Fastest PsyD Programs in Tennessee for 2025

Accelerated PsyD programs allow students to complete a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in less than the traditional five years. The fastest PsyD programs are offered in person and require full-time enrollment, ultimately reducing the time that it takes to graduate.

There are several accelerated and hybrid PsyD programs offered in Tennessee and neighboring states. Continue reading to explore the best accelerated PsyD programs for Tennessee students.

What Is a PsyD Program?

A PsyD program is a doctoral program designed to prepare students for the professional practice of clinical psychology. These programs are practice-oriented and involve real-world application in practicum experiences along with relevant coursework. Students develop an understanding of psychology concepts and applications and learn how to provide evidence-based support as professional psychologists.

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in Tennessee?

PsyD programs often consist of three years of coursework, one year of dissertation, and a final year spent completing an internship. There are some PsyD programs with no dissertation and other programs that integrate practicum hours within the coursework. PsyD students can apply for licensure as psychological assistants once they have completed two years of study (or 33 qualifying credit hours) and can apply to become fully licensed psychologists upon completing the doctoral program.

Are There Any 3-Year PsyD Programs in Tennessee?

There are a few schools across the U.S. that offer 3-year PsyD programs online, but there are no schools in Tennessee that currently offer accelerated on online PsyD programs. Some schools with other graduate psychology programs, such as school psychology, but accelerated PsyD programs are not currently available at Tennessee institutions.

Fastest APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Tennessee

Students pursuing psychologist licensure need to complete PsyD programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Keep reading to learn about one accelerated PsyD program available in Tennessee.

Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University offers a PsyD in counseling psychology program that prepares students to evaluate, identify, and treat various disorders and issues that patients might face. Students can choose to add a specialization of military and military families or maintain a generalized focus within the counseling and clinical psychology program.

• Average in-state tuition: $488 per credit ($98 per credit for hours 11 and above)
• Average out-of-state tuition: $776 per credit
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), APA

Other Accelerated PsyD Programs

Several schools across the U.S. offer the best online PsyD programs. Below, we discuss the best programs that are APA-accredited, many of which are located close to Tennessee.

The Chicago School

The Chicago School has a three-year PsyD program that students can complete online. It includes courses such as crisis intervention and advanced ethics. The program combines online classwork with four separate in-person residencies during the three years of study. The residencies last for three days each and are held in spring and fall semesters during years one and two.

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

Western Carolina University

Based in western North Carolina, Western Carolina University (WCU) has a three-year PsyD program accredited by the APA. The PsyD in health service psychology program combines evidence-based practice with an emphasis on serving underserved and rural communities, like many across NC and TN.

Coursework includes multicultural psychology and cognitive psychology, and the three-year timeline includes a two-semester internship.

• Average in-state tuition: $263 to $438 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $620 to $1,033 per credit
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, APA

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University offers a PsyD in clinical psychology program that integrates Christian values with professional practice competencies. The program takes three years of full-time study to complete, followed by a one-year internship. Students learn about various clinical psychology concepts and explore three emphasis areas: diversity and justice, faith and spirituality, and family psychology.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,165 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,165 per credit
• Time to completion: Four years
• Accreditation: WSCUC, APA

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers an on-campus PsyD in clinical psychology that prepares students for professional psychology practice in a variety of settings. Students with qualifying previous coursework at the graduate level can transfer in up to 33 credit hours, or 25% of the degree requirements.

Coursework includes family interventions, children's assessment, and psychotherapy, and the final year internship does not need to be completed in Kentucky.

• Average in-state tuition: $716 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $716 per credit
• Time to completion: Four to five years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, APA

How We Rank Schools

We review dozens of schools and program options to find those that are the most beneficial for students. Some of the main criteria that we consider in choosing the top schools are program length, cost, and faculty experience.

• Accreditation: Each of the schools listed has school-wide accreditation, and all of the featured PsyD programs also have specialized accreditation by the APA.
• Program length: The programs selected are either accelerated or offer the opportunity to transfer in considerable coursework to reduce the program length.
• Program reputation and quality: We choose programs that utilize experienced and knowledgeable faculty and feature flexible and high-quality academic experiences.
• Affordability: Most of the programs listed have tuition rates that are below the average cost for doctoral psychology programs, both for in-state and out-of-state rates.

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in Tennessee

If you want to find out the fastest way to become a psychologist, consider what your availability and goals are. Explore the top FAQs to better understand what to expect from PsyD programs.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in Tennessee?

No, there are no two-year PsyD programs in Tennessee, although you might be able to finish in three years if you have qualifying prior coursework. You might be able to complete the didactic and practicum aspects of a PsyD program in two years, but you will then typically need to complete a one-year internship.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

What you can do with the PsyD degree depends on the degree type. A PsyD in forensic psychology prepares you for work within the justice system, while a PsyD in neuropsychology prepares you for working with brain damage and conditions. A clinical psychology PsyD is usually used for counseling and treating a wide variety of patients.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

Yes, all PsyD programs that are accredited by the APA require in-person clinical practice. They may also require immersive internship hours, which are supervised by experienced psychologists. These are necessary for preparing you to evaluate, counsel, and treat patients with an assortment of issues from all different walks of life.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

You can use both public and private financial aid toward your PsyD, and your school will tell you what federal aid you qualify for. Fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and be proactive in searching for scholarships and other aid. Tennessee students, for example, can apply for the TN Doctoral Scholars Program, which awards $20,000 to selected students.

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

Explore other accelerated psychology programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to the schools that you are interested in to find out more.