Exploring the Best PsyD Programs in Florida: Traditional & Online
If you’re passionate about making a difference in behavioral and mental health, earning a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) can be your ticket to exciting opportunities. Whether you’re a recent graduate ready to dive deeper or a professional looking to pivot your career, a PsyD can typically be completed in as few as four to five years.
This STEPS guide highlights Florida’s best APA-accredited PsyD programs, along with flexible online options, detailed application requirements, steps toward licensure as a psychologist in Florida, and insights into salary potential for PsyD graduates.
Exploring Florida’s PsyD Programs
If you’re pursuing a career as a psychologist in Florida, you’re likely looking for a program that fits your busy schedule. For this reason, many students look for online programs, but on-campus PsyD programs are still the most common type in the state.
In fact, online Florida PsyD programs are rare, largely because the American Psychological Association (APA) doesn’t currently offer accreditation to fully online programs. Still, many high-quality PsyD programs that are accredited by the APA and offer substantial support services.
If online options are critically important to you, consider out-of-state schools that offer PsyD degrees with a significant amount of coursework online. Capella University and The Chicago School, for example, offer mostly online PsyDs but still require participation in in-person residencies, internships, and practicums. Here’s a look at one of the top in-person PsyD programs in Florida.
Albizu University
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program at Albizu University is designed to train clinical psychologists and prepare them to serve a diverse and multicultural population. The PsyD program trains students to become health service psychologists with an emphasis on clinical psychology. Offered through Albizu University’s Miami, FL, location, the program is APA accredited and requires the completion of 99 credits, including core classes and electives in neuropsychology, health psychology, and child psychology. After completing this program, graduates will be able to provide comprehensive psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic services. An alumni survey from Albizu University showed that 92% of respondents were working in the field as psychologists.
Duration: Five years
Mode: In-person
Cost: $114,642
Curriculum:
- Evidence-Based Practice I & II: CBT
- Intellectual and Cognitive Assessment
- Personality Assessment I & II
- Couples and Family Therapy
- Diversity and Culture in Clinical Practice
- Clinical Supervision and Consultation
- Research Methods
- Doctoral Project Seminar
Get Answers: PsyD Student FAQs
Do I need a master’s degree to get into a PsyD program in Florida?
Not always. In most cases, you’ll need prerequisites that might have been obtained via bachelor’s or masters degrees. But often you’ll need to submit GRE scores when applying to PsyD programs in Florida. GRE scores are required at Albizu University, Nova Southeastern University, and Florida Tech. There are exceptions, however, like the on-campus and hybrid programs at National Louis University. Check with schools you are interested in before applying.
How long do PsyD programs in Florida take to finish?
Most PsyD programs in Florida take four to five years to complete. For example, the PsyD program at Nova Southeastern University is a five year program. The majority of programs include advanced courses, hands-on training, and a dissertation. While some programs may take longer than others, you can anticipate spending several years on your doctorate.
How much do PsyD programs in Florida cost?
The cost of a PsyD program in Florida could range anywhere from $90,000 to well over $150,000. Earning a PsyD degree in Florida is a significant financial undertaking. The cost of APA-accredited PsyD programs in Florida varies among schools, but in-state tuition rates are much less expensive than out-of-state rates.
Thankfully, most doctoral programs offer financial assistance (e.g., stipends, grants, or scholarships) to graduate students. If you transfer significant amounts of graduate-level credits, this can also offset the costs of your PsyD degree in Florida.
If you’re looking for ways to fund your psychology education, it’s worth looking into what financial aid and scholarships are available for public service students.
What’s the process of becoming a psychologist in Florida?
To become a psychologist in Florida, you must complete a doctoral degree, apply to the Florida Board of Psychology, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
The Florida Board of Psychology requires you to have a PsyD degree from an APA-accredited program to practice in Florida. You also need at least 4,000 hours of supervised experience to be considered for licensure. Up to 2,000 of these hours can come from a doctoral-level internship, but the remaining 2,000 must be from supervised hours completed at an approved location.
What’s the difference between a PsyD and a doctor?
While earning your PsyD gives you the title of Dr., it’s not the same as the title of MD. An MD is a medical doctor who went to medical school and has specific training in treating and diagnosing illnesses.
With a Doctorate in Psychology, or PsyD, an individual can’t prescribe medication or work as a medical doctor. However, the degree can allow you to specialize in a host of fields. Steps offers insights on various programs, including those for PhD in clinical psychology, and masters degrees in forensic psychology, school psychology, counseling, and more.
Earnings and Careers: PhD Psychologists in Florida
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $48,820 | $168,870 | $96,100 |
| Florida | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $39,090 | $140,320 | $78,730 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $46,270 | $187,980 | $99,570 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $64,990 | $163,920 | $122,430 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $35,890 | $122,600 | $76,560 |
| Jacksonville, FL | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $37,730 | $138,570 | $99,930 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $33,160 | $134,750 | $69,590 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $39,090 | $164,380 | $88,670 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $38,340 | $135,720 | $82,040 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $52,250 | $133,640 | $100,740 |
Source: Clinical & Counseling Psychologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | 67,500 | 75,200 | 7,700 | 11.40% |
| Florida | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | 3,720 | 4,690 | 970 | 26.10% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Florida Resources for PsyD Students & Professionals
Despite the level of training and rigor necessary for a doctoral program, you don’t have to do it without support. There are many resources in Florida for psychology and doctoral students, from organizations that allow for networking with other professionals to organizations that provide help with funding your tuition.
Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP): The FASP supports the well-being of students by providing training for school psychologists. They also offer internships and professional development across Florida.
Florida College Access Network: The Florida College Access Network partners with leaders, educators, and communities to improve educational achievement in Florida. It offers resources, events, and assistance for first-generation and low-income students in Florida.
Florida College System: The Florida College System is part of the Florida Department of Education. Its mission is to provide access to high-quality educational programs. It offers numerous student services such as career planning and help with financial aid.
Florida Psychological Association (FPA): The FPA is the voice of psychologists in Florida. It aims to improve the qualifications and usefulness of psychologists through meetings, networking, and other resources. It also has an organization for graduate students.
FloridaShines: FloridaShines is the hub of innovative educational services for students in Florida. Whether you’re still in high school, enrolled in college, or preparing for your career, it offers resources to help you succeed.
