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9 Best Online Combined Masters and PsyD Programs

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: June 27, 2024, Reading time: 17 minutes

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Earning a PsyD will help you accomplish your goals in advancing your psychology career. With a PsyD, you’ll have the skills and information to assess, recognize, and address various issues influencing people’s daily lives. Additionally, this degree will help you move up the career ladder.

Best Online Combined Masters and PsyD Programs - Psychology Graduates 2012-2021

But pursuing a doctoral degree program in psychology will take more time, work, and money. To make your journey quicker and more affordable, you can enroll in flexible combined master’s and PsyD degree programs!

Quick audio summary:

The Lowdown

Various colleges and universities offer educational programs combining master’s and doctoral degrees. These degree programs combine the necessary coursework into a single program rather than separate master’s and Ph.D. programs, intending to help students progress faster toward licensing and professional practice.

Combined degree programs in psychology allow students to finish their education more quickly and at a more affordable cost. While there are various combined degree programs in psychology, the most common include the following: 

For this list, we have included some dual and joint Ph.D. in Psychology programs to broaden your options.

Methodology

Many schools offer combined master’s and doctor’s degree programs in psychology, but only a few are available in an online/hybrid learning format. So, how do you choose the best programs of the bunch? 

We used our 15 best-combined master’s and PsyD degree programs methodology, such that the programs and schools on our list emphasize these academic features:

Please visit our Methodology page and review the details of our ranking process.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

9 Best Online Combined Masters and PsyD Programs

Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University Maryland

Hybrid Combined Master of Science and PsyD in Clinical Psychology Program

Loyola University Maryland’s combined MS/PsyD in Clinical Psychology is a hybrid degree program suitable for students who can attend on-campus intensives. The APA accredits this program. 

What Makes This Program Unique:

This program is among the most comprehensive combined MS/PsyD programs. Students are required to apply for a doctoral internship during their second year. Additionally, the doctoral program provides students with the best academic counseling services to help them navigate their way to graduation. 

Did You Know?

Graduate and doctoral psychology students at Loyola University complete some of their studies at the Loyola Clinical Centers. The center offers one of the country’s best centers for people with problems with psychology, reading, hearing, speech, and language.

Widener University

Widener University

Hybrid Clinical Psychology (PsyD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Students who want to earn an MBA while earning a PsyD should consider enrolling at Widener University’s hybrid Clinical Psychology (PsyD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). The AACSB and APA accredit this program. 

What Makes This Program Unique:

On top of the rigorous coursework, students must complete a practical, supervised experience at Widener’s Organizational Development Services. During this experience, students can demonstrate leadership and personality assessments and leadership coaching services to students and staff. Students can also assess organizational leaders in the neighborhood.

Did You Know?

Widener University individually interviews and tours eligible students for the combined MBA/PsyD program. Additionally, admitted students will have plenty of financial aid opportunities from the university and its private donors. 

University of St. Thomas

University of St. Thomas

Hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with Direct Admission to the Psyd

While not a combined degree program, UST offers a MA in Counseling Psychology with direct admission to the Doctor of Clinical Psychology program. This APA-accredited program allows students to complete the program through a hybrid learning format. 

What Makes This Program Unique:

This program is best for students who want a curriculum focusing on diversity and self-awareness courses. Students will undergo rigorous coursework to help them gain more profound knowledge on recognizing and comprehending personal and cultural differences.

Did You Know?

Graduate students are encouraged to join the Graduate Student Organization or the Students of Color, Multiracial, and Indigenous Students (SOCMI) organization to help them gain more hands-on experience and access more networking opportunities. 

John F. Kennedy University

John F. Kennedy University

Hybrid Master of Arts in Sport Psychology – Clinical PsyD Dual Degree Program

John F. Kennedy University offers an APA-accredited MA in Sport Psychology and a Clinical PsyD Dual Degree program through a hybrid learning format. This is best for students who want to work as professional psychologists in the sports sector. 

What Makes This Program Unique:

This hybrid dual degree program offers a unique training opportunity. The field experience allows students to work with clinical clients, athletes, and athletes with clinical difficulties. Upon completion, students will have better sports and clinical psychology knowledge and abilities.

Did You Know?

Students are allowed to retake the field placement component for more credit. 

Chatham University

Chatham University

Master of Arts in Psychology and Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Chatham University’s MA in Psychology and PsyD is an APA-accredited program designed to complete through a hybrid learning format. The program, however, only accepts students who can study full-time. 

What Makes This Program Unique:

The program focuses on clients’ assets and strengths and diversity, inclusiveness, and social justice. Students should expect various learning opportunities outside the classroom; a few programs available include the Telehealth Training, IM4Q Program, and the HAPPY Project.

Did You Know?

Chatham University is one of the best institutions for affordable learning. The institution offers various financial aid opportunities for its full-time students, including fellowships, graduate assistantships, and corporate discounts.

Mercer University

Mercer University

Hybrid Doctor of Psychology/Master of Public Health

Mercer University’s combined PsyD/MPH is available in a hybrid learning format. This program is accredited, on contingency, by APA. 

What Makes This Program Unique:

Students can complete the 2,000 hours internship requirement in any training facility in the nation that has received APA approval. The student intern supervisors evaluate the student’s performance, which is often a paid internship.

Did You Know?

Mercer University has several partnerships with facilities that require psychological needs, such as academic medical centers, community mental health centers, jails, and university counseling centers. This allows students to receive advanced, specialized training in neuropsychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, and pediatric psychology. 

Capella University

Capella University

Hybrid Combined PsyD in Clinical Psychology/Master of PsychologyMASTER OF PSYCHOLOGY

Capella University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers a hybrid Doctor of Psychology degree that allows students to earn their master’s degree in psychology during the doctoral program. 

What Makes This Program Unique:

This online combined PsyD/MSP program is one of the most affordable degree programs, costing only $555 per credit hour. Students will receive financial aid to help reduce the program’s total cost. 

Did You Know?

Capella offers two other doctorate degrees paired with the MS in psychology; the PsyD in School Psychology and the EdS in School Psychology. The doctor of educational psychology would be the best option for students pursuing state licensure and certification as a school psychologist.

University of Florida

University of Florida - College of Public Health and Health Professions

Clinical and Health Psychology Ph.D./Master of Public Health (Ph.D./MPH)

The Clinical and Health Psychology Ph.D./Master of Public Health combined degree program at the University of Florida is one of the best options for students seeking employment as professors in colleges and universities. This is an APA-approved degree program. 

What Makes This Program Unique:

The combined degree aims to mold students into becoming specially educated psychologists who can efficiently produce and integrate professional and scientific knowledge, attitudes, and abilities to advance psychological science, the professional practice of psychology, and human welfare.

Did You Know?

Students have two enrollment options; they can either apply to the two programs simultaneously or apply to the Ph.D. shortly after applying to the MPH. 

DePaul University

DePaul University - College of Science and Health

Hybrid Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

DePaul University has a dual degree program in Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology that allow students to complete through a mix of face-to-face and web-based lectures. This program is APA-accredited. 

What Makes This Program Unique:

Through the school’s on-campus clinic, students can practice their skills in helping people with mental health problems. In addition, students can acquire expertise from several Chicago-area settings partnered with the school, including Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and Howard Brown Health Center. 

Did You Know?

The Act and Adapt program is professor Antonio Polo’s and his students’ research. This program aims to find answers on how to deal with adolescent needs and depression. They partner with school districts to train and support counselors, social workers, and psychologists to deliver this program at dozens of Chicago schools.

Defining Combinations of Degree Programs

Combined, double, concurrent, and joint degrees are often interchanged terms. While they may seem similar, they have their differences. 

Pros and Cons of Combined Degree Programs

Pros and Cons of Combined Degree Programs

As with all things, there are pros and cons of earning a master’s and doctorate degree through combined degree programs. Before enrolling in one, you should consider its pros and cons and ensure that this path is the best for your career and educational goals. 

Pros

Long-Term Cost

The most apparent benefit of enrolling in a combined degree program in psychology is the cost since acquiring two degrees simultaneously is frequently quicker than doing it separately. This might prevent the need to pay for a year or two of additional schooling.

Professional Flexibility

Although having a master’s degree opens up more work choices than having a bachelor’s degree, your alternatives may still be limited if you want to go into professional psychology. 

Master’s in psychology graduates are frequently eligible for entry-level positions in forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and mental health. On the other hand, PsyD graduates have options to pursue higher-level roles that allow them to treat and diagnose mental problems while doing psychological examinations, offering psychotherapy services, and conducting evaluations.

Cons

Course Load

It’s challenging enough to earn one degree. Obtaining two at once is particularly difficult. Potential combined master’s and PsyD degree students should ensure they can handle the rigorous academic requirements of such a program.

Restricts You From Working Full-Time

Most combined degree programs require students to enroll full-time, making it impossible for candidates to work (even part-time). Given that most combined degree programs take four to six years, students should be prepared to leave their jobs for the duration of their program.

Best Online Combined Masters and PsyD Programs - Rising Demand for Social Workers with Psy.D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need a Master to Get a PsyD?

PsyD programs frequently advise their students to finish master’s-level coursework before enrolling in any doctoral degree program, including the PsyD. However, several universities in the US offer combined degree programs where students can complete their master’s degree while completing the first few years of their PsyD program.

What’s the difference Between a PsyD and a Ph.D.?

When you complete PsyD, which focuses on clinical training, you are awarded the title of psychologist. A Ph.D. student, on the other hand, is required to write a doctoral dissertation primarily focused on research and a master’s thesis. Additionally, a Ph.D. is geared toward professionals who want to teach in colleges and universities. 

Is a PsyD as good as a Ph.D.?

The answer depends on your goals. A PsyD is excellent for individuals who want to start working as certified clinical psychologists. A Ph.D. is best for those who want to land a career in academia and research.

What can I do with my PsyD?

A PsyD can be the starting point for several rewarding and challenging career paths, such as becoming a licensed clinical psychologist or even aiding in prosecuting criminals. As a terminal degree, it signifies the highest level of academic achievement in the field.

How much can I make with a PsyD?

How much money one makes with a PsyD depends on their chosen career path. However, PsyD graduates’ most common career path is becoming licensed psychologists. According to the BLS, the median annual pay for this profession is $81,040

Other career paths include Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, with a median annual pay of $48,520. On the other hand, School and Career Counselors and Advisors have a median yearly pay of $60,510.  

Best Online Combined Masters and PsyD Programs - How Much Do Psychologists Make

Summary Points

Additional Information: