If I first get a Master's in psychology, how many years would it then take to get a PhD

If I first get a Master's in psychology, how many years would it then take to get a PhD? ?
Pepperdine University does not offer a PhD in clinical psychology, but they do offer a master's. If I got a master's at Pepperdine (which takes two years), then applied elsewhere for my PhD, would the PhD program be 2 years shorter than it would be if I did not get the master's?
Higher Education (University +) - 3 Answers

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1
It depends on the school and the program, and your ability to get through the program. You should be able to it in 3-4 years, as you wouldn't have to take all the academic coursework. Start looking at PhD programs NOW so you don't have to lose any courses. That way you can take your comps earlier and get to the dissertation and clinical training.


2
Some Universities set up their PhD programs so that you have to apply for the complete degree, not step by step. The reason is they don't want to waste time with people who aren't going all the way. For example you wouldn't be able to just apply to the Masters program at such univerities you would have to apply for the PhD program of the bat. With that being said, it is all the same amount of time. If you were in a PhD program from the begging you would still get your Masters degree along the way. So you really aren't saving or losing time by doing one or the other. So the answer is it will take you 2 years approx. from time you complete Masters.


3
A PhD program is generally separate from a Masters. I had a 2 year M.A. degree in psychology & it made no difference in the Ph.D. course requirements. It will probably take 4-5 years for your Ph.D. My Ph.D. (Educational Psychology), had 3 years of course work and a year's internship. Then, it took me a year to write my dissertation. Some people can do the internship & dissertation simultaneously (I found it difficult with my long commute & a child at home). Once you get started, you usually have 10 years to complete the dissertation after you've attained Ph.C. status (Candidate). But, that may depend on the university & program you're in.