Colorado Technical University

How many years of college does it take to get a doctoral degree?

I want to get my doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Can I achieve this after dropping out of high school and getting my ged?

Public Comments

1. Yes, you can get your GED, but it's easier to just graduate from High School. 8-12+ years of college to get your doctorate
2. It's not a set length of time, how long it takes to get the PhD/PsyD - it depends on your own motivation, your project, and your adviser. But plan on at least 8 years of college total, hopefully not more than 12 (I've seen people take more than 15). You can do it with a GED, but if you can finish high school that's a lot better - having a GED instead tells colleges you're not wiling to follow things through, you'd rather take the easy way out. Not as many schools accept the GED, but once you get into an undergrad program it doesn't matter anymore.