Fastest PsyD Programs in Michigan for 2025

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a common pathway to licensure for students interested in becoming psychologists. While learners who earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) pursue careers in research and academia, PsyD recipients work in clinical settings.

Are you interested in earning a PsyD quickly? You might consider accelerated PsyD programs with shorter timeframes. While these programs aren't available in Michigan, you can find some in nearby states. Keep reading to discover the fastest PsyD programs in and around Michigan.

What Is a PsyD Program?

A PsyD is a doctoral program designed for students who want to work in clinical environments. Coursework teaches fundamental concepts in psychology, research methods, assessment, and intervention. Enrollees are typically required to participate in clinical experiences, including at least one practicum and internship.

When enrolled in a traditional PsyD program, students generally complete several years of coursework and clinical training before graduating. However, learners can sometimes find accelerated PsyD programs that help them begin new careers sooner.

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in Michigan?

Students who enroll in traditional PsyD programs can expect to complete their coursework and clinical experiences in about five years. The PsyD program offered at the Michigan School of Psychology, which is the only program available in Michigan, follows the standard five-year format (though students may be able to waive some master's degree courses).

If you're interested in becoming a psychologist sooner, consider accelerated options in other states or PsyD programs with no dissertation requirements.

Are There Any 3-Year PsyD Programs in Michigan?

No, you won't find any PsyD programs in Michigan that enable enrollees to complete their studies and secure licensure in three years. However, it might be possible to use credits earned in a previous graduate-level psychology program toward your doctoral degree and graduate in less time. If you're interested in earning an accelerated degree, schools in nearby states like Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania offer 3-year PsyD programs online and on campus.

Fastest APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Michigan

Are you ready to pursue a PsyD degree with accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) in Michigan? Explore the list below to learn where you can study.

Michigan School of Psychology

The PsyD in clinical psychology at the Michigan School of Psychology teaches fundamental and advanced concepts, including identity formation, psychometrics, and existential psychology, and requires 1,800 practicum hours and 2,000 internship hours. Though the program doesn't offer an accelerated completion option, students with a master's degree that aligns closely with the PsyD's academic standards might be able to waive some course requirements.

• Average in-state tuition: $53,148 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $53,148 per year
• Time to completion: Five years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Other Accelerated PsyD Programs

Do you want to expand your search for programs to more states? Review the following accelerated PsyD options offered at schools outside of Michigan.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University Carbondale's campus-based doctorate in psychology has a clinical psychology concentration designed for students interested in health service provider roles. Learners may be admitted to this program for accelerated entry if they've completed substantial work in another program that grants a doctorate but not a master's degree.

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

University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis offers a clinical psychology program with several degree completion options based on each enrollee's academic and professional background. The 3+1 option is available to students with prior graduate education and professional clinical experience. Learners in this four-year program complete doctoral coursework over three years and finish an internship in one year.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,080 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,080 per credit
• Time to completion: Three years of coursework + one year internship (3+1 option)
• Accreditation: HLC

Carlow University

At Carlow University in Pennsylvania, the 93-credit PsyD in counseling psychology offers mostly campus-based coursework with some online learning opportunities. This program, which includes a practicum and internship for licensure, requires applicants to possess a master's degree in counseling or a related field for admission. This requirement enables students to complete their studies in four years.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,192 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,192 per credit
• Time to completion: 48 months
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Widener University

Widener University in Pennsylvania is home to an APA-accredited clinical psychology PsyD that prepares students for roles as scholar-practitioner-psychologists. Learners can complete this program's coursework and internship in three years with the post-doctoral respecialization option. To qualify, applicants must be doctoral-level nonclinical psychologists who hold a PhD in psychology � full-time, campus-based study is required.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,200 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,200 per credit
• Time to completion: Three years (respecialization option)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

The Chicago School

Learners interested in APA-accredited online PsyD programs can find a quality option at The Chicago School. The PsyD in applied clinical psychology allows students to take coursework online; however, residencies at the Chicago School or affiliate campuses and in-person clinical training (800-hour practicum and a 1,500-hour internship) are required. Full-time students can graduate from this accelerated program in three years.

• 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)

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this ranking list to confirm that they meet the following criteria for providing a high-quality educational experience:

• Accreditation: Each school in this list is accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the HLC or the MSCHE.
• Program length: Many programs in this list have shorter timeframes or accept transfer credits, enabling learners to complete their studies faster.
• Program reputation and quality: The colleges and universities above have quality academic reputations and offer psychology programs accredited by the APA.
• Affordability: These schools offer affordable tuition or reduce costs with scholarships or other financial aid.

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in Michigan

Do you want to start a career as a licensed psychologist by earning an accelerated PsyD degree? Review the frequently asked questions below to learn more about these programs.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in Michigan?

No, there are no two-year PsyD programs in Michigan. The state is home to the Michigan School of Psychology's PsyD, which requires five years of coursework and clinical rotations to complete. The shortest programs near Michigan are three-year options at the Chicago School and Widener University. Choosing one of these PsyD degrees is potentially the fastest way to become a psychologist near Michigan.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

Students with a PsyD can pursue numerous careers. For example, A PsyD in school psychology enables students to start careers as child psychologists and school psychologists. Learners with a PsyD in neuropsychology can become a forensic or pediatric neuropsychologist. After earning a PsyD in forensic psychology, students can work as clinical forensic psychologists, victim advocates, and more.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

Yes, most online PsyD programs require in-person clinical training. In many cases, students complete their coursework online and may be required to visit the campus one or more times per year for a short-term residency. For clinical training, learners often travel to the main campus or a satellite campus to complete practicum requirements and participate in the internship at a local healthcare facility.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

PsyD students are typically eligible for federal student loans; however, they generally don't qualify for federal grants. To help doctoral psychology students cover the cost of their programs, schools sometimes provide opportunities to work as graduate assistants or offer scholarships that cover some or all program costs.

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

Take the next step toward an exciting psychology career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest to learn how they can help you reach your academic and career goals.