Fastest PsyD Programs in Maryland for 2025

The fastest PsyD programs can condense a four-to-six-year degree process into just two or three years. Not every Maryland university allows this, but there are several accelerated PsyD programs for students who can devote full-time commitment to degree attainment.

Fast-track doctoral programs are now an option for future professionals who wish to specialize in lucrative areas, such as clinical psychology or school psychology. Continue reading to learn more about accelerated PsyD programs and quickly become a licensed psychologist in the State of Maryland.

What Is a PsyD Program?

Clinical psychology programs, which take an average of five years to complete, prepare graduates for clinical practice, especially patient treatment for children or adults suffering from mental illness. Some doctoral programs require an extensive dissertation during the last year of study, but there are several PsyD programs with no dissertation requirement.

Many academic departments focus more on in-person clinical practicum work, internships, and supervised clinical work prior to getting a license. There are various psychology sub-specializations, permitting graduate students to build expertise in behavioral psychology, school psychology, or even earn their PsyD in neuropsychology.

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in Maryland?

The typical time frame for earning a PsyD depends on whether you possess any previous graduate education, particularly a master's degree, which could apply toward the doctoral program. If you go from a bachelor's degree to a doctorate, then it might take five or six years to finish.

However, there are new opportunities to use previous experience and graduate credits to begin an accelerated PsyD program. That makes it possible to earn a PsyD in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, mental health therapy, and more in about two or three years.

Are There Any 3-Year PsyD Programs in Maryland?

There are no Maryland universities that offer 3-year PsyD programs online, but some schools permit you to do some work online while finishing your coursework in three years or less. Again, if you apply graduate credits to your degree or test out of certain coursework based on work experience, it is possible to reduce the timeframe to complete a psychology doctorate.

Fastest APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Maryland

Check out the best options for fast-track PsyD degrees in Maryland. This section offers a program synopsis along with tuition figures, completion times, and accreditation statuses.

1. Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University Maryland has a fast-track PsyD program, provided you possess a master's degree in the field. Then, it takes no more than three years to complete the doctoral program. Graduates can expect to complete about 1,500 clinical hours to meet the state's licensing requirements. Loyola facilitates that need by offering over 100 externship opportunities for doctoral candidates.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,135 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,135 per credit hour
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

2. George Washington University

Although George Washington University (GWU) technically isn't in Maryland, its Washington D.C. campus is right next door and offers one of the fastest PsyD options available. This three-year degree requires only three semesters, but the coursework is rigorous, so it's not ideal for part-time enrollment. Although the tuition bill may seem lofty, GWU's highly ranked program has plenty of paid internships and funding opportunities to offset most of the costs.

• Average in-state tuition: $52,444 (total program cost)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $52,444 (total program cost)
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: APA

Other Accelerated PsyD Programs

You can also explore other nearby universities and online colleges to find convenient ways to earn a PsyD. This list focuses on other accredited fast-track programs.

University of Hartford

The University of Hartford offers a 96-hour doctoral program, which you finish at an accelerated pace within three years, especially if you already hold a master's degree. Its psychology department focuses on childhood and adolescent psychology, training graduates in everything related to direct clinical services. Program graduates often assume positions in healthcare facilities, schools, clinics, or research universities.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,346 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,346 per credit hour
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: APA

Wright Institute

The Wright Institute provides rigorous training in both clinical treatment and psychological research methods. One way it can offer a three-year PsyD is by organizing its academic calendar into trimesters, allowing students to complete coursework in a shorter time frame. This APA-accredited degree program grants doctoral candidates plenty of exposure to psychology research, assessment techniques, and practical approaches to client care.

• Average in-state tuition: $42,350 (total program cost)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $42,350 (total program cost)
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: APA

Walden University

Walden University has one of the fastest accelerated options for aspiring psychologists. You can complete this doctoral program within two years if you take the maximum course load, finish clinical work efficiently, and attend full-time. The program website mentions an ''easy credit transfer'' system along with admission criteria, which does not include any need to submit standardized test scores.

• Average in-state tuition: $630 per quarter hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $630 per quarter hour
• Time to completion: Two to three years
• Accreditation: APA

How We Rank Schools

Here's a brief explanation of our ranking methodology. This covers academic accreditation, program length, university and department reputation, and affordability.

• Accreditation: Each program must have APA accreditation to qualify for the rankings.
• Program length: These programs take less than four years to complete.
• Program reputation and quality: We've selected reputable academic departments with professional and credentialed faculty.
• Affordability: While PsyD programs are not cheap, these options have somewhat lower tuition rates and/or offer scholarships and financial aid.

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in Maryland

Here are four frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to PsyD programs in Maryland. This section can help you understand program length, career options after graduation, financial aid opportunities, and more.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in Maryland?

There aren't any Maryland universities that offer a two-year timeline for completing a PsyD. You can find other universities outside the state with fast-track programs for two-year completion, but they are less common even among online colleges. Don't forget that the fastest way to become a psychologist involves finding reputable online colleges, with accelerated options for both undergraduate and graduate education.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

You can use a PsyD to qualify for several rewarding careers as a psychologist in Maryland. While some jurisdictions may permit you to become a psychological associate with just a master's degree, most states insist you hold a doctorate in the field before providing mental health therapy or prescribing medication.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

If the program specifically states that it is ''100% online,'' then you would not have to complete any in-person requirements. However, many online options technically use a hybrid delivery system where you would at least visit the campus or another healthcare facility for supervised clinical training. Always research your options carefully to find the best online PsyD programs for busy professionals.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

There are multiple ways to get financial aid for a psychology doctorate. The most common way is to get departmental funding, usually through a teaching assistantship or research assistantship. You can also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for outside aid, such as grants, loans, scholarships, and other needs-based support.

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

We welcome you to use Learn.org to discover more about PsyD programs, psychologist licensure, and other reputable doctoral programs. Make this your first resource for finding the best online psychology programs anywhere in America.