What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Psychologist?
Learn how to become a psychologist as efficiently as possible. Explore pathways that may save you years while preparing you for your career.
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To become a psychologist, you will need years of schooling and training. While the journey is long and requires commitment, you can take advantage of ways to make it shorter and more efficient. Explore these options as you consider various career paths.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist?
It typically takes 8-12 years to become a psychologist. However, that timeline can vary depending on what type of psychologist you want to become, specifically if you want to pursue clinical vs. nonclinical paths.
For example, clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and many clinical specialists must hold doctoral degrees and complete supervised experience hours to qualify for licensure. Because providing specialized mental health services requires extensive schooling and training, these career paths take more time.
Conversely, industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists and school psychologists do not necessarily need doctoral degrees. If improving workplace efficiency or student outcomes interests you, you can save time by choosing one of these non-clinical career paths.
Fastest Way to Become a Psychologist
In most situations, you can become an I-O or school psychologist with a master’s degree or a terminal professional degree. Since no doctorate is required, these careers offer the fastest way to become a non-clinical psychologist.
Explore the steps involved:
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Your journey can begin with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which is the most directly applicable major for both I-O and school psychology pathways.
Aspiring school psychologists may also major in education, particularly if the program emphasizes special education or educational psychology. For I-O psychologists, an undergraduate degree in organizational behavior offers a relevant alternative.
- Step 2: Earn a Graduate Degree
I-O psychologists typically hold specialized master’s degrees in industrial-organizational psychology, while school psychologists usually earn educational specialist (Ed.S.) degrees. You can also find dual-degree school psychology programs that award both an MS and Ed.S.
Explore top-ranked school psychology programs that lead to licensure-track graduate and/or terminal professional degrees.
- Step 3: Gain Professional Experience
When hiring I-O psychologists, employers typically prefer experienced candidates. To gain that experience, you can begin your career as a management analyst, human resources specialist, or I-O research associate.
School psychologists require fieldwork hours to qualify for a license. While specific requirements vary, licensure-track graduate programs often include field training that satisfies state requirements.
- Step 4: Apply for Licensure with Your State Board, if Required
I-O psychologists do not necessarily need a license. However, some states mandate that unlicensed professionals cannot use the “psychologist” title.
School psychologists do need a license, and you will need to pass the exam used in your state to obtain one. States usually use the Praxis School Psychologist exam or the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Contact your state board to learn about specific licensing requirements.
Alternative Pathways to Gain Experience in Psychology
Some psychology careers do not require a graduate degree at all. You can explore these options to minimize your costs and save time.
For example, some states offer licensure pathways in substance use and addiction counseling to candidates with bachelor’s degrees. You could also pursue roles in peer counseling and peer support: These commonly require only relevant lived experience and professional certification.
Finally, consider non-academic pathways to experiential training. You can volunteer at organizations like 988 Lifeline, which provides mental health support and crisis management services. Mentorship organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America also offer valuable experience-building opportunities with positive social impact.
Keep in mind that these alternative pathways do not make one a psychologist. It is against the law to call yourself a psychologist without a doctoral degree and proper licensing from your state.
Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook
Many psychology jobs are in demand, making now an excellent time to enter the field. Learn more about the duties, requirements, salaries, and growth trends of both traditional psychologist careers and alternative options.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
I-O psychologists apply behavioral science principles to build better workplaces. They seek to improve employee productivity, enhance the employee experience, and support organizational growth by designing and developing employee-facing policies and support programs.
School Psychologist
School psychologists work with K-12 students facing academic, behavioral, and/or social challenges. They also help students with special learning needs and provide vocational guidance to young people preparing for postsecondary schooling or career training.
Clinical or Counseling Psychologist
Clinical and counseling psychologists apply specialized therapies and treatment programs to help clients improve their mental health and well-being. Clinical psychologists focus more on treating specific mental disorders, while counseling psychologists offer comprehensive care to people dealing with generalized behavioral, emotional, and/or social challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fastest Way to Become a Psychologist
Typical pathways involve a doctoral degree in psychology, one or more years of field-based training, and passing a standardized psychology exam. Upon completing this process, you may qualify for a state-issued psychologist license.
