Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Online Degree Program
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) online degree is an affordable program designed to help candidates advance their knowledge of clinical topics and field methodologies while working to develop the practical application of their learnings to the professional practice of psychology. Take advantage of one of two low-cost CalSouthern PsyD program options. Each program provides comprehensive core courses and various elective options to expand the learner’s clinical knowledge base. No GMAT is required to enroll. Start your psychology journey today and earn your degree.
Doctor of Psychology: Clinical Specialization (PsyD-C)
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. This program provides optional opportunities for supervised clinical experience emphasizing the service orientation of a professional clinical degree. This program is not available to residents of all jurisdictions; additional information is provided in the Licensure Disclosure section below.
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-C 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.
Doctor of Psychology: General (PsyD-G)
This program focuses on learners that are interested in developing their knowledge and skills for growth in other professional career paths, but who are not interested in pursuing licensure.
- Credits Required: 66
- Cost Per Credit: $645
- Program Length: 4-5 years (full-time status)1
- Max Transfer Credits: 30 credits2
1Many 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.
2Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Program Outcomes
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, salary, or career advancement.
Doctor of Psychology Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | 33 |
| Elective Courses | 18 |
| Comprehensive Examination | 1 |
| Doctoral Project Courses | 14 |
| 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 three (3), and 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 areas of interest and, for those in the PsyD-C, specific jurisdictional requirements. 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.
- PSY 8500Advanced Theories of Personality – 3 credits
- PSY 8503History and Systems of Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 8504Ethical and Professional Issues – 3 credits
- PSY 8506Advanced Psychopathology – 3 credits
- PSY 8708Cultural Diversity – 3 credits
- PSY 8724Cognition, Emotion and Motivation – 3 credits
- PSY 7700Psychopharmacology – 3 credits
- PSY 8701Physiological Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 8740Statistical Methods and Analysis – 3 credits
- PSY 8127Research Methods in Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 8702Psychological Assessment I – 3 credits
- PSY 7307Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction – 3 credits
- PSY 6309Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling– 3 credits
- PSY 7316Advanced Personal and Professional Wellness for the Substance Abuse Counselor – 3 credits
- PSY 7007Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention – 3 credits
- PSY 7523Psychology of Learning – 3 credits
- PSY 7700Psychopharmacology – 3 credits
- PSY 7701Physiological Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 7704Practicum I – 3 credits (PsyD-C program only)
- PSY 7705Practicum II – 3 credits (PsyD-C program only)
- PSY 7706Practicum III – 3 credits (PsyD-C program only)
- PSY 7711Current Issues in Sport Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 7715Psychology of Coaching – 3 credits
- PSY 7720Enhanced Performance: Preparation / Motivation – 3 credits
- PSY 7725Research in Sport Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 7507Advanced Human Sexuality – 3 credits
- PSY 7509Advanced Psychology of Marriage and Family Systems – 3 credits
- PSY 7513Psychological Tests and Measurements – 3 credits
- PSY 7514Brief Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 6516Social Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 7718Hypnosis: Theory and Practice – 3 credits
- PSY 6519Crisis and Trauma Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 7517Psychology of Aging – 3 credits
- PSY 7521Industrial/Organizational Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 7522Consulting in Business, Education, and Mental Health – 3 credits
- PSY 7525Cognition and Memory – 3 credits
- PSY 7527Psychology of Stress and Stress‑Related Disorders – 3 credits
- PSY 7728The Psychology of Violence and Domestic Abuse Reporting – 3 credits
- PSY 7533Psychology of Death and Dying – 3 credits
- PSY 7534Dual Diagnosis – 3 credits
- PSY 7536Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy – 3 credits
- PSY 7737Psychology of Chronic Illness – 3 credits
- PSY 7738Advanced Psychology of Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors – 3 credits
- PSY 7739Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity, Autistic Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders – 3 credits
- PSY 7541Psychology of Religion – 3 credits
- PSY 7742Eating Disorders – 3 credits
- PSY 6743Systems of Care in Community Mental Health – 3 credits
- PSY 7745Interpersonal Neurobiology – 3 credits
- PSY 6747Career Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 7750Positive Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 7761Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace – 3 credits
- PSY 7762Supervision and Consultation – 3 credits
- PSY 7763Clinical Interviewing – 3 credits
- PSY 8702Psychological Assessment II – 3 credits
- PSY 7704Practicum I – 3 credits
- PSY 7705Practicum II – 3 credits
- PSY 7706Practicum III – 3 credits
- PSY 7707Psychology of the Mind: Mind-Body Connection – 3 credits
- PSY 7709Foundations of Humanistic Therapy – 3 credits
- PSY 7710Integrative Therapy: From Orientation to Practice – 3 credits
- PSY 8800Doctoral Comprehensive Examination — 1 credit
- PSY 9001Doctoral Project Phase 1 – Prospectus Development – 1.5 credits
- PSY 9002Doctoral Project Phase 2 – Chapter 1 Development – 1.5 credits
- PSY 9003Doctoral Project Phase 3 – Literature Review Development – 1.5 credits
- PSY 9004Doctoral Project Phase 4 – Methodology Development – 1.5 credits
- PSY 9005Doctoral Project Phase 5 – Academic and Institutional Review Board Approval – 1.5 credits
- PSY 9006Doctoral Project Phase 6 – Evidence of Data Collection – 1.5 credits
- PSY 9007Doctoral Project Phase 7 – Analysis and Results – 1.5 credits
- PSY 9008Doctoral Project Phase 8 – Interpretation and Findings – 1.5 credits
- PSY 9009Doctoral Project Phase 9 – Final Defense and Manuscript Submission – 2 credits
An internship course may be required in your jurisdiction. Learners should review licensing board requirements to determine individual course needs.
- PSY 8900Internship (optional) — 0 credits
- PSY 8801Doctoral Research Orientation – 0 credits
View the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
View CatalogRecent 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.
March 2023
- Barnett, CatherineA systematic review on alternative treatments, health behavior, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Cadena, Jenna N. ChagoyaEnding 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, ColleenComplex trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD, and the role of attachment.
- Jefferson, SaraThe effect of neurofeedback treatment on sleep-onset insomnia among adults.
- Kapoor, LinseyLimitations family system therapy providers encounter in managed care: A qualitative study.
- Keller, Melia R.Culture change effects on toxic work environments.
- Kellier, AllisonCaribbean immigrant women’ lived experience with intimate partner violence.
- Miranda Olivera, Laura I.Specific learning disability interventions: neuropsychological trends in literature.
- Mohan, PriyankaMaking mental health interventions accessible to refugees.
- Moore, Madison EllenTherapeutic approaches for effectively treating adolescent trauma survivors via telemental health services.
- Olsen, LindsayA qualitative analysis of behavior analyst contributions to critical issues in practice.
- Pettinelli, Michael A., IIThe 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, JouliaCritical thinking: An exploratory study of essential skills for the workforce of the 21st century.
- Rodriguez, AdrianaThe effects of the twelve-step program for alcoholics.
- Samara, NadineMental health stigma in Jordan: Challenges, experiences, and views of Jordanian women.
- Shuler, ElizabethImplementing psychedelic assisted therapy in telemental health: A systematic review.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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 Clinical Specialization option (PsyD-C) is designed for those interested in pursuing doctoral level licensure while the General option is appropriate for, 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.
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.
The PsyD-C is a psychology program with a clinical specialization. While it may include some clinical components, it is not intended to be classified as a clinical psychology program since it does not include a residency and does not require a practicum or internship. The Clinical Specialization as designed supports learners who are interested in pursuing doctoral level licensure in certain jurisdictions.
The PsyD-G is not a clinical psychology program. While it may include some clinical components, it is not intended to be classified as a clinical psychology program since it does not include a residency and does not require a practicum or internship.
Classes begin monthly. 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.
CalSouthern’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree program requires a total of 66 semester credit hours. The average time to completion is approximately four to five years. 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.
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.
Both CalSouthern Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program options are ideal for individuals who are interested in consultation, and education within the field of psychology. The Clinical Specialization supports those who may be interested in pursuing doctoral level licensure as well as private and group practice. 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!
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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.
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, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.
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