3 Fastest PsyD Programs in New York for 2025

Professional psychologists strive to help people dealing with mental health or other types of psychological disorders. As a result, this role requires several years of education as well as licensure.

Accelerated PsyD programs are rare because schools have certain educational standards they need to meet. However, some programs offer ways you can earn your degree faster. Keep reading to discover the fastest PsyD programs in New York.

What Is a PsyD Program?

In most states, if you want to become a professional psychologist, you need to earn a doctoral degree through an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited program. There are two primary options: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology, which focuses more on research, and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

PsyD programs are generally geared toward those who want to go into professional practice � especially in counseling, clinical psychology, or school psychology. To be APA-accredited, all schools must provide a strong curriculum in psychology as well as an internship.

Your program may offer a specialization, like forensic psychology or child psychology. In that case, you'll also take courses focused on that area.

Because PsyDs aren't as research-focused as PhDs, it's easier to find PsyD programs with no dissertation. However, due to the requirements established by the APA, it can be hard to find accelerated PsyD programs.

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in New York?

Most doctoral programs in psychology take five to six years to complete. This is because the APA regulations state that accredited schools must require students to complete the following:

• at least three years of full-time study in the program
• at least two of those years must be through the institution granting the degree
• at least one year must be in full-time residence
• at least one year spent in an internship after the study years are complete

Due to these regulations, the fastest a student can finish is three years � but only if they have a year's worth of transfer credits already. These regulations ensure that programs are maintaining rigorous standards, which means that there are few accelerated options that are considered accredited online PsyD programs.

Are There Any 3-Year PsyD Programs in New York?

There are no schools in New York that inherently offer 3-year PsyD programs online or on campus. However, some schools may allow you to finish within three years if you have transfer credits.

Fastest APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in New York

Nine universities in New York are accredited to offer PsyD programs, and of those, a handful provide shortened timelines or ways for students to finish faster. We've highlighted these below.

1. University at Albany

The University at Albany is a public research institution in Albany, NY. It offers a PsyD in school psychology that trains students to use evidence-based practices within educational settings.

Through the program, students earn a master's degree in educational psychology and methodology, a certificate of advanced studies in school psychology, and a PsyD in school psychology. The average student takes 5.5 years to complete the program, but students can transfer up to 50% of their credits and reduce their overall time.

• Average in-state tuition: $11,310 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $24,970 per year
• Time to completion: 5 to 6 years before transfer credits
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and APA

2. Alfred University

At Alfred University, students will find a PsyD in school psychology. This program prepares students for roles in applied research, administration, mental health agencies, hospitals, private practice, and more.

Alfred University, a nonprofit, private institution, is located in Alfred, NY. Its psychology program takes four to five years to complete, but students with a master's degree or transfer credits can finish more quickly.

• Average in-state tuition: $25,800 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $25,800 per year
• Time to completion: Four to five years without transfer credits
• Accreditation: MSCHE and APA

3. Hofstra University

Hofstra University offers a PsyD in health services psychology with a specialty in school psychology. Hofstra is a private, nonprofit university in Hempstead, NY.

The psychology program covers topics like consultation, assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, and developing and implementing prevention programs. Many students can complete the program requirements in four years.

• Average in-state tuition: $30,510 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $30,510 per year
• Time to completion: Four to five years
• Accreditation: MSCHE and APA

4. Pace University

The school-clinical psychology PsyD at Pace University is designed to allow students to specialize in working with children and their families in various settings. Students learn through hands-on clinical experiences, practicums, and internships.

Pace University, located in New York City, is a private, nonprofit school. It requires at least three years of study plus an internship for its PsyD program, but students may finish faster if they have transfer credits.

• Average in-state tuition: $29,332 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $29,332 per year
• Time to completion: Four to five years without transfer credits
• Accreditation: MSCHE and APA

5. Roberts Wesleyan University

Roberts Wesleyan University is a nonprofit, private institution in Rochester, NY. It offers a PsyD in school and clinical psychology.

This program blends the professional areas of school and clinical psychology, preparing students to work within numerous healthcare settings. The program typically takes five years but accepts transfer credits, and many students can finish within four years.

• Average in-state tuition: $15,250 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $15,250 per year
• Time to completion: Five years without transfer credits
• Accreditation: MSCHE and APA

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in New York

Earning a PsyD can be a big investment, and there can be a lot of unknowns. Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions to shed some light on earning a PsyD in New York.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in New York?

There are no accredited 2-year PsyD programs in New York. The regulations set forth by the APA state that programs must require students to learn through the school for at least two years and then complete an internship of at least one year in length.

The fastest way to become a psychologist is to look for programs that offer year-round classes. If you've already earned a master's, find programs that accept transfer credits.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

Many students who earn a PsyD go on to earn state licensure and work as professional psychologists. There are many types, including counseling psychologists and school psychologists.

You'll want to choose a program that corresponds with your career goals. For example, if you want to be a clinical psychologist, choose a clinical psychology program. If you want to become a forensic psychologist, choose a PsyD in forensic psychology.

Within these programs, students can focus their work on specific populations or settings. You could become a child psychologist, behavioral psychologist, health psychologist, or other type of psychologist.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

Online programs are exceedingly rare, as they are not accredited by the APA. However, those that do exist still typically require in-person clinical training.

Hybrid and in-person accredited PsyDs require at least one year of an in-person internship and also typically include clinical practice and practicums before that. Look for opportunities within the field you want to pursue. For example, if you're earning a PsyD in neuropsychology, look for clinical training within a neuropsychology clinic or department.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

Many colleges and universities offer financial aid opportunities for PsyD students, such as scholarships and assistantships. You may also be able to secure a paying internship.

While you may not qualify for gift aid as a doctoral student, you should still fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You might be surprised what you're eligible for.

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

Start your journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist by exploring the APA-accredited psychology programs on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their program offerings.