phd psychology fast track

35 Shortest Doctoral Programs Online [Fastest Doctorate & PhD Degrees]

Have you ever dreamed of getting your PhD or doctorate without spending ages in school? We’ve got you covered!

We’ve compiled a list of the 35 shortest doctoral programs available online. These programs can be ideal if you are looking to fast-track your education.

Online accelerated PhD programs are growing in popularity, but they vary widely in their graduation requirements. We’ve put together this guide showcasing online doctorate programs that require less than 60 credit hours to help you find the one that meets your needs.

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The US Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ) reports that doctorate degree holders earn more than $19,000 a year on average than those holding a master’s degree only.

And because a doctoral degree is the highest level of academic achievement, you will also receive the accompanying scholarly respect as you make valuable contributions to your field and society as a whole.

Accredited Schools Offering the Shortest Doctoral Program Options

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To decide which universities to include in our guide, we looked at several criteria, including the total number of credit hours required, accreditation, programs offered, and quality of online programs. Each of these universities offers accredited, accelerated online doctoral programs.

Completion time can differ for each student, but it’s exciting to know that some accredited schools now offer doctorate degrees that require fewer than 40 credit hours to complete! This can offer more flexibility and efficiency in your educational journey.

Before you apply, it’s important to carefully review your potential program’s tuition fees, graduation criteria, and classes offered.

Boston University

Boston University offers an accelerated Doctor of Occupational Therapy program that can be completed in 18 months. The program requires 33 to 37 credits and includes courses in evidence-based practice and health care management.

It is fully online, allowing flexibility for working professionals. No dissertation is required, but a doctoral project is necessary.

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice program that can be completed in just over 2 years. The program requires 30 credit hours and includes courses in advanced nursing practice and leadership.

It features a flexible online format and culminates in an evidence-based practice (EBP) project.

Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago offers an online PhD in Exercise Science. This asynchronous program can be completed at your own pace and allows students to accelerate their studies by completing them with fewer breaks.

The program requires the completion of 69 credit hours, including a dissertation. Coursework covers topics in exercise science, research, statistics, and leadership.

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Duquesne University

Duquesne University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Clinical Leadership program that can be completed in 2 years.

This 35-credit program focuses on clinical leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. It includes three unique residency experiences and culminates in a doctoral practice project.

Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Drexel University

Drexel University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program that can be completed in 2 years. The program requires 45 credits and includes comprehensive clinical requirements.

Students must complete 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. The program also culminates in a DNP project, focusing on practical, evidence-based improvements in healthcare.

Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It requires 36 semester hours, 1,000 clinical practice hours, and 1- to 3-day on-campus sessions at the beginning of each semester.

Coursework is focused on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and quality improvement. The program culminates in a DNP scholarly project designed to address real-world healthcare challenges.

East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program that can be completed in 18 months. The program requires 30 credits and 500 clinical hours.

Coursework focuses on advanced practice, leadership, and evidence-based care. The program culminates in a quality improvement project, designed for practical, real-world impact.

Frontier Nursing University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers two online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. The DNP in Advanced Practice Registered Nurse requires 39 credits and the DNP in Educational Leadership requires 48 credits.

Both programs can be completed in approximately 2.5 years and include courses in leadership, clinical practice, and evidence-based research. They both culminate in a scholarly project aimed at real-world improvements in healthcare and education.

Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University offers an accelerated, online Executive Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) program that can be completed in less than 3 years.

The program requires 54 credits and includes courses in strategic leadership, organizational change, and educational policy. Personal doctoral completion support is offered from day one, ensuring guidance and resources throughout your academic journey.

Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Hampton University

Hampton University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program that can be completed in 3 years. The program requires 48 credit hours and includes 8-week courses in nursing theory, research methods, and health policy.

Students receive personalized support throughout their studies and must complete a dissertation to contribute original research to the field of nursing.

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers an online, 37-credit-hour Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s). Its curriculum is approved by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

The program aims to develop new leaders in nursing and allows students to shape their education around their interests, expertise, and goals.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers an online, accelerated Doctor of Nursing Practice to PhD program.

By allowing 27 credits from a DNP degree to transfer, this program can be completed in half the time as a traditional nursing PhD, requiring only 33 semester hours to complete.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Liberty University

Liberty University offer several doctoral degrees. Many of which can be completed 100% online and may be accelerated. Courses are primarily offered in an 8-week format with no set login times, allowing you to complete your courses at your own pace.

Fields of study offered include ministry, public administration, education, nursing, and counseling.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Monmouth University

Monmouth University offers a 36-credit, online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The curriculum focuses on the translation, application, and evaluation of new science to create nursing professionals capable of creating innovative changes in the field.

Monmouth University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

National University

National University offers several online doctoral programs to fit the needs of busy schedules. The university offers 4-week, flexible online courses that can be completed at your own pace.

Fields of study offered include public administration, education, criminal justice, and business administration.

National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers several online and hybrid doctoral programs. These programs offer flexible, online courses and summer courses to help fit busy schedules and accelerate the time it takes to earn a degree.

Topics of study available include education, leadership, human services administration, nursing, organizational leadership, occupational therapy, and special education.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Penn State World Campus

Pennsylvania State University offers an online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice—Leadership through its World Campus.

The program requires 38 to 46 credits that can be completed in 2 years. Most courses are offered in an asynchronous format to better fit busy schedules.

Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Regent University

Regent University offers several online doctoral degree programs. The school’s generous transfer policy and 8-week course offerings allow many programs to be completed faster.

Areas of study offered include ministry, business administration, nursing, communication, leadership, education, and counseling.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University offers a Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice that requires the completion of 31 to 33 credits. The program’s courses can be completed fully online.

The curriculum prepares students for advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners, midwives, or anesthetists, or administrative and leadership positions.

Seton Hall Univesrity is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo offers post-master’s, online programs for a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Each of these degrees requires the completion of 36 credit hours.

Specializations offered include Child Health, Family, Psychiatric/Mental Health, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Anesthesia.

The University at Buffalo is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas offers a mostly online Doctor of Education in Education Leadership.

The program consists of online courses with weekly synchronous meetings and three weekend seminars. It requires 42 credit hours and can be completed in 3 years. It prepares for leadership roles at a variety of education levels.

The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgerport’s hybrid Post-Master’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program is mostly online and can be completed in 3 years.

Designed for working professionals, all classes can be completed online except for two one-week doctoral summer residencies.

The University of Bridgeport is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s) program that can be completed online. It requires requires the completion of 35 credits and can be completed in 5 semesters.

The coursework culminates in a final project designed to help you build clinical expertise and scholarship and could lead to publication or conference presentations.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Michigan – Flint

The University of Michigan – Flint offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice—Executive Leadership that can be completed with 30 to 34 credits. The curriculum adheres to the standards of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s “Triple Aim” criteria.

The program is taken online and offers 7-days-a-week support.

The University of Michigan – Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota offers an online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice. This program is designed for nurses with master’s degrees in a specialty who want to take the next step into an advanced role.

It requires the completion of 37 to 38 credits and one four-day session each semester. The program can be completed in 1 year, including a summer semester.

The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers an online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with optional on-campus opportunities. The program requires 54 credits. Typically, students take two classes a semester and graduate in 3 years.

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of North Carolina – Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers an online PhD in Economics. This program can require as little as 45 credit hours and be completed in just 3 years with equivalent core master’s courses to transfer.

This customizable program allows you to select labor, health, macroeconomics, technology, entrepreneurship, public, or environmental economic focus.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice. The program requires 37 credit hours and can be completed in 5 semesters.

The curriculum is designed for healthcare leaders, focusing on leadership in topics like nurse education, safety and ethics, organizational systems, and integrated leadership.

The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s) for practicing MSNs and APNs. It requires 44 credits and can be completed in 2 years.

The curriculum is designed to create clinical experts with a focus on leadership, advocacy, and critical thinking.

The University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville offers several online doctoral programs, several of which require less than 50 credits. Topics of study available include industrial engineering, social work, and nursing.

UT offers 24/7 mental health and wellness support for its online learners and synchronous and asynchronous classes to fit your scheduling needs.

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice that can be completed primarily online. The curriculum consists of 39 credits and a scholarly project.

The program can be completed in 3 years of part-time attendance. It focuses on evidence-based practice, systems change, leadership, and healthcare policy.

The University of Texas at Tyler is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers several online, flexible doctoral programs. Three of these programs can be completed in 3 years or less: a Doctor of Nursing Practice, an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, and a Doctor of Business Administration.

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Popular Online Doctoral Programs

Accelerated online doctoral programs can help you finish your doctorate faster. These are some of the most popular fields of study in which a doctorate can be earned in an accelerated format.

• Business Administration
• Counseling & Therapy
• Criminal Justice / Homeland Security
• Healthcare Administration

Human Services

Information systems / technology.

• Ministry / Theology

Public Administration

• Public Health
• Public Policy

Below we’ve provided information about each of these fields of study. Click on the links above to shortcut to your field of interest.

Accounting Doctoral Programs

If you enjoy working with numbers and financial concepts, you may enjoy delving deep into the field with a doctorate in accounting. You can earn this degree to prepare for a position as the chief financial officer of an organization, serve as an auditor, teach accounting at the college level, or oversee a team of accountants.

Doctoral accounting programs include classes in statistical analysis, financial research methods, and accounting theories. Available concentrations include Public Accounting and Forensic Accounting.

Online Doctorate in Business Administration

A doctorate in business administration can prepare you for leadership roles and skillful operation within global markets.

With this degree, you can pursue leadership positions in a variety of fields, including for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, and government groups. You can also work in education, whether in an administrative role or as a professor.

In preparation for such positions, your coursework will cover topics like quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistics, economics, management theories, and organizational behavior.

As a more exclusive degree than an MBA, a DBA can set you apart and help you land top leadership positions. Plus, the number of courses required is typically less, making it one of the shortest doctoral options.

Counseling Doctoral Degree Programs

A doctoral degree in counseling or therapy can equip you to help others work through their mental health or interpersonal struggles, and it can prepare you for leadership roles in counseling organizations.

With this degree, you can pursue careers in social work, private practice, or program administration. You may also tailor your education with concentrations like Counselor Education and Supervision, Art Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Addiction Counseling.

Coursework often covers topics like group and individual counseling, trauma response, ethical behavior, and diversity. Some universities require that you already be licensed as a counselor in your state before beginning their programs.

A PhD in Counseling can allow you to pursue a career as a college or university educator, an advanced counselor who trains and leads others, or a primary researcher for innovative studies.

If you’re currently a counselor and training other counselors or managing a counseling program are career goals of yours, a PhD in Counseling can make those goals a reality.

Criminal Justice & Homeland Security Doctorate Degrees

With a doctorate in criminal justice or homeland security, you can pursue a career in law enforcement, government, or private practice.

Your chosen career may provide opportunities to protect your community, conduct investigations, work with criminals, or collect intelligence. Often, doctoral graduates gain leadership positions, such as serving as a chief of police.

In pursuit of this doctoral degree, you’ll take classes in psychology, emergency and disaster situations, the justice system, and victimology.

Your program may offer concentrations like Terrorism, Criminology, Information Assurance, Security, or Emergency Management.

Whether you want to teach in a classroom, serve in school administration, provide teacher support, or equip the next generation of instructors, a doctorate in education can help you achieve your goals.

Many graduates remain in the classroom and take on leadership roles. Others become principals, superintendents, professors, policymakers, curriculum specialists, or educational consultants.

While earning this degree, you’ll take classes in curriculum development, organizational leadership, student assessment, and education research. You could select an EdD concentration in an area like Special Education, Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or Early Childhood Education.

A PhD in Education and an EdD are quite similar degrees. Both programs focus on education and can prepare you for leadership roles. PhD programs, however, are more research-based.

A PhD can be a better match for someone looking for a career in research, publishing, or teaching at the university level. It focuses less on application than an Ed.D., but the same types of careers are possible with either of these two degrees.

In terms of time to completion, the shortest program option is usually the EdD because there’s often no dissertation required.

People with strong math and money skills can be good candidates for pursuing a doctoral degree in finance. Many doctoral graduates take leadership positions with investment firms, large banks, hedge funds, universities, or government agencies. Some earn CEO or other C-suite roles.

A doctorate in finance can even prepare you for an international career. As you study for your degree, you’ll take classes in market analysis, global markets, financial planning, theories of finance, taxation, and leadership.

You can also choose to prepare for leadership roles in this field by pursuing a DBA with a concentration in Finance.

Online Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

Earning a doctoral degree in the field of healthcare administration can prepare you for leadership positions in healthcare and medical settings. With it, you can work in hospitals, nursing homes, medical records companies, political think tanks, government agencies, or universities.

In this discipline, you’ll take classes on global health, business, law and policies, finance, and organizational leadership. Many DHA programs offer concentrations like Public Health, Leadership, and Health Policy.

An alternative academic path is earning a DBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration, which can offer a shorter route to a doctorate when no dissertation is required.

Earning a doctorate in human services can prepare you for leadership positions in organizations that provide services and assistance for various groups of people. You may work in schools, clinics, community outreach programs, or non-profit organizations.

Some people who pursue this degree are licensed counselors who want to serve in a leadership capacity in a mental health practice. Others desire teaching positions in human services at the university level.

Common topics of study for this degree include grant writing, leadership, communication, financial management, and ethics. Some of the concentration options are Mental Health, Gerontology, Marriage and Family, and Leadership and Management.

A PhD in Human Services can prepare you for leadership positions or help you become a policymaker in public and human services.

A PhD in Human Services is a flexible degree. If you have an undergraduate or master’s degree in public service, including social services, child welfare, criminal justice, or healthcare, you may find this degree interesting.

Companies and organizations rely on systems to keep their data and records safe and accessible. To be at the forefront of this field, consider a doctorate in information technology .

With this degree, you can pursue work as a C-suite executive, a director in a tech department, a consultant, a leader in a government agency, or a strategist. You could also be well-poised to open your own company.

Your classes will equip you with knowledge about data collection and analysis, threat and risk management, policy-making, strategic planning, and research.

Management / Leadership Doctorate Degrees

If you want to hold one of the highest roles in an organization, then earning a doctoral degree in management may be in order. Some with this degree become C-suite executives, such as chief operating officers. Others take the helm of school districts or universities or accept teaching or research roles in higher education.

While earning this doctorate, you will study leadership, ethics, consulting, decision-making, innovation, and research. Many students pursue concentrations in Technology, Homeland Security, Non-Profit Organizations, or Healthcare.

Alternatively, some schools offer DBA programs with Management concentrations. This often adds more flexibility and can be the shorter option when compared to a PhD, which usually requires a dissertation.

Ministry (D.Min.) or Theology Doctorate Programs

You can take your religious education to the next level with a doctorate in ministry or theology. After earning this degree, you can choose to put your education into practice in church, parachurch, counseling, or chaplaincy positions.

Coursework for this degree typically helps students grow not only academically, but also spiritually. Topics covered include leadership, spiritual disciplines, evangelism, social justice, and teaching methods.

Some doctoral candidates pursue a specialization. Options include Counseling, Worship, Chaplaincy, Spiritual Disciplines, and Urban Ministry.

A career as a professor is a possibility with this degree, or you could become a missionary leader or lead pastor at a church.

Many universities require students to hold professional ministry positions before admitting them into their programs.

Online Doctoral Nursing Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

The top-educated nurses have their doctoral degrees in nursing practice. With this degree, you can continue offering direct patient care. For example, you might work as a specialty nurse in a clinic. You could also use your degree as a care coordinator, manager of a nursing team, policymaker, or nurse educator.

For RNs (Registered Nurses) who want to teach and train other nurses in academic settings, a PhD in Nursing is the best doctorate-level nursing degree to pursue. A PhD in Nursing can also prepare you for a career in research as a nursing scientist.

Coursework for this degree includes classes on information technology, finance, organizational leadership, safety, and healthcare law. Keep in mind that a doctoral degree in nursing is a terminal degree in the field and will not qualify you for a position as a physician.

DNP programs have gained a lot of popularity over the years and are designed for RNs who seek advancement while remaining practicing nurses.

Earning a DNP can prepare you for leadership careers in the nursing industry. It will teach you how to advocate for and make policies, manage and direct nursing programs, and ensure communities offer the best healthcare to citizens who need it the most.

Whether you want to work in a government agency or would prefer a position with a related organization, a doctorate in public administration can help you achieve your goals.

People with this doctoral degree often serve as politicians, lobbyists, non-profit directors, grant writers, administrators, or government affairs directors. If you want to go into government or politics, you could work at the local, state, or national level.

In this field, you’ll study human resources, public policy, budgeting, ethics, organizational leadership, and decision-making.

Online PhD in Public Health

With a doctoral degree in public health, you could choose to conduct research in the fields of epidemiology, environmental science, clinical trials, or academia.

Instead, you could choose to pursue leadership roles in public health as a safety engineer, a clinic manager, or an executive of a hospital system.

Classes for this degree cover health equity, data analysis, biostatistics, and healthcare policy. Concentrations are available at many universities. Common options include Health Education, Leadership, and Laboratory Science.

Online PhD in Public Policy

If you want to have a hand in creating or modifying the policies that shape people’s lives and communities, then a doctoral program in public policy can provide the education that you need. Graduates often work for government agencies, universities, think tanks, and various institutions.

While earning this degree, you’ll study ethics, decision-making, research, leadership, and cultural diversity. You’ll also practice identifying problems, gathering valuable data, and creating effective solutions.

You may focus on Urban Policy, Health Policy, Financial Management, or other areas of specialization.

Online Ph.D. in Psychology Programs

A doctoral degree in psychology can help you understand how people think and the influence that thought has on behavior. Many people pursue this degree because they want to work as licensed clinical psychologists in schools, private practices, hospitals, or organizational settings.

Coursework for this degree covers counseling theories, psychopathology, culture, motivation and behavior, and cognition.

Programs leading to licensure typically require a lengthy supervised practicum.

What Is the Difference between a PhD and a Doctorate?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is just one type of doctorate, of which there are many.

Common doctorate degrees include:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Although the PhD is just one type of doctorate, it does have one distinguishing feature: the dissertation requirement. Nearly every PhD program requires adding to your field’s body of knowledge by performing original research on an approved topic of interest.

So, if you’re looking for fast-track doctoral programs, professional doctorates are generally a better choice.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate?

The length of time it takes to complete your doctorate will depend on the university and the type of doctoral program you attend.

On average, it takes 3 to 5 years to earn a doctorate.

The answers to the following questions can significantly impact completion time:

• Does the doctorate require a dissertation?
• How many classes can you take at one time?
• Are you transferring any credits into the program?
• How many weeks long are your classes?
• Is there a residency requirement?
• Is there a professional internship requirement?

As you can see, the best answer we can give you is: it depends.

To give you a ballpark, if you are working toward a professional doctorate (DBA, EdD, PsyD, etc.) and there is no dissertation requirement, you should be able to complete your program in about 2 to 3 years. Some people may be able to complete it in less time, and some may take longer. This is simply an average.

The dissertation requirement of Ph.D programs can significantly impact your completion time. Generally speaking, it takes most doctoral students 3 to 5 years to complete a Ph.D.

What’s the Quickest Way to Earn a Doctorate Degree?

The shortest path to a doctorate will vary depending on your background, the program selected, and the university’s requirements.

The time it takes to complete a doctoral program online varies widely by university. For some universities, 3-year PhD programs are the norm. The official timeline on most university websites is about 3 – 5 years to complete a doctoral degree, but that’s just a general guideline.

If you are looking for the shortest PhD programs, you’ll want to select a program that does not require a dissertation. Dissertations are notorious for taking 2+ years to complete beyond the actual course requirements.

The following doctoral programs do not always require a dissertation: EdD, PsyD, DBA, DPA, and similar professional degrees. Most PhD programs require a dissertation (which means they’ll take longer to complete).

Another way to speed up your degree is by enrolling at a university that offers accelerated (8-week) doctoral courses. Since the courses take half the time to complete, you can finish your studies in less time.

Finally, you’ll want to pick a program that requires fewer credit hours. For example, one university may require 64 credit hours for an EdD while another may only require 42 credits. When looking for the shortest doctorate programs, you’ll want to examine the credit hour requirements closely.

This is also a great way to find the cheapest online doctoral programs. Generally, you’ll pay less tuition if you don’t need as many credit hours for program completion.

Are There Any One-Year Online Doctoral Programs?

While some schools offer the possibility of finishing a professional doctorate in 12 to 18 months, most accredited universities generally promote their doctorate programs as taking 3 or more years to complete.

These are some things to consider when looking for a faster doctoral program:

• Standard PhD duration : The usual time frame for completing a PhD is about 3 to 5 years. Occasionally, you might come across a 2-year PhD program, but these are quite rare.
• Other career-focused doctorates
• Select an online program with fewer credit hours required.
• Enroll in accelerated courses, often structured as 8-week classes.
• Consider no-dissertation programs
• Look for programs that don’t require a GRE for admission.
• Capstone project as an alternative : Consider programs requiring a capstone project instead of a traditional dissertation. Capstone projects require research but generally take less time to complete than dissertations.

So, while 1-year online doctorate programs are not commonly available, especially from accredited institutions, these strategies can help you find a doctorate program that can be completed in a significantly shorter time.

Do All PhD Programs Require Students to Complete a Dissertation?

PhD programs usually require dissertations, but professional doctorates, such as a Doctor of Business Administration or Doctor of Education, generally do not require dissertations. Instead, they typically require capstone projects.

We’ve assembled a list of doctorate degrees that don’t require dissertations here .

What Is the Fastest PhD Program Available?

The fastest PhDs available will be those that require 30 credit hours or less to complete. Once you’ve selected a PhD that requires fewer credit hours than the norm, try to narrow your list further by selecting a university with accelerated PhD classes, which generally only take 8 weeks to complete.

If a PhD is not absolutely necessary, you will likely find it easier to find a professional doctorate program that meets these criteria, and it will likely not require a dissertation.

Having to fulfill a dissertation requirement can significantly increase the time it takes to complete your degree.

If speed is the most important factor, then a professional or applied doctorate, such as an online Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Psychology, or Doctorate of Education, will likely be the fastest option.

Looking for the Fastest Doctorate Programs?

When looking for the fastest doctorate degrees available, the first thing to consider is how much you’re willing to compromise in the name of speed.

Yes, there are accredited online doctoral programs that can be completed in less time than traditional, campus-based programs. The key is finding the shortest doctoral program offering the exact studies you seek.

In your search for efficiency, focusing on programs with short completion times and fewer course requirements can be a strategic choice.

Choosing a fast-track online doctorate program with minimal required courses, accelerated online classes, and no dissertation requirements can be a smart move toward efficiently achieving your academic goals. We invite you to start exploring accredited programs today with our program finder below.

5 Fastest Accelerated PhDs in Clinical Psychology

Key Takeaways

• Accelerated PhD programs in clinical psychology can be completed in as little as four years.
• Accelerated PhD programs in clinical psychology can be completed online, on-campus, or a hybrid of the two.
• Some accelerated clinical psychology PhDs allow students to transfer up to 30 credit hours from their master’s degree, facilitating a faster path to graduation.

Many psych enthusiasts want ‘Dr.’ before their names. However, the lengthy PhD degree makes them flinch. For those wondering, there are speedier options. The fastest accelerated clinical psychology PhD may lead you to PhD glory without quitting your job. We’ve researched and listed the best universities offering accelerated clinical psychology PhDs .

Top 5 Fastest Accelerated Ph.D.s in Clinical Psychology

Getting a doctorate in clinical psychology can be tough yet fulfilling. It’s important to find a program that matches your career plans, values, and lifestyle.

Here are five of the best universities in the U.S. offering a PhD in clinical psychology.

George Mason University

• #2 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
• #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #14 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #1 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #5 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #5 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Clinical Psychology degree at George Mason University

Overview of george mason university.

• Duration:  GMU’s PhD in Psychology can be completed in a short span of four years.
• Transfer Credits:  Students can transfer up to 30 credit hours from their master’s degree in psychology, facilitating a faster path to graduation.
• Specialization:  The program offers a spectrum of concentrations, including clinical psychology, industrial/organizational psychology , and cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.

What do we love about George Mason University?

George Mason University (GMU) , located in Virginia, stands out for its diversity and academic innovation. Recognized for its commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive educational experiences, GMU offers a unique opportunity for aspiring clinical psychologists to expedite their doctoral journey.

• National Louis University is great for students who:  Are looking for affordable options for pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. GMU also fosters a vibrant and inclusive community, embracing students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• National Louis University might not be the best fit for students who:  Seek personalized guidance and close interactions with advisors, because they might find GMU’s large student body challenging.

Pepperdine University

• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in California
• #3 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
• #3 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
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• #11 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
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Career Outlook for Clinical Psychology degree at Pepperdine University

Overview of pepperdine university.

• Duration:  Pepperdine’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology boasts can be completed in four years.
• Hands-on Training:  Students benefit from extensive practical training through university-based clinics and external rotations across Southern California.
• Supportive Faculty:  Pepperdine prides itself on its supportive faculty, who offer individualized attention and mentorship to each student.

What do we love about Pepperdine University?

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Malibu, California,  Pepperdine University  exudes an aura of academic excellence and spiritual enrichment. Rooted in Christian principles and liberal arts traditions, Pepperdine offers a fulfilling experience for aspiring psychologists.

The faculty at Pepperdine is dedicated to guiding students toward success, providing invaluable mentorship and support.

• Pepperdine University is great for students who:  Want a beautiful place to study. Set amidst the stunning vistas of Malibu, Pepperdine offers a serene and conducive academic and personal growth environment.
• Pepperdine University might not be the best fit for students who:  Want something affordable. Pepperdine stands as one of the more expensive options for pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Students seeking a diverse range of curricular offerings might find Pepperdine’s focus on Christian principles and liberal arts somewhat restrictive.

Pepperdine University’s Online Degrees

• Required Credits : 60
• Completion Time : None Reported
• Format : Online

George Washington University

• #2 Best Colleges in DC 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
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• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #5 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #6 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #7 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #7 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Clinical Psychology degree at George Washington University

Overview of george washington university.

• Duration : GWU’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology can be completed in as little as four years, including internship and coursework.
• Location Advantage : Located in the heart of D.C., GWU provides access to numerous internship opportunities and a bustling academic and social scene.
• Flexible Pathways : Students without a master’s degree in psychology can earn one while pursuing their doctorate, enhancing their credentials and expertise.

What do we love about George Washington University?

George Washington University (GWU) , situated in the vibrant city of Washington, DC, blends academic rigor with real-world experiences. Renowned for its global impact and distinguished faculty, GWU offers a dynamic environment for aspiring clinical psychologists.

The proximity to various organizations and agencies in D.C. facilitates practical learning and post-graduation employment opportunities.

• George Washington University is great for students who:  Want a rich learning environment. GWU’s partnership with the community and access to start-ups and Fortune 500 firms enrich students’ learning experiences.
• George Washington University might not be the best fit for students who:  Want a quieter campus to attend. While the city offers numerous opportunities, students may find the bustling urban environment overwhelming.

Saint Louis University

• #2 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2024
• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024
• #3 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Missouri 2024
• #3 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #4 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #5 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #6 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #7 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #8 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #14 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #17 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Clinical Psychology degree at Saint Louis University

Overview of saint louis university.

• Duration : SLU’s PhD in Clinical Psychology features a streamlined curriculum that can be completed in four years for students with a master’s degree.
• Specializations : Students can choose from various specializations, including Clinical Child Psychology, Trauma Psychology, and Health Psychology, catering to diverse interests.

What do we love about Saint Louis University?

Saint Louis University (SLU) , the first Catholic university in the U.S., embodies a commitment to faith, service, and academic excellence. With a focus on research and community engagement, SLU offers a fulfilling educational experience.

SLU’s dedication to service and volunteerism provides students with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to society.

• Saint Louis University is great for students who:  Prefer personalized instruction. SLU’s emphasis on personalized instruction fosters a close-knit community and supports students in reaching their academic potential.
• Saint Louis University might not be the best fit for students who:  Want a more diverse campus environment.

Saint Louis University’s Online Degrees

Degree concentrations.

• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• Required Credits : 120

Walden University

• #2 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #3 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #7 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #8 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #10 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #10 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #10 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #12 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #2 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #8 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #18 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Clinical Psychology degree at Walden University

Overview of walden university.

• Hybrid Format : Walden’s hybrid PhD in Psychology offers a fast-track option, allowing students to complete coursework in four years through online and on-campus learning.
• Specializations : With eight tracks to choose from, including clinical psychology, educational psychology , and social psychology, Walden offers a diverse array of specializations.

What do we love about Walden University?

Based in Minneapolis, MN,  Walden University  is a trailblazer in online education, offering flexible and affordable degree such as accelerated counseling PhDs , and applied behavioral analysis graduate programs . With a focus on empowering working adults, Walden provides a conducive learning environment tailored to individual needs.

With a tuition fee as low as $12,000, Walden provides an accelerated and flexible pathway to a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.

• Walden University is great for students who:  Are interested in online learning. Walden’s online learning option caters to busy professionals, offering the flexibility to balance academic pursuits with personal and professional responsibilities.
• Walden University might not be the best fit for students who:  Are seeking a traditional college experience, including on-campus classes and extracurricular activities. Students who value face-to-face interactions and campus engagement may feel disconnected.

Student Submitted Questions About the Fastest PhDs in Clinical Psychology

How quickly can you earn a phd in psychology.

Typically, it takes between four to seven years. However, accelerated programs can be completed in as little as four years. Students can take these accelerated programs completely remote, hybrid, or on-campus.

How long is a PhD in Psychology at Harvard?

At Harvard, getting a PhD in psychology  usually takes different amounts of time for different students. While some finish in four years, most students take between five to six years to complete the program.

Can you fast-track a PhD?

Yes, you can fast-track a PhD. While many doctoral programs usually take a long time to finish, some universities now offer fast-track online programs. These programs can be a quicker option for those seeking to earn a PhD without compromising on their full-time jobs or other commitments.

Clinical psychologists earn an average of $54,440 annually. Keeping this in mind, a PhD in clinical psychology can skyrocket your career prospects. Students can pick the right university by considering factors like program details, campus life, and their personal preferences. This way, they can start an academic journey that fits their goals, values, and lifestyle.

2024 Best Accelerated Online Psychology PhD Programs

Writen by: CollegeRanker Team

Reviewed by: David Krug , Editor-in-Chief

Updated on: November 1, 2023

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Accelerated online PhD programs in psychology are becoming increasingly popular among students seeking to advance their careers in the field. These programs offer a shorter path to earning a doctoral degree compared to traditional programs, allowing students to complete their studies in a shorter amount of time. Online programs provide flexibility and convenience, allowing students to continue working while pursuing their degree.

When it comes to finding the best accelerated online PhD programs in psychology, there are several factors to consider. The quality of education is a top priority, as students want to ensure that they are receiving a rigorous and comprehensive education that prepares them for their future careers. Additionally, the format of the online program and the availability of accelerated classes are important considerations for students who want to complete their degree quickly.

In this article, we will explore the top accelerated online PhD programs in psychology, considering factors such as quality of education, program format, and availability of accelerated classes. By providing a comprehensive overview of the best programs available, we hope to help students make an informed decision about their educational path in psychology.

Overview of Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates

Accelerated online psychology doctoral programs offer a fast track to earning a doctoral degree in psychology. These programs are designed for students who want to complete their degree in a shorter amount of time than traditional doctoral programs. In this section, we will discuss the typical structure of a traditional doctoral program in psychology, the features of accelerated programs, the types of degrees offered, and the importance of accreditation.

Typical Structure of a Traditional Doctoral Program in Psychology

A traditional doctoral program in psychology typically takes 6 to 10 years to complete and requires students to attend classes on campus. Students are required to complete coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. They may also be required to complete an internship or practicum. The curriculum typically covers topics such as research methods, statistics, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology.

Features of Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online psychology doctoral programs are designed to be completed in a shorter amount of time than traditional programs. They offer flexible schedules and online coursework, which allows students to complete their degree while working full-time or taking care of other responsibilities. Some programs also offer hybrid options, which combine online coursework with on-campus residencies. Accelerated programs typically require students to complete the same coursework, comprehensive exam, and dissertation as traditional programs.

Types of Degrees Offered

Accelerated online psychology doctoral programs offer two types of degrees: Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology. The PsyD degree is focused on clinical practice and prepares students for careers as licensed psychologists. The PhD degree is focused on research and prepares students for careers in academia or research.

Accreditation and Its Importance

Accreditation is important for both traditional and online doctoral psychology programs. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of academic quality and that graduates are prepared for careers in psychology. The American Psychological Association (APA) is the accrediting body for doctoral psychology programs. Students should look for programs that are accredited by the APA or another recognized accrediting agency.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Accelerated online psychology PhD programs offer several advantages over traditional programs. One of the most significant advantages is the potential cost savings. Online programs often have lower tuition fees than traditional programs, and students can save money on transportation, housing, and other expenses associated with attending a physical campus.

Another advantage of accelerated online psychology PhD programs is the flexibility they offer. Students can complete coursework and assignments at their own pace, which makes it easier to balance work, family, and other commitments. Online programs also eliminate the need for students to relocate to attend a physical campus, which can be a significant advantage for those who live far from their desired program.

Fast-paced learning is another advantage of accelerated online psychology PhD programs. Students can complete their degree in a shorter amount of time than traditional programs, which can be beneficial for those who want to enter the workforce or pursue further education sooner.

Disadvantages

Despite the advantages, accelerated online psychology PhD programs also have some potential drawbacks. Limited face-to-face interaction with professors and peers can be a disadvantage for some students, as it can make it more challenging to build relationships and receive personalized feedback.

Intensity and time management challenges are also common in accelerated online psychology PhD programs. The fast-paced nature of the program can be overwhelming for some students, and it can be challenging to balance coursework, assignments, and other responsibilities.

Finally, potential quality concerns are another disadvantage of accelerated online psychology PhD programs. Students should carefully research the program and ensure that it is accredited and has a good reputation before enrolling.

In summary, accelerated online psychology PhD programs offer several advantages, including cost savings, flexibility, and fast-paced learning. However, limited face-to-face interaction, intensity and time management challenges, and potential quality concerns are disadvantages that students should consider before enrolling in such a program.

Admission Requirements

When considering an accelerated online psychology PhD program, there are several admission requirements that applicants should be aware of. This section will outline the general admission criteria, specific requirements for accelerated programs, and application procedures.

General Admission Criteria

Admission to an online psychology PhD program typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or a related field, although some programs may accept applicants with degrees in other fields. In addition to a degree, most programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, although some programs may have higher GPA requirements.

Applicants may also be required to submit transcripts from all previous institutions attended, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and a resume or CV. Some programs may also require applicants to have relevant work or research experience in psychology or a related field.

Specific Requirements for Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online psychology PhD programs typically have more stringent admission requirements than traditional programs due to their accelerated nature. In addition to the general admission criteria outlined above, accelerated programs may require applicants to have a higher GPA, more relevant work or research experience, or a demonstrated ability to handle an accelerated course load.

Accelerated programs may also require applicants to have completed certain prerequisite courses in psychology or a related field, such as statistics, research methods, or abnormal psychology. Applicants should carefully review the specific admission requirements for each program they are considering to ensure they meet all criteria.

Application Procedures

The application process for online psychology PhD programs typically involves submitting an online application and supporting materials through the program’s website. Applicants may also be required to pay an application fee.

Once the application and supporting materials have been submitted, applicants may be required to participate in an interview with program faculty or admissions staff. The interview may be conducted in person or via video conference.

Overall, admission to an accelerated online psychology PhD program is a competitive process, and applicants should carefully review the admission requirements and application procedures for each program they are considering to ensure they meet all criteria and have the best chance of success.

Top Programs Offering Fast Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates

Ranking criteria.

To determine the top accelerated online psychology PhD programs, several factors were considered. These include the program’s accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA), tuition costs, program length, online and hybrid options, concentrations offered, diversity and inclusivity, and overall reputation.

Overview of Top Universities and Programs

For students seeking a fast-paced, accelerated online psychology PhD program, several universities stand out. These universities offer online and hybrid programs that allow students to complete their PhDs in psychology in a shorter time frame than traditional programs.

Capella University

Capella University offers a fully online PhD program in psychology with a focus on clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, general psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, or leadership coaching psychology. The program is accredited by the APA and can be completed in as little as three years. Capella also offers a hybrid program that combines online coursework with in-person residencies.

Walden University

Walden University offers an online PhD in psychology with concentrations in clinical psychology, general psychology, health psychology, social psychology, and teaching psychology. The program is accredited by the APA and can be completed in as little as four years. Walden also offers a hybrid program that includes in-person residencies.

Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Graduate University offers an online PhD in clinical psychology that is accredited by the APA. The program can be completed in as little as four years and includes both online coursework and in-person residencies. Fielding Graduate University also offers a hybrid program that combines online coursework with in-person residencies.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online PhD in psychology with concentrations in business psychology, international psychology, organizational leadership, and health psychology. The program is accredited by the APA and can be completed in as little as four years. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology also offers a hybrid program that combines online coursework with in-person residencies.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University offers an online PhD in psychology with concentrations in clinical psychology, consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health, and humanistic and transpersonal psychology. The program is accredited by the APA and can be completed in as little as four years. Saybrook University also offers a hybrid program that includes in-person residencies.

Regent University

Regent University offers an online PhD in counseling and psychological studies with concentrations in counseling and supervision, marriage and family, and trauma and crisis. The program is accredited by the APA and can be completed in as little as three years.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers an online PhD in general psychology with an emphasis on integrating technology, learning, and psychology. The program is not accredited by the APA, but it can be completed in as little as three years.

Overall, these universities offer some of the best accelerated online psychology PhD programs that are both affordable and reputable. Students looking to earn their PhDs in psychology in a shorter time frame should consider these top programs.

Financial Considerations

When considering pursuing an accelerated online psychology PhD program, it is important to take into account the financial aspects of the program. This section will cover some of the key financial considerations that students should keep in mind when exploring their options.

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated online psychology PhD programs can vary widely in their tuition and fees. Some programs may offer lower tuition rates than traditional PhD programs, while others may have higher rates due to the accelerated nature of the program. It is important for students to carefully research the tuition and fees for each program they are considering, and to factor in any additional costs such as textbooks, technology fees, and other expenses.

Financial Aid Opportunities

There are several financial aid opportunities available for students pursuing an accelerated online psychology PhD program. Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid programs such as grants and loans. In addition, many schools offer institutional scholarships and grants specifically for PhD students, as well as external scholarships from organizations such as the American Psychological Association.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

When considering the financial aspects of an accelerated online psychology PhD program, it is important for students to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. This analysis should take into account the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and other expenses, as well as the potential benefits of earning a PhD in psychology. These benefits may include increased earning potential, career advancement opportunities, and personal fulfillment.

Overall, students should carefully consider the financial aspects of pursuing an accelerated online psychology PhD program, and should explore all available options for financial aid and scholarships. By conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis, students can make an informed decision about whether an accelerated online psychology PhD program is the right choice for them.

Career Opportunities and Professional Licensing

Potential career paths.

Graduates of accelerated online psychology PhD programs have a range of career paths available to them. Some may choose to pursue roles in academia or research, while others may seek out clinical roles in human services, marriage and family therapy, or as licensed psychologists. Clinical psychology is one of the most popular career paths for doctoral graduates in psychology. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, and mental health clinics. They may specialize in areas such as neuropsychology, child psychology, or substance abuse treatment.

Other potential career paths for graduates of accelerated online psychology PhD programs include school psychology, social work, and therapy. School psychologists work in educational settings and are responsible for assessing and addressing the mental health and behavioral needs of students. Social workers may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and government agencies, and provide counseling and support to individuals and families in need. Therapists may work in private practice or in a clinical setting and provide counseling and therapy to individuals, couples, and families.

Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements for psychologists vary by state, but generally require a doctoral degree in psychology, completion of a certain number of supervised clinical hours, and passing a licensing exam. Graduates of accelerated online psychology PhD programs are eligible to sit for the licensing exam in their state upon completion of their degree and supervised clinical hours. It is important to note that licensing requirements may differ for different types of psychologists, such as licensed clinical psychologists or school psychologists.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

Continuing education and professional development are important for psychologists and other mental health professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in their field. Many states require licensed psychologists to complete a certain number of continuing education credits each year to maintain their license. Graduates of accelerated online psychology PhD programs may also choose to pursue additional certifications or specializations in areas such as forensic psychology, health psychology, or sports psychology. These additional certifications can help psychologists stand out in their field and may lead to career advancement opportunities.

Ethical and Professional Considerations

When pursuing an accelerated online Ph.D. in Psychology, students must be aware of ethical and professional considerations that are unique to the online learning environment. This section will cover academic integrity, ethical practice in psychology, and professional associations and affiliations.

Academic Integrity in an Online Environment

Academic integrity is a crucial aspect of any academic program, and it is no different for online Ph.D. in Psychology programs. Students must be aware of the risks associated with plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty. Online programs often use plagiarism detection software to ensure academic integrity.

Students should also be aware of the importance of citing sources correctly. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines for citing sources in academic writing, and students should familiarize themselves with these guidelines to avoid any issues with academic integrity.

Ethical Practice in Psychology

Ethical practice in psychology is a key consideration for any student pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology. The APA provides a code of ethics for psychologists that outlines the ethical principles and standards that psychologists should follow.

Students in online Ph.D. in Psychology programs should be aware of the ethical considerations related to online therapy and counseling. The APA has specific guidelines for the practice of telepsychology, and students should be familiar with these guidelines.

Professional Associations and Affiliations

Professional associations and affiliations are important for students pursuing an online Ph.D. in Psychology. These organizations provide networking opportunities, resources, and support for students and professionals in the field.

The APA is the largest professional organization for psychologists in the United States. It provides resources for students, including information on certification and licensure. Students should also consider joining other professional organizations, such as the Association for Psychological Science or the National Alliance of Professional Psychology Providers.

In conclusion, students pursuing an accelerated online Ph.D. in Psychology must be aware of the ethical and professional considerations unique to the online learning environment. By understanding academic integrity, ethical practice in psychology, and professional associations and affiliations, students can ensure that they are well-prepared for a successful career in psychology.

Future Trends and Developments

Technological advancements.

As technology continues to advance, the field of psychology is likely to see significant changes in the way research is conducted, and online doctoral programs are delivered. With the increasing use of virtual reality, for example, researchers can now create more immersive and realistic environments for studying behavior and cognition. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way psychologists conduct research, providing them with new tools for studying complex phenomena.

In addition to virtual reality, other technological advancements such as machine learning and data analytics are also likely to have a significant impact on the field of psychology. These tools can help researchers identify patterns and relationships in large datasets, providing new insights into human behavior and cognition.

Changes in Education

As the demand for online psychology Ph.D. programs continues to grow, educational institutions are likely to adapt to meet the needs of students. One trend that is already emerging is the use of hybrid programs, which combine online and in-person instruction. These programs allow students to take advantage of the flexibility of online learning while still benefiting from the in-person interactions that are critical for developing research skills.

Another trend in online education is the increasing emphasis on personalized learning. With advances in technology, it is now possible to create customized learning experiences that are tailored to the needs and goals of individual students. This approach can help students to achieve their goals more quickly and efficiently, while also providing them with the support they need to succeed.

Overall, the future of online psychology Ph.D. programs is bright, with new technological advancements and changes in education providing students with more opportunities than ever before to achieve their goals and advance their careers.

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Clinical Psychology PhD

The PhD in Clinical Psychology is an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited program, and also a program member of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP). The program adheres to the scientist/practitioner model of training, and requires a number of clinical and research practica in addition to an extensive course curriculum.

• It is a four-year plus internship, full-time program.
• It emphasizes a thorough preparation in theoretical psychology and methodology.
• Theoretical foundations in personality and psychopathology are explored prior to behavioral and personality assessment.
• Concurrent with the work in assessment, students begin study of the theory, research, and practice of psychotherapy.

The Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association can be contacted at:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation  American Psychological Association  750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002  Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail:  [email protected]   Web:  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation   

Admission requirements

This program is open to applications from those who hold an undergraduate degree in psychology or have taken the required number of psychology credits (18). The requirement of 18 undergraduate credits includes statistics and 15 additional credits, preferably introductory psychology, developmental psychology, experimental psychology, and social psychology.

Students are selected from a pool of academically qualified applicants who can contribute to the diversity of the student body. Students enrolled in the clinical psychology program come from diverse ethnic, cultural, individual and experiential backgrounds. Applications are encouraged from those identifying with cultural and/or individual areas of diversity, including (but not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

Acceptance decisions are based on outstanding undergraduate and (where applicable) graduate academic performance, evidence of scholarly activity such as publications and paper presentations, prior work experience, the personal statement, and letters of recommendation. 

The deadline for application for admission to the PhD program is December 15, 2023.

NOTE: The FDU application fee for the 2023-2024 application cycle has been waived.

To apply to this program , complete an application through the psychology common application PSYCAS .

This application should be used only to apply for the PhD in Clinical Psychology. Your application to the PhD program will not be considered complete unless you submit the following through PSYCAS:

• all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts,
• three letters of recommendation,
• a personal statement,
• official GRE aptitude and psychology test score reports. The psychology GRE is optional for those who majored in psychology as an undergraduate or attained an advanced degree in psychology. 

Degree plan

1st semester.

• PSYC6112      Clinical Research Methods & Psychometrics
• PSYC6114      Psychopathology
• PSYC6116      History & Systems
• PSYC6118      Computer Application in Statistics Lab
• PSYC6132      Developmental Issues in Clinical Psychology
• PSYC6180      First-Year Clinical Practicum I

2nd Semester

• PSYC6122      Personality Assessment
• PSYC6133      Intellectual Assessment
• PSYC6160      Teaching Seminar (1 credit)
• PSYC6624      Introduction to Psychotherapy
• PSYC6181      First-Year Clinical Practicum II: Ethics
• PSYC7120      Diversity Issues in Clinical Psychology

3rd Semester

• PSYC7110      Research Design & Analysis I
• PSYC7113      Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• PSYC7121      Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• PSYC7180      Second-Year Clinical Practicum I
• PSYC____     ASTCP_________

4th Semester

• PSYC7111      Research Design & Analysis II
• PSYC7125      Applied Social Psychology
• PSYC7130      Biological Bases of Behavior
• PSYC7181      Second-Year Clinical Practicum II
• PSYC____     ASTCP______________

5th Semester

• PSYC7133      Learning, Cognition, and Emotion
• PSYC8129      Psychopharmacology
• PSYC8180      Third-Year Clinical Practicum I

6th Semester

• PSYC9124      Advanced Research Seminar (1 credit)
• PSYC9138      Professional Development
• PSYC8181      Third-Year Clinical Practicum II

ASTCP (4 REQUIRED)

ADV PSYCHODYNAMIC (2 nd , 3 rd years) SPRING.

CHILD CLINICAL (offered every other year; alternates with Family; open to 2 nd ,3 rd years)

FAMILY THERAPY (2 nd ,3 rd years)

CLINICAL CASE (3 rd year) SPRING

NEUROPSYCH (Fall every odd year; open to 2 nd ,3 rd years)

ADVANCED PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT (Fall, every other even year, open to 2 nd , 3 rd years)

ADVANCED CBT (open to 2 nd , 3 rd years)

Advanced special topics in clinical psychology, 4 required

A class will run if there are sufficient enrollment numbers to support it.

• PSYC8114      Neuropsychology (offered even years in the fall; open to second- and third-year students)
• PSYC9160      Advanced Personality Assessment (offered odd years in the fall; open to second- and third- year students)
• PSYC8127      Clinical Child Psychology (offered  odd years  in the spring; open to second- and third- year students)
• PSYC8145      Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (offered in the fall; open to third-year students only)
• PSYC9143      Advanced Psychodynamic Therapy (offered in the spring; open to third-year students only)
• PSYC9145      Seminar in Clinical Psychology (offered in the spring; open to third-year students only)
• PSYC9123 Family Therapy (offered even years in the spring; open to second- and third- year students)

Additional optional coursework and independent studies

• PSYC9112      Dissertation Maintenance (summer)
• PSYC9113      Internship Maintenance (summer)
• PSYC9116      Research Maintenance (summer)
• PSYC9180      4th Year Practicum I (fall)
• PSYC9181      4th Year Practicum II (spring)
• PSYC9280      5th Year Clinical Practicum I (fall)
• PSYC9281      5th Year Practicum II (spring)
• PSYC9800      Independent Study

Special requirements

• First Year Research Practicum
• First Year Clinical Practicum
• Second Year Research practicum
• Second Year Clinical practicum
• Second Year Project
• Third Year Research practicum
• Third Year Clinical practicum
• Teaching Requirement
• Dissertation Accepted
• Qualifying Examination
• Comprehensive Examination

Internship and dissertation

Students are required to apply for internship via the national match system offered by the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) and participate in an approved internship. The internship may begin after the student has completed the courses listed under the first six semesters, completed the second year research project, passed the comprehensive examinations, and successfully defended the dissertation proposal. Typically, the dissertation is completed in the fourth year and the internship in the fifth year.

Evaluations

Ongoing annual evaluations of students will be conducted by the faculty using information submitted by practicum site supervisors, course instructors, and research mentors. Students will meet with the Program Director to receive feedback concerning these evaluations.

Research practicum

All first-, second- and third-year students participate in a research practicum of ongoing projects supervised by doctoral faculty members. The practicum requires approximately 8-10 hours a week. Research projects frequently culminate in the publication of articles in psychological journals and paper and poster presentations at various professional meetings, with students in the doctoral program participating as authors and presenters.

Forensic Track

An optional add-on forensic track is available to students in the Ph.D. program who fulfill the following additional requirements:

• Completion of at least one of the required clinical practicums at any point after the first year. This requirement can be satisfied through an NYNJDOT approved externship or similar placement meeting requirements of the track.
• Completion of at least two additional courses: PSYC7230 Forensic Assessment and Prediction and PSYC7235 Evaluating Criminal Responsibility and Competency.
• Completion of a dissertation on a forensic topic.

It should be noted that research opportunities in forensic psychology are available.

Forensic track courses may incur additional fees if they increase a student’s credit load for a given semester above the allowable flat fee level of 16.5 credits.

Students coming into the program without a Master’s degree may incur additional fees for the two courses mentioned above since they are above and beyond the required courses for the clinical doctoral program.

Completion of the forensic track will be noted on the student’s transcript.

• Long Island Jewish Medical Center—The Zucker Hillside Hospital; Glen Oaks, NY
• Veterans Affairs Medical Center—Bronx, NY
• Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital; Hartford, CT
• NYU Lagone Medical Center (Rusk Inst of Rehab Medicine); NY, NY
• Hudson River Regional Psychology; Poughkeepsie, NY
• Trinitas Regional Medical Center; Elizabeth, NJ
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine—Montefiore Medical Center; Bronx, NY
• Maimonides Medical Center; Brooklyn, NY
• Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility; Roosevelt Island, NY
• NYU Langone Medical Center (Rusk Inst of Rehab Medicine)-child/adol track; NY, NY
• UMDNJ UBHCH; Newark, NJ
• Westchester Jewish Community Services, Inc.; White Plains, NY
• Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System; Lyons, NJ
• Hudson River Regional Psychology Internship Program; Poughkeepsie, NY
• UMDNJ UBHCN (Child Track); Newark, NJ
• Mercy First; Syosset, NY
• University of New Mexico School of Medicine (Neuropsychology); Albuquerque, NM
• University of Massachusetts Center for Counseling and Psychological Health; Amherst, MA
• Columbia University Medical Center (child track); NY, NY
• Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology (General Geriatric Neuropsych); Boston, MA
• Association for the Help of Retarded Children Dept of Family and Clinical Services; NY, NY
• VA NY Harbor Health Care System—Brooklyn Campus; Brooklyn, NY
• US Dept of Justice Metropolitan Detention Center; Los Angeles, CA
• Lenox Hill Hospital; NY, NY
• Children’s National Medical Center; Washington, DC
• University of Florida Health Science Center; Gainesville, FL
• Mount Sinai Services; Elmhurst, NY
• Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT
• Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center; Bellerose, NY
• VAMC—North Chicago; North Chicago, IL
• Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital’s Mental Health Network (Adult Track); Hartford, CT
• Temple University Health Sciences Center; Philadelphia, PA
• Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital; Morris Plains, NJ
• Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital’s Mental Health Network (Child/Adol Track); Hartford, CT
• Charleston Consortium Psychology Internship Program; Charleston, SC
• Interfaith Medical Center; Brooklyn, NY
• UCSD Psychology Internship Consortium/Veterans Affairs; San Diego, CA
• Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver; Denver, CO
• Columbia University Medical Center; NY, NY
• Mount Sinai Medical Center; NY, NY
• Univ. of S. Carolina, Counseling & Human Development Center; Columbia, SC
• VA Maryland Health Care System (Neuropsych); Baltimore, MD
• Astor Services for Children and Families; Poughkeepsie, NY
• Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Inc.; NY, NY
• VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System—Montrose Campus; Montrose, NY
• Kings County Hospital Center (Adult Track); Brooklyn, NY
• Jewish Child Care Association of NY; Pleasantville, NY
• Louis Stokes Cleveland DVA Medical Center; Cleveland, OH
• NYU—Bellevue Hospital Center Clinical Psych.; NY, NY
• American Institute for Cognitive Therapy; NY, NY
• Behavior Therapy Associates; Somerset, NJ
• Bellevue Hospital Center; NY, NY
• Bergen County Division fo Family Guidance – Forensic Unit; Hackensack, NJ
• Beth Israel Medical Center; NY, NY
• Bronx Children’s Psychiatric Center; Bronx, NY
• Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy; NY, NY
• Children’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CCPEP); NY, NY
• City College CUNY; NY, NY
• Columbia University Medical Center Neuropsychology Service; NY, NY
• Columbia-Presbyterian’s Children’s Hospital; NY, NY
• Community Mental Health Services, St. Marys Hospital; Hoboken, NJ
• Henry Ittleson Center; Bronx, NY
• Hoboken University Medical Center; Hoboken, NJ
• Holliswood Hospital; Holliswood, NY
• Jacobi Medical Center; Bronx, NY
• Jamaica Hospital Medical Center; Jamaica, NY
• Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services (JBFCS); Douglaston, NY
• Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services (JBFCS); Riverdale, NY
• JFK Medical Center-The Center for Behavioral Health; Edison, NJ
• Karen Horney Clinic; NY, NY
• Kings County Hospital Center; Brooklyn, NY
• Mt. Sinai Adult Inpatient Unit; NY, NY
• Mt. Sinai Child & Family Support Program; NY, NY
• Mt. Sinai Eating and Weight Disorders Program; NY, NY
• Mt. Sinai Medical Center Department of Neurology; NY, NY
• Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Dept of Rehabilitation Medicine; NY, NY
• Mt. Sinai Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Treatment Center; NY, NY
• Nassau University Medical Center; East Meadow, NY
• New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College – Manhattan Division; NY, NY
• North Central Bronx Hospital; Bronx, NY
• South Beach Psychiatric Center; Staten Island, NY
• St. Barnabas Hospital; Bronx, NY
• St. Dominics Home; Bronx, NY
• St. Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospitals; NY, NY
• Staten Island University Hospital; Staten Island, NJ
• The Addiction Institute of New York; NY, NY
• The Center of Alcohol Studies at Rutgers; Piscataway, NJ
• William Paterson University – Counseling Center; Wayne, NJ
• Yale Young Adult Services; New Haven, CT
• YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental health; East Orange, NJ
• Youth Development Clinic; Newark, NJ
• Barnard College Furman Counseling; NY, NY
• Behavioral Associates; NY, NY
• Connecticut Children’s Medical Center School; Wethersfield, CT
• Division of Family Guidance; Hackensack, NJ
• Elmhurst Hospital Center – Mt. Sinai Services; Elmhurst, NY
• Essex County Hospital Center; Cedar Grove, NJ
• Fay J Linder Center for Autism; Long Island, NY
• FDU Center for Psychological Services – Assessment emphasis; Hackensack, NJ
• FDU Center for Psychological Services – Therapy emphasis; Hackensack, NJ
• Four Winds Hospital; Katonah, NY
• Hackensack Univ. Medical Center, Audrey Hepburn’s Children’s House; Hackensack, NJ
• Hackensack University Medical Center; Hackensack, NJ
• Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center; Ward’s Island, NY
• Leake and Watts Services, Inc.; Yonkers, NY
• Lincoln Hospital; Bronx, NY
• Long Island Jewish Medical Center, The Zucker Hillside Hospital; North Shore, Long Island NY
• Manhattan Psychiatric Center; Randall’s Island, NY
• Memorial Sloan Kettering; NY, NY
• Metropolitan Correctional Center; NY, NY
• Montclair State University Counseling Center; Montclair, NJ
• Montefiore Medical Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Bronx, NY
• Northeast Epilepsy group; NY, NY & Hackensack, NJ
• NYSPI at Columbia Presbyterian; NY, NY
• NYU Child Study Center; Hackensack, NJ
• NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center; NY, NY
• NYU Counseling Center; NY, NY
• Phipps Community Development Corporation; Bronx, NY
• Princeton House Behavioral Health; Princeton, NJ
• Queens Hospital Center; Jamaica, Queens
• Regional Diagnostic &Treatment Center at Children’s Hospital of NJ; Newark, NJ
• Rehabilitation Specialists; Fair Lawn, NJ
• Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center; Orangeburg, NY
• Seton Hall University – Counseling Services; South Orange, NJ
• The Women’s Health Project Treatment and Research Center – St Luke’s Hosp.; NY, NY
• Tomorrow’s Children Institute at Hackensack Hospital; Hackensack, NJ
• Trinitas Hospital Child and Adolescent Outpatient Unit; Elizabeth, NJ
• Uconn; Farmington, CT
• UMDNJ-UBHC; Piscataway, NJ
• Washington Heights Community Center at Columbia-Presbyterian/NYSPI; NY, NY
• Weill Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, White Plains, NY
• Westchester Jewish Community Services; Hartsdale, NY

School of Psychology and Counseling

More about PhD in Clinical Psychology

1-Year Online PhD Programs: Fast-Track Your Doctorate

Featured Expert: Dr. Shiti Malhotra, PhD

1-year PhD programs online is a bit of a misnomer, at least, the 1-year part. There are few to no legitimate PhD programs online or in-person that last only one year. The minimum for how long does it take to get a PhD is three years, and even those programs are few and far between. Even the easiest PhD programs to get into will take up to three or four years to complete, so don’t expect a fast track when it comes to completing your doctorate. In this article, we’ll give you a list of some of the shortest online graduate programs available for doctorate degrees in both the US and Canada. 

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Article Contents 13 min read

1-year phd programs online in the us, 1. online doctor of education phd at the university of southern california.

Degree Required: Master’s degree in education or a related field.

Tuition: $60,000-$80,000

Program Length: 3-5 years (you must complete 43 units)

This PhD program online is focused on leadership in education and consists of four specific concentration areas that you can focus on:

• K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings
• Leading Instructional Change
• Higher Education Administration
• Educational Psychology

You do not have to have a background in Education, and you can explain in your graduate school statement of purpose why you have decided to pursue this degree. The delivery method is completely virtual so you won’t have to attend any in-person class. You can attend virtual lectures synchronously and all your completed assignments can be delivered online. You must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered.

Degree Required: Master’s degree in computer science or a related field.

Tuition: $45,000-$60,000

Program Length: 3-4 years

This 1-year PhD program online takes around three years to complete. The graduate program requirements include completing 60 credits, which you can satisfy by choosing from over 20 different courses in various subjects from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. As with other PhD programs you can choose from six different concentrations within the program to choose as your dissertation. Based on your research proposal, you can choose from three different research methods to explore your topic, such as quantitative, qualitative or constructive research. You can apply online through National University’s streamlined application process that lets you upload your application materials and personal information in only a few minutes.

3. Online Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Phoenix

Degree Required: Master’s degree

Tuition: $50,000-$70,000

The DBA at the University of Phoenix takes about three years to complete and has a 54-credit requirement. You can begin working on your dissertation as you as enter the program, while also completing the 18 core courses that will provide a foundation to complete the rest of your degree. You don’t have to choose between the GMAT or GRE as this 1-year PhD program online is one of the few graduate programs that don’t require the GRE . You must have at least a 3.0 GPA for all your graduate level courses, and you must also have a graduate degree from an accredited program in the US. International students on student visas are allowed to apply, but, as an international student, you must also provide English proficiency test scores to gain admission.

Degree Required: Master’s or Bachelor’s degree

Program Length: 2.5-8 years

You’ll have three different tracks to complete your PhD in Psychology from Walden, with the fastest giving you at least 2.5 years to meet the degree requirements. You can also choose Track 1 or Track 2 both of which give you more time (up to eight years) to complete this 1-year PhD program online. Track 1 requires you to complete at least 85 credits and Track 2 requires you to complete a minimum of 112 credits to earn your degree. As a health-care related program, you can choose to complete a psychology residency either in-person or virtually, but the “residency” refers more to an academic conference where you will meet and learn from program faculty and other psychology professionals.

5. Online Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Colorado Denver

Degree Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

This combined degree program (BS-DNP) is the first hybrid program on this list, as you must complete courses online and in-person at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz campus. You must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing science to be considered. This is not strictly a 1-year PhD program online, as it is a dual-degree program. You will first earn your master’s in nursing science through the program and then a doctorate certificate in up to eleven different nurse practitioner programs , such as a family nurse practitioner or a nurse midwife program . When you complete the nurse practitioner program, you’ll be eligible to take the licensing exam to earn your nursing license to work in all 50 states.

6. Online PhD in Education at Capella University

Program Length: 3-6 years

This 1-year PhD program online is another degree program focused on education, as you can choose from two concentrations including Leadership in Higher Education, and Leadership in Educational Administration. You can determine your own program length, but to complete the program you must complete at least 92 credits spread out over a variety of core and required courses, as well as electives and virtual residencies. This 1-year PhD program online is not fully online, as you must complete a few comprehensive exams on campus. You must meet the minimum GPA requirement to be considered (3.0), but you do not need to submit either GRE scores or GMAT scores.

7. Online PhD in Public Health at the University of South Florida

Degree Required: MPH, MHA, MSPH, or other relevant Master’s degree

Program Length: 4-5 years

This 1-year PhD program online is another hybrid course, as part of how to get a PhD you must complete at least three, one-week PhD seminars on campus at the University of South Florida. You can do the rest of the program online and complete the 46 credit requirements in up to five years, although you can complete your program in only three years. You must also take a series of core and required courses in subjects as varied as Introduction to Doctoral Training in Public Health and Transforming Public Health Practice. As part of how to get into grad school, you must have at least five years of experience in the public health field along with submitting a graduate school resume , and at least three grad school letters of recommendation .

8. Online Doctor of Social Work at the University of Southern California

Degree Required: Master’s in Social Work or a related field

Program Length: 3-5 years

This 1-year PhD program online is aimed at professionals who have at least five years of experience in the social work, after they have received their master’s in social work. As the program is geared toward professionals, you can choose from two different tracks to complete the program’s 42 credit requirements. You can choose the standard track, which takes three years to complete, or the accelerated track that takes only two years. You can earn your PhD without dissertation in this program, as, in lieu of a thesis or dissertation, you can complete a capstone project aimed at demonstrating your knowledge and capacity in innovative social work practices or leadership.

9. Online PhD in Criminal Justice at Nova Southeastern University

Degree Required: Master’s degree in related field

You can take several admission pathways to get into this fully online 1-year PhD program online in Criminal Justice. If you don’t have a master’s degree, you can apply with a high GRE score (above 300), or, you can also apply with a JD degree, but not any other law degree types . You must complete 60 credits to earn your PhD, which you can do by taking three courses over each available semester; this format lets you complete the program in two and a half years. You can choose from among three specific concentrations (Organizational Leadership, Behavioral Science, Juvenile Justice) to complete your dissertation, as there is a 12-credit dissertation courses involved in the program’s curriculum.

1-Year PhD Programs Online in Canada

1. online phd in business administration at athabasca university.

Degree Required: MBA or other master’s degree

Program Length: 3-7 years

This 1-year PhD program online at the fully online Athabasca University can be completed in only three years, but you have a seven-year time limit to complete the program’s 21 credit requirements. You must submit a PhD motivation letter , as well as research interest statement and since this program is aimed at working professionals, you must also have at least five years of professional or managerial experience. Although the program is online, you must attend a one-week research seminar on campus three times a year, where you will formulate dissertation topic, but only after you’ve completed the core courses of the program.

2. Online Doctor of Education at the University of Calgary

Degree Required: Master’s degree in a related field

This 1-year PhD program online at the University of Calgary is a hybrid course, as you must complete two summer residencies on-campus; the fall and winter terms are completed online. This program requires you have a minimum 3.5 GPA for all your graduate courses, as well as have at least some professional experiences in the field of education (no specific number of years). The course is made up of four central components, which are course work, candidacy, research, and completion of a dissertation. You can start and then defend your dissertation at the end of the program, after you’ve completed four specialization courses and four required courses.

3. Online PhD in Languages, Cultures and Literacies at Simon Fraser University (French-only)

This 1-year PhD program online is one of the few online PhD programs available at Simon Fraser University and it is only the PhD program taught completely in the French language. You must have a 3.5 GPA to qualify for admission and submit several application materials, including a resume, a statement of intent and at least three letters of reference. The program’s aim and focus are broad, but it is an ideal program for education professionals. The classes are split between online and one-week summer seminars that you must attend at the school’s Burnaby campus.

4. Online PhD in Aging and Health at Queen’s University

Degree Required: Master’s in a related field

This hybrid program at Queen’s University requires you to attend two, on-campus sessions every year, which last between three to four days and supposed to teach you how to find a PhD topic . This 1-year PhD program online also takes about four years to complete its six credit requirements spread out over two core courses and three elective courses. You must have a master’s in a relevant field and have a GPA at or above 3.5 to be considered. As part of your application, you must submit a professional resume, and three letters of reference. You must submit your research proposal in the second year, and know how to prepare for a thesis defense , since you must defend your thesis in your final year.

5. Online PhD in Criminology and Social Justice at Ontario Tech University

Degree Required: Master’s of Arts or a related field

Ontario Tech University offers several 1-year PhD programs online in both hybrid and fully-online formats, but this online PhD in Criminology and Social Justice is a hybrid course and you must attend several seminars on-campus in Oshawa. You must have completed a master’s degree in any relevant subject and have maintained a 3.7 GPA to be considered. You can complete the course’s 55-credit requirements in only three years if you decide to study full-time, and you’ll have to take comprehensive examinations at the end of your first year to advance to the final year, where you will present and defend a thesis.

Pros of 1-Year PhD Programs Online

1. flexibility for working professionals and mature students.

Doing any PhD program requires a serious investment of time and money but pursuing a 1-year PhD program online offers you a flexible schedule, so you can more easily balance work, family and other responsibilities with your studies. Many of these 1-year PhD programs online were designed specifically for this demographic, and offer both full-time or part-time schedules, while they also let you submit references from employers rather than academic sources. Some of the online MBA programs on this list require that you have work experience, so they are conscious of the fact that you will have other responsibilities to attend to.

2. Advanced-Technology Learning Environments

One interesting aspect of 1-year PhD programs online is that you can use and train on advanced technologies that you wouldn’t normally use in an in-person setting. Of course, you do have access to these types of programs and software as an in-person student, but the nature of online, distance courses mean you rely more heavily on interactive simulations, virtual laboratories, and dynamic multimedia content. You can even benefit from the online platforms and document management software that many universities use, to help you submit your assignments and upload your essays, by enhancing and refining your technical skills.

3. Cost Savings and Accessibility

A large part of what makes any undergraduate, graduate and professional programs expensive is the associated cost-of-living expenses that can balloon over time. Fortunately, 1-year PhD programs online eliminate those costs through their distance and virtual formats so you do not have to spend money on living accommodations, transportation, food and other costs.

For the online PhD Psychology program at Walden University, you only have to pay your tuition costs, which at $665-per credit for a 60-credit program comes out to around $39,900 per year. If we compare this figure to a similar PhD program at, let’s say Harvard University - $51,904 per year, over five or six years: $259,520 to $311,424 - which is an extreme example, we can see that there are significant savings in pursuing a 1-year PhD program online rather than in-person.

Additionally, some universities offer reduced tuition rates for online students, and you can still apply for different types of scholarships and financial aid if you apply to an online program. This accessibility makes getting a PhD easier for people from low-income backgrounds and marginalized groups who might otherwise face financial and geographical constraints.

Cons of 1-Year PhD Programs Online

1. limited networking opportunities.

One drawback of online PhD programs is the fact that you don’t have a lot of face-to-face interactions with your fellow students, faculty or other professionals. Traditional, in-person graduate programs often offer more networking opportunities through seminars, conferences, and on-campus events. While many of these 1-year PhD programs online offer virtual platforms to make it easier to connect with other students, they do not always replicate the depth or warmth of in-person relationships. Being in a virtual format also removes the ability of speaking directly with professors and faculty who can help guide your academic or career goals, which are usually highlights of attending in-person classes.

2. You Must Develop Self-Discipline and Time Management

These kinds of skills are necessary for in-person programs as well, but as you have more freedom in a 1-year PhD program online, you must be more vigilant and disciplined as it will be easier for you to procrastinate and put off either listening to a virtual lecture or doing your homework. As you’ll be responsible for organizing your time, you must also have a high degree of time management skills. Without the structure of regular on-campus classes, you must be self-motivated and proactive in managing your coursework and deadlines. You also have to set a study schedule and stick to it, even though it may be hard to do so if you are working full-time or have a family.

1. Have a High GPA and Excel Academically

Many of these 1-year PhD programs online do not ask for any standardized test scores, so the only way they can properly assess your fitness for an advanced, doctorate-degree program is by reviewing your transcripts. Not only is having a high GPA a requirement to get into the program, it can also help you get scholarships for these programs. If you’ve decided to get an advanced degree you might already be an excellent student, so you may not have to find out how to get into a grad school with a low GPA . B ut if you're coming from a professional background and haven’t been in school for a long time, many of these programs will consider your professional experience (if in a related field) as a sign of your academic prowess and potential, which you can convey in your resume, CV for grad school and your letters of recommendation. 

2. Write Excellent Statements and Proposals

Getting into a graduate program relies not only on your academic performance but displaying your knowledge, writing skills, and creativity through your research proposals, letters of intent, statement of purpose or personal statement. Different programs will ask for different letters, but they all ask for a combination of these documents, which you must take your time in crafting and writing. A research proposal should follow the strict format guidelines of most conventional research proposals in that you must set forth an objective, a research method, and thesis, among other elements. But your personal statement or statement of purpose can be more about your motivations to pursue your field of study, and why you want to do it at the school you’re applying to. Of course, some 1-year PhD programs online have content requirements that you must write about in your statements so you should always follow what they set out as what you should write.

3. Get Great Letters of Recommendation

Your letters of recommendation play a pivotal role in opening doors to these programs, as there are very few ways for how to get into grad school without letters of recommendation. You require specific skills to successfully complete a 1-year PhD program online and there is no better way for schools to know you have these skills outside of recommendation letters, as they do not require standardized test scores. If you’re applying for a doctorate in business administration, a sterling letter of recommendation from any employer can emphasize your professional aptitudes, initiative, and problem-solving skills. If you’re going into a research-heavy program, such as a humanities or social sciences program, an exceptional letter from a professor should focus on your research acumen and your creative contributions to your class or degree program. You should tailor your letters to your specific field and program, but at the same time, remember to get letters only from the sources your program stipulates.

1-year PhD programs online do not exist, but there are several online PhD programs that take longer than one year; an online PhD program takes a minimum of three years to complete, but more, depending on the program and subject. 

The benefits of a 1-year PhD program online are their affordability, the flexible schedule, the quality of the program, and the skills you’ll learn taking classes virtually. 

The disadvantages include not having direct access to your fellow students and professors, not being able to access the social, academic, professional and recreational facilities of a university. You also have to act more responsibly and manage your time better than you would as an in-person student. 

The main differences between a 1-year PhD program online and traditional PhD programs are the costs associated with a 1-year PhD program, which are much less than in-person programs that come with attendant costs. 

Fortunately, you have the same opportunities as a 1-year PhD program online student as in-person students. You can apply for the same positions including as a professor or faculty member, a managerial or executive position, or go on to do more research at another academic institution. 

Whether employers will look or “accept” your 1-year PhD depends on the position you’re applying for and what their requirements are. Many of these schools are reputable, accredited institutions so there is no reason why their degrees will not be accepted in the job market. 

Yes, many of these 1-year PhD program online have flexible schedules as well as asynchronous elements so you can review materials, watch lectures, study and write your essays on your own time. 

Taking a 1-year PhD program online depends on what your goals are. If you want to advance in your current position or take up teaching or even get a better salary, a PhD program online can help you do that, but you must be clear in your intentions and whether a 1-year PhD program online can help you. 

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College of Psychology and Community Services: PhD in Forensic Psychology

• College of Psychology and Community Services
• BS in Criminal Justice
• BS in Human Services
• BS in Psychology
• Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management and Negotiation
• Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management
• MS in Forensic Psychology
• MS in Human Services
• Post-Master’s Online Teaching in Psychology Certificate
• Doctor of Human Services
• PhD in Criminal Justice
• PhD in Forensic Psychology

Note on Licensure

Learning outcomes, specializations, learning tracks, degree requirements, master of philosophy (embedded degree).

• Doctoral Writing Assessment

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

• PhD in Human Services
• PhD in Psychology
• Post-Doctoral Respecialization Certificate

Program Website  

Students in Walden’s PhD in Forensic Psychology program will explore the systems and programs that strive to create positive change in the legal system and community settings. Students can broaden their understanding of advanced forensic psychology and examine ways to evaluate programs designed for populations such as the incarcerated, recently released offenders, the mentally ill, and juvenile offenders. Walden’s PhD in Forensic Psychology program offers a variety of specializations to help students meet their personal and professional goals. Students may choose from the General Program or the following specializations: Criminal Justice Self-Designed, Crisis Leadership Management, Crisis Response, Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology, Self-Designed, or Victimology.

The PhD in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure-leading program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

As graduates of this program, students will be prepared to:

• Evaluate behavior using psychological theory and research from a forensic psychology perspective.
• Analyze seminal works in forensic psychology in terms of their relation to education and/or research.
• Differentiate between advanced legal concepts pertaining to forensic psychology.
• Integrate principles of advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research related to forensic psychology.
• Evaluate how assessment elements (psychological assessment, risk assessment, psychological reports) are used within forensic psychology settings.
• Engage in decision making using relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists) in forensic work settings.
• Promote social change through the integration of principles of forensic psychology in scholarly and/or professional activities.

General Program

Specialization in criminal justice self-designed (not currently accepting new students), specialization in crisis leadership management (not currently accepting new students), specialization in crisis response (not currently accepting new students), specialization in legal issues in forensic psychology (not currently accepting new students), specialization in self-designed, specialization in victimology (not currently accepting new students).

There are two tracks in the PhD in Forensic Psychology:

• Track 1:  For Those Entering With a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology
• Track 2:  For Those Entering With a Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Unrelated Field

Track 1: For Those Entering With a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology

Minimum degree requirements.

• Professional Development Plan and Program of Study
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (25 credits)
• Research courses (10 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• Dissertation support courses (7 credits)
• Dissertation writing courses (5 credits per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously until completion)
• Four PhD residencies

Course Sequence for Students Entering With an MS Degree

* Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the  Dissertation Guidebook .

Fast Track Option - Not Currently Accepting New Students

Walden offers a Fast-Track Option. With the Fast-Track Option, students take additional courses and begin their dissertation early to expedite their path through the program.

• Dissertation writing courses (continuously enrolled until completion)

Students must also

• Pass a writing assessment.
• Submit an application essay.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation study course shell.

Fast Track Course Sequence

Note: PhD in Forensic Psychology Fast-Track Option courses are identified with an APSY course prefix for enrollment purposes. APSY course descriptions align with corresponding FPSY courses, as listed below. 

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

* FPSY 9000 aligns with APSY 9000A Dissertation Prep. ** FPSY 9000 aligns with APSY 9000B Dissertation Prep.

Track 2: For Those Entering With a Bachelor’s Degree or Master's Degree in Unrelated Field

• Foundation Course (3 credits)
• Core courses (45 credits)
• Research courses (20 credits)

Course Sequence

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the   Dissertation Guidebook .

In addition, students must

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

Note: PhD in Forensic Psychology Fast-Track Option courses are identified with an APSY course prefix for enrollment purposes. APSY course descriptions align with corresponding FPSY courses, as listed below.

 * FPSY 8720 aligns with APSY 8722 Abnormal Behavior. ** FPSY 9000 aligns with APSY 9000A Dissertation Prep.

Walden awards the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree to recognize PhD students for academic achievement leading up to their dissertation. With an MPhil, students will be able to demonstrate to employers and others that they have an advanced knowledge base in their field of study as well as proficiency in research design and evaluation.

• All required PhD core courses (or KAMs)
• All required PhD specialization courses (or KAMs)
• All required doctoral research and advanced research courses
• Program prospectus development course
• Residencies 1, 2, and 3
• A minimum 3.0 GPA is mandatory.
• The MPhil requires a minimum of 45 quarter credits. Maximum transfer of credit varies by program but is not to exceed 50% of the overall, or embedded, program requirements. Students who previously completed a master's degree with Walden in the same discipline area are not eligible for an MPhil.

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required  doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see  Enrollment Requirements  in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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Ph.D. in Psychology – General Track

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Ph.D. in Psychology – General

Understand the human experience from a biblical worldview with an online ph.d. in psychology.

Do you want to deepen your knowledge of psychology and use your research to advance the understanding of human behavior? Liberty’s Ph.D. in Psychology is designed to train up people-centered, ethical behavioral sciences professionals who are passionate about bringing new insights to the field. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science reinforced with biblical values to understand the full breadth of human experience.

With our online Ph.D. in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, advanced behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field will prepare you to make a positive impact on the world.

What Will You Learn in Our Doctorate in Psychology – General?

  Through this program, you will:

• Develop psychological practices rooted in biblical values.
• Learn a practice-grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory.
• Master psychological research and writing techniques that will establish you as an expert.
• Complete dissertation research with mentorship from Liberty faculty.
• Learn effective clinical techniques.
• Learn essential behavioral theory.
• Develop your research and writing expertise.

With elective courses in the general track, you will have the flexibility to customize your course content to meet your specific career needs. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychological research and practice and offer insights rooted in biblical foundations of truth that can help communities heal and thrive.

Potential Careers with a Ph.D. in Psychology  

• College professor
• Independent human behavior consultant
• Organizational mentor/consultant
• Psychology issues writer
• Psychology researcher

Highlights of Our Psychology Doctoral Programs

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online Ph.D. in Psychology – General degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
• Our degrees allow you to apply biblical principles to advanced research techniques through courses like Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Aug 19, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
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These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

Access Academic Support

Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

An Online Education with On-Campus Benefits

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Why we’re nonprofit.

As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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• Academic Residencies

Timing and Requirements: PhD

Phd clinical psychology (clin) residency timing.

PhD Clinical Psychology students that started the program February 2024 and later.

PhD Clinical Psychology students that started the program prior to February 2024.

PhD in Education (EDUC) Residency Timing

PhD Health Education & Promotion (HEP) Residency Timing

PhD Health Services (HLTH) Residency Timing

PhD Human Services (HUMN) Residency Timing

PhD in Management (MGMT) Residency Timing

PhD Nursing (NURS) Residency Timing

PhD Public Health (PUBH) Residency Timing

PhD Public Policy and Administration (PPA) Residency Timing

PhD Residency Timing - all other programs except those above

Timing for the following PhD programs:

View the PhD Residency Calendar

Email Academic Advising if you have questions.

International Students: Be sure to register for your selected U.S. residency 3-4 months before the residency start date in order to allow sufficient time to complete the required processes and approvals for you to be able to travel and attend. View the SEVIS/I-20 site for complete information about the requirement for travel to U.S. residencies.

PhD Residency 4 Proposal Writing Track

View this video guide to select your track.

The Residency 4 Proposal Writing Track provides information on the dissertation process and journey with a focus on the proposal phase, tools, and related resources for the learner to draft their proposal and outline for dissertation chapters 1, 2, and 3. Topics include scholarly skills to synthesize literature, accurately utilizing APA formatting, dissertation checklist, literature review, theoretical and conceptual framework, methods, and instrument testing.

• You have completed Residency 3.
• You have an approved prospectus.

This track is right for you if:

• You need help developing chapters 1-3.
• You need help developing the literature review.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrates an understanding of the Dissertation Checklist to support the development of the dissertation.
• Synthesizes original research in an appropriate, discipline-relevant, scholarly voice following applicable standards and requirements for publication.
• Creates an outline of the dissertation proposal for Chapters 1-3 utilizing the Dissertation Template.

PhD Residency 4 Qualitative Methods & Data Collection Track

The Qualitative Track for Residency 4 aims to meet the student where they are in the dissertation process to help ensure the fundamental assumptions of qualitative research align with chapters 1 and 3 or chapters 4 and 5 of the dissertation. Topics include the nature and logic of qualitative research, trustworthiness, data collection strategies, data analysis, ethical considerations, IRB, qualitative methodologies: case study, phenomenology, narrative inquiry, action research and visual research.

• You are using qualitative methods in your research.
• You need help with qualitative research design in chapters 1 and 3.
• You need help with qualitative data collection or data analysis.
• You need help with chapters 4-5.
• Evaluates qualitative research design to support the development of an independent research study.
• Writes dissertation purpose statement that align with qualitative research design.  
• Writes dissertation research questions that align with qualitative research design.  
• Develops appropriate data collection and data analysis strategies.
• Designs an independent qualitative research study that contributes to the professional body of knowledge in the literature.

PhD Residency 4 Quantitative Methods & Data Collection Track

The Quantitative Track for Residency 4 aims to meet the student where they are in the dissertation process to help ensure the fundamental assumptions of quantitative research align with chapter 4 of the dissertation. Topics include power analysis, SPSS, data entry, data screening, test instrument reliability, statistical analysis overview: independent-samples t-test, ANOVA, multiple regression, logistic regression, factorial ANOVA, results, and methods.

• You are using quantitative methodology in my research.
• You need help with quantitative data collection.
• You need help with quantitative data analysis.
• Evaluates quantitative research design to support the development of an independent research study.
• Conducts quantitative research design activities e.g., power analysis, data screening, data cleaning, determining internal consistency.  
• Operates statistical software for basic data entry and import to support quantitative research design.
• Designs an independent quantitative research study that contributes to the professional body of knowledge in the literature.

PhD Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting Track

The Residency 4 Presenting & Publishing Track supports advanced doctoral students who want to gain a deeper understanding of their role as steward of their discipline, with a specific focus on strategies to disseminate their research as part of their development as a scholar/practitioner. Topics include audiences and venues for dissemination, strategies for creating products to disseminate, tactics for effective publication and presentation, and continued development of scholarly identity.

• You have an approved proposal or an approved 3xM Design Plan.
• You want to publish your research.
• You want to present your research.
• You have questions about how and where to disseminate your research.
• You don’t know how to get started publishing or presenting your research.
• Creates a research dissemination plan.
• Develops a research narrative.
• Outlines the steps involved in publishing and presenting research.
• Demonstrates presentation skills.

PhD Residency 4 General Track

The Residency 4 General Track seeks to build student capacity to complete the dissertation proposal and the final dissertation. Topics include dissertation chapter expectations, the Walden dissertation process, and working with the dissertation committee. Students will present a PowerPoint of their proposed dissertation research and receive developmental feedback from faculty and peers. Feedback will emphasize alignment, quality, and feasibility. For the required final assignment, you will compose a reflection identifying what you have learned about your own research and the research development process in general as well as specifying next steps to move forward with a timeline for completion. 

• You need non-specific general help developing chapters 1-5.
• You are interested in presenting your research and receiving peer feedback.
• Evaluates research design to support the development of an independent research study.
• Designs an independent research study that contributes to the professional body of knowledge in the literature.
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Fast-track PhD program

The GSN offers the opportunity for especially qualified applicants holding a relevant bachelor's degree to directly enter the PhD program. Students requiring preparatory training may be admitted to the fast-track PhD program.

During the first two semesters of the fast-track program (preparatory year), students receive basic training in neuroscience, which is in close collaboration with the GSN associated Master programs (Neurosciences and Neurocognitive Psychology).

A special advisory commission with permanent members formulates individual training objectives for the preparatory year and closely monitors the progress of all fast-track students. After the preparatory year, the advisory committee together with the student decide whether the student should continue in the MSc or PhD track. Fast-track students must meet special requirements (see below) in order to stay in the program.

Preparatory year with two academic tracks

Starting 2018, the GSN curriculum has been expanded in order to offer students more flexibility, as well as the opportunity to sharpen their academic profile. Students can now choose courses along either a Systemic-Cellular-Molecular Neuroscience track or a Computational Neuroscience track . Regardless of the selected track, all students will also complete coursework within the other area, however, at a more moderate level.

Prerequisites for the fast-track program

Detailed description of preparatory year modules and teaching contents. (Individual adaptations for fast-track students are possible)

Overview of PhD module work.

Requirements of a fast-track student to start the PhD project:

• complete all modules successfully
• achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in the preparatory year
• affiliation to a research group for future PhD research project by the end of the preparatory year

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Postgraduate Taught

Clinical Psychology

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This unique programme is an exclusive opportunity for BSc Psychology students at the universities of Hull and York to fast track their clinical psychology career, with their fees paid for them, and earning a salary while they train.

So, unlike other universities, you don't need to take one or two years out after your degree to gain employment or voluntary experience before applying for doctorate in clinical psychology.

As long as you’ve successfully completed specialist clinical psychology modules in the third year of your psychology degree at Hull or York universities, you can apply.

Earn while you learn

employed by the NHS on this fully-funded course 1

by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

to a Clinical Psychology career 1

by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Only programme of its kind

About this course

Your week will be split between training on clinical placement over three days, and two days a week in academic teaching and research work.

Over a total of six placements, you’ll work across a range of teams and healthcare settings. You’ll work directly with clients and their families, under the supervision of qualified and experienced clinical psychologists. Working holistically, you’ll liaise with the teams and other professionals who are supporting clients.

You’ll develop psychological assessment and intervention skills, learn how to evaluate psychological services and outcomes, and build your research skills with your own project. You’ll also learn how to write papers for publication.

Employed by the NHS as a Trainee Clinical Psychologist, you’ll earn a salary and have your fees paid 1 . You’ll also get the same benefits as other members of NHS staff including a pension and access to the full range of wellbeing and continuous professional development support. 1

The programme is accredited by the BPS, so when you graduate you can apply for Chartered Membership. It’s also HCPC approved. So you can apply to register to practise as a clinical psychologist after you’ve graduated.

Choose your modules

The Doctorate is a full time, three year programme. You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning – with guidance and supervision – and you will have many opportunities to learn from and with your fellow trainees.

The Doctorate includes the following:

• Much of your teaching will be by NHS clinical psychologists, so your learning will be grounded in clinical practice.
• You will spend three days of each week on placement in a range of teams and health settings and two days a week on academic teaching and research work at the University of Hull.
• You will be working both directly with clients and their families and also with teams and other professionals who are supporting clients, under the supervision of qualified and experienced clinical psychologists.
• As a full time employee of Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust you will have the same benefits and responsibilities as other members of staff.

It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using the protected title “Clinical Psychologist” is on the HCPC Register . The Hull Clinical Psychology Doctorate Course has full approval from the HCPC. Successful completion of this Course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

Important information

This course is accredited by

You’ll be taught by practising psychologists and research-active academics. So your learning is grounded in clinical practice.

Our broad range of expertise includes neuropsychology, psychology and climate change, learning disabilities, community psychology, and adult and children’s mental health.

See more academics for this subject

Dr Nick Hutchinson

Nick is our Programme Director and an honorary Clinical Psychologist for the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. His clinical practice background is in working with adults with intellectual disabilities which is also his area of research expertise.

Dr Emma Lewis

Emma is a qualified cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) practitioner as well as one of our tutors. She works as a Principal Clinical Psychologist in the Hull Integrated Community Stroke Service, carrying out psychological assessments and interventions.

• International

What do I need?

The Doctorate is only open to applications from students in the third year of the BSc Psychology at the University of Hull and the University of York. 

As the Doctorate is funded by the NHS, to apply you must be from the UK or have the right to work in the UK under the EU settlement scheme (EUSS) without restriction.

All applicants must have successfully completed specialist clinical psychology modules in their third year of the BSc Psychology course and graduated with a 2:1 or 1 st class honours degree. In the Hull undergraduate programme, around 30 – 40 students are selected for the clinical modules running in the third year. Selection for these modules takes place towards the end of semester two in the second year of the undergraduate course.

Applicants are not required to have lengthy pre-training clinical experience. However, we do expect to see evidence of commitment to clinical psychology, such as voluntary work or other experience with vulnerable people.

Selection for the postgraduate course takes place in the second semester of the third year of the undergraduate course. The selection process includes an interview with clinical psychologists, an interview with a person who has lived experience of psychological difficulties and receiving help, and references from academic staff and from relevant work settings.

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust acts as the employer (Hosting Trust) for trainees on the Hull Clinical Psychology course. Successful candidates will need to complete a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and health check before beginning the programme, details will be provided to successful applicants. Trainees are required to have vaccinations and occupational health assessments as required by the employer.

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses .

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it.

The National Health Service (NHS) currently provides the funding for all places on clinical psychology courses. People accepted on these NHS funded places are currently employed by the NHS as Trainee Clinical Psychologists while they study.

Please see the NHS Health Careers website for more information about NHS pay and benefits.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

• Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
• Optional field trips
• Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
• Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
• Student visas (international students)
• Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PCs on campus, but you may want your own)
• Printing and photocopying
• Professional-body membership
• Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

This course is fully funded by the NHS.

This course is open to UK applicants only.

Take a look at our facilities

Allam medical building.

Your taught programme includes full and half-day workshops, some of which will take place in our award-winning Allam Medical Building – the heart of our £28 million Health Campus.

Clinical Placement Facilities

Our strong links with the NHS and other healthcare organisations give you the chance to take a range of different clinical placements where you’ll work directly with clients in fantastic facilities.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our seven-storey library is a superb learning space. As well as over a million books, there’s a variety of study areas, and one amazing view.

Open-access PCs

You’ll find over 400 open-access PCs at your disposal in our library. As well as over 70 laptops available to borrow.

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There’s a strong demand for qualified clinical psychologists across the UK and this programme is a unique opportunity to enter the profession early.

Clinical psychologists work with a range of clients from children, young people and their families, to adults with mental health challenges, injuries, chronic ill-health and disabilities. And within a variety of clinical settings including hospitals, clinics, health centres and community teams.

Our graduates go on to a range of careers within the field including one-to-one psychological therapy, teaching and training, consultancy, forensic clinical psychology, service evaluation, research, supervision and clinical psychology leadership roles.

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Fastest PsyD Programs

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Studying PsyD can be extremely time-consuming as most programs have an average duration of five years. Recently, I was ready to get started in this wonderful world, yet I wanted to do it as fast as possible, so I started to research the quickest PsyD degrees available.

After a long analysis, I found the best alternatives I was looking for. So, if you are interested in learning about the fastest PsyD programs, keep reading, as I will explain all my findings.

Exploring the Need for Acceleration: Fastest PsyD Programs

In this modern dispensation, the demand for skilled psychologists is higher than ever. As mental health awareness grows, professionals with advanced degrees become essential. The first step in accelerating your psychology career is understanding why speed matters. 

Fast-track PsyD courses are designed to meet the urgency of this demand, allowing aspiring psychologists to enter the workforce more quickly and make a positive impact. Accelerated PsyD programs recognize the importance of adapting to these challenges promptly. 

With a focus on relevant coursework, cutting-edge research methodologies, and hands-on clinical experience, these degrees equip students with the skills needed to navigate contemporary psychological issues.

The Changing Landscape of PsyD Education

Traditionally, PsyD programs followed a more extended format, ensuring a comprehensive education that covered theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research. However, as the demand for mental health professionals rises, fast-track PsyD courses shorten time frames without sacrificing the quality of instruction. This change is in response to how psychology develops and the demand for more adaptable, highly skilled workers.

Unveiling the Fastest PsyD Programs

Now that we’ve established the rationale behind accelerated courses let’s delve into some of the top options available for those looking to expedite their psychology career .

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology  

Location : Chicago

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology program has been a pioneering psychology and behavioral science force for almost three decades. By integrating intensive coursework with immersive clinical experiences, students can complete the program in a shorter time frame without sacrificing educational quality.

The Chicago School is a non-profit organization with nearly 4,200 students, both online and in person. Offering over 20 degrees, including its core PsyD programs like clinical and school psychologies. The TCSPP emphasizes innovation and provides a range of international experiences. With a low acceptance rate of 34%, the average graduate tuition for the academic year is $22,212.

The school boasts about its transformational impact on students and communities, and its psychology practice is focused on a new method called the Engaged Professional Model of Education. Under the tutelage of professional practice and community partnerships, they provide students with a wide range of clinical training opportunities in a variety of community settings.

Alliant International University

Location : California

With a focus on education psychology, Alliant International University allows students to pursue a Doctor of Psychology in this area and their professional endeavors. Alliant International University assists students in acquiring the abilities and information required for their fields by providing a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs .

Online and in-person components are used in course design to provide a dynamic, adaptable learning environment. A final project in a field of both professional and personal interest completes this program. Alliant also strongly emphasizes experiential learning through community service projects, internships, practicals, and consulting to give students the necessary professional experience. The tuition fee is $14,000 per year.

Alliant Special Features

The expedited Doctor of Psychology in Educational Psychology online doctoral course Alliant offers is noteworthy due to its exceptionally short two-year completion period. The second year, which features an eight-week schedule, 11 terms, and four phases, is dedicated to the last phase of the PsyD project, which is anticipated to be finished by the program’s end. 

Those with a school psychology licensure or certification can follow the School Psychology Track; eligibility requires a master’s degree in psychology or a related subject. The course requires 50 credits to be completed in two years.

Meridian University

The Doctor of Psychology program at Meridian University emphasizes experiential learning via individual treatment, focusing on clinical psychology. Research-based, clinical psychology, and introductory courses are all integrated into the curriculum to provide a solid basis for professional practice. 

This program satisfies the educational requirements for California licensure and conforms to the standards set forth by the California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), with the addition of fieldwork. Graduates are granted licenses upon graduation. Entry prerequisites include a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

The curriculum strongly emphasizes fostering leadership qualities, participating actively in the workplace, and using psychological tests skillfully in a way that considers individual and cultural differences. The tuition amounts to $21,500 for the academic program.

University of Arizona Global Campus

One of the country’s biggest and most innovative virtual campuses is the Global Campus of the University of Arizona . Once a modest, traditional college, the UAGC has grown into a nationwide online learning community committed to helping adult learners realize their goals on the personal and professional fronts.

UAGC, well-known for its accelerated five to six-week courses, offers a faster route to degree completion while maintaining the same depth and rigor of the program. With a defined four-year timeframe, UAGC’s affordable PhD in psychology degree is one of the fastest online doctoral courses.

Students take courses at a faster pace; they finish all requirements by the third year and spend the fourth year working on their Applied Doctoral Project. Designed for dedicated students hoping to improve community welfare, the program offers three concentrations: sport and performance psychology, health and wellness and psychology, and criminology and justice studies.

License and Credit

• No license on completion
• Admittance requires a master’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 
• 9% completion rate
• Tuition charge of $14,000, a variety of specializations
• Six to nine week online courses
• Graduation requires the completion of 62 credit units

Walden University 

Location : Minnesota

Walden University offers a nurturing Doctor of Psychology program in Behavioural Health Leadership. The curriculum emphasizes enhancing skills for elevating the quality of mental health services. Case studies serve as interactive resources that link academic knowledge to practical implementation. Residencies incorporate a virtual doctoral project session and an in-person consulting skills retreat.

Licensing is not offered. Specializations include teaching, health psychology, public health, industrial/organizational psychology, international practice, and healthcare administration doctorate programs .

Admittance requires three years of professional or academic experience (recommended) and a Master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA .

Students choose course-based learning because it offers a speedier, more engaging curriculum, yet tempo-based learning gives flexibility. With a fast-track option, the hybrid PhD in psychology can be completed in four years instead of the usual eight. The tuition for this outstanding school is $12,000.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University’s Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program is a comprehensive set of lectures that prepares students for positions as licensed psychologists committed to community service through practical clinical practice. It is ranked as the Sixth Best Grad School in Clinical Psychology by U.S. News & World Report and is accredited by the American Psychological Association through 2027. 

Pepperdine has an astounding 97% placement rate for internships overall, with 91% of students landing internships accredited by the APA, indicating a wide range of employment options.

The program combines research, clinical training, and academia in line with the practitioner-scholar paradigm. Three years of pertinent coursework and supervised clinical training are part of a demanding four-year course that ends with a year-long internship and a clinical dissertation. Immersion learning is ensured by the in-person method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical duration of a doctor of psychology (psyd) program.

PsyD programs commonly take four to six years to complete, encompassing coursework, clinical training, and research. However, course lengths can vary based on individual pace, specialization, and dissertation requirements.

Are There Accelerated Options for Earning a PsyD?

Yes, some institutions offer accelerated PsyD programs, allowing students to complete their doctoral studies in a shorter time frame. These degrees often involve more intensive schedules and streamlined coursework without compromising educational quality.

Is Accreditation Important When Choosing a PsyD Program?

Yes, accreditation is crucial. It ensures that a PsyD program meets established quality standards and is recognized by professional organizations. Graduating from an accredited program enhances credibility and facilitates licensure eligibility for aspiring psychologists.

These distinguished institutions illuminate diverse paths in psychology education, each offering unique approaches and emphases. From the Chicago School’s transformative impact to Pepperdine’s commitment to community service, these programs enrich aspiring psychologists, promising knowledge and a profound understanding of the human psyche.

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Fast Track Doctorate

Doctoral Scholarships in the Fast Track Program of Universität Hamburg.

With the Fast Track program, Universität Hamburg offers outstanding young scientists the opportunity to pursue a doctorate after completing their bachelor's degree. The usual phase of an independent master's degree is integrated into the doctoral phase. In addition to excellent academic performance, a convincing dissertation concept and an interest in scientific work are required. The total duration of the programme is four years. The Fast Track is part of the Hanse Science Career at Universität Hamburg, which aims to attract young talents to science at an early stage. The programme is funded proportionately by the Excellence Strategy, a funding programme of the federal and state governments.

Duration of the scholarship

The duration of the scholarship in the Master's program is two years for students starting in winter semester 2024/25. If the Master's programme began in winter semester 2023/24, the funding period is reduced to one year.

For the following two years, employment as a research assistant at the University of Hamburg is intended.

Application for the Doctoral Scholarship

Applications are open to outstanding BSc graduates who can provide proof of supervisionby a professor at the Institute of Psychology at UHH.

Start of scholarship funding

Scholarship funding starts on: November 01,  2024

Scholarship Amount

The scholarship amounts to a total of € 1,468 per month and consists of a scholarship of € 1,365 per month plus a lump sum for material costs of € 103 per month.

It includes an extensive accompanying programme with qualification and networking opportunities from the PB Faculty and the Hamburg Research Academy (HRA). During the scholarship phase, scholarship recipients can apply for a travel allowance of € 500 per year via the HRA for participation in meetings, conferences and other relevant travel within their doctorate.

Requirements and conditions for application

• Outstanding completion of a Bachelor's degree, and outstanding university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur).
• Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's examination in a degree program relevant to the dissertation project.
• Candidates require a confirmation of supervision from the head of the department in which the dissertation will be carried out.
• Candidates must apply for a Master's degree program in Psychology (M.Sc.) or Psychology with a focus on Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (M.Sc.) from 01.06.-15.07. via the CampusCenter and receive a letter of admission.

Admission to the Fast Track doctoral program can only be granted if an assessment review has been carried out by the Committee for the Promotion of Young Researchers as well as the designated main supervisor and head of the department in which the project is conducted.

The Fast Track scholarship program stipulates that the dissertation project must be supervised by a three-member supervisory committee, consisting of a chairperson, a supervisor and a co-supervisor (Supervisory Committee Proposal Form PDF). Candidates are responsible for independently finding the supervision committee within the first year.

The fast-track scholarship program stipulates that in the first year after the start of funding, 60 credit points (CP) must be successfully obtained within the respective Master's program and that the Master's degree is obtained in the second year after the start of funding.

It is possible to apply at the beginning of the second year of the Master's programme if the prerequisites and conditions are met. This involves the acquisition of 60 credit points (CP) in the first year of the Master's program, which will be specified as a condition upon acceptance. These credits must be proven to the responsible doctoral office for psychology by the beginning of the grant period on November 1st. In this case, the Master's degree must be obtained in the first year after the start of funding.

Upon successful completion of the Fast Track Scholarship Program, candidates can apply for a PhD position limited to 24 months.

Application

Application deadline: The application period ends on August 31, 2024

Candidates should have informally contacted the head of the department in whose area the dissertation is being carried out in advance with a curriculum vitae and a short letter of motivation to receive a confirmation of supervision and confirmation of follow-up funding.

The complete application documents must be submitted within the application deadline:

• Fully signed, informal application for admission to the doctoral procedure,
• Copies/scans of the final certificates (Abitur; Bachelor'sbachelor’s degree): Certificate, Transcript of Records, Diploma Supplement (if issued) [1]
• Completed and fully signed supervision agreement (form PDF ),
• Copy/scan of the university entrance qualification,
• Completed and fully signed research outline (form PDF),
• Copy/scan of identification document (e.g. ID card, passport, visa),
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form,
• Only if applicable: A statement that you have previously applied for admission to a doctorate at another university, at another faculty of Universität Hamburg or at another department of the Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science of the Universität Hamburg (with complete information)
• List of publications (if available),
• Informal assurance from the responsible department head that continued employment to finance the last two years of the fast-track doctorate (with at least 50% of the regular weekly working hours) can be advertised, for which candidates can apply according to the above-mentioned information if they successfully complete the first two years of the fast-track doctorate (see above),
• Letter of motivation.

The responsibility for a complete and timely submission lies with the applicants. Please understand that late applications will be rejected for formal reasons.

Once a supervisor and admission to the Master's degree program have been confirmed and candidates have been admitted to the fast-track doctoral procedure by the relevant departmental doctoral committee, they will be placed in phase II of the application procedure. The responsible Office for Doctoral Studies in Psychology will forward you the letter of admission confirming that you have successfully completed Phase I of the application procedure and that your application documents will be forwarded to the Hamburg Research Academy (HRA) for the purpose of deciding on the award of the doctoral scholarship. The supervisory committee will be informed of the decision to appoint them as a supervisory committee and the positive outcome of Phase I by the responsible Doctoral Office for Psychology

[1]   If the graduation documents were issued in a language other than German or English, candidates must submit a certified translation (in German or English). If already issued, the certificate,  reports transcript of records and diploma supplement must be submitted (the latter two are required for degrees outside of Germany)..

After the decision on the award of the doctoral scholarship has been made, the HRA will inform the candidates admitted to the fast-track doctoral procedure  (in the event of a positive outcome with the request to confirm acceptance of the doctoral scholarship), the supervisory committee appointed by the responsible doctoral committee and the responsible doctoral office for psychology about the outcome of the application in electronic form.

Candidates who are not admitted to the Fast Track doctoral process will receive a letter of rejection. They do not enter Phase II and are eliminated at that point. The supervision committee will be informed about the outcome of Phase I by the responsible Office for Doctoral Studies in Psychology.

Contact and further information

If you have any questions about the Fast Track Doctoral Procedure (Phase I), please contact the relevant Psychology Doctoral Office of the Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science ( promotion.pb "AT" uni-hamburg.de ).

If you have any questions about the call to tender, the application procedure (Phase II) and general qualifications, please contact the HRA (Contact: Dr. Lea Pöhls: [email protected] ( anna.lessmeister "AT" hra-hamburg.de ) ).

Further information can also be found on the   Fast Track program website :

REVIEW article

A narrative review of anxiety regulation in phd students based on green model.

• 1 Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
• 2 Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
• 3 Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Practice PR China: A JBI Centre of Excellence, School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
• 4 The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China

To gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to anxiety among PhD students and the reasons for poor regulation in the current situation, this paper analyses the existing literature on anxiety among PhD students using Green's model. It also compares and evaluates various methods of regulating anxiety. The literature review to extract information on the causes and levels of anxiety, methods and outcomes of anxiety intervention and regulation, and to make comparisons. The study reveals that the phenomenon of PhD students' anxiety has intensified globally in recent years, especially after the end of the epidemic. PhD students experience anxiety due to research pressure, economic pressure, future development, and interpersonal pressure. The main influencing factors are currently the relationship with the supervisor, development prospects, social support, and peer comparison. Among the stress relief methods, the regulation of self-relaxation was found to have better effects on mild anxiety, such as positive thinking, meditation, yoga and physical exercise can be helpful for emotion release then help focus on problem solved. Whereas severe anxiety may require institutional and pharmacological support, also including using psychological therapy such as behavioral cognitive therapy and systematic desensitization methods. For university, competence to provide course-assisted guidance, such as writing groups, peer support, and time management, is also important. Academic communities should pay attention to the guidance on academic fairness. However, PhD students are often unaware of the resources available to them for coping with stress and may not take the initiative to seek psychological counseling or institutional assistance. Therefore, PhD students should receive support from various sources, be guided to express their thoughts, and receive additional education and academic assistance to manage stress. This will enhance their confidence and aid in improving their scientific research.

1 Introduction

In recent years, the number of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) has increased rapidly. In 2018, China alone had a total of 389,518 PhD students ( China National Bureau of Statistics, 2018 ; National Bureau of Statistics Database of China, 2018 ). There are plans to further expand the scale of doctoral enrollment in the future ( Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China., 2023 ). The countries with the highest number of PhD students are the U.S., Germany, and the U.K. Until 2020, there were more than 281,360 DRs enrolled in these three countries ( Hazell et al., 2020 ). There has been a rising prevalence of anxiety and depression among PhD the whole world. The PhD community plays a crucial role in higher education and its outcomes ( Schmidt and Hansson, 2018 ), with PhD programs closely linked to scientific research output ( Wei, 2015 ). Compared to master's degree students, PhD students experience more severe anxiety ( Divaris et al., 2012 ). Studies have indicated PhD have high levels of anxiety the whole world, especially among medical PhD students, particularly in clinical fields. Pressures stem from academic tasks, future career prospects, and publication demands ( Mao, 2014 ).

Although the academic settings and society have adopted many ways to alleviate the pressure of doctoral students, such as the introduction of psychological adjustment public welfare courses, psychological counseling and psychological crisis practice defense system, corresponding scientific research writing courses, social subsidies for doctoral students and employment policies for talents. But at present, the anxiety of PhD students has not been alleviated, and even the prevalence of anxiety is more serious. Therefore, this paper uses Green's model for analysis. The Green model, specifically the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, has been effectively used in the field of health promotion evaluation ( Didehvar et al., 2016 ; Payne et al., 2016 ). PRECEDE integrates predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors affecting target behaviors, while PROCEED supports policies, regulations, and environmental factors during educational interventions ( Wang et al., 2018 ). Based on the Green's model, this paper analyzes influencing factors from PRECEDE and evaluates existing intervention programs from PROCEED to offer guidance for universities and individuals in addressing PhD anxiety. It makes the analysis of influencing factors and intervention effects include multiple levels, so as to have a more comprehensive understanding of doctoral anxiety.

The literature review involved searching for studies related to anxiety among PhD students. This was conducted across several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest for English-language studies, and Wanfang, VIP, and CNKI for Chinese-language studies. We searched the literature using the following keywords: (‘anxiety' AND ‘PhD’ AND ‘regulation’) from inception to March 2024. Based on PRISMA 2020 Identification of studies via databases, finally we included 48 ( Supplementary Figure 1 ). Among the included literatures, there were cross-sectional studies, intervention research and qualitative interviews ( Supplementary Table 1 ). Covering specific cases and empirical evidence can strengthen the discussion and provide real-life examples to illustrate the breadth and comprehensiveness of Green's model in PhD students' anxiety.

2 PRECEDE stage: assessment of PhD students' anxiety

2.1. social and environmental assessment.

Social and environmental factors contributing to the anxiety experienced by PhD students encompass various dimensions. ① The surge in postgraduate enrollments and the pursuit of professional advancement have intensified the pressure to publish in high-quality journals ( Liu et al., 2019 ). The escalating demand has strained the availability of core journals, rendering the publication process more challenging. In the context of China, the decade from 2009 to 2018 witnessed a 48% increase in national PhD enrollment, while the publication volume in Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index (CSSCI) journals declined by 22.65%. Approximately 80% of the 567 journals examined showed a downward trend in publication volume, with 48% experiencing a decrease of over 20% ( Wang, 2022 ). ② The nature of PhD work compounds anxiety due to the absence of timely positive feedback, the monotonous repetition of tasks, and prolonged periods of experimentation without favorable results. Limited vacation time, coupled with an intense desire for success, leads some PhD students to forego holidays, engaging in overtime work. For instance, more than a third (35%) of respondents said their projects did not meet their initial expectations; 70% said they spent more than 40 h a week on their projects ( Woolston, 2022 ). ③ A lack of comfort, minimal leisure, and limited engagement in social activities contribute to the PhD students' anxiety ( Hazell et al., 2020 ). The absence of opportunities to share their concerns with others exacerbates negative emotions ( Guo, 2019 ). ④ Interpersonal relationships and social isolation play a significant role in inducing academic burnout among PhD students. Strained relationships with teachers and peers, coupled with a lack of emotional support, heighten the risk of burnout ( He et al., 2020 ). ⑤ Economic pressures arise from the absence of working income for full-time PhD candidates, reduced income for those pursuing on-the-job PhD's and inadequate rewards for scientific research. The economic disparity compared to peers who have entered the workforce contributes to a pervasive “sense of failure.” ( Bazrafkan et al., 2016 ; Charles et al., 2022 ) ⑥ Peer pressure, conflicts, and negative feedback from colleagues can lead to distraction from scientific research. Unconscious comparisons and consolation may exacerbate feelings of incompetence and anxiety ( Zhong et al., 2011 ; Hazell et al., 2020 ). ⑦ Cultural factors contribute to marriage anxiety among single female PhD students. Limited psychological support institutions, coupled with societal reluctance to seek help, exacerbate the challenges faced by these students ( Guo, 2019 ). ⑧ Employment factors, including a pervasive “whether high or low is not enough” mentality, and uncertainty about job opportunities in the aftermath of the epidemic, contribute to the involution of PhD students' perceptions of their career prospects ( Wang, 2016 ; Woolston, 2020a , b , 2022 ). ⑨ Family factors, encompassing marital considerations and traditional family cognitive factors, influence emotional regulation. The educational background and occupation of the mother, along with family and social status, impact PhD students' emotional well-being ( Feng and Zhang, 2017 ). ⑩ Poor time management, exacerbated by additional tasks beyond scientific research, further compounds anxiety among PhD students. The inability to meet set tasks intensifies the already substantial pressure associated with scientific research ( Wang, 2016 ; Wang et al., 2019 ).

2.2 Epidemiology and behavioral diagnosis

2.2.1 epidemiological diagnosis and characteristics: for number of anxiety phd.

A global consensus acknowledges an increasing prevalence of anxiety among doctors worldwide. A comprehensive survey conducted by Nature in 2019 encompassed 6,300 PhD students from various corners of the world. The findings revealed a 72% satisfaction rate among international PhD students, with 36% seeking assistance for anxiety or depression linked to their PhD pursuits ( Woolston, 2019 ). In contrast, only 55% of PhD students in China expressed satisfaction with their PhD careers, with 40% seeking help for anxiety or depression stemming from academic challenges. Notably, studies in China underscore a high prevalence of anxiety among medical doctors. For instance, an anxiety detection rate of 24.76% was observed among 315 medical doctors ( Tan and Chen, 2018 ). However, this detection rate appears to underestimate the actual prevalence. Epidemiological surveys further illuminate variations in anxiety levels among PhD students based on factors such as age, undergraduate specialization, gender, educational background, urban-rural origin, academic discipline (social science vs. natural science), and the classification of universities (e.g., key universities under the “985 Project,” “211 Project,” and “Double First-Class” initiative) from which PhD students graduate ( Wu, 2019 ).

2.2.2 Behavioral diagnosis: for stressors and coping skills

A pivotal aspect of behavioral diagnosis involves understanding the stress and coping processes that individuals undergo when confronted with challenges or failures. When faced with stressors, individuals typically employ three primary coping strategies—problem solving, emotional management, and avoidance. Problem-solving entails directly addressing and resolving issues, such as writing papers or completing tasks. In instances where direct resolution proves elusive, individuals' resort to emotional management, employing psychological defense mechanisms and cognitive adjustments. Seeking advice and external assistance may be part of this strategy. When emotional management fails, some individuals may resort to avoidance, as evidenced by a study where 37% of students in a vocational DPH project contemplated giving up ( Hlabse et al., 2016 ). In severe cases, individuals may experience a sense of entrapment and exhibit suicidal tendencies. Physiologically, adverse responses trigger a triple reaction involving endocrine changes (e.g., adrenal gland enlargement), immune system alterations (e.g., thymic gland degeneration), and digestive system impacts (e.g., gastric erosion formation) ( Tachè, 2014 ). The psychological manifestations include anxiety and withdrawal, hindering effective problem-solving and exacerbating the source of pressure, leading to further damage. Consequently, poor coping mechanisms can result in a state of physical and mental collapse, often accompanied by anxiety that may evolve into depression. Behind anxiety often lies the potential for depression, which may manifest in atypical forms such as “hidden depression.” Individuals experiencing “high-functioning depression” or “smiling depression” may outwardly function well socially while harboring internal struggles. This form of depression is challenging to detect due to its seemingly normal social functioning.

In the cognitive and response processes, Hans Selye's stress and adaptation theory delineates stress feelings into alert, resistance, and exhaustion periods. Failure to manage stress during the resistance period in the PhD stage may lead to negative responses during the exhaustion period, potentially resulting in severe consequences. Richard S. Lazarus's three-stage cognitive evaluation further emphasizes the importance of cognitive assessments at different stages, including primary evaluation, secondary evaluation, and re-evaluation. Given the advanced cognitive capabilities of PhD students, their anxiety often roots from continuous negative feedback in the cognitive evaluation process. For instance, the high-level task of publishing an article with its lengthy cycle can be emotionally taxing, particularly when manuscripts face multiple rejections. In the face of repeated setbacks, PhD students may develop learned helplessness and anticipatory grief, diminishing motivation for persistence and efforts. This cascade of challenges may lead to escalating anxiety, pushing individuals into a stage of failure accompanied by severe physical and mental reactions, and potentially contributing to the “pretender syndrome” involving self-denial ( Inouye, 2021 ).

2.2.3. Important behaviors and relatively unimportant behaviors

When confronting stressors that cannot be eliminated, the focus shifts to changing cognition and actions in the coping process. For significant behaviors, the emphasis lies in attitudinal shifts, such as redefining professional identity, reassessing the significance of reading, and confronting challenges for a deeper understanding. Simultaneously, breaking cognitive limitations and building self-confidence, enhancing metacognitive strategies becomes crucial. Metacognitive strategies mitigate learning disruptions arising from reluctance to draft or modify writing, fostering smoother academic progress and minimizing self-doubt. In contrast, for relatively unimportant behaviors, once self-confidence is established and a positive psychological learning will is generated, actions may include enhancing learning and research skills, adopting effective coping strategies, engaging in physical exercise, and managing interpersonal relationships, particularly within the academic “mentor, team, and laboratory” framework ( Tan and Chen, 2018 ).

2.2.4. High variability behaviors and low variability behaviors

Addressing sources of pressure with high variability or low variability poses challenges for immediate change or removal. Consequently, emphasis is placed on cognitive evaluation and coping strategies. High-variability approaches involve active participation in activities, seeking external assistance, and altering lifestyle and thought patterns, encompassing aspects like time management, cognitive enhancement, and improvement of research abilities ( Meehan et al., 2023 ). Low-variability behavior is characterized by an internal aversion to unfamiliar circumstances, resistance to changing original ideas, and avoidance of tackling challenging problems through thoughtful consideration ( Murguía Burton and Cao, 2022 ).

2.2.5. Low variability and important factors

Including cognitive adjustments for low-variability and important factors involve reducing task difficulty, such as cultivating micro-habits, and enhancing positive energy through training in positive thinking. Also, according to the health theory of complementary and alternative therapy ( Blue et al., 2016 ), some PhD students, for example, relieve stress by smoking and drinking. If they are not allowed to smoke, and there is no other alternative pastime to satisfy their inner needs, then this habit is difficult to change. Their bodies are used to this pattern and their subconscious will resist any change. However, if universities provide a good alternative, such as leading them in exercise, meditation or reading books, these methods can help people relax, relieve stress and better meet their inner needs. Therefore, it is also possible to cultivate new good habits to replace the original bad habits and to gradually consolidate these good habits in a long-term process. Therefore, for important but low-variable factors, a gradual substitution can be made on the basis of this theory.

2.3 Educational and ecological diagnosis: for self-evaluation and academic environment

The evolution of individual psychological self-consciousness is closely intertwined with external environmental changes. Research indicates that the combination of objective support, support utilization, and negative coping styles can collectively account for 18.6% of the variance in PhD students' mental health ( Lu et al., 2012 ). Consequently, an education organization diagnosis is imperative to address PhD students' anxiety. ① Predisposing Factors: Predisposing factors primarily pertain to internal behavioral tendencies within individuals, focusing on the phenomenon of anxiety and individual consciousness. PhD students and their groups often exhibit vague cognition regarding the significance of reading ( Liu, 2019 ), lack knowledge about stress and coping adjustments, and underestimate potential difficulties in the reading process. Insufficient confidence in overcoming challenges, confusion about future prospects, and pressure related to paper publishing and estimated graduation time further contribute to anxiety. This suggests a lack of judgment ability, metacognitive skills, and awareness of seeking external help. Additionally, the professional type and identity developed during undergraduate studies serve as predisposing factors for anxiety ( Bazrafkan et al., 2016 ; Van Laethem et al., 2016 ). ② Enabling Factors: Enabling factors directly or indirectly influence the environment and the manifestation of target behaviors. PhD express anxiety about future career scenarios, including graduation, work prospects, and relationships ( Wang et al., 2019 ). Current situations, such as the death of a loved one or papers not meeting graduation requirements, also impact their anxiety levels ( Liu et al., 2020 ). The school's insufficient provision of resources for stress education and psychological counseling further hinders effective problem-solving. ③ Reinforcing Factors: Reinforcing factors play a crucial role in sustaining target behaviors by providing rewards or timely feedback. External social support, such as the “stocking” phenomenon among tutors, wherein they may overestimate the PhD students' abilities, and peer and family support, can serve as buffers against individual psychological distress, consequently reducing PhD students' anxiety levels ( Sorrel et al., 2020 ). Recognizing and addressing these reinforcing factors is pivotal for creating a supportive academic environment.

2.4 Management policy assessment: for academic system and management policy

Given that educational issues are rooted in social systems, the development of educational policies necessitates careful consideration within these broader social contexts ( Wang, 2016 ). The “PhD cultivation system” emerges as a critical factor contributing to PhD anxiety, directly translating into the phenomenon of “graduation pressure” for PhD students. Expectations from PhD student groups, families, universities, governments, and nations at large place significant demands on PhD education. The factors causing anxiety vary slightly among different PhD groups. For instance, the “Direct Ph.D. track from Master's” pathway presents unique academic pressures due to the shorter duration of academic training after the master's stage ( Shi, 2019 ). Conversely, for Ph.D. students in medications, grappling with the frequent organization of information and the delicate balance between clinical work and scientific research, not only experience individual anxiety but also contribute to a broader phenomenon of “group anxiety” ( Xu and Yang, 2020 ).

Furthermore, upon entering society, particularly within the realms of universities and research institutions, PhD students grapple with the challenges of socialization and adjustment. Exposure to occasional “negative information” in organizational management processes contributes to concerns about the future, leading to anticipatory avoidance and anxiety among PhD students. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive assessment of existing management policies within the educational framework.

3 PROCEED stage: anxiety regulation and effects for PhD students

3.1 implementation of targeted intervention program.

For self-regulation: The targeted intervention program encompasses self-regulation, involving the application of individual stress management experiences and various common stress management techniques. Engaging in activities like talking with friends, eating, watching TV, socializing, exercising, sleeping, aromatherapy, drinking, shopping, smoking, massage, seeking treatment, meditation, yoga, and taking medication may offer only temporary relief from stress. Without addressing the underlying stressor, the sense of worry is likely to re-emerge soon ( Bazrafkan et al., 2016 ). Existing research has not specifically focused on doctoral students utilizing exercise as a means to alleviate anxiety. Instead, studies have examined the general population, revealing that compared to inactive adults, those engaging in half the recommended amount of physical activity—equating to 4.4 marginal metabolic equivalent task hours per week (mMET-h/wk)—observed an 18% reduced risk of depression. Further, adults meeting the recommended physical activity threshold of 8.8 mMET-h/wk experienced a 25% lower risk of depression. The findings suggest that if less active adults had adhered to the current physical activity guidelines, approximately 11.5% of depression cases could have been averted ( Pearce et al., 2022 )). And for depression, exercise is effective in proportion to the intensity prescribed. Strength training and yoga seem to be the most acceptable modalities ( Noetel et al., 2024 ).

For institution-assisted regulation: Major universities play a crucial role in providing institutional support for cognitive responses through professional psychological counseling services. These services encompass health education specifically tailored to manage anxiety, specialized psychological counseling, and workshop sessions that usually last between 6 and 8 weeks. The goal is to destigmatize psychological counseling and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance. The content primarily focuses on stress management training, employing diverse methods, including rational emotive therapy, systematic desensitization, behavioral cognitive therapy ( Liu, 2010 ), and integration with mindfulness meditation, yoga, and group discussions. Emphasis is placed on conveying to students the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles and the significance of self-forgiveness ( Fan, 2017 ). The program aims to enhance students' understanding of the purpose of pursuing a PhD program, the challenges they might encounter, and the active role they play in fostering a positive relationship with their mentors. Additionally, students are encouraged to recognize the importance of self-care in the pursuit of a PhD degree ( Hazell et al., 2020 ).

Universities can enhance course support capabilities: ① Offers training: Oxford University offers a specialized course titled “How to survive your PhD,” providing targeted support for PhD students navigating the challenges of their academic journey. ② Peer-Supported Learning Groups for Paper Writing: Recognizing the central role of paper writing, universities like Stanford have implemented supportive learning groups focused on peer support. Stanford's Supporting Writing Center organizes regular writing groups to directly enhance the writing skills of PhD candidates, addressing the core issue of anxiety. Writing camps, such as those at Stanford, set specific writing targets, such as requiring participants to produce at least 5,000 words in 3 days, offering a structured approach to alleviate procrastination ( Fleming, 2019 ). ③ Popular “Time Management” Courses: Colleges and universities offer widely popular “time management” courses, catering to the specific needs of PhD students seeking effective strategies to balance their academic and personal commitments.

The management strategies include: ① For adjustment of PhD dissertation graduation criteria: Management policies can play a crucial role in supporting PhD students by appropriately adjusting graduation criteria for PhD dissertations ( He et al., 2018 ). ② For teacher guidance and training oversight: Schools can regulate teacher guidance and oversee training to mitigate “stocking” behaviors among students. This involves gradually enhancing the academic atmosphere within the institution. Additionally, there may be adjustments to the university promotion system or clear industry planning to provide PhD students with increased clarity regarding their future prospects ( Feng, 2012 ).

3.2 Process and impact evaluation

Self-regulation proves effective in reducing stress during the resistance period, with its primary purpose being the accumulation of strength. This stage is particularly suitable for PhD students in the alert and resistant stages, preventing their progression into the failure stage. By providing a buffer, individuals can step back, contemplate future challenges, reevaluate, and find solutions. Mild anxiety, commonly experienced by PhD candidates, is often resolved at this stage, positioning individuals in the “best alert period” for optimal results.

Institution-assisted regulation involves facilitating emotional expression, adjusting cognition, and providing timely referrals. This stage is beneficial for PhD students transitioning from the resistance stage to the failure stage. Challenges in this phase include the dependence on persistence for stress reduction, reluctance by some students to commit due to time constraints, fear of disclosure, and resistance to seeking psychological counseling based on cultural factors. The lack of a cognitive evaluation and selection mechanism leads to surface-level problem-solving through consultation, without addressing root causes. Additionally, a vicious circle may emerge, as high-anxiety individuals find it challenging to achieve self-forgiveness ( Fan, 2017 ). Mechanism-assisted regulation aids in breaking this cognitive cycle, contributing to a reduction in anxiety levels.

Management Reform Assistance, such as the emphasis on foreign language articles for national project declarations, necessitates colleges and universities to enhance conditions for PhD graduation. The Ministry of Education has regulated tutor guidance for PhD, including specifying the time and frequency of guidance sessions (group meetings). This regulation supports the psychological and academic abilities of PhD students. Group interactions enable students to form peer groups for discussion, fostering a collaborative environment that helps alleviate anxiety during the scientific research process. Mentoring, both individual and in groups, provides crucial social support in the form of emotional, informational, and evaluative assistance. These mentoring groups create a non-competitive space where PhD students can share experiences, discuss challenges related to graduate school, laboratories, and career planning, thus enhancing their overall wellbeing.

3.3 Result evaluation

The evaluation tools employed in this study included a general conditions questionnaire and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale ( Xu and Yang, 2020 ), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) ( Fan, 2017 ), and the PhD Psychological Pressure Self-Assessment Questionnaire ( Guo, 2017 ). The assessment of anxiety was conducted using consistent measurement methods. Self-regulation demonstrated effectiveness in improving mild anxiety, while severe cases benefitted from cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction through institutional adjustment. Workshops such as the Anxiety Management Workshop and the Paper Writing Workshop yielded positive outcomes. For instance, a 5-day, 30-minute mindfulness meditation program, including 15 min of mindfulness practice ( Noble et al., 2019 ), significantly improved students' ability to cope with stress, reduced anxiety symptoms, and enhanced academic focus. The attention level improvement post-training was also conducive to academic research concentration ( Noble et al., 2019 ). The writing group's peer environment further provided robust social and emotional support ( Guo, 2017 ).

Overall, literature indicates that positive emotions from blog reading outweigh negative emotions, with mentor guidance often leading PhD students from anxiety to positivity ( Evans and Stevenson, 2011 ). Studies emphasize the significance of the “peer group” mode guided by mentors, providing PhD students with essential social support not necessarily available within the academic setting ( Williams et al., 2017 ). Individual and institution-assisted regulation efforts have shown promise in alleviating PhD anxiety. However, studies also caution that while individuals may quickly recover from temporary stress, there may be “secondary effects” after the stress event ( Van Laethem et al., 2017 ). Therefore, mentor guidance for PhD students should extend beyond scientific research support and psychological adjustment, fostering independence in research processes ( Orer, 2020 ). This approach ensures that graduates can adapt to society and successfully conduct independent scientific research or other work post-graduation.

4 Conclusion and prospects

The current approach involves self-regulation, exercise, peer support, and medication. While these methods may provide some relief for up to 30% of the population, PhD students still face significant challenges related to anxiety, social support, and self-regulation. These challenges include poor adherence to exercise and medication regimens, mistrust of psychological counseling services, and inadequate coping skills in dealing with the pressures and challenges of graduation. Currently, it is common for PhD students to experience anxiety and require psychological support and problem-solving assistance. From an individual perspective, it is important to focus on self-regulating emotions and improving personal abilities to directly address stressors. From a university standpoint, adjusting graduation requirements, increasing scientific research and emotional adjustment courses, and providing reliable and privacy-protecting psychological counseling support are crucial. From a societal perspective, it is advisable to reduce the emphasis on the identity associated with a doctoral degree and implement policies that facilitate convenience in daily life. It is essential to cultivate an environment where pursuing a PhD and engaging in research are driven by genuine interest and aspiration, rather than a practical focus solely on obtaining a degree.

At the institutional level, facilitating an adaptive process between advisors and students is paramount. In cases where the advisor-student relationship adversely impacts a student's psychological well-being, institutions are encouraged to allow students to request a change of advisor.

The literature reviewed in this article primarily engages with case studies, qualitative research, and cross-sectional surveys, identifying only three interventional studies, all noted for their small sample sizes and non-RCT designs. For future research, it is advisable to extend the scope to include cross-cultural comparative analyses and longitudinal investigations. This expanded approach would enable a more nuanced understanding of the mental health challenges and influencing factors faced by PhD students, taking into account diverse cultural backgrounds and various stages of their academic journey.

Maintaining and enhancing the psychological well-being of PhD students requires more than just curricular training programs; it necessitates the support and transformative efforts of the organization. Hence, employing the PRECEDE-PROCEED model can enable researchers to identify a broader range of influencing factors and develop more comprehensive intervention strategies. As such, this approach not only highlights the importance of institutional support in fostering a healthy academic environment but also underscores the need for ongoing research and intervention development tailored to the unique challenges faced by PhD students. This paper advocates for a holistic strategy that integrates educational, organizational, and individual perspectives to effectively address and mitigate the psychological challenges of doctoral studies, paving the way for a healthier, more supportive academic journey.

Author contributions

YM: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. AY: Resources, Writing – review & editing. HM: Formal analysis, Writing – review & editing. YZ: Project administration, Writing – review & editing. XL: Validation, Writing – review & editing. HZ: Methodology, Writing – review & editing. YG: Methodology, Writing – review & editing.

The author (s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was funded by research topic of degree and postgraduate education (2020MS1008, general project), China Institute of Degree and Postgraduate Education.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

The reviewer LL declared a shared affiliation with the author AY to the handling editor at the time of review.

Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1351386/full#supplementary-material

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Keywords: PhD, anxiety, green model, psychological status, regulation

Citation: Ma Y, Yu A, Ma H, Zhao Y, Liu X, Zhai H and Gao Y (2024) A narrative review of anxiety regulation in PhD students based on Green model. Front. Psychol. 15:1351386. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1351386

Received: 06 December 2023; Accepted: 31 May 2024; Published: 09 July 2024.

Reviewed by:

Copyright © 2024 Ma, Yu, Ma, Zhao, Liu, Zhai and Gao. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Yulin Gao, gyl@smu.edu.cn ; Huimin Zhai, hlrwxjyssmu@126.com

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

How To Choose A Masters In Management Program: Find A Program To Put You On Career Fast-Track

June 14, 2024

Masters in Management (MiM) degrees are a great choice for recent college graduates who want to ready themselves for better jobs at higher salaries. The degree grounds students in crucial business management skills.  Boston University’s Master in Management Studies  program provides students with the skills employers are seeking by executing projects for real clients, solving real business challenges, and preparing for a rewarding career. Unlike any other business master’s program, students undertake a client-based project every seven weeks — 4 in all.

MiM programs approach preparing students to start their careers very differently. Differences in program design are largely the result of how each course of study integrates what Prof. Loredana Padurean of Northeastern University calls Sharp skills (hard skills such as data analysis) and Smart skills (soft skills such as emotional maturity) into student learning experiences. In her book “The job is easy, the People are Not” Prof. Padurean describes educators’ tendency to over-emphasize Sharp skills at the expense of Smart skills. This tendency persists even though Smart skills are highly valued and sought after in the workplace.

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• Does each student work on multiple projects during the year, just one or none?
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MiM programs with strong  experiential learning components  represent an elite group.  They require significant investment and a faculty that has substantial experience in leading corporate teams. The benefits of experiential learning go far beyond building Smart skills.  Experiential learning is more engaging for students, it enhances the application of Sharp skills, and helps students be more effective in career exploration.

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