PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Psychology
Level up your career and help others reach their potential. The PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Capella University deepens your understanding of human behavior and helps you prepare to pursue licensure.
The program includes coursework, face-to-face residencies, clinical practicum, internships and research to help you put theory into practice. Work with faculty, licensure experts and advisors focused on helping you keep moving forward.*
*It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
At a glance
- Online coursework
- In-person requirements
- 10-week courses
- Capella Tuition Cap and transfer credit eligible
PsyD in Clinical Psychology course requirements
This degree requires a total of 145 quarter credits in GuidedPath:
- 14 core courses
- 2 elective courses
- 6 residency courses
- 3 practicum courses
- 4 internship courses
- 1 dissertation preparation course
- 3 clinical dissertation courses
Explore PsyD in Clinical Psychology courses:
What you’ll learn in a clinical psychology doctoral program
Our PsyD in Clinical Psychology equips you with comprehensive clinical skills based on the theoretical and scientific foundations of psychology, from assessment to intervention. It is designed to help you pursue licensure, subject to the requirements in your state.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Possess the attitudes, behaviors and foundational knowledge as a scholar-practitioner as required for the professional practice of clinical psychology
- Exhibit professional behaviors consistent with the ethics and laws pertaining to professional psychology
- Integrate principles and practices related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the practice of clinical psychology
- Relate history and systems of psychology to integrate scientific research and theory into the practice of psychology
- Apply research methods, statistical analysis and psychometrics to interpret behaviors for evidence-based interventions within the practice of psychology
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional and consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions
How much does a Doctor of 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 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
$555 per credit, 131 coursework credits, 30 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Coursework
$555 Per quarter credit
131 coursework credits
Coursework
What is coursework?$555
Practicum and Internship
—
Included in coursework costs; additional expenses such as site-required expenses not included. Minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours; minimum of 2,000 supervised internship hours
Practicum and Internship
—
Included in coursework costs; additional expenses such as site-required expenses not included. Minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours; minimum of 2,000 supervised internship hours
Residency
—
Included in coursework costs, 6 required. 4 one-week sessions and 2 two-week sessions. Travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.
Residency
—
Included in coursework costs, 6 required. 4 one-week sessions and 2 two-week sessions. Travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.
Dissertation Preparation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation Preparation
$2,780
Per quarter
Clinical Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Clinical Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Other Costs
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter, coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter, coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 No application fee
Application fee
$0
No application fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$80,000 Total tuition
- Pay no more than $80,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through Jan. 11, 2027
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$80,000
Total tuition
- Pay no more than $80,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through Jan. 11, 2027
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors such as:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Amount of time spent working on practicum and internship
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your 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 2026-27 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 12, 2026. 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 specialist.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 15 quarters |
$70,198.00 |
| Dissertation Preparation 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$86,878.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$6,878.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$80,000.00 |
| Resource kit: $175 15 quarters |
$2,625.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total 21 quarters |
$82,625.00 |
Completes dissertation in 7 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 15 quarters |
$70,198.00 |
| Dissertation Preparation 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 7 quarters |
$19,460.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$92,438.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$12,438.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$80,000.00 |
| Resource kit: $175 15 quarters |
$2,625.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total 23 quarters |
$82,625.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 15 quarters |
$70,198.00 |
| Dissertation Preparation 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$97,998.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$17,998.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$80,000.00 |
| Resource kit: $175 15 quarters |
$2,625.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total 25 quarters |
$82,625.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through Jan. 11, 2027.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist 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 University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AK, AL, AR, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KA, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MP, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VI, WA, WY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
What are the PsyD admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree in psychology or a related field 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 on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
Additional requirements for the Doctor of Psychology program are:
- 3 letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can assess your aptitude for doctoral education in psychology
- An extended goal statement and writing sample.
- Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- After submitting admission materials, applicants may be required to take part in a faculty interview for assessment of professionalism and academic fit to the program
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.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AK, AL, AR, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MP, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VI, WA, WY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Earning a doctorate takes grit. We provide the structure, guidance and online resources you need to stay on track.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
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Navigate doctoral degree terminology
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Map your path to clinical practice
Learn what it takes to pursue a career in clinical psychology, including education requirements, skills and ways the field differs from non-clinical psychology.
What can you do with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree?
Your degree can help you strengthen your clinical expertise and prepare for advanced roles. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- Clinical child psychologists
- Clinical health psychologists
- Clinical psychologists
- Consulting psychologists
- Forensic psychologists
- Health psychologists
- Licensed clinical psychologists
- Licensed psychologists
- Pediatric psychologists
- Psychologists
- Psychotherapists
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Home health care services
- Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
- Offices of physicians, mental health specialists
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
*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. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program. 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.