Resource Articles
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Request InformationGet practical experience as well as top-level knowledge from respected faculty with our PhD in Clinical Psychology degree program.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule May 31, 2021
Transfer Credits
- Up to 45 Credits
This program can prepare you to practice, teach, or research to positively impact the mental health of diverse clientele.
In this blended clinical psychology PhD program, 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 practice. You can combine scholarly research with practical experience to build the skills and knowledge to work with people who are struggling with mental illness or general life issues.
Hands-on Experience
Get hands-on experience through the Academic Year in Residence (AYR), doctoral residencies, supervised practicum, and internship requirements.
Licensure Preparation
With your degree, you can serve as a practitioner, faculty member, consultant, administrator, or researcher. This program is intended to prepare you for licensure as a psychologist.1
scholar-practitioner model
Our scholar-practitioner model enables you to apply research to address real-world problems.
Program Savings
Receive up to a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on May 31, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowGeneral Program
Walden’s PhD in Clinical Psychology program can prepare you to practice, teach, or research to positively impact the mental health of diverse clientele.
Forensic Psychology
Learn how forensic psychologists interact with the court system and explore topics such as criminal profiling, expert testimony, jury selection, eyewitness testimony, and consultation with attorneys.
Health
In this specialization, you will explore the field of health psychology, changing health behaviors, the impact of stress on individuals, and ways of helping patients to cope.
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Apply psychological principles to the workplace. Coursework explores the relationship between leader and group behaviors, measuring human factors, group decision-making, organizational design and culture, intervention development, and management of change.
Teaching
In this specialization, you will examine theories, techniques, and issues that are related to teaching psychology at the collegiate level, including instructional design.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the highest degree level you currently hold.
More information for completion programs. More information for international applicants.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the PhD in Clinical Psychology program will be prepared to:
- Explain the contributions of the biological, affective, social, and cognitive areas of psychology as they impact human adaptive and maladaptive functioning.
- Articulate the history of clinical psychology, how the specialty of clinical psychology is unique, and how to develop a clinical psychology identity.
- Synthesize principles of basic and advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research.
- Demonstrate proficiency in evaluating the effectiveness of empirically supported treatments using an evidence-based practice approach.
- Synthesize theory and contemporary research to establish a theoretically and empirically anchored personal orientation to the practice of clinical psychology.
- Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing empirically supported models of clinical psychotherapy, consultation, and supervision with diverse populations.
- Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing cognitive and personality-assessment skills with diverse populations.
- Develop constructive working relationships with clients, supervisors, instructors, and colleagues while also demonstrating an appropriate and professional demeanor.
- Engage in personal self-assessment to examine feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and opinions regarding your own perspective and worldview as well as those of others.
- Describe salient experiences and perspectives of diverse populations including but not limited to race, culture, socioeconomics, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.
- Utilize critical thinking and apply relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA, ACA) to decision-making with diverse populations in a variety of settings.
- Demonstrate the ability to use multicultural clinical intervention and assessment skills in varied training and professional settings.
- Demonstrate an awareness of how social/political issues, policies, and events impact the field of clinical psychology.
- Engage in professional activities related to clinical psychology that promote positive social change.
Career Impact
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that, as a profession, clinical psychology is projected to grow 3% between 2019 and 2029.2 This increased demand for psychological services in medical settings, such as hospitals, schools, social service agencies, and mental health centers, will drive new job opportunities.
With a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Walden, you may move into a variety of positions, including:
- Clinical psychologist
- Researcher
- Consultant
- Faculty member/instructor
- Staff psychologist
- Administrator
Learn more about the career outlook for graduates with a PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Career options may require additional experience, licensure, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this program.
Resource Articles
The Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Clinical Psychology
Resource Articles
Career Spotlight: What It’s Like to Be a Sports Psychologist
FAQ About Walden’s Online PhD in Clinical Psychology Program
-
When it comes to finding the best online academic institution, reputation is key. Walden University has been leading adult learning and developing distance education programs for 50 years. Now more than ever, working professionals can benefit from quality online programs at an accredited university that provides the support they need, from enrollment through graduation. At Walden, students and graduates have access to ongoing assistance as they work to earn their degree, advance their career, and effect positive social change.
-
Academic residencies, skills labs, and pre-practica are face-to-face or virtual learning experiences that align with your online coursework to enhance your skill development, scholarship, and professional practice. Required for most PhD programs—including Walden’s PhD in Clinical Psychology—residencies also provide students with the opportunity to collaborate and network with other students, staff, and faculty members. Academic residencies can be held virtually or at any location around the world.
-
There are some key differences between the two program types. In general, PhD-based psychology programs are plentiful, though competitive. Because of the strong focus on research, it’s an ideal track for students not only interested in clinical practice but also in academia and research. PhD programs also provide valuable training for those who want to practice psychology in clinical settings. A PhD in Clinical Psychology can open up a multitude of career paths—from research to administration to consulting.
PsyD programs were developed as an alternative to PhD psychology programs and are usually the choice of individuals interested solely in the hands-on, straightforward practice of psychology. Like a PhD program, a PsyD program prepares students to practice psychology in a wide range of clinical settings. A PsyD, however, focuses more on clinical practice and less on research and academia. As a result, this degree requires fewer research and statistics courses and typically takes less time.
-
Walden’s PhD in Clinical Psychology program has specializations in Forensic Psychology, Health, Teaching, and Industrial and Organizational Psychology. When deciding how to focus your studies, here are some things to consider:
- Think about your aspirations, passions, and career goals, and look for a specialization that aligns with them.
- Consider research topics you might wish to address in your doctoral study. The information you gain in your specialization courses can be leveraged as you complete your research.
- Keep in mind that if you don’t find the perfect fit for a specialization, Walden’s PhD in Clinical Psychology also has a General Program that allows you to gain a broad understanding of clinical psychology and how you can apply its principles throughout your career.
-
Online education has become increasingly commonplace as more and more universities shift their focus online. When deciding where to earn your PhD in Clinical Psychology degree online, be sure to choose an accredited institution.
Questions about our PhD in Clinical Psychology?
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
- Please use our if you live outside of the U.S.
