Fastest PsyD Programs in Missouri for 2025

If you're planning a career in psychology, earning a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree can help you get there. Perhaps, if you live in Missouri, you'd like to know more about the fastest PsyD programs available to you.

Keep reading as we take a closer look at some top accelerated PsyD programs to consider. We'll also talk more about what a PsyD program entails and answer various questions you may have.

What Is a PsyD Program?

A PsyD program is a terminal degree in psychology, meaning it is one of the highest levels of education you can pursue in your field of study. It is less common than the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology.

Whereas PhD programs are more research-based, PsyD programs are more practice-based. They typically prepare students for specialized careers in clinical psychology.

PsyD programs provide courses in a range of psychological topics, such as psychopathology, psychotherapy, and clinical neuropsychology. Whereas PhD programs place a heavy emphasis on conducting original research, PsyD programs help students learn to use existing research methods and theories to provide treatments in clinical settings.

Both PhD and PsyD programs can lead to psychologist licensure as long as the programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in Missouri?

Most PsyD doctoral programs take about four to five years to complete for students studying full-time. PsyD programs with no dissertation may be completed in a shorter period of time.

Students completing flexible or accelerated PsyD programs may be able to graduate sooner, depending on the demands of the individual psychology program and the student's own study habits. It is possible to earn a PsyD degree in as little as two and a half years.

Are There Any 3-Year PsyD Programs in Missouri?

Unfortunately, Missouri does not offer any three-year PsyD programs. The programs that are available in the state typically take about five years to complete.

That said, Missouri students can complete 3-year PsyD programs online at some out-of-state schools. We'll discuss these options in greater detail below.

Fastest APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Missouri

Kansas City University is the only school in Missouri that offers an APA-accredited PsyD degree. The clinical psychology program at this school requires four years of full-time study on-campus, followed by an additional year of internship experience.

Students can also complete a PsyD program with three areas of emphasis at Missouri State University. However, this program takes five years to complete and is not accredited by the APA, meaning that graduates are not eligible to become licensed psychologists in the state upon graduating from the program.

Other Accelerated PsyD Programs

Missouri students looking for top psychology programs need not limit their choices to in-state options. Let's take a closer look at the best online PsyD programs available. We'll also consider some top hybrid and regional in-person options in nearby states.

The Chicago School

The Chicago School is a private university headquartered in Chicago. It provides several psychology doctoral degrees, including a three-year PsyD in applied clinical psychology that can be completed mostly online.

This degree is available through the school's Los Angeles and Anaheim campuses and requires four in-person residencies; the rest of the coursework is available online. Students must hold a master's degree when seeking admission into the program.

• Average in-state tuition: $1,633 to $1,815 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,633 to $1,815 per credit hour
• Time to completion: Three to five years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide belongs to the Touro University System, a network of private Jewish colleges headquartered in New York. Students at this school can earn an accelerated online PsyD in human and organizational psychology.

This program does not lead to licensure but can open doors to an array of careers in the industrial-organizational psychology field. The program offers fully online coursework and accelerated course sessions; most students finish the program in about three years, but it's possible to graduate in as little as two and a half years.

• Average in-state tuition: $700 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $700 per credit hour
• Time to completion: 2.5 to 3.5 years
• Accreditation: WSCUC

Capella University

Capella University is a private, for-profit online school based in Minneapolis, MN. The school offers flexible PsyD degrees in clinical and school psychology.

The programs feature mostly online coursework while requiring some in-person components to prepare students for their future careers. Online coursework is flexible, allowing highly motivated students to complete their degree on their own schedule; many students graduate within three years.

• Average in-state tuition: $555 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $555 per credit hour
• Time to completion: varies
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Walden University

Walden University is a for-profit online school also based in Minneapolis, MN. It offers a PsyD in behavioral health leadership that offers seven concentrations.

Students in this program can tailor their classes to their chosen professional interests. The program requires in-person residencies and clinical experiences; otherwise, flexible online coursework can be completed in an accelerated timeframe and is transfer-friendly, potentially allowing students to graduate within three years.

• Average in-state tuition: $630 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $630 per credit hour
• Time to completion: varies
• Accreditation: HLC

University of Denver

The University of Denver is a prestigious private school boasting one of the oldest PsyD programs in the nation. The in-person program has been APA-accredited since 1979.

The school operates on a quarter system, and the PsyD in clinical psychology features year-round coursework. The program is designed to be completed within three years.

• Average in-state tuition: $40,885 per year
• Average out-of-state tuition: $40,885 per year
• Time to completion: three years
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose only top programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when choosing the psychology programs above:

• Accreditation: Each school is institutionally accredited by organizations like the Higher Learning Commission. Some of the programs, as noted, are also accredited by the APA.
• Program length: Each featured psychology program can be completed in under four years.
• Program reputation and quality: All of the schools are known for having strong academic standards and providing top in-person and online learning opportunities.
• Affordability: All of the schools feature affordable doctoral tuition and/or financial aid opportunities to help students afford their degrees.

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in Missouri

If you still have questions about getting a fast PsyD in Missouri, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to several questions you may be wondering about.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in Missouri?

Two-year PsyD programs provide one of the fastest ways to become a psychologist; however, these programs are rare, and none of them exist in Missouri. Still, as noted above, Missouri learners can enroll in Touro University Worldwide's online PsyD program, which takes just two and a half years for full-time students to complete.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

PsyD degrees generally lead to careers in clinical practice; however, many degree programs offer concentrations so students can pursue specific careers. For example, a PsyD in forensic psychology will lead to a career in forensic psychology; a PsyD in neuropsychology will lead to a career in the neuropsychology field. Other potential specializations include counseling psychology, school psychology, and developmental psychology.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

Yes, all psychology degree programs require some in-person components such as internships, residencies, and practicums. Exact requirements vary from program to program, but these in-person experiences are essential to helping students develop real-world skills in evaluating and interacting with patients.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

Financial aid opportunities vary depending on the school you attend and your own financial situation. Many schools offer scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and internships to help students earn stipends and other forms of aid toward their degrees. Students can also apply for federal loans and grants by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

If you're ready to earn your PsyD degree and begin your psychology career, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the universities to learn more about their available programs and to choose the best one for you.