The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) online degree program is designed for individuals who are interested in advancing their knowledge of clinical topics and methodologies within the field, while working to develop the practical application of this knowledge to the professional practice of psychology.

Our innovative PsyD degree program provides comprehensive core courses and a variety of elective options to expand the learner’s clinical knowledgebase. Optional opportunities for supervised clinical experience emphasize the service orientation of a professional clinical degree. This online PsyD program is designed with psychologist license eligibility in mind. Given that license eligibility varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change, learners are advised to contact state licensing agencies directly for details regarding all requirements. The PsyD degree may also provide learners with knowledge and skills for growth in other professional careers.

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, VA, 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, VT, WA, WY

Last Update: 10/19/2023

Psychology Licensure Contact Information 

Quick Facts:

  • Credits required: 66
  • Cost per credit: $545
  • Program length: 4-5 years (full-time status)
  • Max transfer credits: 30 credits

Time to degree completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.

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

What you’ll study

Foundational Knowledge in Psychology Articulate a broad, integrative knowledge of the discipline of psychology; including: 1) the history and systems of psychology, 2) basic knowledge in scientific psychology, 3) integrative knowledge in scientific psychology, and 4) methods of inquiry and research.

Scientific Literacy & Research Formulate and conduct research or other scholarly activities that contribute to the scientific, psychological, or professional knowledge base.

Ethics & Professional Standards Apply ethical behavior, standards and decision-making in accordance with the ethical and legal standards of the discipline to research and practice.

Cultural Diversity, Awareness & Humility Integrate cultural humility and ecological contexts to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups in research and practice.

Psychological & Professional Literacy Synthesizes psychological research and theory in order to advance evidence-based practice from a practitioner-scholar model.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills Communicate competently in multiple formats (written, oral, and interpersonal) appropriate to various audiences, cultures, and contexts to advance knowledge in the field.

Professional Values & Development Apply knowledge, skills, and feedback to improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness with increasing independence in chosen profession.

Assessment Utilize assessment measures appropriately toward identified goals of the assessment and needs of the service recipient.

Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:

Psychology

Private and Group Practice

Consultation

Education

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, licensure, salary, or career advancement.
*Our program fulfills the educational requirements to pursue licensure as a psychologist in California. Please see the California Board of Psychology for additional coursework that may be required.

Doctor of Psychology Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements Credits
Required Core Courses 33
Elective Courses 18
Comprehensive Examination 1
Doctoral Project Courses 14
Internship (optional) 0
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE PsyD
66

Disclaimer: All program requirements for the Doctor of Psychology degree program must be completed through California Southern University in no less than two (2), no more than ten (10) years of initial course enrollment.

Courses + Credits

The following courses comprise the course requirements for the online PsyD program at CalSouthern. The PsyD program includes 33 credits of required core courses, 18 credits of elective courses, a Comprehensive Examination, doctoral project, and other requirements. CalSouthern recommends elective choices based upon specific jurisdictional requirements and areas of interest. Unlike the PhD, which is often more focused on research and scholarly publication, the PsyD at CalSouthern is an applied degree that is more clinically focused.

Required Core Courses

  • PSY 8500 Advanced Theories of Personality – 3 credits
  • PSY 8503 History and Systems of Psychology – 3 credits
  • PSY 8504 Ethical and Professional Issues – 3 credits
  • PSY 8506 Advanced Psychopathology – 3 credits
  • PSY 8708 Cultural Diversity – 3 credits
  • PSY 8724 Cognition, Emotion and Motivation – 3 credits
  • PSY 8700 Psychopharmacology – 3 credits
  • PSY 8701 Physiological Psychology – 3 credits
  • PSY 8740 Statistical Methods and Analysis – 3 credits
  • PSY 8127 Research Methods in Psychology – 3 credits
  • PSY 8702 Psychological Assessment I – 3 credits

Elective Courses

  • PSY 7307 Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction – 3 credits
  • PSY 6309 Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling– 3 credits
  • PSY 7316 Advanced Personal and Professional Wellness for the Substance Abuse Counselor – 3 credits
  • PSY 7007 Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention – 3 credits
  • PSY 7523 Psychology of Learning – 3 credits
  • PSY 7700 Applied Sport Psychology I – 3 credits
  • PSY 7701 Applied Sport Psychology II – 3 credits
  • PSY 7711 Current Issues in Sport Psychology – 3 credits
  • PSY 7715 Psychology of Coaching – 3 credits
  • PSY 7720 Enhanced Performance: Preparation / Motivation – 3 credits
  • PSY 7725 Research in Sport Psychology – 3 credits
  • PSY 7507 Advanced Human Sexuality – 3 credits
  • PSY 7509 Advanced Psychology of Marriage and Family Systems – 3 credits
  • PSY 7513 Psychological Tests and Measurements – 3 credits
  • PSY 7514 Brief Therapy – 3 credits
  • PSY 6516 Social Psychology – 3 credits
  • PSY 7718 Hypnosis: Theory and Practice – 3 credits
  • PSY 6519 Crisis and Trauma Counseling – 3 credits
  • PSY 7517 Psychology of Aging – 3 credits
  • PSY 7521 Industrial/Organizational Psychology – 3 credits
  • PSY 7522 Consulting in Business, Education, and Mental Health – 3 credits
  • PSY 7525 Cognition and Memory – 3 credits
  • PSY 7527 Psychology of Stress and Stress‑Related Disorders – 3 credits
  • PSY 7728 The Psychology of Violence and Domestic Abuse Reporting – 3 credits
  • PSY 7529 Myers-Briggs Type Indicator – 3 credits
  • PSY 7530 Dream Analysis – 3 credits
  • PSY 7533 Psychology of Death and Dying – 3 credits
  • PSY 7534 Dual Diagnosis – 3 credits
  • PSY 7536 Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy – 3 credits
  • PSY 7737 Psychology of Chronic Illness – 3 credits
  • PSY 7738 Advanced Psychology of Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors – 3 credits
  • PSY 7739 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity, Autistic Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders – 3 credits
  • PSY 7541 Psychology of Religion – 3 credits
  • PSY 7742 Eating Disorders – 3 credits
  • PSY 6743 Systems of Care in Community Mental Health – 3 credits
  • PSY 7745 Interpersonal Neurobiology – 3 credits
  • PSY 6747 Career Counseling – 3 credits
  • PSY 7750 Positive Psychology – 3 credits
  • PSY 7760 Media Psychology: Writing, Publishing and Promoting of a Self-Help Book 3 credits
  • PSY 7761 Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace – 3 credits
  • PSY 7762 Supervision and Consultation – 3 credits
  • PSY 7763 Clinical Interviewing – 3 credits
  • PSY 8702 Psychological Assessment II – 3 credits
  • PSY 7704 Practicum I – 3 credits
  • PSY 7705 Practicum II – 3 credits
  • PSY 7706 Practicum III – 3 credits
  • PSY 7707 Psychology of the Mind: Mind-Body Connection – 3 credits
  • PSY 7709 Foundations of Humanistic Therapy – 3 credits
  • PSY 7710 Integrative Therapy: From Orientation to Practice – 3 credits

Comprehensive Examination

  • PSY 8800 Doctoral Comprehensive Examination — 1 credit

Doctoral Project Courses

  • PSY 8991 Doctoral Project I – 3 credits
  • PSY 8992 Doctoral Project II – 3 credits
  • PSY 8993 Doctoral Project III – 3 credits
  • PSY 8994 Doctoral Project IV – 3 credits
  • PSY 8995 Doctoral Project V – 2 credits

Internship

An internship course may be required in your state or jurisdiction. Learners should check their state board requirements.

  • PSY 8900 Internship (optional) — 0 credits

Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.

Recent Doctoral Projects

As the culmination of the PsyD program, the doctoral project represents the research, efforts, and academic contributions our learners are making to the fields of psychology and the behavioral sciences. The projects below have officially been added to the CalSouthern Library and the ProQuest global database; and will serve as academic resources for current and future learners.

School of Behavioral Sciences Doctoral Projects

March 2023

  • Barnett, Catherine. A systematic review on alternative treatments, health behavior, and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Cadena, Jenna N. Chagoya. Ending chancla culture in the Latino community via gentle parenting: A case study.
  • Fineron, Ruben J. Treatment access barriers among adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
  • Heslor, Colleen. Complex trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD, and the role of attachment.
  • Jefferson, Sara. The effect of neurofeedback treatment on sleep-onset insomnia among adults.
  • Kapoor, Linsey. Limitations family system therapy providers encounter in managed care: A qualitative study.
  • Keller, Melia R. Culture change effects on toxic work environments.
  • Kellier, Allison. Caribbean immigrant women’ lived experience with intimate partner violence.
  • Miranda Olivera, Laura I. Specific learning disability interventions: neuropsychological trends in literature.
  • Mohan, Priyanka. Making mental health interventions accessible to refugees.
  • Moore, Madison Ellen. Therapeutic approaches for effectively treating adolescent trauma survivors via telemental health services.
  • Olsen, Lindsay. A qualitative analysis of behavior analyst contributions to critical issues in practice.
  • Pettinelli, Michael A., II. The role of leadership in improving resilience in air national guard members.
  • Po Ching, Paul, Jr. Mental health, racism & the Assemblies of God Church: A systematic literature review.
  • Rezvoukhina, Joulia. Critical thinking: An exploratory study of essential skills for the workforce of the 21st century.
  • Rodriguez, Adriana. The effects of the twelve-step program for alcoholics.
  • Samara, Nadine. Mental health stigma in Jordan: Challenges, experiences, and views of Jordanian women.
  • Shuler, Elizabeth. Implementing psychedelic assisted therapy in telemental health: A systematic review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)?

The online Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is an applied clinical degree program, designed to provide an advanced foundation in psychological theory and practical methodology for the professional practice of psychology. The program is designed for those interested in pursuing doctoral level licensure, or those who want to build further onto master’s level licensed practice. Those interested in educating future clinicians or making an impact through consultation may also benefit from this degree program.

What will I study in the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)?

The PsyD curriculum is tailored to help learners work to develop a broad, integrative knowledge of the discipline of psychology; while participating in research or other scholarly activities that contribute to the scientific, psychological, and professional knowledge base for the field. This PsyD online program approaches the practice of psychology through a culturally sensitive, ethically oriented lens. An extensive listing of elective subject options is available from which to choose. Practicum and internship courses are available for those who will need these for license eligibility. This PsyD online program will culminate with the learner’s application of all that they have learned to their own doctoral project.

When can I begin my Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree?

Classes begin monthly. Connect with a CalSouthern Admissions Advisor by phone (1-800-477-2554, ext 4246), by email through Admissions@calsouthern.edu, or request information online at How to Apply – California Southern University (calsouthern.edu). Begin your doctoral degree at CalSouthern today.

How many credits are required to graduate with a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree?

CalSouthern’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree program requires a total of 66 semester credit hours. The average time to completion is approximately four-five years. Eligible transfer credit can reduce the completion time. CalSouthern will consider up to 30 semester credit hours of qualifying coursework in transfer with official syllabi and transcripts.**

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

Why should I pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)?

CalSouthern’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is ideal for individuals who are interested in pursuing doctoral level licensure, private and group practice, consultation, and education within the field of psychology. Degree candidates can pursue this degree online, allowing the flexibility to study on their own terms and schedules within the course start and end dates. Start your doctoral education today!

I had a wonderful experience and loved the flexibility of the program. I could go at my own pace, was able to work ahead when I needed to, and to take extra time when I needed to. The faculty mentors were fantastic and very helpful and inspiring. I feel like I got an excellent education for an affordable price and I appreciate everything that it brought to my life.

– Jinxi C., PsyD Program, 2020

Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!

Contact us to learn more about our online PsyD degree program.

Call us at: 1.800.477.2254 | Email: admissions@calsouthern.edu

Accreditation

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.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, licensure, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.

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    *All fields are required

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      YesNo
      By clicking the button below you consent to California Southern University using automated technology and/or prerecorded means to call, text and email you at the information above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding educational services. You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This consent is not required as a condition to purchase a good or service. Msg & data rates may apply.”

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