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Doctorate programs in Psychology available online can either be the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and PhD in Psychology. This field of study offers specializations in organizational psychology, school psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, professional counseling and industrial psychology, among others. Graduates of this doctoral degree can pursue a career either in the health care environment, private practice, industries as well as hold academic posts at schools, colleges and universities.
Read MoreThe Doctor of Psychology is considered a new professional degree and is available in professional schools of psychology that focus on clinical practice requiring at least some training in research. This program is usually not very competitive compared with other PhD degrees.
A PhD in Psychology also focuses on training in research and clinical practice and a master’s degree in psychology is normally required to enter into this program. Psychologists with a PhD can be employed in various positions in elementary and secondary schools, universities, healthcare services, government and the private sector.
Some specializations in the psychology doctorate program include clinical psychology which prepares students to practice as a licensed psychologist in health care environments, community mental health centers, group practice settings, inpatient psychiatric settings and private practice; counseling psychology which allows graduates to practice as a licensed psychologist working with clients to help them improve relationships, lead healthy lifestyles and make positive career paths; healthy psychology prepares students to practice in different health care environments such as medical centers, business and industry, government and military and sports centers; and organizational psychology which covers organizational behavior, leadership and development, human resource management and development as well as effective consultation and research practices and which enables graduates to pursue a career in the industry, government and academic field either as practitioners, consultants and researchers.
People wishing to enroll in a doctoral program in psychology face stiff competition. Many schools require a score of above 1200 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a Grade Point Average (GPA) above 3.3 and volunteer or paid experience in the field. It is then recommended that interested applicants gain experience first by volunteering in a local hospital or clinic and work closely with your mentor who should guide you during the admission process. It would also be beneficial if you engage in community service which will challenge your leadership skills and volunteer in a research laboratory and write about your results. Comprehensive recommendation letters from previous faculty, physicians and community leaders who know you very well and who were your direct supervisors are an added advantage.
Normally, doctorate programs require a master’s degree in psychology although other schools may allow applicants with only a bachelor’s degree. The prerequisites for coursework include experimental psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, mathematics, social sciences, biological and physical sciences.
Schools offering psychology degree programs get institutional accreditation if they have met minimum quality standards. Specialized accreditation is also issued to professional programs that meet quality standards. The APA Committee on Accreditation grants this accreditation in the field of professional psychology specifically to doctorate programs, internships and postdoctoral residency programs in health service areas.
Schools offering Online Psychology Doctorates:
University of the Rockies, which is a private, independent Graduate School, offers the Master of Arts Degree in Psychology (MA) and the Doctor of Psychology Degree (PHD), and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The university is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). Through University of the Rockies one can receive a high-quality education while maintaining a personal and professional life. Founded in 1998, University of the Rockies was originally established as the Colorado School of Professional Psychology (COSPP), but had its name changed later on when it was bought by Bridgepoint Education in 2007. The School of Professional Psychology became a School of University of the Rockies along with the School of Organizational leadership.
With the combination of online distance learning and quality studies offered through The Harold Abel School of Psychology, students can benefit from the convenient flexibility of the programs, which allow them to maintain their personal and professional lives while pursuing a prestigious education in Psychology.
