Fastest PsyD Programs in Massachusetts for 2025

Getting a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree can help you pursue various advanced careers in clinical psychology. Maybe you're hoping to earn this degree quickly and are wondering about the fastest PsyD programs available in your home state of Massachusetts.

If this sounds like you, keep reading as we take a closer look at accelerated PsyD programs and what they entail. We'll also explore some schools with fast programs and answer some questions you may be wondering about.

What Is a PsyD Program?

A PsyD program is a type of professional doctoral degree that prepares learners for various careers in psychology practice. It is newer and less common than the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology, which is more geared toward careers in research and academia.

PsyD programs are generally shorter than PhD programs and focus more on applying existing research methods to clinical settings than on conducting original research. These psychology programs often feature specializations that help students pursue specific careers in areas such as school psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

PsyD degree programs cover a range of general psychology topics, including research methods, psychotherapy, and psychopathology. Students typically also need to complete internships, practicums, and other types of in-person experiences.

Some PsyD programs receive special accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). Students who complete these programs and other requirements typically qualify to become licensed psychologists in their state.

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in Massachusetts?

Typically, PsyD programs take about four to six years of full-time study to complete. PsyD programs with no dissertation requirements are typically on the lower end of that spectrum.

That said, some schools offer accelerated options � especially for students already holding a master's degree in psychology. Students enrolled in these programs can sometimes complete their education within three years.

Are There Any 3-Year PsyD Programs in Massachusetts?

Unfortunately, there are no accelerated, three-year PsyD programs available through Massachusetts schools. The fastest programs available take at least four to five years to complete.

That said, students may be able to complete 3-year PsyD programs online or in-person through various out-of-state schools. We'll take a closer look at some top options a little later in this article.

Fastest APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Massachusetts

There are a few schools in Massachusetts that offer APA-accredited PsyD programs that prepare graduates for licensure. Let's take a look at the fastest options available.

1. Springfield College

Springfield College is a private school located in Springfield, MA. It offers a PsyD program with one of the quickest completion times in the state, as students can graduate in as little as four years.

The PsyD in counseling psychology prepares students for clinical practice through on-campus coursework, practicums, mentoring, and internship opportunities. The program comprises 96 credit hours and features small cohorts for personalized training and attention.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,212 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,212 per credit hour
• Time to completion: Four to five years
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. William James College

William James College is a private school in Newton, MA, that provides a focus on psychology. Its PsyD in clinical psychology takes five years to complete.

Students begin clinical training during their first semester of the 134-credit-hour program, helping students begin to develop their skills early. Supervised clinical opportunities are available throughout the Boston metro area, and all coursework is completed on campus.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,845 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,845 per credit hour
• Time to completion: Five years
• Accreditation: NECHE

Other Accelerated PsyD Programs

You can also pursue psychology doctoral programs at schools located in other states. Keep reading as we explore some schools with accelerated PsyD options, including one with one of the best online PsyD programs.

Marywood University

Maywood University is a private Catholic school located in Scranton, PA. Its PsyD program typically takes about five years to finish, but a post-master's entry option is available that allows students to graduate in three years.

This entry option is highly competitive, with the school typically admitting only two students per year. Upon demonstrating specific competencies and meeting admission requirements, students enter the traditional five-year program at the beginning of their third year, allowing them to graduate significantly sooner than their post-bachelor's classmates.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,050 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,050 per credit hour
• Time to completion: Three to five years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

St. John's University

St. John's University is a private Catholic school in Queens, New York City, NY. It offers a PsyD in school psychology with an advanced standing option for entering students with a master's degree.

Students in the advanced standing program can graduate within three years. They must hold a certification in school psychology in addition to their master's degree and may be required to substitute elective courses for any necessary courses they did not complete as part of their master's program.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,745 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,745 per credit hour
• Time to completion: Three to five years
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is part of a network of private Jewish schools headquartered in New York. It offers a fully online PsyD in human and organizational psychology.

This 66-credit program is ideal for students interested in pursuing industrial-organizational psychology careers. All courses are offered in flexible eight-week sessions, and full-time learners can graduate with their degrees in as little as two and a half years.

• Average in-state tuition: $700
• Average out-of-state tuition: $700
• Time to completion: 2.5 to 3.5 years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

How We Rank Schools

We strive for excellence when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the schools featured above:

• Accreditation: All of the colleges are accredited by nationally recognized accrediting bodies, and some of the psychology programs are APA-accredited.
• Program length: Each degree featured can be completed in as little as three years or less.
• Program reputation and quality: Each school is known for providing top-quality academic programs at every level of education.
• Affordability: All of the schools offer affordable tuition rates and/or funding opportunities for graduate students.

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in Massachusetts

If you still have questions about starting a fast clinical psychology program in Massachusetts, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in Massachusetts?

A two-year PsyD program provides one of the fastest ways to become a psychologist. That said, these types of programs are rare, and there are none available in Massachusetts. The fastest completion times among Massachusetts schools with PsyD programs range from four to five years.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

PsyD degrees lead to clinical practice in various settings. As mentioned earlier, many PsyD programs provide specializations to help students work in fields that interest them. For example, a student who earns a PsyD in forensic psychology could become a forensic psychologist. A PsyD in neuropsychology could lead to a career in that specialized field. Many other options are available as well in fields like family therapy, behavioral science, and developmental psychology.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

One of the most important parts of any PsyD program is the clinical training. Most programs are designed to provide many hours of hands-on training through practicums, internships, externships, and more.

While some online PsyD programs may not require clinical training, these degrees do not lead to psychology licensure. The vast majority of PsyD programs, even those completed online, require students to gain hands-on experience through clinical training.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

Many schools offer numerous funding opportunities for doctoral students. These may include scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, and stipends. Additionally, students can apply for federal grants and loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

If you're ready to earn your PsyD and begin your psychology career, explore the schools featured on Learn.org that offer accelerated PsyD programs. Contact any of the schools directly to learn more about their programs and choose the right one for you.