5 Fastest PsyD Programs in Virginia for 2025

Psychology is a challenging yet rewarding career path, and licensed psychologists are in-demand professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 13,000 new job openings for psychologists are expected each year through 2033. This 7% growth rate is one of the fastest in all occupations in the national workforce.

The first step in becoming a licensed psychologist is to earn your Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). This article discusses the fundamentals of PsyD programs, reviews the fastest PsyD programs in Virginia and nearby states, and answers commonly asked questions about clinical psychology programs. Read on to learn more about accelerated PsyD programs in Virginia and beyond.

What Is a PsyD Program?

A PsyD program is a doctoral program that provides broad training in scientific and clinical psychology, preparing students to practice professional psychology. PsyD programs emphasize applying research and psychological theory to clinical settings, as opposed to research- or academic-focused Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) programs.

Program curriculums consist of psychology theory coursework, a dissertation and thesis project, a practicum, and internships. Some programs offer coursework online, and there are some PsyD programs with no dissertation. However, all accredited PsyD programs must include an in-person clinical component; this supervised experience is fundamental to learning and eventual licensure.

The best-quality programs, whether traditional or accelerated PsyD programs, are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA ensures that accredited psychology programs meet high standards for curriculum, clinical training, and faculty.

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in Virginia?

A clinical psychology program takes four to six years of coursework plus a year or more of internships after your studies are complete. The total program credit hours average between 100 and 120 or more. This means it generally takes doctoral students five to eight years to complete their PsyD program.

You can earn your PsyD more quickly on an accelerated degree pathway. Some doctoral programs are designed with fewer credit hours (between 80 and 90), and some have generous transfer credit policies (which typically need to come from a graduate degree track). Using these strategies, you can earn your PsyD in three to four years.

Are There Any 3-Year PsyD Programs in Virginia?

There are no 3-year PsyD programs online in Virginia that are accredited by the APA. In the Mid-Atlantic region, there are very few three-year PsyD programs, online or in-person. Clinical psychology is a demanding profession, and its doctoral degree pathways generally require extensive work.

There are accredited online PsyD programs wherein you can utilize distance learning and study at your own pace.

Fastest APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Virginia

There is currently one APA-accredited PsyD program in Virginia that can be completed at an accelerated pace. Following this, we feature other fast-track programs in the region.

James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU) is a large public school located in Harrisonburg, VA. JMU's PsyD in clinical and school psychology program is the university's oldest doctoral program and trains students in both the science and practical elements of psychology.

The program consists of three years of coursework, making this the fastest PsyD program in the region. On-campus study is followed by a one-year clinical internship, which doctoral students complete at APA-approved clinical sites.

• Average in-state tuition: $573 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,314 per credit
• Time to completion: Four years or fewer
• Accreditation: APA

Other Accelerated PsyD Programs

This list features regional schools offering PsyD programs that students can complete in a shorter timeframe. All of the following colleges and universities are APA-accredited.

Western Carolina University

Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University (WCU) offers a PsyD in health service psychology. This doctoral program is a three-year, full-time track that is conducted completely in person.

WCU's PsyD program adheres to the practitioner-scholar model of training, placing a greater focus on clinical practice. The curriculum consists of psychology theory coursework, research projects, and supervised clinical experiences.

• Average in-state tuition: $10,724 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $21,444 per year
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: APA

The George Washington University

The George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, DC, offers an accelerated PsyD in clinical psychology. GWU's 83-credit program makes it one of the fastest programs in the region. The university also accepts up to 27 transfer credits, saving eligible students both time and money.

Coursework is conducted over three years, each with a fall, spring, and summer semester. Courses include Biological Bases of Clinical Psychology and Life Span Human Development. In their fourth year, students complete an internship at a faculty-approved site.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,940 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,940 per credit
• Time to completion: Four years or fewer
• Accreditation: APA

Duquesne University

Duquesne University is a private school located in Pittsburgh, PA, that has an APA-accredited PsyD program. Duquesne University's PsyD in school psychology is 91 credits. The program has also been approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

If you already hold a Master of Science in Education (MEd) in child psychology, your graduate school experience may allow you to accelerate the program by transferring applicable credits.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,579 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,579 per credit
• Time to completion: Four years or fewer
• Accreditation: APA

Hofstra University

Located in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a mid-sized private school that offers a PsyD in school-community psychology. This program can be completed in four years or fewer, and it emphasizes comprehensive coordination between schools and community health settings.

Doctoral students receive partial funding support for their first two years in the program in exchange for research and clinical projects. All students are given a travel stipend to attend the annual NASP convention.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,760 per credit
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,760 per credit
• Time to completion: Four years or fewer
• Accreditation: APA

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria when considering which colleges and universities to feature, from program quality to affordability.

• Accreditation: All of the doctoral programs listed must be accredited by the American Psychological Association. APA accreditation ensures a program's curriculum meets quality standards and prepares its graduates to ethically and successfully provide psychological services.
• Program length: These PsyD programs must be able to be completed on a faster timeline than traditional programs, in four years or fewer.
• Program reputation and quality: A program's reputation and quality are determined by its theory coursework, faculty experience, and its students' ability to place in APA-approved internships.
• Affordability: All schools must accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and offer financial aid opportunities to doctoral students. Many offer partial or full tuition waivers in exchange for research or teaching assistantships.

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in Virginia

The following section answers some frequently asked questions about accelerated PsyD programs in Virginia, from the shortest possible timeframe to psychologist job roles.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in Virginia?

There are no 2-year PsyD programs in Virginia. This is due to the intensive training needed to earn a doctoral degree in psychology. It is difficult to condense the important theory coursework and supervised training necessary to be a competent and successful psychologist.

The fastest way to become a psychologist is to enroll in a three- or four-year accelerated PsyD program. You can also work as a psychologist with your master's degree. While you won't be eligible for licensure, you can serve as a counselor, behavior analyst, and more.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

There are many job opportunities for those with a PsyD degree. You can work in clinical and counseling psychology, school psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and other fields.

For example, if you have a PsyD in forensic psychology, you can work with attorneys, judges, and related specialists to understand the psychological aspects of legal cases. A PsyD in neuropsychology enables you to study how the brain and spine affect behavior and cognition.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

All accredited PsyD programs, including those offered online, require an in-person clinical training component. Clinical training is essential to learning how to be an effective and ethical psychologist.

Clinical training requires supervision from experienced faculty and professionals. You will gain valuable experience working with patients in a safe and guided setting. This includes a practicum while you study and an internship once you have finished coursework.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

There are many financial aid opportunities for PsyD students. Financial aid includes grants, scholarships, and loans offered at federal, state, and institutional levels.

Many PsyD programs offer assistantships in exchange for teaching or research work. Assistantships provide a combination of full or partial tuition waivers, healthcare, and stipends for travel and living expenses.

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

There are many ways you can earn your doctorate through online, in-person, and hybrid programs. We invite you to connect with the schools on Learn.org to discover which program best suits your professional goals.