- Home
- Doctoral
- Psychology
- PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Reach the pinnacle of your career while helping others develop their potential. The online PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Capella deepens your understanding of human behavior and helps you prepare for state licensure eligibility.
The program includes coursework, face-to-face residencies, clinical practicum, internships, and research to help you put theory into practice. A support team of licensure experts, advisors, and teaching assistants will help you stay on track for graduation.
Prepare for licensure
This program features online coursework and face-to-face experiences, both designed to help you pursue licensure. Learn more
Blend of in-person and online experiences
Coursework, residencies, clinical practicum, internships, and research complement online learning to help prepare you for real-world clinical settings.
Professional and credible
This program is designed around the core goals, objectives, and competencies that define the practice of professional psychology.
Classes start October 7
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online and in-person
- 14 Core courses
- 30 Max transfer credits
- 2 Elective courses
- 6 Residency courses
- 3 Practicum courses
- 4 Internship courses
- 1 Dissertation Preparation course
- Clinical dissertation
Exploreclinical psychology courses
- This program requires a total of 145 quarter credits
- You'll need to complete 14 core courses, 2 elective courses, 6 residency courses, 3 practicum courses, 4 internship courses, one dissertation preparation course and one clinical dissertation
Show course with description
| PSY8220 | Advanced Psychopathology In this course, learners examine theory and research associated with major psychological disorders, from the most common diagnostic concerns to dual diagnoses, comorbidity, and psycho-medical issues. Learners examine the concepts of psychopathology throughout the lifespan, then transition from studying DSM-5 concepts and terminology to evaluating clinical assessment and treatment situations. In particular, learners familiarize themselves with ways to apply theoretical concepts in a professional clinical setting while displaying sensitivity to ethical and diversity issues. Other course topics include the issues of “empirically validated” versus “evidence based” practice, the interaction of social and biological factors in etiology and treatment, and the interaction between complex Axis I and II disorders.For PsyD learners only. | 5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY-R8203 * | Psychological Assessment 1: Cognitive, Achievement, and Adaptive Behavior In this residency, learners practice assessment administration for cognitive, achievement, and adaptive behavior through coursework and a face-to-face residency. During the face-to-face residency, learners assess client behavior through the administration, scoring, and interpretation of standardized tests, including current versions of intelligence, achievement, adaptive behavior, and executive functioning assessments.Prerequisite(s): Concurrent registration in PSY-R8200. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY-R8206 * | Psychological Assessment 2: Personality and Mental Health In this residency, learners develop diagnostic interviewing skills as well as personality and mental health assessment skills through coursework and a face-to-face residency. During the face-to-face residency, learners apply diagnostic interviewing strategy in personality and clinical assessment to assess client behavior through the administration, scoring, and interpretation of standardized tests, including current versions of personality assessments. Prerequisite(s): PSY-R8200 and PSY-R8203. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY-R8212 * | Theory and Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Psychology In this residency, learners strengthen their understanding of the application of theory and use of advanced skills and techniques through coursework and a face-to-face residency. During the face-to-face residency, learners participate in case discussions, roleplay, and group exercises associated with effective treatment planning and develop treatment plans using empirically supported treatments, knowledge of treatment ethics, and respect for individual differences. Learners engage in practice activities that address empirically supported crisis intervention, social justice issues with diverse populations, and opportunities to self-evaluate and monitor skills and attitudes. Prerequisite(s): PSY-R8209 and concurrent registration in PSY-R8215. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY8371 | Strategies of Clinical Supervision and Consultation This course provides an overview of the theories, functions, and methods of clinical supervision, consultation, and advocacy. In particular, learners examine various styles of supervision, consultation, and advocacy; supervisory, consultative, and advocacy relationships; contractual issues; and ethical and legal issues associated with providing these services. Learners also review supervision, consultation, and advocacy research; apply their findings to relevant service delivery topics; and develop their own theories and approaches to clinical supervision. For PsyD Clinical Psychology and PsyD School Psychology learners only. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners. | 5 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
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:
- Demonstrate the attitudes, behaviors, and foundational knowledge required for the practice of psychology
- Act consistently with the ethics and laws pertaining to clinical practice
- Integrate science and theory into the practice of psychology
- Understand, respect, and apply issues of diversity in the practice of psychology
- Provide effective and appropriate psychological intervention to clients
- Accurately select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests
- Employ research as a means to advance the science and practice of psychology
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does theDoctor of Psychology cost?
Thetotal 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; 1–2 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
$555per credit,131coursework credits, 30 max transfer credits
Learn more about GuidedPath »
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Coursework
$555 Per quarter credit
131 coursework credits
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
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter, coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$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
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Amount of time spent working on practicum
- 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 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024.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 counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 4 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students | |
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 17 quarters | $72,705.00 |
| Dissertation Preparation 1 quarter | $2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 4 quarters | $11,120.00 |
| Subtotal | $86,605.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 17 quarters | $2,975.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee | $0 |
Est. Total 22 quarters | $89,580.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students | |
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 17 quarters | $72,705.00 |
| Dissertation Preparation 1 quarter | $2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 6 quarters | $16,680.00 |
| Subtotal | $92,165.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 17 quarters | $2,975.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee | $0 |
Est. Total 24 quarters | $95,140.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students | |
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 17 quarters | $72,705.00 |
| Dissertation Preparation 1 quarter | $2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 9 quarters | $25,020.00 |
| Subtotal | $100,505.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 17 quarters | $2,975.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee | $0 |
Est. Total 27 quarters | $103,480.00 |
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor 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 aremore ways to savethan you might think.
Transfer credits
Get the credits you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.Get started
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a Capella network partner, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.
10% Military discount
Capella offers atuition discountto active-duty service members and their spouses, Guard and Reserve members, and veterans.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all ouraccreditationsandrecognitions.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsem*nt. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Licensure details
What are thePsyD admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information foradmissionto 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 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
Additional requirements for Doctor of Psychology programs 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 résumé 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 aboutinternational student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoralstudents. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Doctoral faculty
Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.
Academic coaches
Through quarterly appointments and as-needed coaching sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Helping Professions Program Guide
Wondering about the differences between PhDs and professional doctorates? What are the unique features of online and traditional doctoral programs? Read on to learn more and find the right program for you.
What’s It Like to Be a Doctoral Student?
Get details on Capella University programs in counseling and family therapy, psychology, social work and human services, and applied behavior analysis. Compare learning formats, financing options, and more.
Explore the doctoral journey »
What can you do with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- Psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Clinical manager
- Adjunct instructor or part-time psychology faculty
- Full-time psychology faculty
- Clinical director
- Research psychologist
- Clinical therapist
Employment settings to explore
- Hospital—inpatient or outpatient
- Community college
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community counseling center
- Social service agency
- Government—local, state, federal
- Health care clinic
- Mental health clinic
- Consulting firm
- Private practice
*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. 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.
1.866.933.5902
Take the first step toward earning your degree and achieving your goals.{page-tel}
Apply now
