Knowing which online psychology programs are APA accredited will give you enough options to choose from. An APA-accredited program guarantees that you can do your job well after graduation.
So, whether you are looking for an online doctorate graduate program in psychology or a master’s degree, APA accreditation is an important factor to consider.
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Which Online Psychology Programs Are APA Accredited?
The Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University is one of the few online psychology programs that boast accreditation from the American Psychology Association or APA.
This is a self-paced course that focuses on social justice and diversity, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and health psychology. (1)
Another online doctorate program in psychology that is APA accredited is one from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. (2)
APA does not accredit bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It only accredits postdoctoral residency, doctoral, and internship programs.
While APA does not accredit fully online psychology programs, many accredited online schools are legitimate and accredited at the regional, national, or institutional levels.
It is wise to check the accreditation status of any online psychology program before you choose one.
APA’s website provides a comprehensive list of accredited programs and includes information about how to choose the right program. (3)
The website provides an extensive list of APA-accredited doctoral programs all over the United States.
The website also provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding accreditation. A list of accredited programs is published on APA’s website.
By achieving APA accreditation, a graduate is more likely to obtain a credential that will qualify them for employment in an accredited setting. Additionally, some states require graduate psychology graduates to obtain APA accreditation.
APA accreditation of online psychology programs is a good indicator of quality.
Hence, it’s the reason why it’s critical for you to do some research prior to choosing an online program. Visiting the APA website is a good way to start your research.
While APA doesn’t accredit fully online programs, hybrid and in-person programs are great options for students seeking licensure or a Ph.D.
A Ph.D. in psychology sets you up for a career in academia or research. The primary focus of Ph.D. psychology programs is research, not therapeutic practice.
However, while some programs focus solely on creating scientists, others combine the two roles by encouraging students to conduct research in order to help others.
The overall goal of a Ph.D. program is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they will need to be successful in the field.
The accreditation process ensures that an online Ph.D. program meets certain standards, and it can help you get the education you need to meet the requirements for licensing and professional practice.
Accreditation agencies provide assurance to potential employers and licensing boards that an online program meets its standards.
Aside from accreditation from the APA, there are other accrediting agencies that you can look out for when considering online psychology programs.
These accreditation agencies are the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), and Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS).
While you won’t be able to find a master’s degree program that’s APA-accredited, you will be able to find other accredited programs.
Accreditation helps you to distinguish an institution from a diploma mill, which is not accredited.
Accredited institutions deliver quality education, while unaccredited ones offer students nothing of value.
Accreditation helps organizations determine their strengths and weaknesses. Having standards that other organizations strive to meet improves their performance and serves as a source for improvement.
Accredited institutions also encourage communication among staff. They also share best practices with each other, which increases staff engagement.
Besides the credibility it gives to a college or university, accreditation measures the quality of education offered.
The prescribed curriculum must be up-to-date and relevant to the needs of students today.
Globalization and technology are changing professions and industries faster than ever. Accreditation also measures the expertise of faculty and students.
If an institution is accredited, students can transfer their education to another accredited institution or enter a particular field with confidence. And in this increasingly competitive world, it is worth every penny to choose a college that is accredited.
As the industry strives to improve the quality of care, accreditation helps organizations meet these standards.
While accreditation may not necessarily be mandatory, most institutions commit to rigorous internal and external review programs.
This process helps institutions maintain their standards and abide by the requirements set by the accreditation body.
It also helps institutions meet regulatory requirements. In many cases, accreditation also means that they follow the same stringent standards that other universities follow.
It is also an important indicator of the quality of care received by patients.
The best online psychology degree programs are flexible, allowing students to work and study at the same time.
A busy working professional can finish his or her education from the comfort of their home and study at their own pace.
In addition to providing the highest quality degree in psychology, accredited online programs also provide support services such as academic advising, enrollment counseling, and career services.
Accredited online psychology degree programs provide individualized attention, extensive student support resources, and a rigorous curriculum.
In addition to a strong foundation in the field of psychology, accredited programs also help graduates obtain the knowledge necessary for further education and national licensure.
Is University Of Phoenix APA-Accredited?
Yes, The University of Phoenix is the only online university that is APA accredited. (4)
Aside from its APA accreditation, this online university is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The University of Phoenix began as a brick-and-mortar institution in 1976. Founder John Sperling wanted to make higher education affordable for working adults, so the requirements for enrollment were high school diplomas and some college credits. It began offering online courses in 1989.
The university quickly expanded and by 2000. This expansion led to an increase in enrollment, and the University of Phoenix became one of the largest for-profit institutions in the United States. (5)
Is Capella Psychology Program APA-Accredited?
The Capella Psychology programs are not APA-accredited since they are not Ph.D. degree programs.
Capelle University offers master’s degrees in psychology, bachelor’s degrees in psychology, and certificates in psychology.
Its Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology is a PSYD program and is, therefore, not APA- accredited.
Nonetheless, graduates of these programs meet the education requirements to practice in California.
The programs also offer a variety of options for licensure, as well as ample support and resources.
Is Snhu Accredited By APA?
The Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is not accredited by APA. However, the said institution is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE).
None of the online psychology programs are APA accredited since SNHU does not offer any Ph.D. degree programs.
Its offerings are the following programs: bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and master’s degree programs.
While the MS in the psychology program at SNHU does not lead to licensure, it offers a strong foundation in cognitive, social, and research methods.
Graduate students can tailor their degree by choosing their concentrations and combining them with core coursework. This allows them to focus on the specific areas of psychology they’re interested in. The degree program will prepare them to work in a variety of fields.
The list of online psychology programs that are APA accredited may seem limited to Ph.D. programs. That’s okay since there are other accrediting agencies to look out for when choosing an online psychology program.
