems. Students are required to complete a dissertation for graduation. Graduates may go on to careers like market research analysts, sales managers, and business teachers.

Columbia Southern University OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Annual Tuition: $6,600
• Locations: Orange Beach (AL)

Distance Education Accrediting Commission is a national accreditation agency. National accreditation is primarily awarded to specialized, vocational, or trade schools.

The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private, for-profit university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration , which requires 61 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within three years. Students must take 15 credit hours for their dissertation.

CSU facilitates online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. The program helps students develop decision-making, data analysis, investigative, and leadership skills. Sample courses are Small Business Management, Strategic Management and Planning, and Human Resource Management. A doctoral capstone is required for graduation. Prospective careers may include organizational managers, economists, and executive administrators.

Saint Leo University Online OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Annual Tuition: $26,050
• Locations: St. Leo (FL)

Saint Leo University Online is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration , totaling 57 credit hours. Future students can expect to take 3-4 years to finish this degree. The university offers a flexible, student-centered learning environment to meet each student’s needs.

At Saint Leo, online students complete coursework delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on D2L Brightspace. The program’s curriculum includes research courses that can improve students’ critical thinking and analytical skills. Example coursework includes Global Leadership and Ethics, Global Perspectives in Human Resources, and Organizational Behavior and Social Responsibility. Seminars, a practicum, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation are required. Potential careers may include postsecondary teachers, administrative managers, and executive managers.

Concordia University - Chicago OnlineU has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Partner colleges are ranked based on the methodology listed on this page and data collected from the government, PayScale, the schools’ own websites, and non-profit sources. Learn more about how we make money. ">

• Annual Tuition: $34,310
• Locations: River Forest (IL)

At Concordia University - Chicago (CUC) — a private, nonprofit, Lutheran-affiliated institution — prospective students can pursue an online Doctorate of Business Administration , totaling 60 credit hours. Full-time students can spend two years completing this degree. There are two specializations: innovation in health care management and strategic leadership and innovation.

At CUC, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard The program matches students with mentors to assist with their dissertation. Sample courses include Global Concepts in Strategic Marketing, Global Business Operations, and Business Analytics and Financial Decision Making. Students must complete residencies, a dissertation, and a professional portfolio. Potential careers are economists, program managers, and strategic planners.

Indiana Wesleyan University Online

• Annual Tuition: $18,868
• Locations: Marion (IN)

Indiana Wesleyan University Online (IWU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution with an online Doctor of Business Administration , requiring 60 credit hours. It can take students three years to complete this degree. The program offers three specializations: (1) healthcare administration, (2) information systems, and (3) management.

IWU uses D2L Brightspace to facilitate asynchronous and synchronous online learning. In this program, students learn to become innovative and ethical business leaders. Some of the program’s courses include Data Analytics and Research, Virtuous Marketing, and Economic Analysis for Virtuous Leaders. Seminars, a comprehensive exam, and a doctoral project are required. Graduates may pursue careers like professors, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

According to their student handbook, IWU is not LGBT-friendly. The school prohibits students to engage in LGBT behaviors.

Wilmington University

• Annual Tuition: $11,760
• Locations: New Castle (DE)

Wilmington University (WilmU) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration , which totals 54 credit hours. It can take students three or more years to finish this program. Students must attend an in-person residency at WilmU.

At WilmU, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The program helps students help advance their careers to become effective leaders. The program’s courses include Business Intelligence, Global Management Methods, and Managing Innovation and Change. Students must complete a seminar, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Graduates may go on to careers like management consultants, C-suite executives, and human resources directors.

Alliant International University

• Annual Tuition: $13,680
• Locations: San Diego (CA)

Alliant International University is a private, for-profit university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration that requires 60 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years completing this program. The program provides three specializations: (1) information and data science, (2) management, and (3) marketing.

Alliant facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This online doctorate explores business theories, practices, research designs, methodologies, and more. Example coursework includes Organizational Behavior and Development, Critical Issues in Business Management, and Creating Change and Innovation. Students must complete a dissertation, a comprehensive exam, and practical training. Future careers include project managers, operations research analysts, and chief financial officers.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

• Annual Tuition: $10,748
• Locations: Daytona Beach (FL)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide (Embry-Riddle) is a private, nonprofit institution with an online Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation Business Administration , totaling 62 credit hours. It can take three years to finish this degree program. Online students are still required to attend two residencies at the Daytona Beach campus.

At Embry-Riddle, online students complete courses in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The program’s curriculum is a combination of core business administration courses and applied aviation courses. Some of the program’s courses include Advanced Air Transport Economic Modeling, Aviation and Aerospace Accounting and Finance, and Statistics and Business Data Analytics. Doctoral seminars and a dissertation are required for graduation. Prospective careers include management analysts, program managers, and professors.

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• Annual Tuition: $20,090
• Locations: Livingston (AL)

The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university with an online Doctor of Business Administration in Rural Business requiring 60-60 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend three years finishing this program. The program offers two tracks: (1) rural entrepreneurship and innovation and (2) rural and transformational leadership.

UWA facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. The program helps students become experts in rural business. Example courses include Challenges in Rural Business Management, Rural Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, and Design Thinking and Innovation. An orientation course and an applied dissertation are required. Prospective careers include rural business consultants, economic developers, and chief executives.

Bellevue University

• Annual Tuition: $8,310
• Locations: Bellevue (NE)

Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit university that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Administration equaling 55 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years completing this program. This program has two-week breaks built between every course to allow students to refresh.

Canvas is Bellevue’s learning management system for asynchronous and synchronous online learning. This is an applied DBA, which prepares students for academic teaching careers. Sample courses include Leadership in Global Organizations, Sustainable Business Development, and Finance for Business Leaders. A doctoral research project, a boot camp, and an online residency are required for graduation. Future careers include logisticians, economists, and entrepreneurs.

Franklin University

• Annual Tuition: $9,577
• Locations: Columbus (OH)

Franklin University is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration totaling 58 credit hours. This program can be finished within three years with a full schedule of classes. The program has 11 focus areas, like education and public administration.

Franklin facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system BlueQuill. The online doctoral program helps students become effective business leaders. Some of the program’s links include Advanced Quantitative Research & Design, Organizational Leadership, and Critical & Social Theory. Students must complete a dissertation and a comprehensive exam. Potential career options include sales managers, financial analysts, and project managers.

Touro University Worldwide

• Annual Tuition: $14,600
• Locations: Los Angeles (CA)

Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission is a regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others.

At Touro University Worldwide (TUW) — a private, nonprofit, Jewish institution — future students can pursue an online Doctor of Business Administration requiring 48 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years completing the program. Students have six start dates they can choose to start the program.

TUW uses Canvas to deliver online asynchronous and synchronous courses. The degree prepares students to assume business leadership roles across various fields. The online program’s courses include The Scholar-Practitioner Model, Contemporary Marketing in Business, and Ethics for Business Professionals. A research-based doctoral project is required. Graduates may go on to careers like healthcare managers, consultants, and sales managers.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Annual Tuition: $22,627
• Locations: Greensboro (NC)

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) is a public institution with an online Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration totaling 54 credit hours. It can take three years to finish the program, which offers three focus areas: (1) strategy, (2) international business, and (3) organizational behavior. An immersive residency is required for distance learners.

At UNCG, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. This program is for students seeking careers in academia, research, and the government, with courses that include Advanced Topics in Management, Seminar in Organization Theory, and Seminar in International Business Theory. Doctoral research, a dissertation, and a comprehensive exam are required. Prospective careers include human resource managers, financial analysts, and economists.

Trevecca Nazarene University

• Annual Tuition: $26,898
• Locations: Nashville (TN)

Trevecca Nazarene University is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution with an online Doctor of Business Administration totaling 60 credit hours. Full-time students can take 32 months to finish their studies. The program offers five tracks, like healthcare administration and interdisciplinary studies.

Trevecca uses Blackboard to deliver online asynchronous and synchronous courses on Blackboard. This program is designed for working professionals seeking further education to propel their careers. Sample courses include Current Topics in Marketing, Managing Complex Operations, and Quality Healthcare Management. Students can complete a dissertation or an applied doctoral project. Potential careers include operations managers, senior managers, and executive coaches.

Trevecca is not an LGBT-friendly university. According to their 2022-2023 Student Handbook, the university encourages students to refrain from LGBT relationships.

Keiser University

• Annual Tuition: $22,000
• Locations: Daytona Beach (FL) (and 15 others)

Keiser University is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration that totals 60 credit hours. It can take 24-42 months to complete this degree program. The program offers three specializations: (1) marketing, (2) global management, and (3) global business. Two in-person residency programs are required for this doctoral degree.

At Keiser, online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. This program has a curriculum that is research-based. Example coursework includes Financial Theory and Policy, The Global Economy, and Marketing Management. A dissertation is required for graduation. Prospective careers include management consultants, marketing managers, and accountants.

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• Annual Tuition: $32,940
• Locations: Miami Gardens (FL)

Saint Thomas University (STU) is a private, nonprofit, Roman Catholic university that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration in Management requiring 60 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to complete this degree in three years. The program has a Management specialization course sequence.

At STU, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on the software Canvas. This program focuses on people, policy, and product management. The program’s courses include Organization Design and Theory, Organizational Development, and Labor-Management Relations. Students can complete action research, a dissertation, or three journal articles. Prospective careers include management consultants, business managers, and management analysts.

California Baptist University

• Annual Tuition: $37,018
• Locations: Riverside (CA)

California Baptist University (CBU) is a private, nonprofit, and Christian university that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration requiring 56 credit hours. Typically, students finish this program within three years. The program uses a cohort model, in which students progress through courses and dissertations together.

At CBU, online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Blackboard. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become ethical business leaders. Some of the program’s courses include Ethics in Organizations and Management, Applying Economic Theory to Business, and Strategic Marketing. Students must complete a dissertation to graduate. Future careers are product managers, policy analysts, and purchasing managers.

CBU is not an LGBT-friendly university. According to the university’s student handbook, LGBT behaviors are prohibited.

Thomas Edison State University

• Annual Tuition: $9,342
• Locations: Trenton (NJ)

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration , which equals 48 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years finishing this degree. The program has three specializations: (1) organizational leadership, (2) human resource management, and (3) general management.

TESU utilizes Moodle to facilitate online learning on the learning management system Moodle. The program is delivered in an adult-centric and seminar-oriented format. Some of the program’s courses are The Global Business Context: Trends, Issues and Markets; Seminar in Marketing and Entrepreneurship; and Teaching Adults: Archetypes, Tools, and Tactics. An orientation and a scholar-practitioner field project are required to graduate. Potential careers are logistics managers, sales managers, and marketing managers.

Johnson & Wales University - Online

• Annual Tuition: $13,365
• Locations: Providence (RI)

New England Commission of Higher Education is a regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others.

At Johnson & Wales University - Online (JWU) — a private and nonprofit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Doctor of Business Administration requiring 54 credit hours. Full-time students can take three years to finish this degree. This program’s curriculum focuses on organizational development. It is career-focused and delivers courses in an eight-week format.

JWU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. In this program, students will learn how to lead organizations across different industries. Example coursework includes Organizational Behavior, Contemporary Leadership Issues, and Problems and Methods in Marketing Management. A dissertation is required for graduation. Graduates may pursue careers like budget analysts, business operation managers, and investment bankers.

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• Annual Tuition: $16,200
• Locations: Hobbs (NM)

The University of the Southwest (USW) is a private, nonprofit, Christian university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration that totals 60 credit hours. It can take three years to complete this program, and students can complete an online three-day residency or an online eight-week seminar. The program offers five specializations, like data analytics and healthcare administration.

USW’s online students use Blackboard to complete asynchronous and synchronous online courses. This degree’s curriculum has a strong focus on applied research. Example coursework includes Multicultural Leadership in Global Organizations, and Information Technology in Global Competition. Seminars and a doctoral study are required. Future careers include executive directors, management consultants, and chief growth officers.

University of the Incarnate Word

• Annual Tuition: $33,100
• Locations: San Antonio (TX)

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private, nonprofit, Catholic university with an online Doctor of Business Administration equaling 45 credit hours. It can take three years to complete this degree with a full schedule of classes. The degree is delivered over 16-week semesters.

At UIW, online students complete courses delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The program builds on coursework from a master’s in business administration. Sample courses include Business Ethics, Marketing Research & Analysis, and Writing for Publication & Presentation. Students can complete a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation, or work-based project courses. Prospective careers include accountants, college professors, and healthcare managers.

Taft University System

• Annual Tuition: $5,590
• Locations: Santa Ana (CA)

Taft University System is a private, for-profit institution with an online Doctor of Business Administration totaling 60 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within three years. The program is offered in two modalities: (1) independent study and (2) directed study.

At Taft, online students take courses delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Moodle. The program is designed for mid and senior-level managers seeking further education on managing a business. Students are required to take a qualifying exam, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Some of the program’s courses include Organizational Design, Global Business Practices & Challenges, and Business Law. Potential career options include consultants, C-level executives, and project managers.

California Intercontinental University

• Annual Tuition: $10,138
• Locations: Diamond Bar (CA)

California International University (CIU) is a private, for-profit institution offering an online Doctorate of Business Administration , which requires 60 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years finishing this program. The program is divided into 30 credit hours of business core courses, 15 credit hours of specialization electives, a comprehensive competency assessment, and 15 credit hours of dissertation courses.

At CIU, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on ClearPath. With a doctorate in business administration, students can pursue executive-level business positions. The courses include International Business, Global Economy, and Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. A comprehensive competency assessment and a dissertation are required for graduation. Graduates may pursue careers like college professors, chief financial officers, and senior managers.

Baker College Online

• Annual Tuition: $12,420
• Locations: Cadillac (MI) (and 8 others)

At Baker College Online, which is a private and nonprofit college, future students can pursue an online Doctor of Business Administration , totaling 60 credit hours. It can take 3.5 years to finish this degree.

Baker Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This degree program helps students advance their careers to obtain higher-paying positions. Sample courses are Global Financial Economy, Enterprise Governance of IT, and Leadership Theory and Ethics. Students must complete a comprehensive exam, seminars, a dissertation, and a practicum. Prospective careers include C-level executives, business operation specialists, and business consultants.

The university offers a second option for this program, a Doctor of Business Administration All But Dissertation , requiring 28 credit hours of dissertation research.

Trident University International

• Annual Tuition: NA
• Locations: Cypress (CA)

Trident University International is a private, for-profit institution offering two online doctorates in business: (1) Doctor of Business Administration and a (2) Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration , ranging between 36-48 credit hours. Full-time students can finish these programs within three years. The second program offers five concentrations, such as management and organizations and marketing.

Trident facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on a learning management system. Both programs help students develop the knowledge and skills to excel as leaders. Courses may include Case Study and Action Research, Innovation and Creativity in Business, and Advanced Multivariate Data Analysis. A dissertation or a doctoral research project is required. Future careers include budget analysts, C-level executives, and management analysts.

List Of Accredited Online Business Schools

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List of the Best Online DBA Programs

Closer look: two premier dba programs, in focus: online dba programs, pre-reqs and the application process, online dba courses & tracks, a closer look at the tracks, online dba tracks & career outcomes, program length & graduation specs, paying for your online doctorate in business administration, accreditation & your dba online.

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Top Online DBA Programs in 2023

Learn the ins and outs of earning your DBA online, including program basics, how to apply, and a list of the best programs in the U.S.

Search hundreds of top schools for the doctorate YOU want.

PhDs.me Staff

Last updated

Jul 28, 2023

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is an advanced degree that is highly sought after by working professionals in business-related fields who want to take their careers to the next level. Geared towards senior-level executives, DBA programs typically concentrate on leadership development, organizational change, and the utilization of research, data, and theory to solve real-world business issues. The advent and expansion of online DBA programs have provided these professionals with a more flexible option to obtain their advanced degree, with part-time, accelerated, and fully online or hybrid programs available to meet their needs.

But what’s the right online DBA program for me? Where can I find a quality accredited program? And how do I find a program I can afford?

This page is a great place to begin. It’s a tool to help you learn how to identify an online DBA program that fits your needs, not the other way around. Need details on admissions? Want to understand the cost/benefit of the degree? How about the best online DBA programs in the U.S. today? Find answers to these questions and more right here. Let’s personalize your road to an advanced degree right here.

You may find that choosing the right DBA program can be overwhelming with so many options available. However, we’re here to help you identify the best programs that meet your unique needs. We have compiled a list of the top online DBA programs in the U.S. today, taking into account factors such as affordability, scheduling flexibility, student support, accreditation, and more. Here’s a comprehensive list of the top online DBA programs in the United States for 2023.

College Rankings Methodology

PhDs.me’s college rankings are based on the most recent data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) . To be eligible for our rankings, colleges were required to have the following characteristics:

• At least one doctoral program in subject area offered partially online or fully online.
• Accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Academic counseling and career placement services.

Eligible colleges were then scored on their performance in the following areas to determine the final ranking:

• Cost: Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state graduate tuition per academic year.
• Selectivity: Based on overall admissions rate. More selective schools ranked higher.
• Online learning availability: Based on percentage of grad students taking at least one class online and number of online doctoral programs in subject area reported by the school.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower overall ratios ranked higher.

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ATS: Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

California Miramar University offers multiple features in its Doctor of Business Administration program to meet the needs of its prospective students. Because most students will be working professionals, much of the coursework is available online, with most classes offered either fully online or in a hybrid learning format. The hybrid learning format is ideal for students seeking a more collaborative learning environment and greater networking opportunities with their business and academic peers. Because business is such a broad field, students can choose one of four specializations -- Finance, International Business Administration, Marketing, and Strategic Management. Of the 61 credits needed to graduate, 13 are for dissertation prep and 30 are for core business coursework. Before a student can get approval for their dissertation proposal, they must pass a comprehensive exam.

Program Highlights:

Doctor of Business Administration

• Credits: 61
• Length: Varies
• Cost: $707/credit
• Mode: Partially online
• Accreditation: DEAC

Baker College's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program prepares students for future careers ranging from academics to corporate executives to business analysts. Students choose from six specializations or create their own by selecting unique combinations of coursework. Almost all of the program can be completed online, allowing students the ability to continue working while in school. One unique requirement is a course that requires students to attend a conference and write a paper about what they learned. Of the 60 required credit hours needed to graduate, 36 are for dissertation-related classes. Students who already have at least 30 doctoral-level credits may be eligible for advanced standing in a dissertation-only DBA program track.

• Credits: 60
• Length: About three-and-a-half years
• Cost: $750/credit
• Accreditation: HLC

Liberty University has plenty of experience offering fully online programs, with its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) as a prime example. The courses last just eight weeks to make it easier for students to pace their learning and fit coursework into their busy personal and professional lives. There's also the fact that all classes can be completed online, so the program has no in-person requirements such as internships or residencies. And because no curriculum is perfect for every student, Liberty University's DBA offers lots of specialization options, including Accounting, Human Resources, Executive Coaching, Finance, Healthcare Management, and Project Management, just to name a few. Finally, Liberty University has a generous transfer policy, allowing students to use up to 50% of prior coursework to meet the program's requirements.

• Length: About 3 years
• Cost: $595/credit (full-time) and $650/credit (part-time)
• Mode: 100% online
• Accreditation: ACBSP

Prospective Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) students seeking to graduate as quickly as possible will appreciate that Columbia International University's DBA program requires only 48 credits. This means students can graduate in as little as 27 months. Despite the lower number of credits needed, students still receive a comprehensive education that covers topics such as leadership, marketing, strategic planning, and organizational behavior. Because of the accelerated nature of this program's curriculum, Columbia International University does not accept transfer credits. Another unique feature with the DBA program is that students must start working on their applied doctoral project early in the program. This allows them to quickly apply what they've learned to the business world. To enroll, applicants must already have a master's degree in business or a comparable field, with at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA.

• Credits: 48
• Cost: $705/credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Johnson & Wales University's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is arranged to make online learning as efficient and flexible as possible. With courses that last just eight weeks, students can quickly progress through their classes despite busy work and personal schedules. Each semester is divided into two parts; students take one class for the first half and a different class for the second half, allowing them to focus on just one topic at a time. The entire program can be completed online, with no residency or other in-person requirements. During the first two years students focus on core classes. Then, during their third year, they begin the dissertation process. By the time they graduate, students will have completed eight core classes, three research classes, four dissertation classes, and three specialization classes in organization development.

• Credits: 54
• Cost: $993/credit
• Accreditation: NECHE

University of Dallas

The DBA at the University of Dallas (UD) is a 61-credit program delivered in a blended format (both online and on campus), with students attending class one weekend per month. The program takes an estimated three years to complete with 40-60 hours of work per week. The DBA at UD helps prepare students for one or more of the following outcomes:

Movement to a full-time or part-time academic position at the college level

Career advancement through use of evidence-based research and tools to improve organizational excellence

Accumulation of advanced skills in organizational analysis for transition to a management consulting role

As the online AACSB-accredited DBA in the state of Texas, the UD program has a rigorous curriculum focused on applied research and a strong faculty. Each course is led by scholars and business professionals with significant academic, managerial, and/or consulting experience. To keep cohorts selective, the program has a capped admissions process to ensure only the most promising senior-level executives can enroll.

For more information on UD’s DBA program , including details on admissions and talking to a DBA counselor, please visit their page today.

Drexel University

Drexel’s executive DBA is an AACSB-accredited, part-time program to help working professionals research, learn, and solve real-world business challenges. The program comes with a blended learning format, with online modules to promote work/school flexibility and allow students to complete coursework while maintaining a full-time position. Hallmarks of the Drexel DBA include:

A world-class faculty. Drexel’s DBA faculty includes scholars and business leaders with experience in accounting, marketing, management, economics, finance, psychology, and more.

Applied learning. The programs hands-on learning model gives students real-world experience when it comes to applying research and theory to tangible organizational issues.

Small challenging cohorts. Each cohort has 12 to 18 doctoral students from a variety of backgrounds, which gives everyone a chance to learn and receive support from other high-caliber professionals.

Mentored dissertations. Students are assigned a dissertation mentor to guide them through the process from start to finish. This begins in year one and finishes with publication of the dissertation.

For additional info or to speak to a Drexel DBA representative, please visit their executive DBA program page.

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is an ideal degree for professionals seeking to expand their business leadership and management skills beyond the MBA. Graduates of this program often pursue career advancement opportunities as executives, management consultants, or within academia. While the PhD in business is mainly geared towards the professorial track and may include students with limited professional experience, the DBA has a wider range of business applications and is intended for students with at least 10-12 years of experience and an MBA. DBA coursework often emphasizes both theory and application in areas such as executive leadership, business innovation, customer engagement, organizational effectiveness, and more.

Online DBA programs are designed for working professionals who want to earn a degree while holding a full-time position. These programs offer maximum flexibility, with some programs that can be taken entirely online, using email, online forums, and other proprietary systems for communication and collaboration. Other programs are mostly online but may have some periodic on-campus requirements, such as in-person exams, weekly cohort meetings during the summer, and/or a public defense of the student’s dissertation. Regardless of the format, online DBA programs provide the convenience and flexibility you need to earn your degree on your own schedule.

Online DBA Program Options

Not all business professionals have the same academic and career needs. Colleges and universities have become increasingly aware of this diversity and continue to add variation to their programs. This includes (but is certainly not limited to) part-time opportunities, hybrid options, and adopting admissions requirements with stronger emphasis on management experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common types of online DBA programs:

Fully online DBA programs.

All coursework and communication takes place online. You may be required to attend a summer meeting and/or defend your dissertation in person, but a large majority of the degree program is completed without a campus element.

Blended (Hybrid) DBAs.

The hybrid solution has become increasingly popular at traditional colleges and universities. This option allows the schools to integrate more and more online elements into their traditionally campus programs. In these programs, much of the work and discussion takes place online, although you may be required to attend a weekly 2-3 hour class and meet with advisors on campus about your dissertation and its defense.

Executive online DBAs.

Often accelerated in nature, these programs are designed for busy professionals looking to earn an online DBA as fast as possible. Many executive programs can be completed in as little as two years, although the faster pace may come with a more rigorous schedule or workload.

Online DBAs with no GMAT requirement.

Although many DBA programs look for candidates with MBAs, some accept students with other related master’s degrees. This means the student may or may not have taken the GMAT or GRE in the past. Therefore, some online DBA programs have no exam requirement for admission and look for students with demonstrated excellence in other areas.

Different online DBA programs (and types) come with varying prerequisites and application requirements. For example, programs with a focus on leadership development may prefer to admit students with stronger backgrounds as executives. In contrast, programs that concentrate more on furthering business knowledge and innovation may look for cohorts with impressive research or academic backgrounds. Here’s a list of the most important application requirements for online DBA programs, and how each could impact your college choice.

A master’s degree in a relevant field.

A majority of online DBA programs require applicants to hold a master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution. In this case, the accrediting body must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Evidence of professional experience.

This can vary widely. Some online DBA programs require a certain number of years (usually 5 years) for consideration. Others don’t have a set minimum, but ask applicants to submit a CV or other evidence of professional experience to make their case for admission stronger.

GMAT or GRE scores.

Because a majority of applicants have years of working experience and have been removed from college for years, more and more online DBAs are waiving the GMAT or GRE requirement. Make sure you know what your desired program wants before you start cracking open your study aids.

Video conference interview.

Similar to many MBA programs, online DBA programs often require applicants to interview with one or more business faculty members. These discussions help the interviewers gauge interpersonal skills and overall readiness for a rigorous program.

Other materials.

Official transcripts from past schools, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement about your personal and professional goals.

The coursework and specialization tracks in online DBA programs can vary, but many have commonalities to ensure that graduates acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment while still allowing them to focus on specific areas of interest. Below you’ll find five foundational courses typical in an online DBA program:

Foundations of leadership and management

A heavy dose of management and leadership theory and how those theories apply to companies of all sizes and in different industry sectors. Also covers emerging trends in leadership both domestically and globally.

Ethics & business decision-making

Course begins with an examination of historical and current research and theories in ethics and their application to contemporary business issues. Also focuses on the most effective ways to integrate business ethics into company training environments.

Quantitative research in business (multiple levels)

Quantitative research courses typically cover a range of topics starting with the formulation of research questions and measurement tools, and then progressing to more advanced subjects such as designing analytical models and presenting evidence and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.

Organizational behavior (multiple levels)

Reading about and researching organizations, including understanding and developing them on multiple fronts. Materials likely focus on human relations, human resource practices, systems, workplace culture, and management theories. Some courses ask students to solve and real-world problem within a real organization (often their own).

Doctoral dissertation (multiple levels)

The capstone project of the online DBA. Begins with the proposal of a problem and progresses through research, meetings with advisors, feedback, defense, and publication. This dissertation process can be rigorous and last for anywhere from one to three years, depending on the program.

For executives or professionals in business fields considering an online DBA program, choosing a specialization track may be a crucial decision. While some students may easily know which track they want to pursue, others may find it more difficult. For those who have a general idea of their career goals but are uncertain of the specific track to take, it is important to ask three key questions. This section of the program will delve into these questions and provide guidance for selecting the right specialization track. Additionally, the section will explore the common DBA specializations and how they relate to specific career outcomes.

Questions to ask before picking a track:

What drives you? When you look at the three core DBA tracks, this question is key. For example, do you want to start or improve your own company or grow in an executive career? Leadership may be the way to go. Want to help other companies solve problems at scale? A consulting track might make sense. Interested in shaping tomorrow’s business leaders? Research the academic track.

What drains you? Answering this broader question can be equally as critical. If you’re not sure which track is best for you, you can at least identify one that’s not. Pose those same questions from the previous paragraph, but from this angle instead.

What’s your desired career outcome? The online DBA is a long-term commitment. It takes time, energy, and money for tuition and fees. If you don’t know what you want now, think about 5 (or even 10) years from now, and how each DBA track could help you get there. If you could paint your perfect career picture, what would it look like? More on this below.

Just about every leader will (or should!) tout the importance of entering a project with the desired outcome in mind. This keeps everyone focused on a clear and common goal throughout. When vetting online DBA program tracks, this same mentality can be tremendously helpful. Is there a specific position you want to fill? Do you want to start a global business or run a health-related non-profit? Start by listing your career goals – even if they’re relatively unformed – and then match them to potential program tracks. Here are a few examples to get you started:

Example career goals:

CEO, CTO, Executive Vice President

Tracks to match

Corporate leadership, organizational leadership

Details: These tracks aim to shape graduates into more effective and well-rounded executive leaders, and put them in position to transform organizations in competitive business environments. On an individual level, these tracks often start with personal leadership analysis and reflection, i.e. assessing strengths and weaknesses to create a development plan throughout the program. Branching out, the track covers issues such as balancing financial needs with fiscal responsibility, community relations and networking, and research methods in preparation for a solution-focused dissertation.

Sample classes:

• Leadership theory in a global economy
• Dynamic systems with multi-dimensional thinking
• Leading people, processes, and technologies
• Financial decision-making for leaders
• Business research I, II, III

Managerial consulting, corporate trainer, client development

Organizational analysis, applied research

Details: These tracks have a strong concentration on data analysis, strategic thinking, systems analysis, and process implementation. Knowledge and skills in these areas position graduates to become effective senior-level consultants, helping client organizations address and solve critical business and organizational issues. Students must also master communication and presentation skills, as well as teamwork and group dynamics to help build solid relationships with internal teams and external clients. Like most DBA tracks, dissertation focus will be more practical in nature and involve solving a real business problem within a client organization.

• Organizational behavior and culture
• Organizational systems theory & application
• Strategic thinking
• Performance analysis

Start a business, run a non-profit

Entrepreneurship, business finance/funding

Details: Coursework usually concentrates on what it takes to start and grow your own private business or non-profit. This can begin with researching and studying how to find and develop business ideas in business plans, the finance and economics behind entrepreneurship, the social and culture implications of running a business, and leadership and change management within organizations small and large.

• Entrepreneurship & innovation
• Entrepreneurial funding
• Social entrepreneurship
• Organizational change & leadership

Online DBA tracks can be applied to various industry sectors, which makes them an attractive option for students. However, many colleges and universities offer further specialization in areas such as accounting, marketing, human resources, healthcare management, insurance, and construction. These narrow tracks enable seasoned professionals to develop specific skills to advance within a particular career or company.

The time to complete your online DBA depends on the type of program you’re in and the calendar followed by your college (quarter or semester). In general, earning a DBA online should take between two and four years (~60 program hours), with the first half of the program focused on primary coursework, and the last half on your major and your dissertation. Here’s a quick look at a common online DBA timeline from day one to graduation.

Example online DBA program (semester-based):

18 credit hours in 6 required classes. Students focused mostly on acclimating to the program.

18 credit hours split between required classes and major classes. Students should have a dissertation topic in mind. Some programs may require students to have a loose dissertation idea upon admission, based on a problem statement or purpose.

18 credit hours split between major classes and preparing for dissertation work. Students should be ready to hit the ground running with their dissertation proposal by the end of the year.

6 credit hours for dissertation completion. This includes proposal, research, drafting, revision, public defense, and publication.

Total credit hours: 60

Before committing to a higher education program, it is important to carefully consider the costs and potential benefits. This includes examining the cost of the program and assessing whether the potential career advancement and salary increase will make it a worthwhile investment. For online DBA programs, it is important to understand the basic costs and explore ways to reduce them, such as financial aid, grants, and scholarships. By conducting a thorough cost/benefit analysis, students can make an informed decision about whether an online DBA program is the right choice for them.

Online DBA Program Tuition

Tuition for a doctorate in business administration varies by program type and quality of school. Check out the standard tuition rates for five of today’s most popular online DBAs.

In addition to tuition, online DBA students may find a handful of other fees as they progress through their program. This is pretty standard, however, so a grocery-sized list shouldn’t scare you. Make sure when you’re researching potential online DBA programs, you get a full list of the fees you’ll face from application through graduation. Here’s an example list:

• Application fee: $75
• Registration fee: $100
• Records fee: $200/semester
• Transfer credit fee: $175/credit
• Graduation fee: $300

One of the most overlooked and undervalued characteristics of an online DBA is accreditation. Unfortunately, the growth of online learning across the U.S. has led to a number of accrediting bodies claiming the ability to vet higher education programs. For your online DBA, there are two specific accreditations you need to worry about:

Regional accreditation

This is the primary accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and it signifies that a school, its programs, and its faculty have all been thoroughly examined by experts. For more information on the major regional accrediting agencies for higher education, visit the Department of Education’s accreditation page .

Business school accreditation

The most prestigious accreditation in business academics comes from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).