Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Online Degree Program
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) online degree programs are designed to help candidates advance their knowledge of clinical topics and psychological research while working to develop the practical application of their learnings to the professional practice of psychology. Take advantage of a low-cost CalSouthern PsyD program option. Each program provides comprehensive core courses and other options to expand the learner’s clinical knowledge base. Continue your psychology journey today and earn your degree.
PsyD in Applied Psychology (PsyD-AP)
The Applied Psychology program is designed for individuals who are passionate about the practical application of psychological theories and research in real-world settings. This program is well-suited for critical and analytical thinkers who aim to use psychological principles to enhance workplace performance, organizational development, education, and other non-clinical environments. This program does not include licensure preparation but is designed to provide a strong foundation in psychological science for those pursuing career paths in non-licensed roles.
PsyD in Psychology: Clinical Specialization (PsyD-CS)
The Clinical Specialization program is ideal for students seeking licensure as a psychologist in specific states that do not require a residency component. This specialization offers advanced coursework in psychological assessment and clinical intervention, with the option to complete practicum and internship experiences. The program is best suited for individuals who demonstrate professionalism, strong interpersonal skills, and a desire to work directly with clients in clinical settings. This specialization provides the foundational training and flexibility needed to pursue licensure (specific state requirements apply).
Which Psychology Program Works For You?
Details | PsyD-AP | PsyD-CS1 |
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Credits Required | 66 | 66 |
Cost per credit | $645 | $645 |
Program length2 | 4-5 years (full-time status) | 4-5 years (full-time status) |
Classes Start | Monthly | Monthly |
Max transfer credits3 | 30 credits | 30 credits |
Ideal for students who |
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Potential career paths may be found in the following industries4 |
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View the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
1 There are additional fees associated with practicum, internship, and courses completed in residency; see the University Catalog for details. Learners are responsible for personal expenses incurred related to residency participation.
2Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. Program completion time also depends on an individual learner’s time needed to complete all required doctoral project requirements which varies by learner. All program requirements must be completed through CalSouthern in no less than three (3) and no more than ten (10) years of initial course enrollment, regardless of continuous enrollment status.
3Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
4 CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, licensure, salary, or career development.
Classes Preview
This course is designed to help learners prepare to critically review and evaluate current research literature and equip learners with the necessary skills to perform research. This course focuses on the basic inquiry and statistical methods used to collect and interpret data.
This course is designed as an advanced examination of the major psychological theories of personality, both historic and current, the application of each theory, and the major figures associated with each.
This course explores a multicultural basis of behavior with an emphasis on social cognition, social interaction processes, and organizational dynamics. The focus of study aims to heighten Learners' perception and understanding of effective therapeutic practice, including familiarity with the implications associated with the wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender issues, age, sexual orientation, and disabilities.
This course provides instruction on the calculation, use, and interpretation of descriptive and inferential statistics. The focus of study emphasizes the application and interpretation of statistical tests in conducting research at the doctoral level.
This comprehensive course addresses psychopathology from evolutionary, biological, neurological, psychological, social, socio-cultural, and political perspectives. Focus is on the symptoms, criteria for diagnosis, and possible causes and treatments for various DSM-5-TR mental disorders.
This course is designed to familiarize learners with essential concepts, theories, and applications relevant to ethical issues in psychology. Learners heighten their awareness of ethical issues as they may arise in the practice of psychology and explore methods of developing coherent, defensible, reasoned strategies for dealing with such situations.
Program Outcomes
Articulate an integrative understanding of psychology, including its history, research methods, and key theories across physiological, cognitive, emotional, personality, and developmental domains.
Conduct scholarly activities to critically evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and contribute to psychological knowledge.
Apply ethical decision-making and behavior aligned with the ethical and legal standards of the discipline in research and practice.
Integrate multicultural theory and research to develop cultural competence and humility in diverse interpersonal and social contexts.
Communicate effectively across multiple formats (written and oral), appropriate to diverse audiences, cultures, and contexts.
Licensure
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a psychologist in the following states: CA, CO, DE, HI, NY, OH, TX, WI, WV. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which can be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a psychologist in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states unless the learner satisfies program attestation requirements.
Canada: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a psychologist in Alberta. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in all other Canadian provinces and territories.
CalSouthern has made the determination that this curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in all other Canadian jurisdictions. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these jurisdictions unless the learner satisfies program attestation requirements.
Other Jurisdictions: CalSouthern has not made a determination about the PsyD-CS program curriculum related to licensure or certification requirements as a psychologist outside of the United States and Canada. Therefore, for this Disclosure, the University classifies that this curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in all other jurisdictions. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the United States and Canada unless the learner satisfies program attestation requirements.
Last Update: 8/28/2024
Given that license eligibility varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change, learners are advised to contact jurisdictional licensing agencies directly for details regarding all requirements.
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a psychologist in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KY, MN, NY, OH, RI, TX, WI, WV. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which can be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a psychologist in the following states: AK, AL, AR, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states unless the learner satisfies program attestation requirements.
Canada: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a psychologist in Alberta. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in all other Canadian provinces and territories.
CalSouthern has made the determination that this curriculum does not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in all other Canadian jurisdictions. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these jurisdictions unless the learner satisfies program attestation requirements.
Other Jurisdictions: CalSouthern has not made a determination about the PsyD-CP program curriculum related to licensure or certification requirements as a psychologist outside of the United States and Canada. Therefore, for this Disclosure, the University classifies that this curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in all other jurisdictions. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the United States and Canada unless the learner satisfies program attestation requirements.
Last Update: 10/1/2025
Given that license eligibility varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change, learners are advised to contact jurisdictional licensing agencies directly for details regarding all requirements.
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I was looking at what universities are actually going to complement my Master’s. So, I needed a place where I could have the highest quality of education and that was also affordable and gave me flexibility with time. And [CalSouthern] is the University that actually meets all my requirements.
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California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
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