Is it possible to earn a Ph.D. in counseling or clinical psychology in 3 years?

Question

Can a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology be earned in 3 or 4 years entering directly after undergraduate study without a masters? The usual courseload per semester if 9hrs so is it conceivable to cut a year or so off by increasing ones' courseload?

Answer 1

It may be possible, you would have to talk directly with your adviser and the university admissions board. However, I think you're a little mistaken about the PhD. To earn a PhD you have to show an expertise in your field, and are expected to perform fundamental research, or teach your knowledge, or otherwise further the field in a unique way. Classes are not the important part of grad work - you research and clinical work is. Most universities look at the Master's as a practice to the PhD, both in research and your thesis. The best PhD students generally spend as much time as practical, usually 4 years after the masters, improving their teaching or clinical skill while taking full advantage of the resources the university offers. Most PhD students are just as competent (or more so) than their adviser when they graduate.

You should realize that graduate school is very different than undergrad. Classes are a secondary consideration, the master's is training for the PhD, and getting out is not the objective - becoming an expert is.

Answer 2

I don't believe so. From what I know you must get a MS in Psychology before you would be admitted into a PhD program. You will do activities in your PhD program that will build upon what you were taught in your MS program