Arizona is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States and is home to many universities and colleges that offer doctoral programs in psychology. Pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities, including clinical practice, research, academia, and more. With the growing demand for mental health services, there has been an increased need for trained and qualified psychologists in Arizona. In this article, we will explore some of the top doctoral programs in psychology offered in Arizona, the admission requirements, the curriculum, and potential career paths. Whether you’re a recent graduate or looking to advance your career such as Masters’s in Psychology, Arizona has a variety of options to help you achieve your goals.
Doctorate in General Psychology
Grand Canyon University – Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis on Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology
Grand Canyon University offers two Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in General Psychology with distinct emphases. The first emphasis is Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology, which focuses on integrating technology in the learning process, with an emphasis on applying psychology principles to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. The second emphasis is Performance Psychology, which focuses on the application of psychological principles to enhance performance in sports, the workplace, and other areas of life. Both programs are designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, and applied settings. Admission to the program is competitive and requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology or a related field, along with transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Overall, the Ph.D. programs in General Psychology at Grand Canyon University provide students with the opportunity to gain comprehensive training in psychology, with a focus on either technology and learning or performance psychology. Graduates from the program have gone on to successful careers in various fields of psychology.
Northcentral University – Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in General Psychology
Northcentral University offers Ph.D.hD in Psychology with a specialization in General Psychology. The program is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in psychology, covering topics such as research methods, psychological theory, and the application of psychology principles in real-world settings. The curriculum also includes advanced coursework in areas such as cognition, social psychology, and developmental psychology. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, academia, and applied settings. Admission to the program requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology or a related field, along with transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Overall, the Ph.D. program in General Psychology at Northcentral University provides students with a comprehensive education in psychology, preparing them for successful careers in various fields of psychology. Graduates from the program have gone on to work as researchers, educators, and practitioners in various settings.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Arizona State University – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Clinical Psychology that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program is designed to train students in clinical psychology science and practice. Students participate in coursework in areas such as psychopathology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and developmental psychology and gain hands-on clinical training through supervised practicum and internship experiences. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice.
University of Arizona – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
The University of Arizona (UA) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Clinical Psychology that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program focuses on the integration of research and practice, and students participate in coursework in areas such as psychotherapy, psychopathology, and ethics in clinical practice. Students also gain hands-on experience through supervised practicum and internship opportunities. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice.
Midwestern University – PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Midwestern University offers a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program in Clinical Psychology that is designed to prepare students for careers in the practice of clinical psychology. The program includes coursework in areas such as assessment and diagnosis, psychotherapy, and professional ethics, and students gain clinical experience through supervised practicum and internship opportunities. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and meets the requirements for licensure as a psychologist in many states.
Click here for Masters in Clinical Psychology programs in the state of Arizona.
Doctorate in School/Education Psychology
Arizona State University – Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Doctor of PhilosophyPh.D.hD) program in Educational Psychology that is designed to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, and related fields. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and includes coursework in areas such as learning and motivation, cognitive processes, and developmental psychology. Students also have the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience and participate in supervised practicum and internship experiences.
University of Arizona – Ph.D. in School Psychology
The University of Arizona (UA) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in School Psychology that is designed to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, and practice in school psychology. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and includes coursework in areas such as child development, learning and cognition, and psychological assessment. Students also gain hands-on experience through supervised practicum and internship opportunities in schools and related settings.
Doctorate in Child Psychology
Arizona State University – Ph.D. in Psychology with Concentration in Developmental Psychology
Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Ph.D. program in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology. This program prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and related fields, with a focus on the psychological development of individuals across their lifespans. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and includes coursework in areas such as cognitive development, social development, and developmental psychopathology. Students also gain hands-on experience through supervised research and practicum opportunities.
University of Arizona – Ph.D. in Psychology with Concentration in Developmental Psychology
The University of Arizona (UA) offers a Ph.D. program in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology. This program prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and related fields, focusing on understanding the developmental processes that shape individuals across their lifespans. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and includes coursework in areas such as social and emotional development, cognitive development, and developmental psychopathology. Students also gain hands-on experience through research and practicum opportunities.
Doctorate in Forensic/Criminal Psychology
Grand Canyon University – Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in General Psychology with Emphasis in Forensic Psychology
Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a Ph.D. program in General Psychology with an emphasis on Forensic Psychology. This program prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and related fields, with a focus on the application of psychology to legal issues. The program includes coursework in areas such as criminal behavior, victimology, and forensic assessment. Students also gain hands-on experience through practicum and research opportunities.
Argosy University – Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology with a Concentration in Forensic Psychology
Argosy University offers a PsyD program in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. This program prepares students for careers in clinical and forensic settings, with a focus on the intersection of psychology and the legal system. The program includes coursework in areas such as forensic assessment, criminal behavior, and ethical issues in forensic psychology. Students also gain hands-on experience through supervised practicum opportunities.
It’s worth noting that both Grand Canyon University and Argosy University have faced controversy and regulatory issues in the past, so students should carefully consider these factors before enrolling in these programs.
Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Arizona State University – Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Ph.D. program in I/O psychology. The program focuses on training students in the scientific principles and methods of psychology as applied to workplace issues, such as employee selection and performance evaluation. Students complete coursework in areas such as personnel psychology, organizational psychology, and research methods. They also gain hands-on experience through research projects and apply for internships.
ASU’s PhD program in I/O psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), which is the leading accrediting organization for doctoral programs in psychology.
Northern Arizona University – Ph.D. in Applied Psychological Science, emphasis on Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a Ph.D. program in Applied Psychological Science with an emphasis in I/O psychology. This program emphasizes the application of psychological research and theory to workplace issues, such as employee motivation, leadership, and organizational development. Students complete coursework in areas such as advanced research methods, organizational behavior, and job analysis. They also gain hands-on experience through internships and research opportunities.
APA does not accredit NAU’s Ph.D. program in I/O psychology. Still, it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is a regional accrediting organization for colleges and universities in the Midwest and Southwest regions of the United States.
Doctorate in ABA/Behavioral Analysis
Arizona State University – Ph.D. in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Arizona State University offers a Ph.D. in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis that focuses on research and practice in the application of behavioral principles to solve real-world problems. The program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and prepares graduates to work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and businesses.
Northern Arizona University – Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Northern Arizona University offers a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis that prepares students to become experts in the field of behavior analysis. The program is accredited by the ABAI and focuses on research, teaching, and practice in behavior analysis. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and businesses.
Both programs have their unique strengths, but they share a focus on user behavior analysis to improve human behavior and solve real-world problems. Students in these programs can expect to receive rigorous training in research methods, behavior assessment, behavior intervention, and consultation. Graduates of these programs are well-prepared to work in a variety of settings and make meaningful contributions to the field of behavior analysis.
Doctorate in Other Psychology Programs
Sonoran University of Health Sciences – Doctor of Behavioral Health
The Doctor of Behavioral Health program at the Sonoran University of Health Sciences is designed to prepare students to become integrative behavioral health providers. This program emphasizes the role of lifestyle and behavior in health and wellness and uses a holistic approach to treatment. Students learn about various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Northcentral University – Ph.D. in Psychology
Northcentral University offers Ph.D. in Psychology that allows students to choose from several specializations, including industrial-organizational psychology, health psychology, and forensic psychology. This program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in psychological theories and research methods, as well as advanced training in their chosen area of specialization. Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop their research skills and complete a dissertation.
All of these universities are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education.