Exploring Accreditation for Psychology Programs

One of the most popular programs of study that online students pursue is psychology. When looking for the online psychology program that works best for you, one of the most important factors to research is the program’s accreditation. Who granted it? Is the accrediting agency recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)? What accreditation do employers, schools, hospitals and clinics look for in graduates?

The foremost organization in psychology in the United States is the American Psychological Association (APA), whose Commission of Accreditation (COE) accredits the following kinds of doctoral programs with specializations in clinical psychology, counseling, and school psychology. The APA will also accredit post-doctorate internships in both clinical and specialized areas, as well as for professional practices, students, university program directors, and public interest groups. The purpose of this is to provide a forum for students, educators, practitioners and the public to exchange ideas, address common issues, and to ensure quality assurance and public accountability.

But just what is the accreditation process for the APA? Accreditation with the APA is a voluntary, 18-month process. The APA states that any psychology Ph.D. program must first be regionally accredited in order to be considered for APA accreditation. An institution seeking accreditation must also complete a self-evaluation of its school, department, or program of psychology, which will then be reviewed by the COE. If approved for an on-site visit by the Commission, the institution’s program will then be peer-reviewed by a team of experienced professionals in the field. Afterwards, the program is then added to the review agenda, followed by a decision to approve or deny accreditation.

In the event that an accredited program’s practices become inconsistent with the APA guidelines, the program can be placed on probation, which may lead to revocation of accreditation.

But because the APA only accredits educational programs and internships at the doctoral level, there are other accrediting bodies for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in psychology, including:

• The Masters in Psychology & Counseling Accreditation Council (MPAC) accredits programs with a commitment to science-based training and experimentation in professional psychology.
• The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits master’s degree programs in counseling in addiction, career, mental health, marriage, and student affairs. CACREP also accredits doctoral programs in Counselor Education and Supervision.
• The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is one of the specialized professional associations of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). NCATE accredits education programs that prepare graduates for working at K-12 institutions. Additionally, NASP awards national recognition to programs that fit standards for training and field placement in K-12 schools.

When exploring your options for psychology programs online, it is recommended that the program is accredited by one of the aforementioned associations, as well as any regional accrediting bodies. For more information on which psychology programs are recognized as accredited, contact the school or search for its accreditation status on College Navigator.