Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Online Degree Program

A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a practice-oriented doctorate designed to help equip you to apply psychological science directly in the field—whether that’s counseling clients, leading corporate teams, or designing evidence-based interventions. While you’ll still study research design and statistics, the emphasis is on clinical skills, assessment techniques, and real-world problem-solving rather than laboratory discovery.

Applied Psychology (PsyD-AP)

• 66 credits— entirely online
• Includes 18 elective credits which allows for more course selection options and transferability
• No practicum, internship, or residency available
• Ideal for professionals seeking advanced psychological experience for non-licensure roles in consulting, I/O psychology, coaching, and leadership development
• Available for enrollment to residents of most jurisdictions (some restrictions apply)
• Not designed to meet licensure requirements

Clinical Specialization (PsyD-CS)

• 66 credits— entirely online
• Optional practicum & internship courses available (3 credits each) provide hands-on experience
• Meets psychologist licensure or certification requirements in several jurisdictions
• Great for learners who want more clinical depth while preserving flexibility
• Available for enrollment to residents in specific jurisdictions where the program meets licensure requirements

Clinical Psychology (PsyD-CP)

• 76 credits—entirely online except for learners who are required to complete residency
• Required practicum sequence and 1,500-hour internship
• Includes in-person residency (required for specific jurisdictions; optional for others)
• Aligns with psychologist licensure or certification requirements in 14+ jurisdictions; those who reside in those locations are eligible to enroll in the program
• Designed for students committed to comprehensive clinical practice, supervision, and assessment hours

Think of the PhD as the scientist practitioner path and the PsyD as the practitioner-scholar path:

• Training focus: PhD programs devote most credit hours to experimental design, grant writing, and original research culminating in a lengthy dissertation. PsyD programs devote the bulk of coursework to assessment, diagnosis, therapeutic techniques, and supervised clinical hours, ending in an applied doctoral project.
• Career path options: PhD graduates often pursue university faculty positions or research roles in government and industry, although many may still enter clinical practice. PsyD graduates typically pursue direct service roles—private or group practice, integrated-care clinics, hospitals, or consultation.
• Admission priorities: PhD programs weigh your research background and faculty fit heavily; PsyD programs emphasize clinical experience, professional goals, and an alignment with the practitioner model.
• Time & flexibility: Many PhD and PsyD programs may require 5–7 years of full-time residence. A small number of PsyD programs offer online options.

Yes—CalSouthern delivers 100 % online coursework, mentoring, and doctoral-project supervision across all three program offerings. You’ll interact with faculty through discussion boards and one-to-one video meetings, access a cloud-based research library, and submit clinical case studies via a secure porta

• Field training made flexible: Practicum and internship sites (where required) are arranged in your local community with CalSouthern’s clinical training team guiding affiliation agreements and supervision standards.
• Accreditation: CalSouthern is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Interest-Free Payment Options: CalSouthern offers affordable tuition and several payment plan options allowing learners the opportunity to graduate with zero interest payment plans.

*PsyD-CP program learners who reside in specific states are required to complete certain courses through an in-person residency.

Connect with a CalSouthern Admissions Advisor by phone (1-800-477- 2254, ext. 47822), by email through Admissions@calsouthern.edu, or request information online at How to Apply – California Southern University (calsouthern.edu). Begin your Doctor of Psychology degree at CalSouthern today.

• Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: Diagnose mental-health disorders, provide psychotherapy, and develop treatment plans in private or group practice.
• Industrial/Organizational Psychologist: Apply psychological principles to talent management, leadership coaching, and workplace culture for corporations or consulting firms.
• Postsecondary Faculty: Teach undergraduate or graduate psychology courses and advise students.
• Researcher: Design and implement specialized programs for statistical analysis and data management, and verify the accuracy and validity of database records.

*CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, career advancement or licensure. The list of career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some roles may require additional supervised hours, state licensure, or certifications.

1. Explore the program that aligns with your academic goals and licensure needs, reviewing curriculum plans and faculty bios.
2. Assess your readiness: You’ll need a master’s in psychology or a comparable related field, a current resume, three professional references, and a personal statement outlining career objectives and clinical interests. The PsyD-CP has additional and expanded requirements.
3. Plan your finances strategically: Compare CalSouthern’s per-credit tuition cost with other PsyD programs nationwide; leverage eligible transfer credits (up to 30 for PsyD-AP/CS, 18 for PsyD-CP)*, employer tuition reimbursement, and CalSouthern grants and other assistance offers to help reduce cost.
4. Submit your application: there’s no GRE requirement. Once accepted, enroll in the next eight-week term, attend a virtual orientation, and set a personalized study schedule with your faculty mentor. PsyD-CP programs have a formal review process including a virtual interview; this is a selective enrollment program that is offered on a limited schedule.
5. Progress toward completion: Move through core courses, practicum/internship (if required), the comprehensive exam (if required), and your applied doctoral project—all supported by 24/7 library resources, writing center coaching, and advisor check-ins.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

CalSouthern allows 3–10 years to finish any PsyD program option.

• PsyD-AP and PsyD-CS: Learners who take one course per term, and stay continuously enrolled often graduate in about 4–5 years.
• PsyD-CP: Learners take one per term and may graduate in approximately 7 years if they remain continuously enrolled. Part-time learners who pause between terms can extend the timeline for work-life balance, but must complete within 10 years. Note that PsyD-CP has more restrictive scheduling requirements.

Many 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.

The PsyD-CP residency provides opportunities to apply clinical skills and integrate knowledge from clinical practice, evidence-based treatment, and psychological assessment. It consists of in-person courses and required activities as well as online requirements and provides face-to-face instruction and professional socialization with program faculty and learners. These formally scheduled residency experiences take place over a period not to exceed 12 months and are associated with specific online courses. Learners must be present for all required residency hours in order to pass the course.

Residency is required for learners who reside in AZ, IN, KY, MN, RI, or attest that they will seek employment in certain states and is optional for learners from all other jurisdictions. See the PsyD-CP Program Licensure Disclosure section for additional information. Additional fees and personal expenses are required for those who participate in residency.