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Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes, and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.
Classes Start January 13th
Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.
$50 application fee (waived w/promo Fall19)
PhD in Psychology program highlights
Scholar-practitioner faculty
Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced doctoral faculty actively engaged in their professions.
Relevant, real-world learning
Your psychology coursework allows you to conduct research alongside Capella faculty.
Complementary coursework approach
Your online coursework is enhanced by face-to-face residencies designed to give you intensive, hands-on experience to successfully complete your program.
Our unique doctoral structure
Our PhD in General Psychology program is designed to remove
roadblocks for you and demystify the dissertation process. This unique
approach centers on supporting you in three ways: through program
structure, a dedicated faculty and support team, and online resources.
To help generate momentum toward graduation, you’ll begin your
dissertation early in the program. Our faculty, support team, and
online resources will help guide you every step of the way.
Meet your PhD in Psychology faculty
Our distinguished psychology faculty are industry leaders, bringing real-world relevance into the courseroom to enrich your education, and career.
Mark McCaslin
Adjunct Faculty
Get the support you need for success
Our dedicated support teams guide and advise you through every step of your educational journey.
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program, and answer all your questions about Capella.
Doctoral advising
Doctoral programs are specific and challenging. That’s why you’ll have access to expert support at every step along the road to your degree.
Financial aid counselors
Our team knows how to run the numbers and help find ways to save on costs.
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you
need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way
around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however
you learn.
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and
faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the
deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$540 per credit,
104 total quarter credits,
25 max transfer credits
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet
standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and
fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
$10K toward your doctorate
Apply for the $10K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help you fund your doctoral degree.
10% military discount
If you're an active-duty military service member, spouse, or veteran, discounts may be available.
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.
PhD in Psychology sample courses
Get set to explore a number of related subjects—including psychology,
mental health, education, business, and public policy. Your coursework
in this online PhD in Psychology, General Psychology program includes
dissertation
research seminars, which allow you to get an early start on your
dissertation.
| PSY7660 * |
Survey Construction and Administration
Learners in this course explore the conceptual and applied aspects of
survey construction and administration processes. Course topics
include comparative study designs (crosssections versus panels);
sampling techniques; data collection procedures and methods
(face-to-face, telephone, paper, and Internet); survey question design
that accurately measures behavior, attitude, and personality; data
processing and analysis; results reporting; ethics of surveys; causal
inference; and survey critiques.
Prerequisite(s): PSY7864.
|
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY8626 * |
Multivariate Statistics: Theory and Application
This course focuses on the theory and application of multivariate
statistics, including discriminant analysis, factor (components)
analysis, multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA), and logistic
regression. Using SPSS, learners perform and interpret the results of
these analyses. Learners also apply multivariate analysis, read and
understand research results in peer-reviewed psychology journals, and
utilize SPSS to produce output consistent with the correct
parameters and assumptions of specific multivariate procedures. In
addition, learners have the option of exploring the mathematical
aspects of multivariate and inferential statistics theory and
application.
Prerequisite(s): PSY8625.
|
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8635 * |
Advanced Qualitative Analysis
This course extends the topics covered in PSY7868 by further
exploring the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and
inquiry and emphasizes effective execution of the six school-approved
dissertation research methodologies: ethnography, case study,
grounded-theory phenomenology, heuristics, and generic qualitative
research. Learners examine primary source references, books, and
journal articles written by the developers of the six methodologies
and gain an understanding of their nuances and applications. This
course is designed to prepare learners to develop and conduct their
own qualitative study for a dissertation.
Prerequisite(s): PSY7868.
|
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8763 * |
Program Evaluation
This course provides an examination of the theories, techniques,
methods, and processes of program evaluation. Learners synthesize
knowledge and skills gained from prior course work to design a program
evaluation, plan its implementation, and communicate the results in
appropriate and effective formats.
Prerequisite(s): PSY7864.
|
5 quarter credits |
| PSY9001 |
Research in Psychology
Learners in this course engage in advanced study and research of a
specialization-specific topic. Throughout the course, learners apply
research, professional, and academic ethics through individual and
group research tasks. The course includes participation in a
faculty-directed research project.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7868.
|
5 quarter credits |
What you’ll learn
- Think critically in response to psychological challenges.
- Lead the profession of psychology.
- Perform ethically in personal and professional interactions.
- Respect individuality and embrace diversity.
- Communicate professionally in the discipline of psychology.
Psychology PhD career insights
PhD in Psychology—Which Specialization Is Right for You?
Learn more about Capella's PhD in Psychology program and available specializations.
PhD in Psychology vs. Doctor of Psychology
Need help deciding between a PsyD and PhD? Learn the differences between these doctoral degree programs.
The Expanding Role of Psychology: Interview with Dean Elizabeth Riley
Dean Elizabeth Riley returned to Capella University to help the School of Psychology grow its mission and program.
Psychology PhD professional paths
Your education can help you reach your goals, professionally and personally. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Psychology, General Psychology degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
- Full-time psychology faculty
- Instructor
- Program administrator/ director
- Consultant
- Dean of psychology faculty
- Research coordinator/ administrator
Employment settings to explore
- Community college
- Residential care facility
- Land-based or online college or university
- Hospital
- Government—local, state, federal
- Human resources department
- Market research firm
- Nonprofit organization
- Social service agency
- Insurance carrier
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some
positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure,
certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because
many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella
cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a
promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you
to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Three career paths to explore with a PhD in general psychology
While the psychology field offers a variety of career paths and focus areas, here are some of the more common paths:
Communicate concepts and principles of behavior analysis, including definitions and characteristics, using professional standards to identify behavioral problems.
Prepare for roles in hospitals or health organizations that focus on modifying behavior and developing and monitoring systems that support behavior change.
Design, plan, and conduct appropriate research in the field of psychology, identifying behavioral or emotional patterns that lead toward a better understanding of human behavior.
Prepare for research roles in a variety of local or federal government agencies or a land-based or online college or university within a public or private institution.
Identify problems and treat emotional, mental, and intellectual disorders as you help people through a range of problems, from short-term personal issues to more serious chronic conditions.
Prepare for roles in hospitals or in other health care organizations that place great emphasis on performing ethically in personal and professional interactions, while respecting individuality and embracing diversity.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes, and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.
Other programs to explore
Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit?
The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one
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