College of Psychology and Community Services: PhD in Psychology
- College of Psychology and Community Services
- BS in Criminal Justice
- BS in Human Services
- BS in Psychology
- Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management and Negotiation
- Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
- MS in Criminal Justice
- MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management
- MS in Forensic Psychology
- MS in Human Services
- Post-Master’s Online Teaching in Psychology Certificate
- Doctor of Human Services
- PhD in Criminal Justice
- PhD in Forensic Psychology
- PhD in Human Services
- PhD in Psychology
Note on Licensure
Learning outcomes, specialization courses (20 cr.), learning tracks, degree requirements, master of philosophy (embedded degree).
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Post-Doctoral Respecialization Certificate
Program Website
The university’s mission includes broad access to high-quality postsecondary education through a distance-learning environment and preparation of its graduates to achieve professional excellence and to effect positive social change. Consistent with this mission, the PhD in Psychology program is designed to prepare scholar-practitioners to meet real-world challenges and facilitate positive change in individuals, groups, organizations, and local, national, and global communities.
Specifically, the program prepares lifelong learners to integrate psychological theory, research, established methods of scientific inquiry, and evidence-based practices that incorporate cultural and individual diversity. The School of Psychology training model encompasses an integrated, developmental, and sequential plan of study that includes web-based and face-to-face coursework; residencies that provide opportunities for knowledge and skill acquisition, ethical practice, and professional socialization; field training; and demonstration of research competency.
The Educational Psychology specialization in the PhD in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.
As graduates of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply principles of basic and advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research.
- Apply relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA) to decision making with diverse populations in various settings.
- Promote social change through the integration of principles of psychology in scholarly and/or professional activities.
- Communicate effectively to a variety of stakeholders and audiences.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of psychology-specific knowledge and theory to improve the condition of individuals, groups, and organizations.
- Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing empirically supported models for teaching, consultation, and research.
- Develop a professional identity appropriate to one’s professional goals.
These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page.
Specialization in Educational Psychology
Specialization in health psychology, specialization in research in psychology, specialization in social psychology, specialization in teaching in psychology, specialization in self-designed.
There are two tracks in the PhD in Psychology:
- Track 1: For Those Entering With a Master's Degree in Psychology or Related Field
- Track 2: For Those Entering With a Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Unrelated Field
Each track also offers a Fast Track option . With our Fast-Track Option, you increase your course load each term and begin your dissertation early to expedite your path through the program.
Track 1: For Those Entering With a Master's Degree in Psychology or Related Field
Minimum degree requirements.
- Professional Development Plan and Program of Study
- Foundation course (3 credits)
- Core courses (25 credits)
- Research courses (10 credits)
- Specialization courses (20 credits)
- Dissertation support courses (7 credits)
- Dissertation writing courses: (5 credits per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously until completion)
- Quarter Plans
- Four PhD residencies
Foundation Course (3 credits)
Core courses (25 credits).
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
Research Courses (10 credits)
- Students may take this a non-degree course.
Specialization Courses (20 credits)
Residency requirements.
- Residency 1 – Complete Residency 1 as soon as you begin your program; should be completed in Term 1 or Term 2.
- Residency 2 – Complete Residency 2 at the beginning of your second year, around the time of second research course.
- Residency 3 – Complete Residency 3 once you have a prospectus in Walden’s review system.
- Residency 4 General (RESI 8404) OR
- Residency 4 Proposal Writing (RESI 8404Q) OR
- Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative (RESI 8404R) OR
- Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative (RESI 8404S) OR
- Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting (RESI 8404T) OR
- an approved professional conference (RESI 8900 for select programs only. Contact Advising for information.) OR
- a dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your 9000 course. Contact Student Success Advising to register. You must attend all sessions and advising throughout the entire intensive retreat in order to successfully complete the experience to satisfy residency 4 requirements. NOTE: Intensive Retreats are NOT included in Fast Track tuition.
- Optional: Complete a dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during PSYC 9000. Contact Student Success Advising to register. Note: Intensives are not included in Fast Track tuition.
Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation
Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.
To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook .
Course Sequence for Track I: Students Entering with a Related MS Degree
* Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.
Fast-Track Option Program of Study
Walden offers a Fast-Track Option. With the Fast-Track Option, students take additional courses and begin their dissertation early to expedite their path through the program.
( Note: There is no Fast-Track Option for the Self-Designed specialization [BS or MS entry].)
- Dissertation support courses (12 credits)
- Dissertation writing course (5 credits per term for a minimum of three terms; taken continuously until completion)
Students must also
- Pass a writing assessment.
- Submit an application essay.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook .
Course Sequence
The Fast-Track Option course sequences for students entering with an MS degree are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course sequence on each specialization page.
Track 2: For Those Entering With a Bachelor’s Degree or Master's Degree in Unrelated Field
- Core courses (40 credits)
- Research courses (20 credits)
- Dissertation writing courses (5 credits per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously until completion)
Core Courses (40 credits)
Research courses (20 credits), course sequence for track ii: students entering with a bs degree or an unrelated ms degree.
* See each specialization page for specific courses.
** Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.
- Dissertation writing courses (5 credits per term for a minimum of three terms; taken continuously until completion)
In addition, students must
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.
The Fast-Track Option course sequences for students entering with a BS degree are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course sequence on each specialization page.
Walden awards the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree to recognize PhD students for academic achievement leading up to their dissertation. With an MPhil, students will be able to demonstrate to employers and others that they have an advanced knowledge base in their field of study as well as proficiency in research design and evaluation.
- All required PhD core courses (or KAMs)
- All required PhD specialization courses (or KAMs)
- All required doctoral research and advanced research courses
- Program prospectus development course
- Residencies 1, 2, and 3
- A minimum 3.0 GPA is mandatory.
- The MPhil requires a minimum of 45 quarter credits. Maximum transfer of credit varies by program but is not to exceed 50% of the overall, or embedded, program requirements. Students who previously completed a master's degree with Walden in the same discipline area are not eligible for an MPhil.
Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.
- << Previous: PhD in Human Services
- Next: Post-Doctoral Respecialization Certificate >>
- Office of Student Disability Services
Walden Resources
Departments.
- Academic Residencies
- Academic Skills
- Career Planning and Development
- Customer Care Team
- Field Experience
- Military Services
- Student Success Advising
- Writing Skills
Centers and Offices
- Center for Social Change
- Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services
- Office of Student Affairs
- Office of Degree Acceleration
- Office of Research and Doctoral Services
Student Resources
- Form & Style Review
- Quick Answers
- ScholarWorks
- SKIL Courses and Workshops
- Walden Bookstore
- Walden Catalog & Student Handbook
- Student Safety/Title IX
- Legal & Consumer Information
- Website Terms and Conditions
- Cookie Policy
- Accessibility
- Accreditation
- State Authorization
- Net Price Calculator
- Cost of Attendance
- Contact Walden
Walden University is a member of Adtalem Global Education, Inc. www.adtalem.com Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV © 2024 Walden University LLC. All rights reserved.
- Academic Residencies
Event Calendar: PhD in Clinical Psychology (Students Starting Feb 2024 and After)
Phd in clinical psychology (students starting feb 2024 and after).
This is a list of all scheduled residencies for PhD in Clinical Psychology students starting February 2024 and beyond. If you started the PhD in Clinical Psychology program prior to February 2024, refer to the PhD and Academic Year in Residence (BAYR) residency calendars.
Register for and attend your first PhD residency in your second term.
View the Residency Timing table for information about when to complete your four required PhD residencies.
- For assistance in determining which residency to register for, please view the details on When to Register .
- View How to Register for a residency , and then log in to myWalden to register.
You will receive a registration confirmation email within 5-7 business days after your registration is processed. After you receive your registration confirmation email , you can make your travel arrangements.
PhD in Clinical Psychology students starting February 2024 and beyond are required to attend all PhD residency and Blended Academic Year in Residence (BAYR) requirements in-person in Minneapolis, MN.
Upcoming PhD in Clinical Psychology Events
Residency events through February 2025 are open for registration. Events taking place March through May 2025 will open for registration in early December.
- Previous Page: PhD
- Next Page: PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision (Students Starting May 2024 and After)
- Office of Student Disability Services
Walden Resources
Departments.
- Academic Skills
- Career Planning and Development
- Customer Care Team
- Field Experience
- Military Services
- Student Success Advising
- Writing Skills
Centers and Offices
- Center for Social Change
- Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services
- Office of Degree Acceleration
- Office of Research and Doctoral Services
- Office of Student Affairs
Student Resources
- Doctoral Writing Assessment
- Form & Style Review
- Quick Answers
- ScholarWorks
- SKIL Courses and Workshops
- Walden Bookstore
- Walden Catalog & Student Handbook
- Student Safety/Title IX
- Legal & Consumer Information
- Website Terms and Conditions
- Cookie Policy
- Accessibility
- Accreditation
- State Authorization
- Net Price Calculator
- Cost of Attendance
- Contact Walden
Walden University is a member of Adtalem Global Education, Inc. www.adtalem.com Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV © 2024 Walden University LLC. All rights reserved.
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Teach courses in psychology at colleges and universities; conduct academic research in the field. Expected growth: 5% 2. Estimated annual wage: $49,790–$106,610 2. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Clinical Psychology program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
Program Website. Walden’s PhD in Clinical Psychology program can prepare students to practice, teach, or research to positively impact the mental health of diverse clientele. In this blended doctoral program, featuring online and in-person participation, students can gain the skills to assess mental wellness and provide interventions as a ...
The PhD in Clinical Psychology program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for psychology licensing exams in some states. This program is designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of some state psychology boards. However, Walden University’s PhD in Clinical Psychology is not accredited by the American Psychological ...
Impact people’s lives—and the psychology field at large—with Walden’s online PhD in Psychology program. In this non-licensure program, you’ll gain advanced skills applicable to areas like teaching, research, program evaluation, and consulting. Tailor your coursework to your goals with one of six specializations that combine classic ...
PhD in Psychology. The university’s mission includes broad access to high-quality postsecondary education through a distance-learning environment and preparation of its graduates to achieve professional excellence and to effect positive social change. Consistent with this mission, the PhD in Psychology program is designed to prepare scholar ...
You must monitor your Walden email account closely during the application review period (from the time you submit your application for field experience through the start of enrollment) to ensure that you are able to respond to requests for additional information during the time frames provided.
This is a list of all scheduled residencies for PhD in Clinical Psychology students starting February 2024 and beyond. If you started the PhD in Clinical Psychology program prior to February 2024, refer to the PhD and Academic Year in Residence (BAYR) residency calendars. Register for and attend your first PhD residency in your second term.
Please provide a valid phone number Phone Number * Required
Learn from the leader: Walden is the No. 1 granter of PhD in Psychology degrees in the U.S.¹. Our psychology PhD programs and professional doctoral program focus on the skills you need to make a difference—for your career, organization, and community. Gain practical knowledge you can use immediately to address real problems in this ever ...
In this Clinical Psychology PhD program at Walden University, featuring online and in-person participation, you can gain the skills to assess mental wellness and provide interventions as a practitioner, educator, researcher, or consultant. Taught by respected psychology faculty, coursework explores current theories and empirically supported ...