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• Best Online Doctorates In Psychology

Best Online Doctorates In Psychology Of 2024

Updated: Mar 28, 2024, 12:13pm

Psychologists don’t just work one-on-one with patients to treat behavioral and mental health issues. Today, psychologists advise corporations, study cognitive science and the brain, coach athletes to peak performance and help students thrive in school.

In addition to clinical counseling, an online doctorate in psychology can lead to well-paying work in diverse fields like education, business, social services, nonprofit management and community organizing.

To help with your search, Forbes Advisor reviewed 43 programs and ranked eight schools that met our criteria. Each school demonstrates a commitment to student experience, outcomes, credibility and affordability. Programs include Ph.D.s, Psy.D.s and Ed.D.s, with specializations like leadership, community or educational psychology. Explore our recommendations below.

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Our Methodology

We ranked eight accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degrees in psychology in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed all eight schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Doctorates in Psychology

Should you enroll in an online psychology doctoral program, accreditation for online doctoral programs in psychology, how to find the right online doctorate in psychology for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in psychology, national louis university, liberty university, keiser university-ft lauderdale, university of the southwest, the chicago school at los angeles, southern california seminary, william james college, adler university.

Graduate Tuition

$800/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

This Chicago-based college was founded in 1886 with a mission to train elementary school teachers. Today, National Louis University (NLU) offers a fully online Ph.D. in community psychology to prepare professionals for work in areas including housing, urban education, child abuse and substance abuse.

NLU teaches the foundations of community psychology and encourages learners to research topics that pique their interest. Coursework provides training in quantitative and qualitative methods, grant writing, advocacy, and community development. Online learners complete an internship and dissertation in addition to coursework. NLU offers both synchronous and asynchronous formats.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 69 to 72 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Community organizing, statistics for community psychology
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, internship required

$595/credit (full-time)

Liberty University ’s Ph.D. in psychology teaches human behavior from a biblical perspective. This nonclinical, nonlicensure program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Liberty offers six specializations, including social psychology and developmental psychology. Learners conduct their own research, with the opportunity to present their work at conferences. Optional on-campus intensive courses allow students to deepen their academic and professional skills alongside faculty and classmates.

Current and former military members and their spouses qualify for discounted tuition at $300 per credit.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Psychological research and biblical worldview, teaching of psychology
• Concentrations Available: Behavioral health leadership, developmental psychology, general psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, social psychology, theology
• In-Person Requirements: No, but optional in-person intensives offered

$528/credit (in-state)

The Fort Lauderdale branch of Keiser University , Florida’s largest private, nonprofit university, offers a research-based online Ph.D. in psychology. The program employs a “scholar-practitioner” model that integrates leading research and professional practices into the classroom experience.

The school offers hybrid and fully online programming. Online learners have access to technical support and academic counseling. With courses held in eight-week terms, students can complete the program in as little as 36 months.

Keiser also offers a baccalaureate entry path; admitted students only need a bachelor’s degree before starting their Ph.D.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Behavioral neuroscience, sociocultural basis of behavior
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two residencies required

$799/credit (in-state)

The University of the Southwest (USW) offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in educational psychology. The degree suits professionals who work or hope to work in educational leadership and administration. USW’s curriculum focuses on four key areas: leadership foundations, organizational dynamics and change, strategic planning, and research. With an optional self-design track, learners can customize their specialization courses.

Online learners receive free virtual healthcare and a free laptop in their first course. The tuition price includes the cost of all textbooks and course materials. Students can also access leading software designed to guide them through the dissertation process.

Two clinical residencies provide real-world experience. They can be completed in person or virtually.

• Application Fee: N/A
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organizational dynamics of human behavior, advanced study of educational psychology
• In-Person Requirements: No, but optional in-person residencies offered

$1,703/credit

The Chicago School at Los Angeles ’ Ph.D. in international psychology prepares learners to work in organizations with global missions. In addition to classwork, the program features an international internship and real-world training opportunities. Students complete two on-campus residencies and two international field experiences.

Learners must pass written and oral comprehensive exams and complete an original dissertation addressing a gap in international psychology’s professional study. The nonlicensure program can be completed in three and a half years.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of international psychology; ethics and professional development
• Concentrations Available: Organizations and systems, trauma services
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, residencies and international trip required

$650/credit (in-state)

Southern California Seminary ’s nonlicensure Psy.D. program uniquely integrates theology and psychology to prepare learners for private counseling, local church ministry, or work in a service or institutional setting. The El Cajon-based school also offers an M.A. to Psy.D. track, which requires a minimum of 99 credits.

Students can choose between four emphases: psychology, educational psychology, international/multicultural psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. Classes begin every seven weeks.

In addition to academic requirements, learners must demonstrate moral integrity and be recommended for graduation by at least four faculty members.

• Application Fee: $85
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 to 73 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Advanced psychosocial basis of behavior, hermeneutics
• Concentrations Available: Psychology, educational psychology, international/multicultural psychology, industrial/organizational psychology
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,675/credit (in-state)

William James College ’s Psy.D in leadership psychology integrates hands-on experience with classroom learning to deeply explore how humans function as leaders and followers. Full-time students can complete the program in four years, while part-time students may take six years.

Students can concentrate in four psychology subject areas or participate in a co-curricular college-wide concentration such as Asian or Latino mental health.

The blended program features a mix of online synchronous activities, like webinars and team projects, as well as asynchronous discussion boards, readings, and pre-recorded lectures. Program graduates complete 900 hours of supervised field training: a 600-hour practicum and 300-hour internship. Practicum sites include Comcast and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. The college is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

• Application Fee: $60
• Degree Credit Requirements: 68 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: The neurobiology of leadership, organization development and change
• Concentrations Available: Educational leadership, inclusive leadership, leading nonprofits and NGOs, neuroscience of leadership psychology
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for required residencies

$972/credit (in-state)

The online Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology by Chicago-based Adler University helps graduates reach their full potential in organizational settings. Elective courses teach skills like consulting, talent management and entrepreneurship.

Learners without a master’s degree can enroll in a 90-credit post-bachelor’s program; those with a master’s degree in a related field can finish in as little as three years. To graduate, learners must pass a comprehensive exam and complete a dissertation in addition to a 200-hour social justice practicum at an aligned community site.

• Application Fee: $32
• Degree Credit Requirements: 90 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organizational theory; job and task analysis
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, practicum required

While an online psychology doctoral degree has its upsides, it isn’t the right move for everyone. In light of the huge commitment of time and money—to say nothing of effort—think hard about factors like budget, scheduling and learning style.

Online doctoral programs often cost less than campus programs since they allow you to save on big-ticket expenses like housing and transportation. Plus, some state schools extend in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of their state residency status.

Online learning provides flexibility to work around work and family obligations. However, some programs mix asynchronous lessons with synchronous events like discussion groups.

Remote learning works well for disciplined self-starters. But if you need the accountability and support that come with in-person learning, an online doctoral program might not be a good fit for you.

There are two kinds of accreditation to consider in online psychology doctoral programs: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation is given by bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). To receive federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited institution. Several institutions on this list have earned accreditation by regional agencies like SACSCOC or the Higher Learning Commission.

Programmatic accreditation proves that a degree has been vetted to meet certain academic standards. The primary accreditor for post-graduate psychology programs in the U.S. is the American Psychology Association (APA), which accredits Ph.D. and Pys.D. programs. APA accredits specific degrees, not departments. You can find programs using APA’s accredited programs search tool . WHAT

To confirm a college’s accreditation status, search CHEA’s directory .

Consider Your Future Goals

To choose the best program for you, think through your long-term career goals. This helps inform whether you should pursue a Psy.D. or Ph.D. and what kind of field experience you may need to complete.

Programs vary in their focus on clinical application of psychological principles versus research and classroom instruction. For example, William James College’s Pys.D. in leadership psychology allows learners to work an additional 150 practicum hours beyond the program requirement. The extra hands-on experience could help you prepare for more specialized psychology careers .

A degree from an APA-accredited program is required for some employment opportunities and, in some states, licensure. If you intend to become a licensed psychologist after graduation, make sure your program prepares you for this path.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

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 the cheapest option. Both programs require 60 credits, putting our range between about $31,000 and $102,000.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to learn about financial aid opportunities. Other financing options to explore include assistantships, scholarships, grants and loans.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in psychology?

A psychology doctorate typically takes four to six years, but some programs can be completed in less time. In addition to coursework, programs generally require clinical or practicum hours and a dissertation.

Is it worth it to get a doctorate in psychology?

A doctorate in psychology is not easy to obtain, but it can help you land an in-demand job that tends to pay well. However, many people pursue this degree out of personal interest rather than a desire for financial gain.

Is a Psy.D. higher than a Ph.D.?

Both degrees concern the same subject matter, but a Psy.D. focuses on clinical practice, while a Ph.D. has more to do with scientific research. Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy , programs are more common and contain more sub-fields. A Psy.D., or Doctor of Psychology, focuses on preparing students to serve clients and patients.

Is a psychology doctorate hard?

Doctorate programs are generally difficult and take a long time to complete. The vast field of psychology features training in both the natural and social sciences. In addition to years of coursework, most psychology doctorate programs require supervised practicum hours and an original dissertation.

Garrett Andrews is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Political Science at Portland Community College where he teaches State and Local Government.

PhD in Clinical Psychology

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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!  

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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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Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

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Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.

Curious about human behavior, group dynamics, and abnormal psychology? A psychology degree sheds light on our social and emotional world. But if you want to become a psychologist, you’ll need a doctorate.

An online Ph.D. in psychology can prepare you for careers in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, school psychology, and other specialties. And an online learning format makes it easier to reach your educational goals. Learn how to choose a program and launch your career as a psychologist.

Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Psychology?

• An online Ph.D. in psychology can qualify you for the title of psychologist in various specializations.
• Many psychology careers boast high median salaries.
• You can get a Ph.D. in psychology online from a great school, even if you live far away.
• Some institutions charge online learners in-state tuition rates, regardless of where they live.
• Asynchronous coursework makes it easy to schedule coursework around professional and personal responsibilities.

Did You Know?

Check out our featured online psychology programs, does accreditation matter for online ph.d. programs in psychology.

Accreditation matters when earning an online doctoral degree in psychology. That’s because you’ll have a better chance at landing an internship during your doctoral program if you attend an accredited program.

What’s more, states require psychologists to graduate from an accredited program to apply for licensure.

Here’s how college accreditation works: Independent accrediting agencies evaluate colleges and universities. They research student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic standards.

Programs within a university can also apply for accreditation from specialized agencies dedicated to the field. You can look up accreditation for a school or program.

When researching Ph.D. programs in psychology, look for programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). These programs meet the highest standards for training psychologists.

While APA does not accredit online-only programs , it does accredit hybrid programs and Ph.D. programs with some online coursework. APA’s accredited program database provides more information on accredited doctoral programs in psychology.

Top Online Doctoral Degree in Psychology Programs

Keiser university-ft lauderdale.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $19,808
• Out-of-state $19,808
• Retention Rate 60%
• Acceptance Rate 97%
• Students Enrolled 20,330
• Institution Type Private
• Percent Online Enrollment 48%
• Accreditation Yes

Liberty University

• In-State $14,791
• Out-of-state $14,791
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 50%
• Students Enrolled 93,349
• Percent Online Enrollment 93%

Saybrook University

• In-State $0
• Out-of-state $0
• Retention Rate 0%
• Acceptance Rate 0%
• Students Enrolled 785
• Percent Online Enrollment 100%

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

• In-State $11,160
• Out-of-state $11,160
• Acceptance Rate 24%
• Students Enrolled 3,131
• Percent Online Enrollment 90%

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. in Psychology Cost?

An online doctorate in psychology generally costs anywhere from $50,000-$200,000.

Ultimately, how much you spend on your degree will depend on factors such as:

• Whether you pursue a Ph.D. in psychology (which usually lasts 4-7 years) or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) (which takes roughly 4-6 years)
• Whether you qualify for any in-state tuition discounts
• Whether you attend a public or private institution
• How much financial aid you get

Be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — with this, you can qualify for federal grants and loans. You could also qualify for institutional scholarships.

If possible, try to prioritize fully funded doctoral psychology programs.

In addition to tuition and required fees, you’ll need to budget for a good-quality laptop, reliable internet access, and any extra technology or distance-learner fees.

You’ll also need to pay for your state license and exam fees once you complete your program.

How Much Can You Make With an Online Psychology Ph.D.?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists earn a median salary of $92,740 per year . The highest-paid psychologists work in government agencies and hospitals.

Your specialization can affect how much you earn. For example, industrial-organizational psychologists earn a median annual salary of over $147,000, whereas child psychologists earn a much lower median salary, closer to $60,000.

Your location can also impact your earning potential as a psychologist. BLS data shows that Oregon and California offer some of the highest average salaries for psychologists.

Sources: BLS , Payscale

How to Become a Psychologist: 6-Step Guide

Becoming a psychologist requires years of graduate-level education and postdoctoral training. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to start your career as a psychologist.

Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Your journey toward a career in psychology begins with a bachelor’s degree. You’ll need a bachelor’s to apply to graduate programs in psychology.

A psychology degree offers a strong foundation for graduate-level study. You can also choose a specialized degree like industrial-organizational psychology or opt for a degree in a related mental health field such as social work .

Many majors — including in the humanities, the social sciences, education, and human services — can prepare you for psychology careers.

Step 2: Choose a Specialization

What kind of psychologist do you want to become? Are you interested in counseling roles or positions in education? Are you drawn to research topics or clinical practice?

Choosing a specialization early can help you find the best program to reach your goals.

Common psychology specializations include:

• Clinical psychology
• Counseling psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Behavioral psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• School psychology
• Health psychology

Step 3: Compare Online Doctoral Degrees in Psychology

Next, research online doctoral programs. Some psychologists move straight from a bachelor’s degree into a doctoral program, whereas others earn a master’s in psychology to strengthen their skills before applying to an online psychology Ph.D. program.

When researching graduate psychology programs, make sure to check the university’s accreditation status and the program’s accreditation.

As you compare programs, check whether they offer a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. Both degrees are doctorates in psychology, but a Ph.D. emphasizes research while a Psy.D. emphasizes practice.

You can earn a psychologist license and qualify for most roles with either degree. That said, a Ph.D. generally leads to academic and research roles, whereas a Psy.D. leads to clinical roles.

Consider as well your budget for a doctorate. Costs will vary depending on the program. Look into fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to lower costs.

Step 4: Earn a Doctorate in Psychology

Earning your doctorate in psychology takes a minimum of four years for a Psy.D. and up to seven years for a Ph.D.

During that time, you’ll take psychology courses and work closely with your faculty advisor to develop a dissertation project. You’ll also conduct research and gain clinical skills.

At the end of your online psychology Ph.D., you’ll defend your dissertation. Psy.D. programs may not require dissertation defense, but you will have to write one.

Common Courses in a Ph.D. in Psychology Online Program

• Advanced Qualitative Analysis
• Behavioral Assessment
• Clinical Practicum
• Developmental Psychology
• Ethics and Legal Issues
• Multivariate Statistics
• Psychobiology
• Psychopathology
• Survey Construction and Administration

Step 5: Fulfill Supervised Training Requirements

Before receiving your psychologist license, you’ll need to meet supervised training requirements.

Each state sets its own requirements, which you can meet during your doctorate or after graduating. For example, Washington state requires 3,300 hours of supervised experience, with the option to complete up to 1,500 hours after graduation.

Many psychologists complete this requirement as part of their doctoral program. Programs incorporate practicums, internships, and other supervised training opportunities. In some states, you can also meet supervised experience requirements through a postdoc or postgraduate internship.

Check the licensing requirements in your state for more information.

Step 6: Apply for Licensure

The final step to becoming a psychologist is to apply for a state license.

In many states, the Board of Psychology issues these licenses. Typically, you’ll need a doctorate in psychology from an accredited program, supervised experience, and passing scores on a licensure exam.

Aspiring psychologists in all states must take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). You may have to take additional exams, depending on what state you live in. For example, most states require a state jurisprudence exam, which tests applicants on their knowledge of state laws applicable to psychology practice.

Exam and licensure costs vary by state. In New York, you’ll pay $294 for your initial license , while in Pennsylvania it costs $105 for an initial license and $300 to renew your license.

Q&A With a Real Psychologist and a Psychology Student

Q: why did you decide to pursue a career in psychology.

“I have always had a strong passion for helping others, and this drive led me to this field. It was after working as a behavior specialist doing in-home behavioral therapy that solidified my decision to pursue a career in psychology.”

“I wanted to ease people’s suffering and make sure there were supports in place for those who needed them. Moreover, I had negative experiences with the mental health system as an adolescent, and I wanted to ensure that those experiences weren’t repeated for other people.”

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of earning a doctorate in psychology?

“You are in a position to help individuals and our larger society. Along with providing direct treatment, you have credentials that allow you to advocate for systematic changes. You can advocate in a variety of ways, such as through assessments, creating community-based programs, and activism in legal arenas.”

“If I chose to do a master’s program, I don’t believe I would have had as many opportunities, and master’s-level clinicians tend to not make as much as doctorate-level clinicians/providers.”

Q: Why did you choose to earn a Psy.D. instead of a Ph.D. in psychology?

“I chose a Psy.D. program as opposed to a Ph.D. as my program really emphasizes putting what we learn in classes to practice in our practicum sites. I also did not want to attend a program so heavily focused on research.”

“I didn’t just look at program types, but also at the faculty I wanted to work with. Both types of programs can offer similar training experiences, but having the right mentor whose research or interests aligns with yours is a key part of a successful graduate school experience.”

Q: What is something that surprised you about your psychology program or the field of psychology?

“How much we don’t know! While the field is improving on its ability to replicate research and evaluate treatment effectiveness, we don’t fully understand how and why individuals react, or don’t react, to popular interventions.”

“As a trainee, I was shocked to see what goes into being a great practitioner and having only a fraction of the work put in get rewarded. This is a selfless job and career, and the needs of those we help must always be a priority.”

Q: What is your biggest piece of advice to those who want to become psychologists?

“Listen to the people who come to you for assistance and be mindful of social and political influences on mental wellness. Many individuals will not benefit from standardized interventions, particularly those from historically oppressed communities. We need to listen when people tell us what is, or is not, working for them and be open to other ways of healing.”

“Impostor syndrome is REAL! There will be many times in your training that you feel like you don’t belong or that you’re not as good as those around you, but this is not true! You belong in this field and are just as good as anyone around you — just don’t forget the reasons why you’re here!”

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs in Psychology

What can i do with an online ph.d. in psychology.

An online Ph.D. in psychology from an accredited program meets the requirements for a psychologist license. That means you can work in roles such as counseling psychologist, school psychologist, or clinical psychologist.

With a doctorate in psychology, you can also pursue academic and research careers. Most universities require a doctorate for tenure-track professor jobs.

Before applying to online psychology programs, check the program’s accreditation status. Only accredited programs meet the requirements psychology licensure and employment.

Is an online doctoral degree in psychology credible?

Yes, an accredited online doctoral degree in psychology meets the same high standards as those of traditional degrees. Accreditation agencies regularly review programs to ensure they follow the best practices for training psychologists.

Employers also respect online degrees from accredited institutions. Many online universities issue the same diplomas to online and in-person students, indicating that the delivery method does not impact the quality of the degree.

How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. in psychology?

Earning a Ph.D. in psychology generally takes 5-7 years. During that time, psychology doctoral students complete coursework, attend practicums and internships, and conduct research. Doctoral programs also require a dissertation, which doctoral candidates must defend to earn their Ph.D.

Psychologists can practice with a Psy.D. as well. This doctoral degree emphasizes practice and typically requires 4-6 years. During a Psy.D. program, you’ll complete coursework, write your dissertation, and gain hands-on experience through supervised practicums and internships.

What is the main difference between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in psychology?

A Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in psychology are both doctoral degrees; however, the Psy.D. emphasizes practice and prepares graduates for careers in clinical settings, whereas the Ph.D. focuses on research and typically leads to roles in academia or research.

You can become a psychologist with a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. — both degrees meet the requirements for a psychologist license. If you’re interested in academic career paths, a Ph.D. makes the most sense, while a Psy.D. makes more sense if you want to work in a clinical capacity.

Can psychologists specialize?

Yes, psychologists can specialize. At the graduate level, psychology students typically choose a specialty, such as clinical psychology, school psychology, or counseling psychology.

Other popular specializations include educational psychology, health psychology, behavioral psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology.

After choosing a specialty, you’ll take focused courses and complete hands-on training in clinical settings related to that specialty. Choosing a specialty early on can help you find the right doctoral program for you.

All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team .

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024

Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

Shape your future with an online degree.

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

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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.

• 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

Graduate and Postgraduate Education

Advanced degrees in psychology prepare students for careers as researchers, academics, or licensed clinical psychologists, among many possibilities.

Available now: The Mastering APA Style Student Workbook

The Mastering APA Style Student Workbook is an online and interactive workbook for teaching and learning seventh edition APA Style. Explore the workbook to learn more, register for a webinar, watch a demo video, try a sample workbook, and purchase your copy .

Finding and applying to grad school

• Applying to graduate school Learn how to choose a program, stand out on your application, and find sources of funding to ease financial burden.
• Accreditation The APA Commission on Accreditation (CoA) and Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation work together to assess and accredit doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral programs.
• Diversity and accreditation Understanding and appreciating diversity goes beyond a consideration of gender and ethnicity to include issues such as sexual orientation, culture, socioeconomic background, and disability status.

Search for accredited programs

Getting your degree

Succeeding in Graduate School

Career development

psycPathways: Career Pathways for Psychology Students

APA’s psycPathways initiative tracks and analyzes postgraduation outcomes, student experiences, and workforce development for psychology degree holders. The goal of psycPathways is to provide valuable information that helps psychology programs improve their offerings and career services to better prepare students for their careers.

Postgraduate education

• Postdoctoral fellowships For careers in licensed practice, many states require a supervised postdoc. For careers in research settings, a postdoc can help establish your independence.
• Frequently asked questions about graduate school
• Online education: Graduate programs

Video Series

• Preparing and Applying for Graduate School in Psychology

APA Programs and Offices

• Graduate and Postgraduate Education and Training
• Center for Learning and Career Development

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 .

Related Pages

Programs Applying for Initial Accreditation

Programs Seeking Intent to Apply Status

Programs Withdrawing from Accreditation

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation

750 first st, ne  washington, dc 20002-4242 [email protected], telephone: (202) 336-5979  tdd/tty: (202) 336-6123  fax: (202) 336-5978 .