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General Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Gain a deep understanding of the many facets of psychology and expand your opportunities in spaces where knowledge of how people think, learn and behave can make a difference. Earn a PhD in Psychology, General Psychology from Capella University.
Whether you’re looking to teach, lead, or consult, you’ll have the flexibility to focus on topics that fit your interests. Simply choose electives that shape your education to meet your goals.
At a glance
- Online
- GuidedPath
- 7 Core courses
- 3 Specialization courses
- 4 Elective courses
- 3 Virtual residencies
- 4 Dissertation courses
- 84 Total quarter credits (24 Max transfer)
Reduce your tuition up to $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore psychology courses
- This program requires a total of 84 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, seven specialization courses or elective courses, three virtual residencies and four dissertation courses
Show all descriptions
PSY7421
Cognitive/Affective Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply knowledge of theoretical foundations and the basic principles and models of cognitive/affective psychology to mental processes, such as how individuals acquire, process, and store information; how they think, perceive, remember, and learn; and how they experience feelings, moods, and emotions. Learners also demonstrate ways in which the integration of cognitive and affect influence an individual's behavior.
5 quarter credits
PSY7510
Psychology of Personality
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of personality development from the perspective of several theoretical orientations: psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, dispositional, and learning theory. Learners analyze and evaluate these theories and consider how factors such as development and society contribute to personality. This course also allows learners to apply personality theory to their professional practice.
5 quarter credits
PSY7530
Psychology of Group Dynamics
5 quarter credits
This course provides a foundational understanding of group development, processes, and behaviors. Learners evaluate current group psychology theory and research and identify the elements of effective groups to gain an understanding of the psychology of group dynamics. Topics include group formation and structure, power and influence, performance and decision making, leadership, followership, and conflict in group dynamics.
5 quarter credits
PSY7422
Motivation
5 quarter credits
Learners study major motivation theories, principles, and research findings to understand the complexities in motivational processes. Learners analyze theories and research findings to propose ways of improving motivational processes for oneself and for others in specific settings. Learners also examine the role that beliefs, cognitions, emotions, and values play in achievement situations.
5 quarter credits
What you'll learn
The PhD in Psychology, General Psychology specialization is for students who want flexibility in designing a program based on their professional interests. Students may use their electives to design an individualized area of psychology study or to design an interdisciplinary area of study that blends psychology with education or business. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
This specialization is designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Think critically in response to psychological challenges
- Design, plan and conduct appropriate research in the field of psychology
- Perform ethically in personal and professional interactions
- Respect individual differences
- Communicate professionally in the discipline of psychology
How much does the PhD in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A 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
$570 per credit, 72 coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Other Costs
Resource kit
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Number of quarters spent working on practicum
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost Scenarios
Complete dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each dissertation milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$38,626.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$52,526.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$47,526.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 17 quarters |
$49,626.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$38,626.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$55,306.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$50,306.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 18 quarters |
$52,406.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$38,626.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$63,646.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$58,646.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 21 quarters |
$60,746.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the PhD in Psychology admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff and online resources along the way.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.
Helping Professions Program Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
Which psychology career path is best for me?
You’re interested in using research and analysis to understand how people think and help them thrive.
What can you do with a PhD in Psychology, General Psychology?
Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Psychology, General Psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct instructor
- Assistant/associate/full professor
- Behavioral scientist
- Research associate
- Research scientist
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
- Executive offices
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Research and development in the social sciences and humanities
*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. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.