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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 for making a difference in people’s lives. 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.
Classes start January 8
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 7 Core courses
- 4 Specialized courses
- 25 max transfer credits
- 5 Elective courses
- 3 Doctoral Project Development Seminars
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree..
Explore psychology courses
- This degree requires a total of 87 coursework credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, four specialization courses, five elective courses, three doctoral project development seminars, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (cross-sections 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: RSCH7864 | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY8635* Multivariate Statistics: Theory and Application | This course extends the topics covered in PSY7630 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): PSY-V8926, RSCH7868 | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY8635* Advanced Qualitative Analysis | This course extends the topics covered in PSY7630 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): PSY-V8926, RSCH7868 | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY5140* Program Evaluation | This course provides an examination of the theories, techniques, methods, and processes of program evaluation. Learners synthesize the knowledge and skills gained from prior coursework to design a program evaluation, plan its implementation, and communicate the results in appropriate and effective formats. *Prerequisite: RSCH7864 | 5 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
This degree program gives you the flexibility to study psychology with education or business to help you pursue a career you’re passionate about. It’s aligned with external professional standards to help you obtain the relevant expertise to advance your career.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Think critically in response to psychological challenges
- Perform ethically in personal and professional interactions
- Communicate professionally in the discipline of psychology
- Design, plan, and conduct appropriate research in the field of psychology
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
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
$555 per credit, 87 coursework credits, 25 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2,780 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,780
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2023–24 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2023. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
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: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$45,744.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$62,424.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$42,424.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 20 quarters |
$44,924.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$45,744.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$65,204.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$45,204.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 21 quarters |
$47,704.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$45,744.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$73,544.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$53,544.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 24 quarters |
$56,044.00 |
*Eligibility rules 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 that’s within your reach. 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:
- 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.
What can you do with a PhD in Psychology degree?
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 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.