Fastest Way To Become a Psychologist in 2025
Find out the fastest way to become a psychologist here, including accelerated psychology degree programs, fast-track psychology degrees online, and the quickest PsyD programs.
Psychologists work with vulnerable people, like those with mental health issues or addictions. To work as a psychologist, you'll need several years of education.
While there's no way around this requirement, there are ways to speed up your psychology education so you can quickly become a psychologist. Keep reading to learn how long it takes to get a psychology degree.
Tips for Quickly Becoming a Psychologist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), clinical and counseling psychologists usually need a doctorate, either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). PhDs typically take five to eight years, while PsyDs usually take four to six years.
After that, you'll need to take a licensing exam, which can add to the time it takes you to become a psychologist. However, there are some ways to speed up the process of becoming a psychologist, and we've offered some tips below, along with some of the fastest online psychology degree programs available.
1. Find an Online Accelerated Doctorate Degree Program
Doctorate degrees are terminal degrees that take several years to complete. Choosing an online accelerated degree program will allow you the flexibility to work on your degree on your own time while also allowing you to finish in the shortest time possible. We've listed a few of these online psychology degrees below.
Walden University � Accelerated Online PhD in Psychology
Walden University is a private for-profit online university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers a PhD in psychology with a fast-track option that allows students to complete the program in as few as two and a half years.
Six specializations are available: educational psychology, health psychology, research in psychology, social psychology, teaching in psychology, and a self-designed specialization. This program does not lead to licensure.
National University � Online PhD in Psychology
National University is a private university based in San Diego, California. It offers a variety of programs, including an online PhD in psychology.
This PhD program requires 60 credits and usually takes under four years. Several concentrations are available, including counseling psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and trauma and disaster relief.
University of Arizona � Online PsyD
The University of Arizona is a public research university in Tucson, Arizona. Its Global Campus offers numerous online programs such as the online Doctor of Psychology degree.
Through accelerated six to nine-week courses and allowing up to 30 transfer credits, students can finish this program in under four years. The program offers concentrations in criminology and justice studies, health and wellness psychology, and sport and performance psychology.
2. Utilize Transfer Credits
Transfer credits are credits that you've earned at another institution and are bringing with you to a new institution. Even if you haven't started a doctoral program, some of your credits from a previous graduate program, like a master's degree program, may transfer.
The program you're transferring from must be accredited. It will likely also need to be a psychology program, although coursework from other fields of the social sciences may count. Check with your admissions counselor to learn more.
3. Test Out of Courses With CLEP Exams
College Level Examination Preparation exams are exams you can take to test out of certain college courses. CLEP exams are available in subjects like social science, literature, math, and business.
You can take CLEP exams for psychology as well, including introductory psychology, introduction to educational psychology, and human growth and development. These exams allow you to complete your degree program faster so you can move on to a master's program.
4. Get an Online Psychology Certificate
Psychology certificate programs give you an accelerated education in psychology, either in the general psychology field or within a specific area of psychology. These can help you land a job in psychology, social work, or a related field as you pursue your advanced degree. We've listed a few of the top psychology certification programs below.
IAP's Psychology Certificate Course Online
The International Association of Professions (IAP) Career College offers the Psychology Certificate Course Online. This is a part-time course that provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology.
Students will finish this course at their own pace � most complete it within eight weeks. The course includes an e-textbook and when you finish, you'll receive an official certificate.
Coursera's Introduction to Psychology Certificate
Yale University offers the Introduction to Psychology certificate course through Coursera, an online learning platform. It provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific study of thought and behavior, covering topics like communication, memory, emotions, and social behavior.
The course is self-paced, with most students finishing within 14 hours. Upon completion, you'll receive a career certificate, which you can add to your resume or CV.
Coursera's Social Psychology Certificate
Wesleyan University also offers courses through Coursera, including one called Social Psychology. This course examines why people do what they do.
This is a self-paced psychology program where students take an average of 37 hours to complete it. When you finish, you'll earn a career certificate and a membership to the Social Psychology Network.
5. Prepare for Licensing Exams Early
Most states require clinical psychologists, especially those in private practices, to hold state licensure. Licensing requirements vary by state but usually require completing a program through a graduate school accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Most also require passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). The exam information is available at the ASPPB website, and the sooner you begin to study for the exam, the sooner you can earn your exam after meeting your state's requirements.
6. Network With Psychology Professionals
Even once you're a licensed psychologist, you may still have difficulty landing a job. Networking with other psychology and mental health professionals can help you find job openings and further your career path.
Additionally, even if you're still fulfilling your educational requirements, networking is still beneficial. By networking with professionals, you can get insight into what to expect in your field and mentoring to help you through your doctoral program.
7. Seek Internship Opportunities
Most states require that those pursuing a clinical psychology license must fulfill a certain amount of time in supervised hands-on practice, either as clinical hours, an internship, or in a postdoctoral program.
Many graduate programs offer these experiences, but if yours doesn't, you'll need to seek out an internship on your own. Look for internships in the field you want to go into. For example, if you want to work in forensic psychology, look for an internship under an experienced forensic psychologist.
FAQs About Quickly Becoming a Psychologist
Below, we've answered frequently asked questions about quickly becoming a psychologist.
What Is the Fastest Psychology Degree To Get?
The fastest psychology degree to get would be an undergraduate degree, as it does not require any previous college education. Associate degrees take two years, while bachelor's degrees take four.
As far as graduate degrees go, master's degrees are much shorter than doctoral degrees, with an average of two years of full-time study. Of the two, Doctor of Psychology degrees take an average of a year less than PhDs.
Can I Become a Psychologist in One Year?
It is not possible to become a psychologist in one year, as becoming a psychologist requires many years of education. First, you'll need a bachelor's degree, which takes four years, and then a master's degree which usually takes two.
If you want to be a licensed psychologist, you must complete a doctoral program, which typically takes at least three years. To earn your license, you'll also need to complete supervised experience and take your licensing exam.
Is a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Worth It?
For most students, a bachelor's degree in psychology is worth it. While this is especially true if you want to pursue psychology in graduate school, psychology degrees can be helpful for other fields.
Bachelor's degrees in psychology cover human behavior and mental health. Those with these degrees can become social workers, counselors, business consultants, and more.
Find Fast Psychology Programs Near You
Use the list below to learn more about how you can become a psychologist quickly in your state. Reach out to any of the schools highlighted here on Learn.org to get more information about specific programs.