phd psychology programs accredited by apa

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

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Clinical Psychology

pictured alum: Dr. Emily Eccles, Class of 2020

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phd psychology programs accredited by apa

ACCREDITATION

American Psychological Association

phd psychology programs accredited by apa

$10,180 per term

phd psychology programs accredited by apa

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phd psychology programs accredited by apa

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Program Director

Connie Veazey, PhD

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Fielding’s doctoral program in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. It is the only distributed learning program accredited by the APA. The Psychology PhD serves adults, many of whom who have trained or worked in the mental health field. Our unique distributed learning model blends the best of in-person learning opportunities with digital formats.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

For questions regarding the Clinical Psychology PhD Program contact [email protected].

About the Clinical Psychology Program

Application requirements.

Earning your doctorate in Clinical Psychology includes online and in-person seminars, meetings with faculty and other students in your region, weeklong residential sessions, as well as research and clinical training experiences.

The unique mix of online and residential learning provides flexible opportunities for individuals with career, family, and community responsibilities to achieve their advanced educational goals. Faculty are active scholars and practitioners with a wide variety of expertise, making it possible to offer training in a variety of therapeutic orientations and specialized concentrations in some of the most exciting growth areas of psychology.

  • Conferred Bachelor’s Degree
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Online Application Form
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Critical Thinking Writing Sample
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Official Transcript
  • No GRE Required

Start your application NOW!  

Apply now for fall 2025, student admissions, outcomes, and other data.

In accordance with requirements of the American Psychological Association (APA), Fielding Graduate University provides Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data pertaining to the education of our graduate students.

The Fielding Experience

  • Become a member of a dynamic and diverse community of colleagues
  • Interact with and learn from our expert faculty located all across the country
  • Attend monthly professional development seminar in your geographic area
  • Engage with alumni, faculty, and other students at sessions

Mission & Aims of the Program

Fielding’s APA accredited Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program is strongly aligned with the university’s mission to create a more humane, just, and sustainable world, and the university’s values that include academic excellence, community, diversity, and social justice.

Consistent with these values, a core mission of our program is to foster the inclusion of students from under-represented populations. These populations include students living in small communities, rural, or remote locations of the United States, students currently in the military or spouses of military members, adult learners with families, and students whose ongoing participation in their current communities cannot be halted for doctoral study elsewhere. These are student populations who are often unable to enter the field through preparation at a traditional university campus, yet these are the future psychologists for which the discipline and profession have expressed an urgent need.

In addition, our program aims to graduate entry-level scholar-practitioner psychologists who bring social justice values to their work as licensed health service professionals. Consistent with this overarching aim, we have four specific aims for our students, which must be achieved by the time of graduation.

  • Students will demonstrate doctoral-level discipline-specific knowledge that represents the scientific and theoretical knowledge areas of the discipline of psychology (i.e., history and systems of psychology and the affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social bases of behavior).
  • Students will demonstrate doctoral-level conceptualization, evaluation, analysis, and integration of discipline-specific knowledge across the curriculum.
  • Students will demonstrate doctoral-level ability to understand and critique research; design, conduct, analyze, and communicate theoretically informed research; and conduct research in a manner that is culturally sensitive and consistent with legal code and ethical standards, including the APA ethics code.
  • Students will demonstrate doctoral-level competence in the profession-wide competencies, including conducting an evidence-based diagnosis, assessment, and psychotherapy; and applying theory and research to develop case conceptualizations, treatment plans, and interventions that are consistent with legal and ethical standards and individual and cultural diversity factors.

Serving adults, many of whom have trained or worked in the mental health field, our unique distributed learning model blends the best of face-to-face learning opportunities with digital formats.

Faculty are active scholars and practitioners with a wide variety of expertise, which allows us to offer specialized concentrations and training in a variety of therapeutic orientations.

Geographic Eligibility

The program only considers applicants who reside in the contiguous United States and Canada. The program is not available to those residing internationally (except Canada). Applicants from Alaska and Hawaii may be considered pending confirmation of their ability and resources to attend local professional development seminars in contiguous U.S. on a regular basis, access to acceptable practicum training sites, and ability to relocate for internship. (Contact [email protected] to be put in touch with the Program Director for consideration prior to applying.)

Due to state licensing requirements, graduates of the program are not eligible for licensure in Oklahoma. For licensure information on your particular state of interest, please visit our Professional Licensure page [CLICK HERE].

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School of Psychology News

The latest news, announcements, and special events from Fielding’s School of Psychology.

phd psychology programs accredited by apa

APA Award-Winning Research: Student La’ Toya Broughton’s Groundbreaking Study on Mental Health in Black Communities

By Fielding News | 2023-10-13T07:51:49-07:00 October 6th, 2023 |

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Dr. April Harris-Britt Elected to APA Board for Professional Affairs

By Fielding News | 2023-09-27T07:14:30-07:00 September 27th, 2023 |

phd psychology programs accredited by apa

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By Fielding News | 2023-08-22T09:52:07-07:00 August 21st, 2023 |

phd psychology programs accredited by apa

Why Choose Fielding for Your Psychology Degree?

A conventional APA-accredited doctoral program delivered in an unconventional way

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  • Program of Interest * Program of Interest PhD in Clinical Psychology PhD in Psychology with an Emphasis in Media & Technology PhD in Psychology PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development PhD in Human Development PhD in Organizational Development and Change EdD in Leadership for Change MA in Organization Development and Leadership MA in Infant, Child, Family Mental Health and Development MA in Applied Media Psychology Certificate in Evidence Based Coaching Certificate in Media Psychology Neuropsychology Specialization Training Program Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Certificate of Respecialization in Clinical Psychology

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Phone: 1-800-340-1099 Admissions: 805-898-4026

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phd psychology programs accredited by apa

Why APA Accreditation Matters

Protecting the public., for programs.

  • Has met standards that verify your program's ability to prepare graduates to provide outstanding, evidence-based clinical service to ensure the wellbeing of the public.
  • Promotes best practices in education.

For Students

  • Provides an educational and scientific foundation on which to build a career in psychology, providing evidence-based clinical service to the public.
  • May help qualify you for employment opportunities in settings that require completion of an accredited program.
  • Facilitates licensure eligibility in states that require licensure candidates to have a degree from an APA-accredited doctoral program.

For Licensing Boards

  • They have completed a program that met accreditation standards designed to ensure preparation for entry-level psychological practice.
  • APA-accredited programs are evaluated for the extent to which they provide education and training in core psychological scientific and practice areas.
  • Some states require licensure candidates to either have a degree from an APA-accredited doctoral program or prove that their program is equivalent.

For the Public

  • Have completed an educational program that trained them in the science and practice of health service psychology and prepared them to provide quality psychological care.

Accreditation FAQ

What is accreditation.

Accreditation is both a status and a process. As a status, accreditation provides public notification that an institution or program meets standards of quality set forth by an accrediting agency. As a process, accreditation reflects the fact that in achieving recognition by the accrediting agency, the institution or program is committed to self-study and external review by one's peers in seeking not only to meet standards but to continuously seek ways in which to enhance the quality of education and training provided. Psychology's accrediting body, the Commission on Accreditation (CoA), publishes guidelines and procedures by which its accreditation process is carried out.

What is the purpose of accreditation?

Accreditation is a process that assures the educational community and the general public that an institution or a program has clearly defined and appropriate objectives and maintains conditions under which their achievement can reasonably be expected. It encourages improvement through continuous self-study and review. It fosters excellence in postsecondary education through the development of principles and guidelines for assessing educational effectiveness.

What is the difference between APA accreditation and institutional accreditation?

The APA Commission on Accreditation is a specialized/professional accreditor. This means that APA accreditation only extends to specific doctoral graduate programs, doctoral internships and postdoctoral residencies in health service psychology. The accredited status of one specific program does not extend to other programs in the same department or institution.

Other agencies accredit entire institutions. There are six such accrediting bodies in the United States. APA-accredited doctoral graduate programs must be housed in an institution that has accreditation. However, an institution may hold accreditation and not have any APA-accredited programs.

For more information on regional accrediting bodies, please visit their websites:

  • Higher Learning Commission
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education 
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges 
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges

For further information about accreditation in general, please visit the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors.

National accreditation also covers entire institutions, and national accrediting agencies operate across the entire United States. Many of their accredited institutions are single-purpose (such as for education in technology) or faith-based.

Why are "degree mills" and "accreditation mills" harmful?

Degree mills (also known as diploma mills) are institutions that award academic degrees and diplomas with substandard or no academic study. Sometimes such institutions claim to be accredited by an accreditation mill — agencies that claim to be providers of accreditation and quality assurance without a proper basis (recognition by an external agency such as the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation). Both degree and accreditation mills mislead students and have harmful consequences. In the United States, such degrees may not be acknowledged by other institutions, employers, licensing boards, credentialing agencies and other groups. A program or institution’s “accreditation” from an accreditation mill can mislead students and the public about the quality of that program/institution. Thus, students may spend money and not receive a proper credential or a useable credential. More information about degree and accreditation mills can be found on the Council of Higher Education Accreditation website.

Why is accreditation important?

Although graduating from an accredited program does not guarantee jobs or licensure for individuals, it may facilitate such achievement. It reflects the quality by which an educational institution or a program conducts its business. It speaks to a sense of public trust, as well as to professional quality.

As a student:  Accreditation provides assurance that the program in which you are enrolled or are considering enrolling is engaged in continuous review and improvement of its quality, that it meets nationally endorsed standards in the profession, and that it is accountable for achieving what it sets out to do.

As a faculty member:  Accreditation provides a formal process for ongoing evaluation and improvement of your program and faculty development outcomes, a process by which faculty, students, and administration can work together in advancing the educational institution's mission.

As a psychologist: Accreditation provides a forum in which educators and practitioners of psychology can exchange ideas on future needs of the profession and ways in which to best address these needs in professional education and training.

As a member of the public: Accreditation ensures public accountability of a program or an institution -- that it has the means and demonstrates the outcomes for its educational process that are consistent with its goals and objectives; in other words, that there is 'truth in advertising.'

What are the different statuses of accreditation and what do they mean?

Find out more about the different statuses of accreditation here .

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phd psychology programs accredited by apa

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Clinical Psychology PhD

phd psychology programs accredited by apa

The PhD in Clinical Psychology is an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited program, and also a program member of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP). The program adheres to the scientist/practitioner model of training, and requires a number of clinical and research practica in addition to an extensive course curriculum.

  • It is a four-year plus internship, full-time program.
  • It emphasizes a thorough preparation in theoretical psychology and methodology.
  • Theoretical foundations in personality and psychopathology are explored prior to behavioral and personality assessment.
  • Concurrent with the work in assessment, students begin study of the theory, research, and practice of psychotherapy.

The Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association can be contacted at:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation  American Psychological Association  750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002  Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail:  [email protected]   Web:  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation   

Admission requirements

This program is open to applications from those who hold an undergraduate degree in psychology or have taken the required number of psychology credits (18). The requirement of 18 undergraduate credits includes statistics and 15 additional credits, preferably introductory psychology, developmental psychology, experimental psychology, and social psychology.

Students are selected from a pool of academically qualified applicants who can contribute to the diversity of the student body. Students enrolled in the clinical psychology program come from diverse ethnic, cultural, individual and experiential backgrounds. Applications are encouraged from those identifying with cultural and/or individual areas of diversity, including (but not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

Acceptance decisions are based on outstanding undergraduate and (where applicable) graduate academic performance, evidence of scholarly activity such as publications and paper presentations, prior work experience, the personal statement, and letters of recommendation. 

The deadline for application for admission to the PhD program is December 15, 2023.

NOTE: The FDU application fee for the 2023-2024 application cycle has been waived.

To apply to this program , complete an application through the psychology common application PSYCAS .

This application should be used only to apply for the PhD in Clinical Psychology. Your application to the PhD program will not be considered complete unless you submit the following through PSYCAS:

  • all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts,
  • three letters of recommendation,
  • a personal statement,
  • official GRE aptitude and psychology test score reports. The psychology GRE is optional for those who majored in psychology as an undergraduate or attained an advanced degree in psychology. 

Degree plan

1st semester.

  • PSYC6112      Clinical Research Methods & Psychometrics
  • PSYC6114      Psychopathology
  • PSYC6116      History & Systems
  • PSYC6118      Computer Application in Statistics Lab
  • PSYC6132      Developmental Issues in Clinical Psychology
  • PSYC6180      First-Year Clinical Practicum I

2nd Semester

  • PSYC6122      Personality Assessment
  • PSYC6133      Intellectual Assessment
  • PSYC6160      Teaching Seminar (1 credit)
  • PSYC6624      Introduction to Psychotherapy
  • PSYC6181      First-Year Clinical Practicum II: Ethics
  • PSYC7120      Diversity Issues in Clinical Psychology

3rd Semester

  • PSYC7110      Research Design & Analysis I
  • PSYC7113      Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
  • PSYC7121      Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • PSYC7180      Second-Year Clinical Practicum I
  • PSYC____     ASTCP_________

4th Semester

  • PSYC7111      Research Design & Analysis II
  • PSYC7125      Applied Social Psychology
  • PSYC7130      Biological Bases of Behavior
  • PSYC7181      Second-Year Clinical Practicum II
  • PSYC____     ASTCP______________

5th Semester

  • PSYC7133      Learning, Cognition, and Emotion
  • PSYC8129      Psychopharmacology
  • PSYC8180      Third-Year Clinical Practicum I

6th Semester

  • PSYC9124      Advanced Research Seminar (1 credit)
  • PSYC9138      Professional Development
  • PSYC8181      Third-Year Clinical Practicum II

ASTCP (4 REQUIRED)

ADV PSYCHODYNAMIC (2 nd , 3 rd years) SPRING.

CHILD CLINICAL (offered every other year; alternates with Family; open to 2 nd ,3 rd years)

FAMILY THERAPY (2 nd ,3 rd years)

CLINICAL CASE (3 rd year) SPRING

NEUROPSYCH (Fall every odd year; open to 2 nd ,3 rd years)

ADVANCED PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT (Fall, every other even year, open to 2 nd , 3 rd years)

ADVANCED CBT (open to 2 nd , 3 rd years)

Advanced special topics in clinical psychology, 4 required

A class will run if there are sufficient enrollment numbers to support it.

  • PSYC8114      Neuropsychology (offered even years in the fall; open to second- and third-year students)
  • PSYC9160      Advanced Personality Assessment (offered odd years in the fall; open to second- and third- year students)
  • PSYC8127      Clinical Child Psychology (offered  odd years  in the spring; open to second- and third- year students)
  • PSYC8145      Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (offered in the fall; open to third-year students only)
  • PSYC9143      Advanced Psychodynamic Therapy (offered in the spring; open to third-year students only)
  • PSYC9145      Seminar in Clinical Psychology (offered in the spring; open to third-year students only)
  • PSYC9123 Family Therapy (offered even years in the spring; open to second- and third- year students)

Additional optional coursework and independent studies

  • PSYC9112      Dissertation Maintenance (summer)
  • PSYC9113      Internship Maintenance (summer)
  • PSYC9116      Research Maintenance (summer)
  • PSYC9180      4th Year Practicum I (fall)
  • PSYC9181      4th Year Practicum II (spring)
  • PSYC9280      5th Year Clinical Practicum I (fall)
  • PSYC9281      5th Year Practicum II (spring)
  • PSYC9800      Independent Study

Special requirements

  • First Year Research Practicum
  • First Year Clinical Practicum
  • Second Year Research practicum
  • Second Year Clinical practicum
  • Second Year Project
  • Third Year Research practicum
  • Third Year Clinical practicum
  • Teaching Requirement
  • Dissertation Accepted
  • Qualifying Examination
  • Comprehensive Examination

Internship and dissertation

Students are required to apply for internship via the national match system offered by the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) and participate in an approved internship. The internship may begin after the student has completed the courses listed under the first six semesters, completed the second year research project, passed the comprehensive examinations, and successfully defended the dissertation proposal. Typically, the dissertation is completed in the fourth year and the internship in the fifth year.

Evaluations

Ongoing annual evaluations of students will be conducted by the faculty using information submitted by practicum site supervisors, course instructors, and research mentors. Students will meet with the Program Director to receive feedback concerning these evaluations.

Research practicum

All first-, second- and third-year students participate in a research practicum of ongoing projects supervised by doctoral faculty members. The practicum requires approximately 8-10 hours a week. Research projects frequently culminate in the publication of articles in psychological journals and paper and poster presentations at various professional meetings, with students in the doctoral program participating as authors and presenters.

Forensic Track

An optional add-on forensic track is available to students in the Ph.D. program who fulfill the following additional requirements:

  • Completion of at least one of the required clinical practicums at any point after the first year. This requirement can be satisfied through an NYNJDOT approved externship or similar placement meeting requirements of the track.
  • Completion of at least two additional courses: PSYC7230 Forensic Assessment and Prediction and PSYC7235 Evaluating Criminal Responsibility and Competency.
  • Completion of a dissertation on a forensic topic.

It should be noted that research opportunities in forensic psychology are available.

Forensic track courses may incur additional fees if they increase a student’s credit load for a given semester above the allowable flat fee level of 16.5 credits.

Students coming into the program without a Master’s degree may incur additional fees for the two courses mentioned above since they are above and beyond the required courses for the clinical doctoral program.

Completion of the forensic track will be noted on the student’s transcript.

  • Long Island Jewish Medical Center—The Zucker Hillside Hospital; Glen Oaks, NY
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center—Bronx, NY
  • Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital; Hartford, CT
  • NYU Lagone Medical Center (Rusk Inst of Rehab Medicine); NY, NY
  • Hudson River Regional Psychology; Poughkeepsie, NY
  • Trinitas Regional Medical Center; Elizabeth, NJ
  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine—Montefiore Medical Center; Bronx, NY
  • Maimonides Medical Center; Brooklyn, NY
  • Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility; Roosevelt Island, NY
  • NYU Langone Medical Center (Rusk Inst of Rehab Medicine)-child/adol track; NY, NY
  • UMDNJ UBHCH; Newark, NJ
  • Westchester Jewish Community Services, Inc.; White Plains, NY
  • Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System; Lyons, NJ
  • Hudson River Regional Psychology Internship Program; Poughkeepsie, NY
  • UMDNJ UBHCN (Child Track); Newark, NJ
  • Mercy First; Syosset, NY
  • University of New Mexico School of Medicine (Neuropsychology); Albuquerque, NM
  • University of Massachusetts Center for Counseling and Psychological Health; Amherst, MA
  • Columbia University Medical Center (child track); NY, NY
  • Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology (General Geriatric Neuropsych); Boston, MA
  • Association for the Help of Retarded Children Dept of Family and Clinical Services; NY, NY
  • VA NY Harbor Health Care System—Brooklyn Campus; Brooklyn, NY
  • US Dept of Justice Metropolitan Detention Center; Los Angeles, CA
  • Lenox Hill Hospital; NY, NY
  • Children’s National Medical Center; Washington, DC
  • University of Florida Health Science Center; Gainesville, FL
  • Mount Sinai Services; Elmhurst, NY
  • Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT
  • Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center; Bellerose, NY
  • VAMC—North Chicago; North Chicago, IL
  • Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital’s Mental Health Network (Adult Track); Hartford, CT
  • Temple University Health Sciences Center; Philadelphia, PA
  • Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital; Morris Plains, NJ
  • Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital’s Mental Health Network (Child/Adol Track); Hartford, CT
  • Charleston Consortium Psychology Internship Program; Charleston, SC
  • Interfaith Medical Center; Brooklyn, NY
  • UCSD Psychology Internship Consortium/Veterans Affairs; San Diego, CA
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver; Denver, CO
  • Columbia University Medical Center; NY, NY
  • Mount Sinai Medical Center; NY, NY
  • Univ. of S. Carolina, Counseling & Human Development Center; Columbia, SC
  • VA Maryland Health Care System (Neuropsych); Baltimore, MD
  • Astor Services for Children and Families; Poughkeepsie, NY
  • Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Inc.; NY, NY
  • VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System—Montrose Campus; Montrose, NY
  • Kings County Hospital Center (Adult Track); Brooklyn, NY
  • Jewish Child Care Association of NY; Pleasantville, NY
  • Louis Stokes Cleveland DVA Medical Center; Cleveland, OH
  • NYU—Bellevue Hospital Center Clinical Psych.; NY, NY
  • American Institute for Cognitive Therapy; NY, NY
  • Behavior Therapy Associates; Somerset, NJ
  • Bellevue Hospital Center; NY, NY
  • Bergen County Division fo Family Guidance – Forensic Unit; Hackensack, NJ
  • Beth Israel Medical Center; NY, NY
  • Bronx Children’s Psychiatric Center; Bronx, NY
  • Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy; NY, NY
  • Children’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CCPEP); NY, NY
  • City College CUNY; NY, NY
  • Columbia University Medical Center Neuropsychology Service; NY, NY
  • Columbia-Presbyterian’s Children’s Hospital; NY, NY
  • Community Mental Health Services, St. Marys Hospital; Hoboken, NJ
  • Henry Ittleson Center; Bronx, NY
  • Hoboken University Medical Center; Hoboken, NJ
  • Holliswood Hospital; Holliswood, NY
  • Jacobi Medical Center; Bronx, NY
  • Jamaica Hospital Medical Center; Jamaica, NY
  • Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services (JBFCS); Douglaston, NY
  • Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services (JBFCS); Riverdale, NY
  • JFK Medical Center-The Center for Behavioral Health; Edison, NJ
  • Karen Horney Clinic; NY, NY
  • Kings County Hospital Center; Brooklyn, NY
  • Mt. Sinai Adult Inpatient Unit; NY, NY
  • Mt. Sinai Child & Family Support Program; NY, NY
  • Mt. Sinai Eating and Weight Disorders Program; NY, NY
  • Mt. Sinai Medical Center Department of Neurology; NY, NY
  • Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Dept of Rehabilitation Medicine; NY, NY
  • Mt. Sinai Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Treatment Center; NY, NY
  • Nassau University Medical Center; East Meadow, NY
  • New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College – Manhattan Division; NY, NY
  • North Central Bronx Hospital; Bronx, NY
  • South Beach Psychiatric Center; Staten Island, NY
  • St. Barnabas Hospital; Bronx, NY
  • St. Dominics Home; Bronx, NY
  • St. Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospitals; NY, NY
  • Staten Island University Hospital; Staten Island, NJ
  • The Addiction Institute of New York; NY, NY
  • The Center of Alcohol Studies at Rutgers; Piscataway, NJ
  • William Paterson University – Counseling Center; Wayne, NJ
  • Yale Young Adult Services; New Haven, CT
  • YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental health; East Orange, NJ
  • Youth Development Clinic; Newark, NJ
  • Barnard College Furman Counseling; NY, NY
  • Behavioral Associates; NY, NY
  • Connecticut Children’s Medical Center School; Wethersfield, CT
  • Division of Family Guidance; Hackensack, NJ
  • Elmhurst Hospital Center – Mt. Sinai Services; Elmhurst, NY
  • Essex County Hospital Center; Cedar Grove, NJ
  • Fay J Linder Center for Autism; Long Island, NY
  • FDU Center for Psychological Services – Assessment emphasis; Hackensack, NJ
  • FDU Center for Psychological Services – Therapy emphasis; Hackensack, NJ
  • Four Winds Hospital; Katonah, NY
  • Hackensack Univ. Medical Center, Audrey Hepburn’s Children’s House; Hackensack, NJ
  • Hackensack University Medical Center; Hackensack, NJ
  • Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center; Ward’s Island, NY
  • Leake and Watts Services, Inc.; Yonkers, NY
  • Lincoln Hospital; Bronx, NY
  • Long Island Jewish Medical Center, The Zucker Hillside Hospital; North Shore, Long Island NY
  • Manhattan Psychiatric Center; Randall’s Island, NY
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering; NY, NY
  • Metropolitan Correctional Center; NY, NY
  • Montclair State University Counseling Center; Montclair, NJ
  • Montefiore Medical Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Bronx, NY
  • Northeast Epilepsy group; NY, NY & Hackensack, NJ
  • NYSPI at Columbia Presbyterian; NY, NY
  • NYU Child Study Center; Hackensack, NJ
  • NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center; NY, NY
  • NYU Counseling Center; NY, NY
  • Phipps Community Development Corporation; Bronx, NY
  • Princeton House Behavioral Health; Princeton, NJ
  • Queens Hospital Center; Jamaica, Queens
  • Regional Diagnostic &Treatment Center at Children’s Hospital of NJ; Newark, NJ
  • Rehabilitation Specialists; Fair Lawn, NJ
  • Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center; Orangeburg, NY
  • Seton Hall University – Counseling Services; South Orange, NJ
  • The Women’s Health Project Treatment and Research Center – St Luke’s Hosp.; NY, NY
  • Tomorrow’s Children Institute at Hackensack Hospital; Hackensack, NJ
  • Trinitas Hospital Child and Adolescent Outpatient Unit; Elizabeth, NJ
  • Uconn; Farmington, CT
  • UMDNJ-UBHC; Piscataway, NJ
  • Washington Heights Community Center at Columbia-Presbyterian/NYSPI; NY, NY
  • Weill Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, White Plains, NY
  • Westchester Jewish Community Services; Hartsdale, NY

School of Psychology and Counseling

More about PhD in Clinical Psychology

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

Program overview.

The mission of the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology at Montclair State University is to prepare students to become competent and highly skilled in the research and practice of clinical psychology, including the championing of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In emphasizing the integration of science and practice, the program adheres to a training approach consistent with the scientist-practitioner model, and strives for an accessible, equitable, and inclusive synthesis that is promotive of human rights, fairness, and dignity for all people. Students can seek advanced training in clinical child psychology or forensic psychology. Please see the Training Philosophy page for additional information about the program’s model of training.

To learn more about the program, please visit pages providing information about Admissions Requirements , Degree Requirements , Program Faculty, Current Students , Alumni , Student Leaders , Student Successes , and Field Placements .

APA Accreditation

The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology is accredited, on contingency, by the American Psychological Association (APA), with an initial date of accreditation of April 5, 2020. The program is accredited, on contingency, through April 5, 2025. Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 202-336-5979 / E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Download here .

Detailed information about the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology can be found in the Program Handbook .

If you have any questions about the program, please email the Director of Clinical Training (DCT), Dr. Christopher King , or the Psychology Department’s Coordinator for Graduate Student Advancement, Ms. Jen Wilenta , at [email protected] .

Many of the program’s activities take place in two buildings. The first is Dickson Hall , the home of the Psychology Department and research labs for many of the faculty who train students in the program. The second is the Montclair State University Center for Clinical Services (CCS), which opened in January 2016 and serves as a clinical training facility and resource for our students, being the home of the department’s clinic. CCS features classrooms, research labs, and 24 assessment/treatment rooms with state-of-the-art technology that allow faculty and students to directly observe real and simulated sessions in real time and record them for feedback and supervision.

The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology makes every effort to fund all students through their first four years of study, unless otherwise agreed to at the time of admission. Support is provided through doctoral fellowships, teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, grants, and clinical or research contracts and fellowships. Please see the Financial Support section for additional information about funding opportunities for students.

The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

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Updated April 19, 2024

The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

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A Ph.D in psychology prepares graduates for careers as licensed psychologists, research psychologists, and psychology professors. Doctoral students examine human behavior, social interactions, and mental health treatments. The degree also incorporates practical training through a supervised internship or practicum, helping students develop the skills needed for careers in psychology.

With a psychology degree , graduates can work many different psychology jobs . For example, psychologists earn a median annual salary of over $92,740, and a doctorate meets the requirements for most careers in this field.

Our list includes the top psychology programs offering some online coursework. It is important to note that while several doctorate in psychology programs offer online courses, there are no fully online psychology doctoral programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Thus, rather than ranking schools, we list these programs alphabetically to help prospective applicants find the program that best matches their needs.

This article also explores the differences between Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees, common courses and specialization options, and careers for graduates who earn doctorates in psychology.

Featured Online Schools

The best doctoral psychology programs available online.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

California Southern University

  • Costa Mesa, CA

The doctor of psychology program at California Southern University offers an online option for doctoral students. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.

The 66-credit doctoral program incorporates advanced psychology coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. With a doctorate in psychology, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students pay for the program with federal financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships. Contact the psychology program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.

California Southern University at a Glance:

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

#2 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Fielding Graduate University

  • Santa Barbara, CA
  • Online + Campus

Doctoral students seeking an online psychology program benefit from the Ph.D. in clinical psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.

The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in psychology. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. Graduates with a doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.

Online doctoral students can pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.

Fielding Graduate University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 944

Online Master's Programs: 2

Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,292

#3 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Southern California Seminary

  • El Cajon, CA

The doctor of psychology program at Southern California Seminary offers an online option for doctoral students. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.

In the online psychology program, graduate learners complete advanced classes. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. A doctorate in psychology prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.

Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.

Southern California Seminary at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 130

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,588

#4 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

  • Chicago, IL

The online Ph.D. in international psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology ranks among the best in the field. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.

During the online program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. The psychology program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. With a doctorate in psychology, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at a Glance:

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 4-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $20,610

#5 The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Touro University Worldwide

  • Los Alamitos, CA

The doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology program at Touro University Worldwide offers an online option for doctoral students. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.

The online program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. As the terminal degree in psychology, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.

At the accredited institution, online doctoral students qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

Touro University Worldwide at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,903

Online Master's Programs: 8

Online Doctoral Programs: 1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,000

Best Online Programs - Doctorate in Psychology

Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs Ranking Guidelines

We selected these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

What Is an Online Ph.D. in Psychology?

Doctoral degrees in psychology cannot be conducted completely online. However, some programs do make some coursework available to learners online, helping them complete their graduate studies from anywhere.

The typical curricula for a Ph.D. in psychology emphasizes research and prepares graduates for academic and research roles. Doctoral students take courses in research design and methods, psychology statistics, and cognitive development. Ph.D. programs also offer specialized coursework in neuroscience and affective science.

A Ph.D. in psychology builds strong research and analytical skills. In addition to coursework, each doctoral student must pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research within their specialization. The degree culminates in an original doctoral dissertation that contributes to the field of psychology. After graduation, professionals with Ph.D. degrees in psychology typically work as psychology professors or researchers.

Earning a Ph.D in psychology typically takes 5-7 years, depending on the program and whether the doctoral student completes an internship. Applicants generally need a master's degree in psychology and a strong GPA to gain admission. Some Ph.D. programs in psychology offer fellowships and other forms of funding for doctoral students.

What Is an Online Psy.D. in Psychology?

As with the online Ph.D. in psychology, an online Psy.D. in psychology refers to a doctorate in psychology program where some but not all coursework is offered online. A Psy.D. degree trains graduates for clinical roles and licensure as psychologists. Common courses include psychology research methods, psychopharmacology, and psychological testing. Doctoral students also examine research in evidence-based practice. Online Psy.D. programs also incorporate supervised internships to strengthen clinical skills.

Within a Psy.D. program, graduate students focus on specialty areas such as counseling psychology, child psychology , or behavioral psychology. After completing coursework requirements and passing a comprehensive examination, doctoral candidates conduct clinical research in their specialization areas. Degree-seekers analyze clinical problems or examine topics based on original research, then write research-based dissertations.

Earning a Psy.D. typically takes 4-6 years for full-time students. Some programs offer accelerated or part-time enrollment options. Applicant often need a master's in psychology to gain admission to a Psy.D. program.

What's the Difference Between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Psychology?

At the doctoral level, psychology offers Psy.D. and Ph.D. degrees. The two pathways offer different coursework and prepare graduates for different careers.

A Psy.D. emphasizes clinical training for careers in psychology, while a Ph.D. focuses on research and academic training. Licensed psychologists who work directly with patients often hold Psy.D. degrees, while psychology professors typically have Ph.D. degrees. In addition, a Ph.D. typically takes more time than a Psy.D.; while a Psy.D. can take as little as four years, a Ph.D. often requires 5-7 years.

When comparing Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs, prospective psychologists should consider their professional goals. Those seeking research or academic positions may prefer a Ph.D., while those considering careers as licensed psychologists should pursue Psy.D. degrees.

Choosing an Online Doctoral Psychology Program

When choosing a partially online doctoral program, prospective students must weigh several factors. For many, program cost, specialization options, and program length rank among the most important concerns.

Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees prepare psychologists for different career paths, so applicants should also consider which degree aligns best with their goals. Candidates should also consider enrollment options, course delivery methods, internship options, and tuition discounts when evaluating partially online doctorates in psychology.

By examining these factors, future psychologists can ensure that they find the best fit for their unique needs and career aspirations.

Accreditation for Online Psychology Degree Programs

Prospective applicants should always research program and university accreditation when choosing a partially online doctorate in psychology. Accredited programs follow best practices for educating psychologists, and only graduates of APA-accredited programs qualify for licensure as psychologists. Applicants should also research other state licensure requirements before choosing a program.

What Else Can I Expect From a Doctoral Psychology Program?

Doctoral-level psychology students take courses in areas like counseling psychology, evidence-based practice, human development, and psychopharmacology. These courses build advanced knowledge and skills in psychology. Doctoral students often further specialize their training by choosing concentrations like clinical psych, school psychology, or developmental psychology.

After completing coursework requirements, doctoral candidates must pass examinations and meet any internship requirements. Most programs also require a research-based doctoral dissertation in the candidate's specialization.

Common Courses for an Online Doctorate in Psychology

  • Child and Adolescent Therapy: In this class, psychology students strengthen their counseling and treatment skills for children and adolescents. The coursework emphasizes clinical practice and diagnostic approaches for professionals in clinical, child, counseling, and school psychology.
  • Clinical Supervision and Consultation: Students practice their supervision skills and learn how to oversee less experienced workers in the field. The course also trains psychology graduates for consultation and mediation roles.
  • Community Psychology and Social Justice: The course examines psychology during times of social change. Learners explore social justice in a mental health context and its impact on society more broadly.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: Doctoral students examine current research in psychology to identify applications in clinical practice. The course covers topics like evaluating evidence and applying practical research.
  • Intellectual and Personality Testing: Psychology students learn to administer and interpret personality assessments. The course covers the theoretical foundations of personality testing and how to perform clinical diagnoses based on those tests.
  • Psychopharmacology: In this course, doctoral students learn about the human body and its interactions with drugs. The course emphasizes mental health needs, pharmacological approaches to treating mental health issues, and drug abuse and addiction.

Psychology Specializations

  • Collapse All

Clinical Psychology

A clinical psychology specialty emphasizes mental healthcare and research-based practice. Within clinical psychology, doctoral students specialize in demographics, like child psychology and geriatric mental health. The specialty trains learners to apply psychology research in diverse clinical settings.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology examines human growth and development across the lifespan. Doctoral students in this specialty conduct research on childhood development, social and emotional development, and information processing. The specialty prepares graduates for careers in research and academia.

School Psychology

A school psychology specialty emphasizes mental health in young learners. Doctoral students explore learning and behavior, including challenges to academic and social development. These psychologists work with children, families, and schools to help students thrive in education.

Social Psychology

Social psychology examines individual behavior in social settings. This specialty focuses on human interactions and their impact on people's beliefs and feelings. Social psychologists can apply their skills in several settings, including workplaces.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Doctorate in Psychology Program?

No psychology doctorate program is fully online, but earning a partially online doctorate in psychology takes around five years, depending on the program. Many Ph.D. programs require at least five years to complete coursework, research, and a dissertation, and some also require an internship. A Psy.D. program typically takes 4-6 years, including internship requirements.

Some programs offer accelerated or part-time options, which can change degree timelines. Enrollees may also complete coursework faster through a self-paced, asynchronous model, though only online courses are offered asynchronously. Because the length varies, prospective doctoral students should be sure to research prospective programs' requirements and enrollment options before applying.

Psychology Jobs

With a doctorate in psychology, graduates can pursue careers as psychologists and psychology professors. In these career paths, psychologists can conduct research, educate students, and provide clinical services. A psychology doctorate also prepares graduates for supervisory roles, such as healthcare executive.

Other psychology careers include school or educational psychologist, industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologist, and clinical social worker. This section explores common psychology jobs, including the earning potential, licensure requirements, and projected job growth for each career.

Postsecondary Psychology Teachers

Postsecondary psychology teachers, also known as psychology professors, teach at the college level. They educate undergraduate and graduate students on different topics in psychology, including research, behavioral psychology, and human development. In addition to developing syllabi, psychology professors create assignments and exams to assess student learning. These professors also conduct research and publish their work.

A tenure-track psychology professor typically needs a Ph.D., though some colleges hire candidates with Psy.D. degrees to teach clinical psychology or for adjunct positions. Psychology professors may need special licensure, depending on their research and teaching areas.

Median Annual Salary

Projected Growth Rate

Psychologists

Psychologists research behavior and the decision-making process. In specializations like clinical or counseling psychology, they work with individuals and groups managing emotional or behavioral problems. Psychologists also conduct research into human development, identify organizational dynamics, and test neurological responses, often publishing their research.

Most psychologist jobs require a doctorate, though a school psychologist or I/O psychologist may hold only a master's degree. A Psy.D. prepares psychologists for clinical roles and professional licensure. A licensed psychologist typically needs a doctorate, passing scores on a national exam, and supervised professional experience. Psychologists can also pursue specialty certification.

Medical and Health Services Managers

Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare executives, coordinate services in hospitals, medical practices, and other healthcare organizations. They set policy for their units, analyze data on quality, and implement plans to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Healthcare executives also ensure their organizations follow laws and regulations.

With psychology training, healthcare executives can work for community health and behavioral health facilities, including inpatient treatment centers. They also need administrative training in management and budgeting, and medical and health services managers often hold graduate degrees. The career path does not require a professional license.

Psychology Professional Organizations

Professional organizations help doctoral students expand their professional networks and prepare to transition into clinical practice, research roles, or other psychology careers. These organizations offer career resources, scholarships, and professional development support for doctoral candidates. They may also offer discounted student memberships.

APA represents over 122,000 researchers, clinicians, educators, and students in psychology. The association promotes psychology as a discipline, accredits psychology programs, and offers career resources for students. Members can visit the psychology help center for clinical support or read APA publications to stay current with the field. The association also awards scholarships and fellowships.

Since its founding in 1941, ICP has connected psychologists around the world. Members benefit from annual conferences and newsletters, mentorship opportunities, and professional development resources, such as webinars. This organization also offers travel and recognition awards for members.

AASP dates back to 1985 and represents sports and performance psychology professionals. Members work with athletes, business professionals, and military personnel to improve their physical and mental performance. The association offers professional certifications, hosts an annual conference with networking opportunities, and provides webinars and publications to help practitioners stay current in the field. AASP also offers grants and a student center.

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Psychology Degree

Doctoral programs typically cost tens of thousands in tuition and fees, even when courses are offered partially online. Fortunately, doctoral students qualify for many forms of financial aid to pay for their degrees.

To start, students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which qualifies filers for federal student loans and work-study programs. In addition to federal loans, students can also use private loans to cover costs. Many states also support degree-seekers with grants or scholarships.

Institutional support helps many graduate students earn psychology degrees. Universities often award fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to help recruit and retain students. Some doctoral fellowships include tuition waivers and stipends. To learn about the options at your school, check with the student assistance or finance office.

Finally, psychology degree-seekers qualify for scholarships offered by professional associations, private foundations, and private donors. For example, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology offers both scholarships and fellowships. The APA also offers scholarships and fellowships for psychology doctoral students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become a psychologist with an online degree.

Yes, though there are no accredited psychology doctorates that are available fully online. Instead, programs offer a mix of online and in-person coursework. Psychologists who earn APA-accredited degrees partially online qualify for a professional license in most states. Some career paths, including academia and research, may not require a license.

Are Online Psy.D. Programs APA Accredited?

The APA does not currently accredit any fully online Psy.D. programs. However, the APA does accredit hybrid programs. Always check local state requirements for psychologist licensure before enrolling in a psychology doctoral program to ensure that it meets specifications.

Can You Earn a Doctorate in Psychology Completely Online?

No. As of 2021, the APA — the only agency authorized to accredit psychology doctoral programs — does not accredit any fully online programs.

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Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies

Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.

About the program.

Format : In person on the Statesboro Campus Credit Hours : 114-124 Entry Term : Fall

The APA-accredited doctorate program in clinical psychology at Georgia Southern University (GS) is a full time, day program offering a course of study leading to the Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree. The program’s curriculum prepares graduates for the practice of psychology with a special focus on practice in rural areas. Coursework and training prepare students for licensure as a psychologist, with an emphasis on educating emerging psychologists for the underserved areas in the state of Georgia and adjacent regions in the Southeast.

The Psy.D. program originated from a longstanding and dire need for licensed psychologists in rural, underserved areas of the United States, most specifically in the rural south. This mission is consistent with Georgia Southern University’s commitment to serve the needs of the southeastern region of the country. The program trains students according to the practitioner-scholar model. Students are taught to become generalists who will be effective in the delivery of psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and psychological consultation services in rural areas. Consistent with the framework of a generalist approach, the curriculum, beginning with foundational courses, strives to create and maintain a dynamic and integrative program, emphasizing behavioral, cognitive, existential, family systems, humanistic, and psychodynamic orientations.

The program is designed to foster the intrapersonal and professional development of students. This process is aimed at helping the students cultivate balance within their personal and professional growth. In addition to academic requirements, students are encouraged to take initiative and responsibility for personal and professional growth through independent readings, interaction with fellow students and faculty, attendance at colloquia, and additional elective research and practica opportunities. The PsyD is a professional degree, and focuses on the development of applied practice skills. Because the program is an integral part of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences in a regional university, doctoral students engage in all aspects of scholarly inquiry, including substantive qualitative and quantitative research, and professional membership and discourse in state, regional, and national organizations.

Ready to Apply?

Request information, visit campus, or, you can :, regular admission requirements.

A committee of faculty will determine admission based on the following:

  • Grade Point Average (GPA): A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.30 is required for consideration. The average undergraduate GPA of successful applicants for the Fall 2022 class was 3.76 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • A minimum grade of B in the following undergraduate courses: Psychological Statistics, Research Design, Abnormal Psychology
  • Record of having taken at least two of the following courses: Personality, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Learning and/or Cognition, Health Psychology, Tests and Measurement, Theories of Psychotherapy, Psychology of Substance Abuse.
  • Three letters of recommendation from former professors or appropriate employers/advisors.
  • A written statement of professional goals. Please describe why you want to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology. Also, describe how Georgia Southern University’s program is a good fit. Finally, please list three (3) Statesboro campus psychology faculty whose research interests are a match to your own. Of these three, please include at least one clinical faculty member and one faculty member who is not clinical.  This statement should be 500 words or less in length.
  • A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
  • Optional: Submission of a writing sample of past work provides an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, tone, and style. The sample should be no longer than two double-spaced pages. Consider submitting an excerpt or passage from a research paper or writing assignment for class, a manuscript, or other relevant works.

Based on a review of the application materials, the Admissions Committee will select top candidates for an on-campus interview. Interviews are mandatory for admission into the program. The Admissions Committee will contact top candidates with details regarding on-campus interview dates and procedures.

The PsyD program seeks a diverse applicant pool. We welcome applications from under-represented ethnic minorities, women, applicants with disabilities, first-generation college graduates, and non-traditional students.

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service  and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. ( www.naces.org )

December 15 *

Does not admit

*The application and all ​​required documents listed on the “admissions requirements” tab​ for the program must be received by the deadline.  If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.

Program Contact Information

C. Thresa Yancey, Ph.D. Director of Clinical Training, Professor of Psychology [email protected] 912-478-5704

Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st St., NE, Washington, DC 20002 202-336-5979 [email protected] APA Accreditation Site

Last updated: 2/9/2024

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Psy.D. In Clinical Psychology

Welcome to the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program at Florida Institute of Technology. The program at Florida Tech that leads to a Psy.D. in clinical psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association* and offers students training based on a practitioner-scholar model that prepares students for entry-level positions as clinical psychologists.  To achieve that goal, we are committed to training students with strong and continually developing clinical competencies, whose clinical work is informed by the scientific and theoretical knowledge base of the discipline of psychology, and whose graduates respect and value cultural and individual difference, and who maintain the highest professional principles and standards.

What Makes Florida Tech's Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Stand Out?

  • Accredited by the American Psychological Association* since 1983
  • Opportunities for advanced coursework and practica in emphasis areas: Neuropsychology, Child/Family, Integrated Behavioral Health, and Forensic.
  • In-depth training in psychological assessment and integrated psychodiagnostics
  • Curriculum that addresses current trends in psychology including Integrated Behavioral Health Care, Clinical Neuropsychology, Assessment, Trauma and Child Psychology
  • On-site practicum training facility
  • A large network of community-based practicum sites offering many different training opportunities
  • Good student-to-faculty ratio, with annual cohorts of approximately 20
  • Colleague-in-training atmosphere
  • Excellent internship match rate
  • Flat-rate tuition program
  • Warm climate, great location, close to beaches
  • Relatively low cost of living, ample and reasonably priced housing available off campus

Our program leading to a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology trains students to become practicing clinical psychologists with core competencies in relational/clinical skills, comprehensive psychological assessment, clinical treatment interventions, research and evaluation skills, consultation and education, management and supervision, and diversity issues.

We have several opportunities for advanced course work. These areas are:  

  • Family/Child Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Clinical Neuropsychology
  • Integrated Behavioral Healthcare/Health Psychology  

Admission Requirements

An applicant must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Although it is not necessary for the major area to have been psychology, it is required that those entering without a previous degree in psychology will have completed at least 18 credit hours of psychology coursework at the time of application. These courses must have been taken in a department of psychology, and should include statistics, personality theory, abnormal psychology, learning, physiological psychology and social psychology.

All application materials must be received by December 1 of each year.

Visit the graduate admissions information page for all the information you need to apply to the program. Admissions applications must include transcripts, GRE general test scores, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV.

Students we will consider for admission will receive an invitation approximately two weeks prior to our Interview Day, typically held in February. Attendance at Interview Day is VERY strongly recommended.

*Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone: (202) 336-5979 Email: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Clinical Program

Clinical Psychology, Psy.D

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2023-2024 SOP Grad Handbook

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  3. Professional Psychology

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  4. APA Accredited PsyD Programs (And How to Apply to Each!)

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  5. The Modern Rules Of Apa Accredited Programs

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  6. Most Affordable APA Accredited PsyD Programs

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  1. APA-Accredited Programs

    Spring (Special Notice of Action) PDF, 177KB. Find APA-accredited programs, including doctoral graduate programs in clinical, counseling, school psychology and combination programs; internships, a required component of doctoral training; and postdoctoral residency programs in traditional and specialty practice areas of psychology.

  2. Database of APA-Accredited Psychology Programs

    A list of programs accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) is available on the CPA website. The APA and CPA have phased out concurrent accreditation and signed the First Street Accord, an agreement of mutual accreditation recognition in 2012. APA-CoA will no longer accredited programs in Canada ended on September 1, 2015.

  3. APA Accreditation

    The APA Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) is the primary programmatic accreditor in the United States for professional education and training in psychology. APA accredits doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, and combinations of those areas as well as internships in health service psychology and ...

  4. What is accreditation?

    The APA CoA accredits doctoral graduate programs [e.g., Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)] in health service psychology in the United States and its territories. Health service psychology includes clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, and programs offering combinations of two or more of these areas.

  5. Choosing a Program

    The APA Commission on Accreditation only accredits programs at the doctoral level. There are no APA-accredited bachelor's or master's programs. If you have an interest in studying psychology at the undergraduate level, you may want to visit the website of the APA Office of Precollege and Undergraduate Education.

  6. Doctorate in Psychology (Ph.D. and Psy.D.) Program Guide

    The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes three distinct categories of doctoral programs: ... Psychology Ph.D. programs require a master's in psychology from an accredited program or an equivalent mix of education and experience. Many will accept students with a master's in a related field or a bachelor's degree with work ...

  7. Graduate Study in Psychology

    Graduate Study in Psychology - American Psychological Association. Graduate Study in Psychology allows you to search and compare admissions information for masters and doctoral programs at schools and departments of psychology in the United States and Canada.

  8. Psychology Doctoral Degree Programs 2023

    The American Psychological Association (APA) plays an important role in doctoral program accreditation. The APA's Commission on Accreditation certifies doctorate degrees and internships. As college tuition and other costs, such as textbooks, continue to increase, prospective students should assess their finances and explore options for ...

  9. About the APA Commission on Accreditation

    About APA-CoA. The APA Commission on Accreditation shall evaluate doctoral, internship and postdoctoral residency programs in professional psychology, in accordance with published criteria and procedures. There shall be no fewer than 32 persons appointed to the Commission on Accreditation. To achieve appropriate balance between academic ...

  10. About APA Accreditation

    The APA Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) is the primary programmatic accreditor in the United States for professional education and training in psychology. As such, it accredits programs, not institutions or individuals. APA-CoA accredits doctoral graduate programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology and ...

  11. Applying to graduate school

    Preparing and applying for graduate school in psychology. This series of 12 videos takes prospective graduate students step-by-step through the preparation, application, interview, and admission processes. The presenters combine decades of advising experience and research findings with evidence-based and anxiety-reducing strategies for ...

  12. PhD in Clinical Psychology

    Fielding's doctoral program in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. It is the only distributed learning program accredited by the APA. The Psychology PhD serves adults, many of whom who have trained or worked in the mental health field.

  13. Graduate Study in Psychology

    Based on APA's popular print volume, Graduate Study in Psychology, Graduate Study in Psychology online database allows you to search and compare admissions information for masters and doctoral programs at schools and departments of psychology in the United States and Canada. Available for 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions. Graduate Study in Psychology is also available as part of the APA ...

  14. Why APA Accreditation Matters

    This means that APA accreditation only extends to specific doctoral graduate programs, doctoral internships and postdoctoral residencies in health service psychology. The accredited status of one specific program does not extend to other programs in the same department or institution. Other agencies accredit entire institutions.

  15. Clinical Psychology PhD

    The PhD in Clinical Psychology is an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited program, and also a program member of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP). The program adheres to the scientist/practitioner model of training, and requires a number of clinical and research practica in addition to an extensive course curriculum.

  16. Online education: Graduate programs

    At the doctoral level, the APA Commission on Accreditation reviews programs in clinical, counseling and school psychology, as well as programs that offer education in a combination of these three areas. CoA does not review or accredit bachelor's or master's programs, nor does it review doctoral programs in on-practice subfields.

  17. PhD In Clinical Psychology

    The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology is accredited, on contingency, by the American Psychological Association (APA), with an initial date of accreditation of April 5, 2020. The program is accredited, on contingency, through April 5, 2025. Questions related to the program's accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on ...

  18. Clinical Psychology

    GSAPP's APA-accredited Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program aims to educate the next generation of practitioner-scholar psychologists. ... Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. 152 Frelinghuysen Road Piscataway, NJ 08854-8020 (848) 445-2000.

  19. Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs

    An online Ph.D. in psychology program focuses on studying emotional, cognitive and social functions, and human behavior. Psychologists interpret, observe, and record how people interact in various settings. Fully online psychology Ph.D. programs target students with career interests in research, academia, and non-clinical fields.

  20. Best Online Doctorates In Psychology Of 2024

    The programs on this list vary greatly in terms of cost. On the high end, the Chicago School at Los Angeles charges $1,703 per credit. At $528 per credit, Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale offers ...

  21. The Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

    The doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology program at Touro University Worldwide offers an online option for doctoral students. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.

  22. Best Online Doctorate In Psychology Programs

    Based in Pasadena, California, Saybrook University offers a 66-credit online psychology Ph.D. degree. Students need 60-75 credits to graduate, finishing the program in 5-6 years. Although the program follows a web-based format, Ph.D. candidates participate in on-campus residential orientations and conferences as well.

  23. List of APA-accredited programs

    A separate list will be available annually for doctoral programs, doctoral internships, and postdoctoral residencies, each of which will include programs with fully-accredited, "accredited, on contingency", "accredited, on probation", "accredited, inactive", and withdrawn statuses. The lists for 2018 and those published afterwards ...

  24. Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.

    About the Program Format: In person on the Statesboro CampusCredit Hours: 114-124Entry Term: Fall The APA-accredited doctorate program in clinical psychology at Georgia Southern University (GS) is a full time, day program offering a course of study leading to the Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree. The program's curriculum prepares graduates for the practice of psychology

  25. Clinical Psychology

    Psy.D. In Clinical Psychology. Welcome to the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program at Florida Institute of Technology. The program at Florida Tech that leads to a Psy.D. in clinical psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association* and offers students training based on a practitioner-scholar model that prepares students for entry-level positions as clinical psychologists.

  26. Best Online Doctoral Programs Of 2024

    The American Psychology Association-accredited program focuses on school psychology and counseling and prepares you to work as a psychologist in various environments.

  27. PDF Yes No If yes, provide website link (or content from brochure) where

    Program Costs 2023-2024 1st-year Cohort Cost Tuition for full-time students (in-state) $19,800.00 Tuition for full-time students (out-of-state) $19,800.00