5 Fastest Accelerated PhDs in Behavioral Psychology 2025
Key Takeaways
- Accelerated PhD programs in behavioral psychology can be completed in as little as three years.
- Accelerated PhD programs in behavioral psychology can be completed online, on-campus, or a hybrid of the two.
- Make sure that the PhD program in behavioral psychology is accredited.
Fastest Accelerated PhDs in Behavioral Psychology in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the fastest accelerated PhDs in behavioral psychology saw a few shifts. Pepperdine University was able to climb to the first ranking position as the school expanded its Behavioral Psychology Research Labs, providing students with access to cutting-edge technology for conducting experiments in cognitive behavior, neuropsychology, and applied behavior analysis. Additionally, new interdisciplinary coursework has been added, focusing on integrating behavioral psychology with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and digital mental health. Pepperdine has also strengthened its clinical partnerships, offering accelerated PhD students enhanced opportunities for internships and practical experience in healthcare and educational settings.
A full-time career and responsibilities can make it difficult for many to pursue a PhD in behavioral psychology the traditional way. This is because doctoral degrees have a reputation for being lengthy, expensive, and complex.
In this guide, you can find the perfect fastest accelerated PhD in behavioral psychology program.
Fastest Accelerated PhD in Behavioral Psychology
Approximately 800,000 PhDs are expected to be awarded by 2030. Here are the top institutions offering the fastest accelerated PhD programs in behavioral psychology, each distinguished by its unique curriculum and efficient completion timelines.
- #2 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
84%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1382/30
Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Pepperdine University
Cost of Degree: $42,020Expenses: $26,770Starting Salary: $72,879Salary after 4 years: $89,561Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat do we love about Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University offers an on-campus Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology. This program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology, emphasizing the practitioner-scholar model.
The PsyD program at Pepperdine is structured to be completed in an average time of 4 years. During the final year, students focus on internships and the clinical dissertation, providing a holistic and hands-on learning experience.
Pepperdine prides itself on fostering a supportive campus community. With a relatively small student body, Pepperdine University ensures individualized attention.
- Pepperdine University is great for students who: Are looking for a PsyD in Clinical Psychology that combines comprehensive training with hands-on experience.
- Pepperdine University might not be the best fit for students who: Are seeking an affordable education, as Pepperdine is a private institution known for its higher tuition costs.
Pepperdine University’s Online Degrees
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates) #5 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs) #6 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
25%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Alliant International University
Cost of Degree: $19,129Starting Salary: $61,233Salary after 4 years: $75,250What do we love about Alliant International University?
Alliant International University offers an accelerated Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Educational Psychology, setting itself apart with its efficient and focused approach.
This online PsyD program boasts a brief two-year completion time, making it one of the fastest options available. The program spans 11 terms with four distinct phases, culminating in the second-year PsyD project. Applicants need a master’s in psychology or related fields. Licensure or certification in school psychology opens career opportunities in behavioral psychology in various settings.
Alliant emphasizes practical experience through internships, consulting, and community service, enriching theoretical knowledge. Recognized as a top military-friendly university, Alliant is a preferred choice for veterans. With small class sizes, Alliant maintains a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring personalized attention.
- Alliant International University is great for students who: Want to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on mental health and human behavior, integrating practical training with academic learning.
- Alliant International University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a traditional educational setting with more resources, as some students may find that public schools do not have enough resources to meet unique learning needs.
- #6 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
66%
Student body
131K
Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $8,340Expenses: $21,458Starting Salary: $38,881Salary after 4 years: $47,781Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat do we love about Liberty University?
Liberty University stands out for its commitment to integrating faith into academic learning, offering an online PhD in Psychology.
Liberty University facilitates a smoother academic journey by allowing students to transfer up to 50% of previous credit hours, expediting the completion of the online doctoral program. With specializations such as Behavioral Health Leadership and Social Psychology, Liberty University’s program enables students to tailor their studies to match their interests and career aspirations.
- Liberty University is great for students who: Are interested in a variety of online doctoral programs with the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.
- Liberty University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer in-person interaction and the traditional on-campus college experience, as Liberty University’s PhD programs are designed to be completed online.
Liberty University’s Online Degrees
BS in Commercial Music
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Fashion Merchandising
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BFA in Graphic Design
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Automotive Dealership Management
- Communication
- Data Analytics
- Digital Marketing And Advertising
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Financial Planning
- Green And Sustainable Management
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Leadership
- Marketing Analytics
- Marketing: Sales Management And Professional Selling
- Project Management
- Public Administration
- Real Estate
- Strategic Marketing Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in Business Education 6-12
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Christian Leadership And Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sports Management
Degree Concentrations
- Conference And Event Management
- Sports Administration
- Sports Communication And Public Relations
- Sports Outreach
- Sports Venue Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computational Mathematics
Degree Concentrations
- Actuarial
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting Information Systems
- Data Networking
- Database
- Information Assurance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Application And Database Development
- Data Networking And Security
- Gaming Design
- Web And Mobile Programming
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration And Management
- Corrections And Human Services
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Criminal Psychology
- Homeland Security
- Juvenile Justice
- Public Administration
- Strategic Intelligence
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Fire Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Government
Degree Concentrations
- National Security
- Politics And Policy
- Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Law And Policy
Degree Concentrations
- Pre-Law
- Public Policy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in Elementary Education
Degree Concentrations
- Middle Grades English
- Middle Grades Mathematics
- Middle Grades Science
- Middle Grades Social Science
- Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in English Education 6-12
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in Mathematics Education 6-12
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in Middle Education
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in Physical Education 6-12
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in Physics Education - Earth Science 6-12
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in Social Studies Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Teaching English As A Second Language
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Biblical And Educational Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cultural Engagement
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in English And Writing
Degree Concentrations
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BEd in English As A Second Language
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Military Studies
Degree Concentrations
- History
- International Security
- Professional
- Resiliency
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Religion
Degree Concentrations
- Apologetics
- Biblical And Theological Studies
- Christian Counseling
- Christian Ministries
- Evangelism
- Global Studies
- Nextgen
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Media Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Strategic Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Worship Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Informatics-Healthcare Informatics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (Rn To Bsn)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSRT in Respiratory Therapist
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Global Studies (Rn To Bsn)
- Required Credits: 127
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Addictions And Recovery
- Christian Counseling
- Criminal Psychology
- Online Crisis
- Development Psychology
- Life Coaching
- Military Resilience
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Aviation
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Aviation Maintenance Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Aviation Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Civil Engineering
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Industrial Engineering
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates) #5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Student body
74K
Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Walden University
Cost of Degree: $10,657Starting Salary: $58,698Salary after 4 years: $72,134What do we love about Walden University?
Walden University distinguishes itself with a hybrid PhD in Psychology, offering a fast-track option for those seeking an accelerated path to a doctorate.
Walden’s unique Tempo Learning format provides flexibility. Online students opting for the fast-track plan commit to three courses per term, completing coursework in four years. With six diverse tracks, including Educational Psychology and Health Psychology, students can tailor their academic journey to align with personal and professional goals.
Walden caters to varied preferences, offering both Course-Based Learning and Tempo Learning. Busy working adults can find a mode that suits their lifestyle.
- Walden University is great for students who: Are juggling professional and personal commitments and want flexibility and affordable options.
- Walden University might not be the best fit for students who: Are looking for a traditional campus experience, as Walden University specializes in online education.
- #8 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs) #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration #18 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
10%
Student body
58K
Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Arizona Global Campus
Cost of Degree: $13,515Starting Salary: $44,704Salary after 4 years: $54,937What do we love about University of Arizona Global Campus?
The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) takes center stage with its accelerated Doctor of Psychology program.
In a well-structured four-year program, students navigate through coursework for three years and focus on the Applied Doctoral Project in the fourth year. UAGC offers a dynamic online learning format, allowing flexibility for students. This program does not lead to licensure.
UAGC provides a national platform for aspiring behavioral psychologists, fostering a diverse academic community. Despite its online nature, UAGC encourages on-campus networking events, enhancing students’ social and professional connections.
- University of Arizona Global Campus is great for students who: Desire to build their knowledge base in the history and systems of psychology.
- University of Arizona Global Campus might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer in-person learning experiences, as the University of Arizona Global Campus specializes in online education.
Back to Top
Why should you consider an accelerated PhD in behavioral psychology?
Accelerated online psychology doctorate programs offer a quicker path to earning a PhD. This allows you to assume esteemed and high-paying positions sooner and make a tangible contribution to your field.
Many accelerated doctoral programs offer a range of specializations, allowing you to focus on educational psychology, criminal justice, applied behavioral analysis, and more. This diversity enables you to align your studies with your specific career goals.
While the cost of a doctoral program is a significant investment, accelerated options can be more cost-effective. Shorter durations mean reduced expenses, making it financially feasible for many aspiring psychologists.
Back to TopOverview of Key Factors When Choosing an Accelerated PhD Program
Before considering a program, thoroughly research its structures, durations, and specializations that align with your career goals. Here are the factors you must consider:
Accreditation
Ensure that the universities under consideration are accredited. Accredited programs meet rigorous academic standards, providing confidence in the quality and recognition of your degree.
Program Structure and Duration
Evaluate the structure of each program. While they are accelerated, the specific duration can vary. Consider your personal preferences and commitments to choose a timeframe that aligns with your goals.
Specialization Alignment
Search for the offered specializations. Choose a program that fits your overarching goal of a doctorate in psychology and allows you to specialize in an area that resonates with your passion and career objectives.
Flexibility and Support Services
As a working professional, flexibility is crucial. Look for programs that offer asynchronous learning options and additional support services. These may include career counseling, academic advising, and resources for balancing work and study.
Alumni Success Stories
Read the success stories of alumni from each program. Alumni insights can provide a realistic view of the program’s impact on career advancement, challenges faced, and the overall satisfaction of the learning experience.
Networking Opportunities
Consider programs that provide networking opportunities. Through on-campus events, virtual meet-ups, or exclusive forums, networking can be vital in building professional relationships and gaining insights from peers and experienced professionals.
Student Submitted Questions About the Fastest PhDs in Behavioral Psychology
What is the shortest time to get a PhD in psychology?
Accelerated PhD programs in psychology can take as little as three years. Traditional programs typically take 5 to 7 years to complete.
What’s the fastest you can become a psychologist?
Becoming a psychologist typically involves earning a doctoral degree, which can take 5 to 7 years. Accelerated programs may reduce the timeline, allowing completion in 3 to 4 years.
What is the hardest field in psychology?
The most challenging psychology courses include Advanced Statistical Methods, Neuropsychology, Neuroanatomy, and Developmental Psychology.
Conclusion
Candidates with doctorate degrees have higher chances of getting employed. Students must carefully evaluate their goals, and values when selecting the fastest accelerated PhD in behavioral psychology program. Each university offers distinctive features, and by finding programs that align with individual needs, students can embark on a fulfilling journey.
