Online PhD programs in psychology are now being offered by many different universities. Some of the universities are strictly online, while others are extensions of their physical location. Entering a doctoral program online allows the student more flexibility in attending classes while still working and raising a family. Psychology doctorates can work in a variety of settings and specific. Psychologist jobs have a good outlook over the next ten year and good salary.

Doctoral Programs in Psychology

Online psychology doctoral programs are available in the following concentrations:

1. Clinical psychology. This is the study, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. Some clinical psychologists help patients with severe mental illnesses, while others help clients cope with life changing event such as death of a loved one or a divorce.

2. Counseling psychology. This is one of the more popular concentrations. Psychological counselors help clients cope with daily life and improve their quality of life. They help people achieve or maintain a good quality of life and help with mental or social disorders.

3. School psychology. School psychologists are employed by schools with kindergarten to high school students. They work with teachers, administration, and parents to resolve conflict and help create a safe learning environment. They also help students with learning or behavioral problems.

4. Industrial psychology. Industrial psychologists apply psychology and research to the workplace to help make improvements in worker efficiency and morale. They might perform job hiring as well as organizational analysis and management research. Industrial psychologists are usually consultants and not employees of the company they are helping.

5. Developmental psychology. This is the study of the cognitive and social development at various stages of life. Most specialize in one period of time in a person’s life such as infancy, childhood, adulthood, or the elderly. Some study disabilities and their effects of daily life.

6. Social psychology. This subprogram involves studying people and their interactions with other people and their environment. They are involved in marketing, systems designs, consulting, or other applied psychology jobs. Most have a niche such as attitude, behavior, perfection, or leadership.

7. Research psychology. Typically work in a private center for a business or the government. Study behavior of humans and animals and analyze data. Normally work on motivation, attention, perception, substance abuse, and other specific areas.

8. Forensic psychology. Uses psychology in the criminal justice system to help judges and attorneys understand psychological aspects of a case. They are typically called as expert witnesses to testify at trial. Some may offer other services to the court such as evaluate child abuse reports or child custody reports. Still others work with crime victims or evaluate the accused as to their mental capacity.

Jobs Available with a Psy. D

Attending an online PhD program in psychology is a smart choice right now, as that job growth projection is a 12% growth in the next ten years. Increased demand in hospitals, schools, drug abuse clinics, and social services will cause there to be a wide variety of jobs available.

A doctoral degree in psychology will yield the best opportunity for finding a job. Experience with researching and analyzing data will be in high demand. Jobs that only require a Master’s degree will be competitive as there are a limited amount of that type of jobs available.

Salary for Psychology PhD

Because the type of psychology jobs with a doctorate are so widely varied, salary is also widely varied. The median yearly salary for family and individual counselors was $57,440. At the higher end of the range, the median yearly salary for industrial psychologists was $77,010. Figures are from May 2008.

Online PhD programs in psychology offer an excellent job outlook for placement and salary. There are many different field of psychology to specialize in. The type you choose to study will determine future job grown predictions and average salary figures.