10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don’t Require GRE

online psyd programs no gre
Great Value Colleges - Top Online Degrees-01

By GVC Staff

Online doctorates in psychology with no GRE requirement make it convenient for students to earn the credentials they need to practice psychology in a clinical setting. These programs also prepare psychologists to work in other industries, including education, healthcare, sports, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), jobs for psychologists are growing faster than average, so these types of degree programs are becoming more popular. In this ranking, we explore the top no GRE doctorate psychology programs.

Top Online Doctor of Psychology No GRE Ranking Methodology

Tuition

  • Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points
  • Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points
  • Net Price Below $18,000: 2 points
  • Net Price Below $20,000: 1 point

Student to Faculty Ratio

  • Less than 20:1: 1 point
  • Less than 15: 1: 2 points
  • Less than 10: 1: 3 points

Return on Investment (ROI) According to Payscale.com

  • Top 500: 1 point
  • Top 300: 2 points
  • Top 150: 3 points

Flexibility of the Program (asynchronous course delivery, hybrid options, part-time/full-time schedule, etc. ) – 1 point per item
Online Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, etc.)— 1 point per item
Concentrations/Specializations – 1 point per item
Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item
“Wow” Factor – 1 point

Ranking the Top Online Doctorate in Psychology No GRE Programs

The following online doctor of psychology no GRE programs are rated and ranked according to the methodology above. Information used to apply the methodology was gathered from College Navigator and Payscale as well as from each program’s website. In the case of a tie, we awarded the more affordable program the higher ranking. What follows is our ranking of the top 10 online doctoral degree programs with no GRE requirement:

#10—Antioch University- New England

Keene, New Hampshire

PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: Not published
Points: 4

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE: Antioch University of New England

The no-GRE online doctorate in psychology offering from Antioch University- New England is a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a focus on Social Justice. Course titles required for the degree include Social Justice Theory and Application, Family Policy and Advocacy, Advanced Clinical Skills and Clinical Ethics, and Clinical Innovations with Diverse Populations. Though most of the coursework can be completed online, students must attend campus four times per year for face-to-face meetings. Antioch University- New England is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its online no-GRE doctorate psychology program holds separate accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). An interview is required for admission.
Net Price: $22,100

#9—Saybrook University

Oakland, California

Online PhD in Clinical Psychology

Student to Faculty Ratio: Unpublished
Points: 5

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE: Saybrook University

The online doctorate in psychology with no GRE requirement from Saybrook University is a PhD offering with four distinct concentration options: Creativity Studies; Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health; Psychophysiology; and Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology. The five-year program consists of 108 units of coursework, including Clinical Psychopharmacology, Social Psychology, and Advanced Research Methods. A comprehensive exam, professional internship, and formal doctoral dissertation are also required prior to graduation. Some residential conferences may be required in addition to online classes. Saybrook University is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools Senior University and College Commission to award this online doctoral program in psychology.
Net Price: $23,589*

#8—Touro University-Worldwide

Los Alamitos, California

Online PsyD in Human & Organizational Psychology

Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 6

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE: Touro University-Worldwide

The online doctorate in psychology no GRE offering from Tour University-Worldwide features concentrations in organizational psychology, leadership psychology, and industrial psychology. Core courses for the program include Applied Social Psychology, Applied Media Psychology, and Applied Cognitive Psychology. Students will also take classes in their chosen concentration such as Psychology of Human Resource Management, Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Scholar/Practitioner Model, for instance. Course delivery is 100% online with no required residencies or visits to campus. Touro University-Worldwide is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior University and College Commission.
Net Price: $19,405

#7—University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 6

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE: University of Missouri

The no-GRE online doctorate psychology offering from the University of Missouri is an online DNP program that focuses on family psychiatric and mental health. Offered through the Sinclair School of Nursing, the program is considered a blended option as it requires a five-day orientation on campus; most of the coursework can be completed online, however. Required courses include Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing, Advanced Nursing Role Acquisition, and Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics. Enrolled students will also choose from electives such as Teaching Strategies in Nursing, Health Care Financial Management, and Family Dynamics and Intervention, for instance. A clinical residency and residency project are also required prior to graduation. The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its online doctorate in psychology with no GRE requirement is separately accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 100 Best Value Schools in the country.
Net Price: $15,850

#6—Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

PhD in Psychology Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 7

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE: Grand Canyon University

The online doctoral degree in psychology with no GRE requirement from Grand Canyon University is a PhD in General Psychology with four distinct emphases: Cognition and Instruction; Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology; Performance Psychology; and Industrial and Organizational Psychology. All students enrolled in the program will take core psychology courses such as Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory, Qualitative Research Methods, and Behaviorism. Depending on their chosen area of emphasis, students will also take additional classes like Social Cognition, Testing and Assessment in the Workplace, Learning and Communication Design, and Applied Psychology of Leadership. A formal doctoral dissertation is also required for the degree. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. U.S. News & World Report has placed the school among the top national universities nationwide.
Net Price: $21,332

#5—Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Online Doctorate in Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 8

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE: Liberty University

Liberty University offers two fully online doctors of psychology no GRE programs: an EdD in Community Care and Counseling and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. The EdD program features three available concentrations: Marriage and Family Counseling, Pastoral Care and Counseling, and Traumatology. Students pursuing the EdD will take core courses such as Applied Counseling Theories, Issues and Trends in Community Counseling, and Diagnosis of Treatment of Addictive Behaviors. On the other hand, those students in the PhD program will take core courses like Advanced Group Counseling, Counseling Leadership and Advocacy, and Dissemination of Research and Scholarship in Counseling. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the PhD programs hold separate program accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP).
Net Price: $28,181

#4—Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

Online Doctor of Behavioral Health

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Points: 10

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE:  Arizona State University

The no-GRE online doctorate in psychology offering from Arizona State University is a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program with a concentration in Management. The 84-credit hour curriculum features core courses such as Behavioral Health Entrepreneurship; Population Based Health Management; and Quality and Performance Measurement, Improvement, and Incentives. Enrolled students will also take classes in the Management concentration, including Models of Integrated Primary Care, Behavioral Health Management, and Cost Offset and ROI for Behavioral Intervention. Course delivery is synchronous, and in addition to coursework, students must also complete 240 internship hours as well as a capstone research project. An online DBH with a clinical concentration is also available. ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges to award online doctoral degrees. U.S. News & World Report has placed the school among the best national universities in the country as well as the top 100 best colleges for veterans.
Net Price: $14,081

#3—Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Online Doctorate in Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Points: 12

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE: Capella University

Capella University offers three online doctorate psychology no GRE programs: a PhD in Psychology, a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, and a Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology. The PhD in Psychology program features six different specialization options, including Behavior Analysis, Developmental Psychology, Addiction Psychology, and more. The PsyD in Clinical Psychology is more streamlined and includes courses such as Advanced Psychological Testing, Strategies of Clinical Supervision and Consultation, and Theories of Psychotherapy. Finally, The PsyD in School Psychology is comprised of core courses such as Consultation and Collaboration in the Schools, Advanced Biological Psychology, and Child and Adolescent Development for School Psychologists. Although most coursework for these programs can be completed online, some in-person components may be required for each of them. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award these online no-GRE doctoral programs in psychology.
Net Price: $17,368

#2—The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Chicago, Illinois

Online Doctorate in Psychology

Student to Faculty Ratio: 4:1
Points: 14

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers five distinct no-GRE online doctor of psychology programs: a PhD in Organizational Leadership, PhD in International Psychology with an optional concentration in Trauma Services, PhD in Business Psychology with tracks in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Consulting, PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis with a credentialing track, and an EdD in Educational Psychology and Technology. Part-time and full-time options are available as are hybrid formats. Depending on the specific program they choose, students may take courses such as Virtual and Global Leadership, Assessment of Psychosocial and Mental Health Reactions to Traumatic Stress, Experimental Analysis of Behavior, and Integrating Technology in Learning Systems. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its online no-GRE psychology doctoral programs are separately accredited by the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation.
Net Price: $21,213

#1—Northcentral University

San Diego, California

Online PhD in Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Points: 15

10 Great Value Doctorate Programs in Psychology Online that Don't Require GRE: Northcentral University

Northcentral University offers a versatile no-GRE online doctoral degree program in psychology featuring eight different specializations, including Gender Diversity Studies, Mental Health Policy and Practice, Trauma and Disaster Relief, and Health Psychology, for instance. The standard curriculum for the program is comprised of course titles such as Professional Ethics, Law, and Psychology; Human Development and Functioning; Social Psychology; and History and Systems of Psychology. Students will also take classes specific to their chosen concentration. Courses are taught by an all-doctoral faculty, and students receive one-on-one instruction from professors. There are 20 required courses in all, and students can complete their degree requirements within 48 months. Northcentral University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Net Price: $16,864

About No-GRE Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

You might think that finding an online doctoral degree program in psychology without Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is a tall order, and you might be right to some degree. This is changing, though. An increasing number of colleges and universities are doing away with the GRE requirement for their graduate programs, including online programs. If you ask them why you may get different answers. For some institutions, the priority is on providing students with a convenient higher education experience. The GRE is many things, but it’s certainly not convenient despite the availability of computer-based tests. For others, the GRE has become somewhat irrelevant over time and is no longer a reliable indicator of student success in graduate school. Despite the reasoning, the elimination of the GRE as an admissions requirement could make getting into the online graduate school of your choice a little easier.

Are online doctoral degrees in psychology with no GRE requirement credible, though? The short answer is—yes! Most of these schools have other admissions requirements that help them select students they predict will do well in their programs. These requirements include a master’s degree from an accredited university, transcripts that reflect a decent GPA, and a personal essay, for example. Still, it’s important to do your homework before enrolling in a program. One of the key factors to look for is accreditation. Be sure the college or university is accredited and look for separate program accreditation as well.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Basic Information

What Does the GRE Test?
Administered by the Educational Testing Service, the GRE assesses skills in verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning. These broad areas are the same ones a student must master in order to succeed in a master’s or doctoral degree program, at least according to most scholars and researchers.
Where Is the Test Administered?
The ETS has attempted to make the GRE more convenient to test-takers by licensing thousands of testing centers across the nation to administer the exam. No matter where a student lives, it’s likely they’ll find a testing location within an hour’s drive. Still, if you can skip the test altogether by finding an online doctoral degree in psychology with no GRE requirement, that’s clearly the most convenient option!
How Much Does It Cost to Take the GRE?
You’ll need a couple of hundred dollars to take the test, and discounts are available to some students. When considering the cost of the exam, keep in mind that you may need to take it more than once in order to get the score you need for admission to the graduate school of your choice. That is, if you are unable to find a no-GRE online doctor of psychology program. The ETS allows students to take the GRE up to five times annually.
Is the GRE Biased?
Some critics think so. The test was developed nearly a century ago, and many people think it gives an unfair advantage to white, male students. It has undergone changes since its first version, though, and attempts have been made to eliminate any potential bias.
Another problem with the test, though, is that high scores can be bought, at least according to some staunch opponents of the GRE. Their argument? Students with ample financial resources can afford expensive GRE preparation programs that give them an unfair advantage over less affluent test-takers.

No-GRE Online Doctorates in Psychology: Admissions Requirements

The programs in our ranking do not require GRE scores, but they do have other admissions criteria that will need to be met before you can enroll. In addition to a master’s degree in psychology from an accredited institution as well as a minimum GPA, students may also need to submit letters of intent, personal references, work history, and a detailed application, for instance. Keep in mind that these additional requirements will vary depending on the school you attend and the program you select. In some cases, applicants may also be asked to undergo an interview process.

Types of Online Doctoral Programs in Psychology With No GRE Requirement
• Online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology
• Online PhD in Clinical Psychology
• Online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Psychology
• Online Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in General Psychology
• Online PhD in International Psychology
• Online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Online PhD in Business Psychology
• Online Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Online Doctor of Behavioral Health
• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Psychiatric and Mental Health NP
• Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
• Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) About No-GRE Doctorates in Psychology Online Programs

Q: What type of accreditation should I look for in an online no-GRE doctoral program in psychology?
A: When considering no GRE online doctorates in psychology, you should ensure that the school you’re thinking of attending is regionally or nationally accredited. Look for program-specific accreditations from organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) as well.
Q: Why should I pursue an online doctorate in psychology with no GRE requirement?
A: An online psychology doctorate without GRE requirements is convenient because you won’t need to spend the time or money necessary to take this standardized test. In fact, if you’ve graduated from a master’s degree program, you likely already have everything you need to apply to a program of this kind.
Q: Can a no-GRE online doctorate in psychology be completed entirely online?
A: Yes. It is possible to complete an online doctorate in psychology with no GRE requirements fully online. Keep in mind that many of these programs do require residencies, though. If this is an obstacle for you, be sure to speak with an admissions counselor to confirm prior to enrollment.
Q: Are part-time options available for online doctoral psychology degrees with no GRE requirement?
A:Yes. Part-time tracks are popular amongst no-GRE online doctoral degree programs in psychology. Full-time options do exist as well, however.
Q: How quickly can a no-GRE online doctor of psychology program be completed?
A: Completion time for online doctoral degrees in psychology with no GRE will vary from school to school and program to program. Generally speaking, though, you can expect to spend between 3-5 years on your studies.
Q: Is a formal doctoral dissertation required for no-GRE online doctorates in psychology?
A: Usually. In rare cases, a capstone research project may take the place of a dissertation in terms of degree requirements.

No-GRE Online Doctoral Degrees in Psychology: Concentrations

Trauma Services
A doctoral degree program in psychology with a concentration in Trauma Services trains professionals in the area of psychology to treat the unique mental health problems that arise from traumatic events. Classes comprising the curriculum of this unique type of program may include:
• Mental Health Interventions
• Assessment of Psychosocial and Mental Health Reactions to Traumatic Stress
• Self-Care Strategies in Humanitarian Efforts
Consulting
A consulting concentration is a popular option for students enrolled in a business psychology doctoral degree. This specialization prepares students to apply knowledge of psychological concepts to business topics such as employee engagement, strategic planning, talent management, and more. Some courses comprising such a concentration may include:
• Change Management
• Business and Financial Literacy
• Strategic and Organizational Planning
Creativity Studies
A no GRE online doctor of psychology with a specialization in Creativity Studies seeks to understand the inner workings of creativity and how they apply to personal and professional growth. The concentration has implications in a variety of disciplines and professions, including counseling, teaching, health services, education, and more. Students enrolled in a specialty of this type can expect to take classes such as:
• Dimensions of Creativity
• Perspectives in Creativity
Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health
A relatively new concentration for online doctorate in psychology programs, the Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health specialty prepares graduates to work with alternative and complementary therapies, including meditation, mental imaging, biofeedback, and more. Classes comprising the curriculum for this type of program may include the following:
• Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality in Their Cultural Contexts
• Psychology of Consciousness
• Spiritual Direction
Psychophysiology
A no GRE online doctoral program in psychology with a concentration in Psychophysiology focuses on the mind-body connection and emphasizes holistic therapies. Classes required for this specialization could include the following:
• Introduction to Psychophysiology
• Psychophysiological Recording and Intervention
• Optimal Functioning: Psychophysiological Applications in the Community, School, Sports, and Workplace
Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology
A doctorate in psychology online with a specialization in Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology focuses on the whole patient and his or her individual needs and aspirations. Coursework will address topics like self-actualization, transcendence, and phenomenological psychology. Some sample course titles comprising a curriculum of this kind are listed below:
• Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy
• Existential Psychotherapies
• Phenomenological Critique of Psychological Systems
Marriage and Family Counseling
A no GRE online doctorate in psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) prepares graduates to work specifically with married couples and families. This highly specialized concentration may include classes like the following:
• Trauma and Current Issues in Marital Counseling
• Premarital and Remarriage Counseling
• Assessment in Marital and Family Therapy
Pastoral Care and Counseling
A faith-based concentration within an online doctoral degree program in psychology, the Pastoral Care and Counseling specialization prepares graduates to offer ministerial counseling in group and individual settings. Courses required for a program of this nature might include:
• Crises and Current Issues in Pastoral Counseling
• Growth and Development of the Pastoral Counselor
• Individual and Family Issues in Pastoral Counseling
Gender Diversity Studies
An increasingly popular concentration within online doctorate psychology programs, the specialization in Gender Diversity Studies probes the psychology of gender and trains professionals interested in this sub-field of psychology to work as mental health therapists, researchers, and educators. Classes may include:
• Psychology and the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Population
• Sex, Sexuality, and Power Dynamics
• Psychological Aspects of Gender Variance
Gerontology
An online no-GRE doctorate in psychology program with a concentration in Gerontology trains students to provide psychological services to senior citizens and their families. Graduates may work for mental health clinics, doctor’s offices and hospitals, government agencies, or community organizations. Coursework may include titles like those listed below:
• Psychological Practice in Gerontology
• Aging, Families, and Elder Care
• Death and Dying
Mental Health Policy and Practice
The mental health policy and practice concentration within an online doctoral program in psychology prepares graduates to become strong advocates for quality mental health services. It also trains professionals to take on leadership and supervisory roles in therapeutic settings, educational environments, and governmental agencies. Classes comprising the curriculum for a program of this type may include:
• Mental Health Administration and Management
• Comparative Analysis of Psychotherapies
• Mental Health and the Courts
Organizational Leadership
A no GRE doctorate in psychology online with a concentration in Organizational Leadership prepares students for executive leadership positions. The concentration emphasizes topics such as team-building, interpersonal dynamics, the psychology of motivation, human diversity, and more. Course titles may include the following:
• Psychology of Collaboration in Organizational Leadership
• Psychology of Human Resource Management
• Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Cognition and Instruction
A unique concentration within online doctor of psychology programs, the specialization in Cognition and Instruction enables students to apply their knowledge of psychology and cognitive science to the field of education. Graduates are qualified for roles as educators and researchers in postsecondary settings. Some course titles are listed below for reference:
• Social Cognition
• Humanistic, Transpersonal, and Existential Psychology
• Theories of Inquiry
Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology
An online doctor of psychology with a concentration in Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology prepares graduates to work in a variety of business and educational environments. As leaders in their organizations, they will leverage the complex relationship between technology, learning, and psychology to optimize individual and group performance. Sample course titles for a program of this kind are listed below:
• Learning and Communication Design
• Theories of Cognition, Motivation, Collaboration, and Learning
• Integrating for Learning and Communication
Performance Psychology
The Performance Psychology concentration within a no GRE online psychology doctorate is a broad specialization that encompasses the fields of sport psychology and organizational psychology. Courses will cover topics such as motivation, leadership, psychomotor performance, and more. Titles may include the following:
• Foundations of Performance Psychology
• Performance Enhancement
• Applied Psychology of Leadership

Career Questions About Online Psychology Doctoral Programs

Q: What are my career options with an online doctorate in psychology?
A: A no-GRE doctorate in psychology online prepares graduates to work in clinical roles as psychologists. There are other career options as well, though. Some of these include: school psychologist, marriage and family therapist, behavior analyst, research scientist, clinical educator, market research manager, and more. Note that your individual career options will vary based on the specific type of degree you earn as well as any specializations, certifications, or endorsements you pursue.
Q: Will an online doctoral degree in psychology put me in demand?
A: Yes! The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs for psychologists are growing faster than average and that opportunities will increase by 14% between 2016 and 2026. This demand can largely be contributed to the growing social awareness for mental health services.
Q: How much will I earn with an online doctoral degree in psychology?
A: According to the BLS, the median annual wage for psychologists as of 2017 was $77,030. There is the potential for even higher earnings, though. The highest 10% of psychologists made more than $124,520 this same year.
Q: Are there professional organizations for graduates of online doctor of psychology programs?
A: Yes. Professional organizations in the psychology discipline can help online doctor of psychology graduates grow their professional networks and find career resources. The largest of these is the American Psychological Association (APA), but there are many others. Some of them are listed below:
• American Board of Professional Psychology
• National Association of School Psychologists
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• American Board of Neuropsychology

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