Fastest PsyD Programs in South Carolina for 2025

Earning a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree can help you pursue a wide range of psychology careers. If you live in South Carolina, you may be wondering about the fastest PsyD programs available to you.

Keep reading as we take a look at accelerated PsyD programs and what they have to offer. We'll also provide answers to various questions you may be asking.

What Is a PsyD Program?

A PsyD program is a type of terminal degree in psychology. It is a relatively new type of degree, having first been developed in the 1970s.

PsyD programs are similar to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in psychology, but these two types of programs differ in focus. PhD programs are research-based and often lead to careers in research and academia; on the other hand, PsyD programs are practice-based and designed to help students pursue specific professional careers in clinical psychology.

Students enrolled in PsyD programs study topics like human behavior, research methods, and psychotherapy. They learn to apply previous research and psychology theories to real-world scenarios.

PsyD graduates often pursue careers as licensed psychologists as long as their program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

How Fast Can I Earn My PsyD in South Carolina?

PsyD programs vary in length depending on the schools that offer them and your study habits. Most programs last four to five years; PsyD programs with no dissertation requirements may be slightly shorter.

If you enroll in an accelerated PsyD program, you can complete your education more quickly. Most accelerated programs take about two to three years to complete.

Are There Any Accelerated PsyD Programs in South Carolina?

Unfortunately, no schools in South Carolina offer PsyD programs of any kind. Though some PhD programs are available in the state, learners hoping to pursue a PsyD will have to look to out-of-state schools.

That said, there are several schools located in other states that offer 3-year PsyD programs online, in person, or in a hybrid format. We'll take a look at some of these programs below.

Fastest PsyD Programs in the U.S.

Earning a PsyD degree online gives you added flexibility and control over your education, but many good in-person options are also available to students willing to travel. Let's look at some schools throughout the U.S. that offer top PsyD degrees, including some with the best online PsyD programs

1. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC. This public school offers a campus-based PsyD that students can complete in person within three years.

The program is APA-accredited and designed for those who have previously earned a master's degree. The program combines school and clinical psychology topics and leads to a degree emphasis in health service psychology.

• Average in-state tuition: $572 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $1,167 per credit hour
• Time to completion: Three years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is a private school system with headquarters in New York. It offers one of the fastest PsyD programs available, an online program in human and organizational psychology.

This program does not lead to licensure but is an excellent choice for those hoping to use psychological principles to create better workplace environments. Coursework is completed entirely online in accelerated eight-week blocks, and highly motivated students can 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: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

3. The Chicago School

The Chicago School is a private university with locations throughout the U.S., though it is headquartered in Chicago. It offers various PsyD programs, including an accelerated online option in applied clinical psychology.

Students complete coursework remotely before traveling to campus for clinical and in-person program components. The program is designed to be completed within three years.

• 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 years
• Accreditation: WSCUC

4. University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private school located in Colorado. It is known for having one of the oldest PsyD programs in the U.S.

The PsyD in clinical psychology requires full-time, continuous enrollment throughout the program. Depending on student courseloads, the on-campus program is meant to be completed in 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: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Meridian University

Meridian University is a private, for-profit school in California. Students at this school can earn a PsyD in clinical psychology.

The program is available in hybrid and online formats that offer flexible scheduling and study options. Students can enter the program with either a bachelor's or a master's degree and may graduate in as little as 33 months.

• Average in-state tuition: $676 per credit hour
• Average out-of-state tuition: $676 per credit hour
• Time to completion: 33 to 48 months
• Accreditation: WSCUC

How We Rank Schools

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

• Accreditation: All of the schools are institutionally accredited, with some of the PsyD programs also maintaining APA accreditation.
• Program length: Each program can be completed within three years or less.
• Program reputation and quality: Each program is known for academic excellence and for providing high-quality learning opportunities for students.
• Affordability: Each school features affordable tuition rates and/or generous financial aid opportunities to help students graduate on a budget.

FAQs About Accelerated PsyD Programs in South Carolina

If you still have questions about completing an accelerated clinical psychology program, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some top questions you may be asking.

Are There Any 2-Year PsyD Programs in South Carolina?

One of the fastest ways to become a psychologist is to complete a two-year PsyD program. However, these types of programs are rare, and there are no schools in South Carolina that offer them.

What Can I Do With a PsyD Degree?

Earning a PsyD degree can open doors to many specializations in the field of psychology. PsyD programs often offer concentrations to prepare students for specific career paths. For example, a PsyD in forensic psychology can help a student pursue a career as a forensic psychologist; a PsyD in neuropsychology prepares the student for a neuropsychology career. Other common specializations include psychotherapy, family therapy, and school psychology.

Do Online PsyD Programs Require In-Person Clinical Training?

Clinical experiences like internships and practicums are an important part of all PsyD programs because they help students develop hands-on skills in real-world settings. This type of experience can't be gained through remote learning; therefore, even online programs typically require these in-person components to give students a well-rounded education.

What Financial Aid Is Available for PsyD Students?

PsyD students may qualify for many different types of aid depending on their school, academic standing, and financial situation. Schools commonly offer scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and more to help doctoral students avoid debt. Students can also apply for federal aid like grants and loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Explore Online Doctorate Degrees

If you're ready to earn a PsyD and take the next step toward psychology licensure, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges to learn more about their programs and to choose the right option for you.