Fastest PsyD Programs in Georgia for 2025

Earning a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) can lead to a rewarding career in mental health, assessment, and clinical services. Some of the fastest PsyD programs may be completed in less time than traditional programs through carefully structured curricula and year-round study � making them appealing to those eager to enter the field quickly.

Some accelerated PsyD programs reduce time through transfer credits, prior learning assessments, or streamlined formats. While these programs are rare, especially in Georgia, some options are available. Keep reading to explore these options and continue learning about your path to becoming a psychologist.

What Is a PsyD Program?

An accelerated PsyD program is a professional doctorate designed to prepare students for clinical practice that can be completed in less time than the standard five years. Unlike research-heavy PhD programs, PsyD programs emphasize hands-on training in therapy, assessment, and diagnosis.

Students typically complete coursework in psychopathology, ethics, and psychological testing, along with supervised clinical experience. Many programs also include an internship and practicum. Some PsyD programs with no dissertation offer alternative capstone projects, allowing students to focus more on applied skills rather than academic research.

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in Georgia?

Typically, earning a PsyD in Georgia takes five years: four years of rigorous coursework that is usually over 114 credits, a practicum, a dissertation, and a 12-month internship. However, students entering with a relevant master's and transferring credits can follow an accelerated pathway, completing coursework in around three to four years, plus the internship, yielding a total of roughly four years

Are There Any 3-Year PsyD Programs in Georgia?

There are no 3-year PsyD programs online based in Georgia. PsyD programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) in the state � such as those at Georgia Southern and Mercer � are in-person and typically take five years to complete.

Some out-of-state schools may offer advanced standing, allowing students with a relevant master's degree to waive certain courses and finish sooner, but no Georgia-based programs currently offer this option in an online or three-year format.

Fastest APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Georgia

While schools in Georgia don't offer 3-year accelerated PsyD programs, the following APA-accredited institutions provide excellent standard-timeline doctoral program options.

1. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers an in-person, APA-accredited PsyD in clinical psychology, requiring 114 to 124 credit hours over five years. The psychology program combines rigorous coursework, rural-focused practicum experiences, and a 12-month internship designed to serve underserved communities.

• Average in-state tuition: $6,022
• Average out-of-state tuition: $17,734
• Time to completion: Five years (including clinical experience)
• Accreditation: APA-accredited

2. Mercer University

Mercer University's PsyD is a clinical psychology program emphasizing hands-on training in health service settings. Students engage in multiple practicum experiences, working with patients from a variety of backgrounds. The program prepares future licensed psychologists to assess, diagnose, and treat psychological conditions, particularly those related to physical health, within integrated care environments.

• Average in-state tuition: $42,312
• Average out-of-state tuition: $42,312
• Time to completion: Five years
• Accreditation: APA-accredited

Other Accelerated PsyD Programs

Georgia residents can explore APA-accredited PsyD programs across the country for accelerated psychology degrees.

Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University's PsyD in health service psychology is a post-master's professional preparation program. The psychology program requires three years of full-time, in-person study to complete. It follows the practitioner-scholar model of professional training, preparing culturally competent graduates to provide evidence-based clinical services while adhering to the highest ethical standards.

• Average in-state tuition: $4,630
• Average out-of-state tuition: $8,630
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: APA-accredited, on contingency

University of Colorado Denver

CU Denver offers one of the best online PsyD programs, which prepares innovative school psychologists to be culturally responsive practitioners in diverse settings. The program provides comprehensive supervised training with a strong foundation in school psychology and clinical practices, emphasizing equity and social justice throughout the curriculum. Graduates earn a PsyD degree and are eligible for licensure.

• Average in-state tuition: $10,383
• Average out-of-state tuition: $29,391
• Time to completion: 3.5 to four years
• Accreditation: APA-accredited

Wright Institute

The Wright Institute's clinical psychology curriculum is carefully designed so that students systematically acquire progressively more sophisticated knowledge and clinical capabilities through a developmental approach. The program emphasizes the interdependence of clinician and client, with faculty strengths in contemporary psychoanalytic, cognitive behavioral, family systems, social justice, brief treatment, and relational approaches.

• Average in-state tuition: $42,350
• Average out-of-state tuition: $42,350
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: APA-accredited

Duquesne University

Duquesne's APA-accredited PsyD in school psychology spans 91 credits, emphasizing evidence-based practice and cultural competence. Students complete a year-long applied project and practicum experiences, finishing the full program in four years and meeting the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and APA standards.

• Average in-state tuition: $48,986
• Average out-of-state tuition: $48,986
• Time to completion: Four years
• Accreditation: APA-accredited

George Washington University

GWU's full-time PsyD in clinical psychology requires 83 credits and blends intensive clinical training through its on-campus Center Clinic with a year-long internship. Students select an adult, child and adolescent, or assessment specialization and can complete the program in three to four years of coursework, plus an internship.

• Average in-state tuition: $67,710
• Average out-of-state tuition: $67,710
• Time to completion: Three to four years
• Accreditation: APA-accredited

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate PsyD programs based on several key factors that help prospective students make informed choices. These include whether the school holds regional and professional accreditation, the estimated time to complete the degree, and each program's academic reputation. We also consider affordability by comparing tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

• Accreditation: Preference is given to schools with APA accreditation and recognized institutional credentials.
• Program length: Programs that can be completed in under five years are prioritized.
• Program reputation and quality: Rankings, faculty expertise, and training opportunities are considered.
• Affordability: Tuition rates and potential savings through accelerated formats are evaluated.

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in Georgia

Accelerated PsyD programs in Georgia are limited. This section answers common questions about program length, accreditation, and alternative options for faster degree completion.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in Georgia?

There are currently no two-year PsyD programs in Georgia. However, students seeking the fastest way to become a psychologist can explore programs like Western Carolina and the Wright Institute, both of which offer APA-accredited or APA-contingent options that may be completed in as little as three years.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

A PsyD degree opens many diverse career paths. For instance, graduates with a PsyD in forensic psychology often work in legal settings, providing expert testimony and assessments. Those with a PsyD in neuropsychology focus on brain-behavior relationships, diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in clinical or research environments.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

Yes, most online PsyD programs still require in-person clinical training. This includes supervised practicums and internships, which are essential for licensure. While students may complete coursework online, hands-on experience in approved clinical settings ensures they develop the practical skills needed for professional psychological practice.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

PsyD students can access various financial aid options, including federal loans and grants, plus institutional scholarships and teaching or research assistantships that offer tuition waivers and stipends. Many schools also connect students with external fellowships, diversity awards, and clinical training funds to help reduce costs and support career development.

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

Accelerated PsyD programs are limited in Georgia, but options are available for motivated students. Explore additional doctorate programs and other career paths by browsing more accredited schools on Learn.org.