Top Part-Time PsyD Programs That Let You Learn While You Work

Earning a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a major commitment—especially for working professionals balancing education with employment or family responsibilities. As demand grows for programs that accommodate nontraditional students, many prospective psychologists search for a part-time PsyD that offers flexibility without sacrificing quality or accreditation.

However, it’s important to be clear from the start: true part-time PsyD programs are exceedingly rare. The American Psychological Association (APA), which accredits most licensable clinical psychology programs, requires extensive in-person training, practica, and internships that make fully part-time study difficult to achieve.

That said, a small number of APA-accredited PsyD programs offer structured flexibility—through evening or weekend classes, extended internship timelines, or limited work allowances. This guide highlights those programs, based on verifiable information from university-published sources, to help students identify work-compatible PsyD options that maintain professional and ethical training standards.

What Does “Part-Time PsyD” Really Mean?

When researching a part-time PsyD, it’s easy to assume that some programs simply allow students to take fewer classes per semester while working full time. In reality, that’s almost never the case—at least not within APA-accredited PsyD programs that prepare graduates for licensure as clinical psychologists.

A truly part-time PsyD—one that lets students attend half-time throughout the entire program—would extend well beyond the APA’s time-to-completion standards and delay required practicum and internship placements. For that reason, no fully accredited programs currently operate on a fully part-time basis.

Instead, some universities offer flexible elements within an otherwise full-time structure, such as:

• Evening or weekend courses designed to accommodate daytime employment
  
• Extended internship formats (e.g., two years part-time instead of one full year)
  
• Structured work allowances, typically capped at around 15–20 hours per week
  
• Hybrid or low-residency options combining online coursework with periodic campus intensives
  

Unfortunately, many aggregator websites and third-party education platforms blur these distinctions—labeling programs as “part-time” when they are merely “flexible.” For prospective PsyD students, it’s essential to rely on university-published documentation and direct communication with program administrators before making assumptions about scheduling or workload.

Featured Flexible PsyD Programs for 2026

The following APA-accredited PsyD programs stand out for their verified flexibility, offering structured ways for students to balance academic, clinical, and professional responsibilities. While none operate as fully part-time degrees, each provides features that support working professionals in limited capacities. Additionally, each of these programs publishes clear information about scheduling flexibility and student workload expectations, helping applicants make informed decisions about whether they can realistically continue part-time employment while pursuing doctoral study.

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Indiana State University –  School Psychology PsyD

Why this program was chosen:
Indiana State University’s PsyD in School Psychology features a hybrid delivery format that limits on-campus attendance to one day per week, decreasing as students progress through the program. While the degree remains a full-time, five-year commitment, this structure provides more scheduling flexibility than most APA-accredited PsyD programs. Students complete sequential practicum and internship experiences, with opportunities for 20-hour graduate assistantships that further support working professionals.

Indiana State University’s School Psychology PsyD program is a hybrid doctoral program designed to prepare students for careers as professional psychologists in educational, clinical, and research settings. Accredited by both the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the program combines rigorous academic training with extensive field-based experiences.

• Accreditation: APA and NASP accredited; Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
  
• Format: Hybrid program with limited on-campus attendance—no more than one day per week, decreasing over time.
  
• Curriculum: Requires a minimum of 101 credits and includes:
  
  • 21 credits in Research and Statistical Methods
    
  • 15 credits in Psychological Foundations
    
  • 47 credits in School Psychology Specialization
    
  • 18 credits in Applied Clinical Experiences
    
• Fieldwork: Sequential practicum, externship, and internship experiences begin in the first semester and culminate in a 2000-hour internship.
  
• Licensure Pathways: Fulfills educational requirements for school psychologist and psychologist licensure in Indiana and is generally aligned with requirements in other states. Graduates are also eligible for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential.
  
• Degree Progression: Students earn a Master of Education (MEd) in School Psychology en route to the PsyD. Those with a related master’s degree may bypass the MEd.
  
• Professional Opportunities: Access to assistantships, travel/research awards, and professional organization memberships.
  
• Career Outcomes: Graduates pursue roles in schools, hospitals, research, policy, and higher education.
  

Students benefit from applied research opportunities, dedicated faculty, and the on-campus Porter School Psychology Center, which provides hands-on training experiences.

About the University

Indiana State University is a public institution located in Terre Haute, Indiana. Known for its commitment to community engagement and student-centered learning, ISU offers a range of graduate and professional programs with a focus on practical experience and public service.

La Salle University – PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Why this program was chosen:

La Salle explicitly allows part-time enrollment for up to two years before students must resume full-time study. The university also notes that classes are offered during both daytime and evening hours, making scheduling slightly easier for working professionals. While the program remains a full-time, in-person doctoral degree, this temporary flexibility and mixed scheduling distinguish it among APA-accredited PsyD programs.

La Salle University’s Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program offers a five-year, full-time pathway to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, grounded in a practitioner-scholar training model and emphasizing a cognitive-behavioral approach. The curriculum incorporates a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, ethical standards, and cultural responsiveness.

• Accreditation: Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
  
• Format: Primarily full-time; part-time course enrollment allowed for up to two years. All degrees must be completed within seven years.
  
• Curriculum Highlights:
  
  • Core courses include Advanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Human Diversity, Professional Ethics, and Psychological Assessment of Children and Adolescents.
    
  • Three areas of concentration: General Practice, Child Clinical, and Clinical Health.
    
  • Clinical dissertation and a full-year internship required.
    
• Training Features:
  
  • On-campus clinic used by all Psy.D. students for at least three years.
    
  • Two-year practicum sequence with an optional third year.
    
  • Internship match rate meets or exceeds the national average.
    
  • Extensive training opportunities in areas such as neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, anxiety, depression, autism, and suicide prevention.
    

The program places strong emphasis on mentorship, student diversity, and cultural humility, underscored by events like the Annual Diversity Forum and individualized training experiences.

About the University

La Salle University is a private, Catholic institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for its commitment to ethical education and service, La Salle provides a supportive academic environment with a strong focus on social justice and community engagement.

Rivier University – PsyD in Counseling and School Psychology

Why this program was chosen:

Rivier stands out for its explicit work-limit policy—students may hold outside employment for up to 20 hours per week while enrolled. Courses are typically scheduled in the late afternoon and evening, and students attend campus one day per week for required activities. The program is still full-time, but this structured accommodation for working students makes Rivier one of the most transparent and employment-friendly PsyD programs available.

Rivier University’s Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology is a unique, fully APA-accredited program that integrates two key practice areas—counseling and school psychology—into a comprehensive doctoral training experience. It follows a practitioner-scholar model that combines clinical skills with empirical foundations to prepare students for versatile roles in mental health service.

• Accreditation: Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA); meets New Hampshire licensure requirements and is accepted by most other states.
  
• Format: On-campus program with a required weekly in-person day; limited online coursework (primarily foundation classes).
  
• Program Length: Minimum of five years, including a three-year academic residency and a 2,000-hour internship.
  
• Curriculum Requirements:
  
  • 60–130 credits
    
  • Foundation and doctoral-level coursework
    
  • At least six practicum experiences
    
  • Doctoral research project and comprehensive exams
    
• Training and Facilities:
  
  • Practicum experiences begin early and increase in complexity.
    
  • Renovations to Benoit Hall are enhancing simulation and training spaces.
    
  • Students have dedicated resources at Regina Library, including assessments and journals.
    
• Professional Development:
  
  • Weekly on-campus day includes seminars, project defenses, and diversity events.
    
  • Students are encouraged to limit outside employment due to program intensity.
    
• Career Preparation: Graduates are equipped for work in schools, counseling centers, hospitals, and private practice, as well as academic roles in higher education.
  

The program’s structure and philosophy emphasize critical thinking, cultural competence, and professional collaboration across educational and clinical contexts.

About the University

Rivier University is a private Catholic institution located in Nashua, New Hampshire. Known for its focus on student-centered learning and service, Rivier offers a close-knit academic community and a commitment to preparing graduates for impactful roles in healthcare, education, and public service.

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William James College – PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Why this program was chosen:
William James College offers both one-year full-time and two-year half-time internship tracks through its APA-accredited Internship Consortium. The half-time option extends the internship across two years, allowing additional time for dissertation work or family responsibilities. However, it remains a full-time academic commitment rather than a work-compatible arrangement.

The Clinical Psychology PsyD program at William James College offers a practitioner-scholar model of education, emphasizing culturally responsive clinical training supported by a robust integration of theory, research, and hands-on practice. The program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and prepares students for careers as clinical psychologists across a variety of professional settings.

• Accreditation: Fully accredited by the APA.
  
• Curriculum Structure: Emphasizes experiential learning alongside theoretical instruction, with structured field experiences integrated throughout the program.
  
• Concentration Options:
  
  • Program-Specific: Clinical Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Neuropsychology, Geropsychology, Children and Families of Adversity and Resilience.
    
  • Cross-Departmental: African and Caribbean Mental Health, Asian Mental Health, Latino Mental Health, Global Mental Health, LGBTQIA+ Studies, Military and Veterans Psychology.
    
• Training Focus:
  
  • Emphasis on cultural competence, community service, and personal and professional development.
    
  • Application of classroom learning through practicum placements and internships.
    
• Career Preparation: Graduates are trained to serve in diverse roles including psychotherapy, assessment, teaching, supervision, consultation, and leadership in human service organizations.
  

Students benefit from mentorship by experienced practitioners and a student-centered environment that fosters a commitment to public service and evidence-based care.

About the University

William James College is a private institution located in Newton, Massachusetts, specializing in psychology, counseling, and leadership education. With a strong focus on applied learning and community engagement, the college provides a collaborative and inclusive environment for students pursuing careers in mental health and human services.

Is a Part-Time PsyD Right for You?

Pursuing a part-time PsyD is an appealing idea for many working professionals—but it’s important to recognize that even the most flexible PsyD programs remain intensive, full-time doctoral commitments at their core. Coursework, practicum placements, and dissertation or capstone requirements demand consistent engagement across multiple years.

While flexible scheduling can make it possible to continue limited part-time employment, the realities of a PsyD program—especially an APA-accredited one—still require substantial time in supervised clinical training and coursework.

What to Expect from the PsyD Curriculum

Most PsyD students progress through a sequence of foundational, clinical, and applied courses, alongside practicum and internship experiences. A typical PsyD curriculum includes:

• Advanced assessment and intervention techniques
  
• Ethics and professional practice
  
• Multicultural and lifespan psychology
  
• Research design and statistics
  
• Clinical practicum and supervised fieldwork
  

Even with flexible class times, these commitments can easily exceed 40 hours per week when coursework, supervision, and preparation are included.

Time, Workload, and Dissertation Expectations

Students exploring PsyD programs that require no dissertation sometimes assume these are lighter options—but while some programs substitute applied projects for traditional dissertations, the workload remains substantial. Most still require a major clinical research or capstone project demonstrating professional competency.

Balancing Cost and Flexibility

Part-time students often need more semesters to complete their degrees, which can increase overall tuition and delay career entry. For this reason, applicants may want to compare affordable PsyD programs that combine lower tuition with structured flexibility, such as extended internship tracks or hybrid course delivery.

Considering Online and Hybrid Options

Some accredited and reputable universities offer online PsyD programs or hybrid formats that mix online coursework with short on-campus residencies. These formats can reduce commuting time and improve scheduling for working professionals, but they still require in-person clinical training and supervised practice in approved settings.

The Bottom Line

A flexible PsyD is best suited for students with significant time management skills, strong support systems, and realistic expectations. However, a PsyD remains a rigorous, immersive professional doctorate. Before enrolling, students should confirm expectations directly with admissions advisors and ensure they can dedicate the necessary time to succeed.

FAQ: Part-Time PsyD Programs

Are there any truly part-time APA-accredited PsyD programs?

No. There are currently no fully part-time APA-accredited PsyD programs in the United States. The American Psychological Association requires that PsyD students engage in continuous, sequential training—typically full-time—to ensure competency in clinical practice. However, a few accredited programs allow reduced course loads, extended completion timelines, or two-year part-time internships, offering some flexibility without compromising accreditation standards.

Can I work full-time during a PsyD program?

Working full-time while enrolled in a PsyD program is generally not realistic. Even with flexible or evening classes, PsyD students typically spend 30–40 hours per week on classes, practicum, supervision, and research. A few programs—like Rivier University’s PsyD—explicitly state that students may work up to 20 hours per week, but this represents an upper limit rather than a recommendation.

What questions should I ask about program flexibility?

When evaluating a potential part-time PsyD, ask:

• Does the program allow a reduced course load or extended timeline?
  
• Are classes offered in the evening or on weekends?
  
• What are the practicum and internship scheduling requirements?
  
• Does the university provide hybrid or remote learning options?
  
• How many hours of external work are permitted while enrolled?
  

Request documentation directly from the program—reputable schools clearly define work-hour expectations and scheduling structures in their handbooks or official websites.

Is it safe to enroll in a non-accredited “part-time” PsyD?

It’s strongly recommended not to enroll in a PsyD program lacking APA accreditation. Some unaccredited institutions market “part-time PsyD” or “online-only PsyD” degrees that do not meet licensure requirements in most states. Always verify accreditation through the APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation before applying.

Finding a Work-Compatible PsyD That Fits Your Life

Earning a part-time PsyD while maintaining employment is challenging but not impossible—especially if you target programs that document flexibility through extended timelines, evening or weekend classes, or part-time internship tracks.

The most important step is to verify every claim directly with the university. APA-accredited PsyD programs are highly structured by design, and while some may accommodate limited outside work, none are intended as fully part-time degrees.

Before applying, prioritize programs that balance quality, flexibility, and affordability:

• Confirm APA accreditation and internship structure.
  
• Review total cost and funding options, including assistantships or scholarships.
  
• Ask about classroom formats—hybrid, evening, or one-day-per-week schedules.
  
• Clarify expectations for practicum and internship availability.
  

Ultimately, a PsyD is an investment of time, money, and focus. Whether you pursue a traditional or flexible path, choosing a program that aligns with your capacity and long-term professional vision will help you thrive both in training and in practice.