Top 7 APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Degree Programs

Many professionals working in the psychology field choose to enhance their career opportunities with a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Most states require licensed psychologists to get their education through a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

The APA only accredits doctoral programs and doesn't accredit any programs that are offered completely online.

However, there are a few accredited programs that offer at least some of the coursework online so you can earn your degree faster.

Best APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Degree Programs

Read on for more details on some of the best APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs that you can do partially online.

1. Albizu University

There are several different branches of Albizu University, with the one in San Juan, Puerto Rico offering a hybrid doctorate in clinical psychology.

This program is one of only two APA-accredited hybrid online doctoral programs in the country.

Lectures are delivered online, while your practicum must be completed in person. There may also be other in-person requirements.

Tuition for the program starts at $1,050 per credit hour. Scholarships and other financial aid options are available, as well as a payment plan.

2. Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Graduate University in California was the first hybrid doctorate in clinical psychology program to receive APA accreditation.

The program is designed so that you can complete your practicum and fieldwork in your local community and attend virtual classes online.

Expect it to take between five and six years of study to earn your doctorate in clinical psychology from Fielding.

Tuition starts at a flat rate of $9,890 per term. Scholarships and other financial assistance are available to all qualifying students.

Programs Accredited by Other Accreditation Commissions

Before you enroll in these programs, make sure it will qualify for licensure in the state where you want to practice.

3. Alliant International University

Alliant International University's online doctorate in clinical psychology includes a California licensure track if you want to practice there.

There's no guarantee that this program will meet the qualifications for licensure in any other state, so choose wisely.

In California, you'll still need to complete 3,000 hours of supervised fieldwork before you can sit for the licensure exam.

Tuition starts at $1,326 per credit hour. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid can help reduce the cost of your education.

4. National University

National University (NU) offers a doctorate in clinical psychology that is 100% online, although you'll still have to complete in-person fieldwork.

The program is designed so that you can complete your fieldwork in your local area while attending asynchronous online classes.

The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Check licensure requirements with your state board.

Tuition starts at $1,085 per credit hour. NU offers generous financial aid packages as well as military discounts to help finance your education.

5. Saybrook University

At Saybrook University, you can earn an online doctorate in clinical psychology in as little as five years of full-time study.

Although the program is entirely online, there are residential events you must attend at Saybrook's Pasadena, CA campus.

This Ph.D. program meets the educational requirements for licensure and certification in the following states:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Ohio
• Texas
• Wisconsin

Tuition starts at $1,590 per credit hour. Federal loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options are available for qualifying students.

6. The University of Arizona Global Campus

Look to The University of Arizona's Global Campus if you want to earn your doctorate in clinical psychology 100% online.

The program features accelerated six- to nine-week courses so you can potentially earn your degree and work towards licensure faster.

If you're planning on seeking licensure as a clinical psychologist, check with your state board to ensure that this program meets its requirements.

Tuition starts at $1,082 per credit hour. Scholarships and other financial aid options are available for all students who qualify.

7. Walden University

Consider Walden University for your 100% online doctoral degree in clinical psychology.

The program includes an academic year in residence, supervised practicum, and internships so you can gain hands-on experience.

Walden's program is designed to academically prepare you for licensure, but check with your state first to make sure it meets state requirements.

Tuition starts at $515 per quarter hour for coursework. Each of the four residencies is $1,420. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

FAQs about Online Clinical Psychology Degree Programs

Keep reading for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about online clinical psychology doctoral degree programs.

Can You Still Get Licensure with a Degree from a Program That's Not APA-Accredited?

That depends on the state in which you want to practice. Some states allow programs accredited by other commissions or agencies.

Check with your state board before you enroll in a program to make sure you'll be able to get licensed after you earn your degree.

How Do You Know If a Degree Program Is Accredited?

Most programs that are accredited will state this up front on the webpage that has information about the program.

You can also search for a program on the APA's website. If it's accredited, it will show up on the APA's list.

Are Online Clinical Psychology Degrees Respected?

As long as you get your degree from an APA-accredited program, that's all that really matters and your degree will be respected.

All accredited programs, regardless of how much of their content is online, must meet the same rigorous accreditation standards.

Find the Right School for Clinical Psychology Today

If you already work in the psychology field, enhance your career opportunities with an accredited online doctorate in clinical psychology.