5 Fastest PsyD Programs in Illinois for 2025

A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is one of two primary pathways to psychologist licensure. Through psychology coursework and field experiences, learners in these programs acquire the educational background and clinical training to launch new careers.

Do you want to become a psychologist in Illinois as quickly as possible? In the state, you'll find several accelerated PsyD programs that speed up degree completion. Keep reading to learn which schools offer Illinois's fastest PsyD programs.

What Is a PsyD Program?

A PsyD is a psychology program preparing students to work as psychologists in clinical settings. They differ from Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs that prepare learners for careers in academia. Coursework in PsyD programs focuses on key psychological concepts (e.g., psychopathology, lifespan development, and health assessment). Programs also deliver real-world practical experiences through a practicum and internship.

A student interested in quickly becoming a licensed psychologist can find accelerated PsyD programs in Illinois. These degrees reduce the time to complete coursework, helping learners start their careers sooner.

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in Illinois?

Most PsyD programs are designed for completion in about five years. Students generally complete four years of coursework and a one-year internship. However, some programs help enrollees graduate faster by reducing their course load. You might even find PsyD programs with no dissertation that speed up the graduation timeframe. When in an accelerated program, students earn their degrees in as little as three years.

Are There Any 3-Year PsyD Programs in Illinois?

Yes, you can find 3-year PsyD programs in Illinois. Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers a campus-based doctoral degree in clinical psychology with an accelerated option for learners with a master's degree. If you're looking for 3-year PsyD programs online, consider the PsyD in applied clinical psychology at The Chicago School, which offers both online and in-person learning formats and the option to finish in three years.

Fastest APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Illinois

Are you looking for a PsyD program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and helps learners become psychologists in fewer than five years? Review the following schools to find accelerated psychology programs in Illinois.

1. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers a campus-based doctorate in psychology with several concentrations, including clinical psychology. To accelerate degree completion for this APA-accredited program, the school accepts applicants enrolled in a Master of Arts (MA) program only after certification of graduate work comparable to a master's degree in psychology at SIU.

• Average in-state tuition: $470 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,174 per credit
• Time to completion: Three to five years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Midwestern University

The PsyD program at Midwestern University's Glendale campus is designed for completion in four years. However, the school allows students to transfer a maximum of 40 quarter hours of credit for coursework completed before matriculation, which could reduce the time needed to finish coursework. After completing this doctoral program, students will be prepared for clinical practice, academia, and research roles.

• Average in-state tuition: $43,165 per year (about $783 per credit)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $43,165 per year (about $783 per credit)
• Time to completion: Four years (potentially less time with transfer credits)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Wheaton College

At Wheaton College, the clinical psychology PsyD teaches applied research and statistics, assessment and intervention, and professional development. Concentrations are available in trauma-informed care, neuropsychology, and pediatric clinical psychology. This program aims for completion in five years; however, students can transfer 30 semester hours to reduce the timeframe.

All enrollees are automatically considered for scholarships ranging from $8,000 to $12,000.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,385 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,385 per credit
• Time to completion: Five years (potentially less time with transfer credits)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. The Chicago School

Students seeking accredited online PsyD programs can find an applied clinical psychology program at The Chicago School. This three-year, full-time degree offers an online option with four required 2.5-day in-person residencies that take place at a Chicago School or affiliate ground campus. In addition to completing scientific and theoretical coursework, learners gain clinical training through an 800-hour practicum and a 1,500-hour internship.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,633 to $1,815 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,633 to $1,815 per credit
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. Adler University

Adler University's Chicago campus offers a PsyD in clinical psychology with the option to focus on a specific emphasis area. The program is designed for completion in five years with four years of coursework and a one-year internship. However, transferring up to 24 credit hours can reduce the time needed to graduate.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,879 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,879 per credit
• Time to completion: Five years (potentially less with transfer credits)
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the institutions in this ranking list to confirm each has met the following criteria for delivering quality educational experiences:

• Accreditation: Each school in this list is accredited by nationally recognized organizations, such as the HLC or WSCUC.
• Program length: We carefully selected programs with accelerated completion timeframes (about three years) and schools that accept transfer credits.
• Program reputation and quality: All schools above have quality academic reputations and offer psychology programs accredited by the APA.
• Affordability: The institutions in this list offer affordable tuition or provide financial assistance to reduce costs.

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in Illinois

Are you interested in pursuing an accelerated PsyD in Illinois? Explore the frequently asked questions below to learn more about these programs before getting started.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in Illinois?

No, you won't find two-year PsyD programs in Illinois. However, institutions like The Chicago School and SIU offer programs that help students to complete their studies in as little as three years. Enrolling in one of these short-term programs is possibly the fastest way to become a psychologist in Illinois.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

Career opportunities for PsyD degree graduates vary by discipline. Here are some examples:

• A PsyD in forensic psychology can lead to roles as correctional counselors, forensic psychologists, and victim advocates.
• Students with a PsyD in neuropsychology can become clinical, pediatric, forensic, and cognitive neuropsychologists.
• PsyD in school psychology degrees help students become school psychologists, college professors, and child psychologists.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

Yes, students enrolled in online PsyD programs typically participate in clinical training in person. The institution delivering the program could require several campus-based residencies. For clinical experiences, such as an internship, learners may need to visit the city offering the degree � or they may be able to meet clinical requirements at a local healthcare facility.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

Financial aid available to students in PsyD programs varies by school. Learners enrolled in graduate programs generally don't qualify for federal grants; however, they may be eligible for federal student loans. Some schools also offer state grants or institutional scholarships to cover a portion or all tuition costs and fees.

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

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