Online PhD Programs in General Psychology

Q: Can you get an online PhD in psychology without a master’s?

Admission requirements vary, but GCU requires applicants to hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution before pursuing a PhD in general psychology. Our doctoral programs are structured for those with prior graduate-level education. Your post-graduate degree does not need to be in psychology.

Q: Does a PhD in psychology pay well?

Earnings for PhD graduates vary based on industry and experience. Many professionals with a PhD earn competitive wages, in fields like academia, where advanced expertise is highly valued. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those with a PhD had a median weekly wage of $2,109 in 2023.3

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Overview

Enhance Your Abilities To Pursue Diverse Roles in Psychology

Grand Canyon University’s online^{(See disclaimer 1)} PhD in psychology programs aim to enhance your expertise and deepen your understanding of human behavior and mental processes. These advanced programs provide a comprehensive curriculum tailored to your interests, integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical application. With a focus on research, critical thinking and specialized options, our PhD programs can prepare you for a variety of career opportunities in psychology.

Programs

Explore GCU’s General Psychology PhD Degrees

GCU offers doctoral candidates an opportunity to advance their knowledge through our online^{(See disclaimer 1)} PhD programs in psychology. With a variety of emphasis programs, you are offered a structured yet flexible approach to doctoral education, allowing you to align your academic pursuits with your long-term career goals.

In these programs, you will explore complex psychological topics and engage in rigorous research within your chosen specialization. The programs feature both qualitative and quantitative tracks, enabling you to tailor your studies to meet your career aspirations. Explore the PhD programs designed to help you expand your expertise.

Choose Your Specialization

The rigorous PhD in general psychology online^{(See disclaimer 1)} programs offer specializations that allow you to focus your advanced studies. Each provides a distinct path for advanced research and professional growth and are designed to deepen your understanding of psychological principles and apply them effectively in various professional contexts.

Our programs foster advanced research skills that can prepare you to contribute to the field through scholarly work and practical applications. Whether aiming for a career in academia, the corporate world, research or applied psychology, they can equip you with the knowledge required to enter your chosen path.

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Examine workplace behavior, leadership and motivation to improve organizational effectiveness. The qualitative program analyzes non-numeric data to understand workplace dynamics, while the quantitative program uses statistical tools to identify patterns and relationships in organizational behavior.

Cognition and Instruction

Explore how cognitive processes influence learning and instructional methods. Qualitative students focus on understanding human thought and behavior through research, while quantitative students analyze numeric data to uncover trends in cognition and education.

Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology

Performance Psychology

Coursework

PhD in Psychology Online Curriculum

Our online^{(See disclaimer 1)} PhD programs in general psychology are designed to cultivate knowledge, leadership and advanced research skills. You will explore complex psychological theories through an in-depth curriculum while conducting specialized research in your chosen field. Programs integrate theoretical learning with practical applications.

Key components include:

Advanced psychological theories and concepts

Research design, data analysis and methodology

Qualitative and quantitative research techniques

Ethical decision-making and leadership within the field

A dissertation demonstrating original research and proficiency

Why GCU

Doctoral Learning with Flexibility and Support

Earn Your Doctoral Degree From an Accredited University

Pursue Your PhD Online

Earning your PhD in psychology online1 at GCU can enable you to develop advanced skills and knowledge while balancing your personal and professional life. The flexibility of online learning allows you to complete coursework on your schedule, making it possible to continue working, caring for your family and fulfilling other responsibilities while pursuing your degree. At GCU, you can benefit from a supportive online1 learning environment. The Learning Management System provides access to eBooks, assignment portals, discussion forums and collaborative tools to engage with peers and faculty. You will also be taught by experienced faculty who bring a wealth of knowledge to their teaching. Whether you are preparing for a leadership role or advancing in research, our PhD programs offer the tools, knowledge and support needed for various roles within the field of psychology.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Earning an online^{(See disclaimer 1)} PhD in psychology is a significant commitment. To help you make an informed decision about your academic pursuits, explore the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this field of study.

Can you get an online PhD in psychology without a master’s?

Is it worth it to get my PhD in psychology online?

A PhD in general psychology can be worth it depending on your career goals as it may open doors to opportunities in academia and research. The degree requires significant commitment, and our online1 PhD psychology programs can be a good option. They offer flexibility while providing the same rigorous coursework and research opportunities as traditional programs. The online1 format allows working professionals to advance their education without disrupting their careers, making it a valuable option for those with full-time positions and personal responsibilities. It’s important to note that the PhD in general psychology degree is not a clinical program and does not lead to clinical positions or licensure.

Does a PhD in psychology pay well?

Careers

Career Paths With a Psychology PhD

A PhD in general psychology provides potential career opportunities across multiple fields. Graduates may pursue research, education, healthcare or public service careers.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Many PhD holders apply psychological principles to enhance individual and organizational well-being in:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Hospitals

Universities

Government agencies

Nonprofit organizations

Community mental health services

Corporate environments

Resources

Student Resources and Support

Grand Canyon University provides resources and support to help candidates in our online^{(See disclaimer 1)} general psychology PhD programs. Through the College of Doctoral Studies, we offer specialized tools to assist you in your academic efforts. Online learning resources, research support and faculty mentorship will be available to help you stay engaged and on track toward graduation. You will have access to interactive course materials, dissertation guidance and student support services to navigate your program, including:

Access to faculty, student services counselors and dissertation advisors
Integrated dissertation process and research support through the online GCU library
Grant Opportunities through the Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching
Virtual Doctoral Community Network,™ a graduate community of faculty, peers and alumni

College of Doctoral Studies

Doctoral Leadership & Faculty

Doctoral Student Resources

Start Your Journey Today

With flexible online^{(See disclaimer 1)} learning and dedicated support, GCU empowers you to follow your passion and work toward your goals.

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Program has a residency that takes place on or near GCU’s campus.
Balskus, J. (2024, May 15). From Dissertation to a Book on a Doctoral Journey. Grand Canyon University. Retrieved Jan. 30, 2025.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, May). Education Pays, 2022. Retrieved Feb. 19, 2025.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Psychologists: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Feb. 6, 2024.

Online PhD Programs in General Psychology

Enhance Your Abilities To Pursue Diverse Roles in Psychology

Doctoral Admission Requirements

Explore GCU’s General Psychology PhD Degrees

Choose Your Specialization

PhD in Psychology Online Curriculum

What Our Alumni Are Saying

Doctoral Learning with Flexibility and Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Career Paths With a Psychology PhD

Student Resources and Support