This rigorous program helps prepare you for an advanced professional practice using online course work, residency, and field training experiences. Learn how to incorporate scientific knowledge and apply methods of scientific inquiry to psychological interventions. You'll have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to a broad range of professional services, such as psychotherapy, psychological assessment, consultation, and supervision.
Because this program is designed to prepare graduates for state licensure eligibility as a clinical psychologist, it is a demanding program that requires online course work, residency, and field training.
Outcome goals and graduates' proficiency levels
Each doctoral program and specialization is designed around expected learning outcomes (see Expected Program Outcomes below). End of program performance is determined during the comprehensive exam and dissertation process. Because the work is unique to each learner's dissertation or research topic and the criteria for evaluation are aligned to that work, we do not collect data on proficiency levels for doctoral programs.
Quality and Professional Relevance
- All faculty members in the Doctor of Psychology program have doctoral degrees and practitioner experience in psychology or related fields.
- More than 600 organizations—including corporations, health care organizations, and community colleges—invest in their employees by partnering with Capella to offer discounted education programs.
Expected Program Outcomes
- Practice psychology through the application of theory and skills.
- Advance the science and practice of psychology through scholarly inquiry.
- Integrate science, theory, and practice into professional activities.
1 Check state licensure requirements. The license to practice as a professional psychologist is regulated independently in each state or province. Learners who intend to seek licensure or certification should check the program requirements in the state or province in which they hope to practice. This program is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Doctoral Counseling-Related Degree Program Graduates
Data from graduates across counseling-related doctoral programs have been combined for these Career Outcomes results.
The graphs below show some key findings from Capella's Alumni Outcomes Survey. We use this information to help improve our courses, programs and services and to give you an idea of how alumni are using their degrees.
Career Preparation
All
Counseling-Related Doctoral Graduates
Career Preparation
All
Counseling-Related Doctoral Graduates
The skills and knowledge have been immediately applicable to my career: 88%
My degree has positioned me to achieve my professional ambitions: 70%
Capellas competency based curriculum has prepared me for the needs of my profession: 75%
Percentage of respondents who answered
"strongly agree" or "agree."
Source:
Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation.
The data were collected during Q3 2017 - Q1 2018.
Career Preparation
All
Counseling-Related Doctoral Graduates
Career and Professional
Accomplishments
All Counseling-Related Doctoral Graduates
Made a significant contribution to my profession: 50%
Successfully changed jobs and-or-careers: 33%
Assumed leadership responsibilities: 33%
Received a salary increase: 50%
Received a promotion: 25%
Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes, and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.
Percentage of respondents who indicated they had accomplished each item.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2017 – Q1 2018.
Doctoral Counseling-Related Degree Program Graduates
Data from graduates across all counseling-related programs have been combined for these Student Experience results.
The graphs below show some key findings from Capella's Alumni Outcomes Survey. We use this information to help improve our courses, programs and services and to give you an idea of how alumni feel about Capella and what general skills and abilities they gained.
Satisfaction With Capella
All
Counseling-Related Doctoral Graduates
Satisfaction with Capella
All
Counseling-Related Doctoral Graduates
I have or intend to recommend Capella : 63%
I am satisfied with my Capella education : 100%
Capella gave me the most efficient direct path to completing my degree : 100%
Percentage of respondents who answered
affirmatively.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes
Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3
2017 - Q1 2018.
Our doctoral graduates report they have gained practical knowledge and expertise which are applicable in a range of professional settings.
Skills & Abilities
All
Counseling-Related Doctoral Graduates
Improvements in Skills &
Abilities
All Counseling-Related Doctoral Graduates
Write clearly, accurately, and professionally; use sources appropriately : 100%
Communicate thoughts and ideas in varied settings : 100%
Show ethical conduct reflecting values and beliefs of discipline : 100%
Show knowledge of field; respect contributions of other fields : 100%
Analyze theoretical issues or investigate real-world phenomena, create knowledge : 100%
Locate, evaluate and communicate information; address legal, professional, other issues : 100%
Critically examine, analyze, and evaluate thinking using intellectual standards and creativity : 86%
Critically evaluate, select, and use discipline-appropriate technology : 100%
Show appreciation for group and individual differences : 100%
Demonstrate effective leadership in diverse environments : 86%
Apply the specialized knowledge associated with professional practice area : 100%
Percentage of respondents who rated
themselves as "proficient" or "exceptional" on
ability to demonstrate the skill or ability on the job.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after
graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2017 - Q1 2018.
Earn Your Doctoral Degree
Become an expert in your field. Enroll in an online PhD, PsyD, or EdD program at Capella.
"I'm able to talk to victims of domestic violence about how to reduce their likelihood of being a victim. This is a real-world application of the Scholar-Practitioner Model and I am honored to be a part of it."
Jesse Collins, PhD
2010 Graduate
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Specialization in Psychology