Best APA-Accredited Hybrid PsyD Programs in 2025

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs prepare students for roles as licensed psychologists. Students with career goals in counseling psychology, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, or other professional psychology roles can advance their careers with a PsyD. Many schools across the country offer accredited PsyD programs to students.

PsyD programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) are considered the best PsyD options because they meet various strict criteria. Accredited hybrid degrees are offered by several schools and give students the flexibility to blend online and in-person components. Continue reading to explore the top APA-accredited hybrid PsyD programs.

What Is a Hybrid Doctor of Psychology Program?

A hybrid Doctor of Psychology program combines online didactic coursework with in-person requirements. Depending on the program, students can complete a few classes or many classes through online coursework.

There are two types of doctoral psychology degree programs. PsyD programs are practice-focused, while Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are more focused on academia. PsyD programs are typically designed to prepare students for licensure as psychologists, while PhD programs prepare students for careers such as psychology professors and researchers.

PsyD programs, whether hybrid or in-person, typically include various face-to-face components as well. These might vary by program and state, but can include both on-campus experiences and hands-on practicum hours. To qualify for psychologist licensure, students usually need to complete a specific number of supervised and independent hours, which are usually fulfilled through fieldwork and internship experiences.

Does the APA Accredit Hybrid PsyD Programs?

Many PsyD programs across the U.S. are accredited by the APA, but the vast majority of these are offered via traditional, on-campus programs. To practice in the field of mental health as a clinical psychologist, students must develop skills through clinical experiences as part of their psychology degree program.

The reason that PsyD programs are not specifically hybrid programs is that states require graduates to have fulfilled various applicable requirements before issuing a psychologist license. However, there are a few schools that offer APA-accredited PsyD programs with some level of hybrid design.

Top Hybrid APA-Accredited PsyD Programs

The best online PsyD programs offer students the flexibility that fits their needs while providing high-quality experiences. We'll discuss some of the top programs offered in a hybrid format and accredited by the APA.

1. The Chicago School

The Chicago School offers a hybrid PsyD in applied clinical psychology that can be completed in three years, if enrolled full-time. Students complete most coursework online and attend four on-campus residencies during the program. Students may also meet professors for dissertation guidance and complete in-person clinical training hours required for licensure.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,815 per credit
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers a PsyD in school psychology that can be completed in four years. While the program is available on campus, students may complete some courses through a hybrid format. The program includes evidence-based coursework in child development and psychopathology, and awards students with a Master of Science (MS) in psychology during the course of their studies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,396 per credit
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Rivier University

Rivier University offers a PsyD in counseling and school psychology that integrates two fields of psychology so that students are prepared for a range of settings. The five-year program is primarily on-campus, but students can complete some foundational coursework online. Students complete in-person components throughout the program, including campus sessions and practicum experiences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,275 per credit
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Other Hybrid PsyD Programs

Depending on state licensing requirements, students may not need to complete an APA-accredited PsyD program. Review more of the top hybrid PsyD programs offered in the U.S.

California Southern University

California Southern University offers an online PsyD program with two specialization options: a general psychology program and clinical psychology program. The clinical PsyD program is designed to prepare students for licensure and takes four to five years to complete (full-time). Students can complete supervised clinical practice hours and take courses like cultural diversity, physiological psychology, and ethics in psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $645 per credit
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Meridian University

Meridian University offers a PsyD in clinical psychology through both online and hybrid formats. Students can select from more than a dozen concentration options, including clinical psychology and integral psychology. The program takes three to four years of full-time study to complete and provides a holistic and dynamic approach to psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $676 per credit
• Accreditation: WSCUC

Capella University

Capella University offers an online PsyD in school psychology that consists of 145 credit hours and allows students to transfer in up to 50 credits. The program includes online coursework, one residency, a part-time practicum, and a full-time internship. Students develop the necessary clinical skills for professional licensure and take courses in child development, biological psychology, and collaboration.

• Estimated tuition cost: $555 per credit
• Accreditation: HLC

FAQs About Hybrid PsyD Degree Programs

There are several factors that students should consider when deciding on a PsyD program, including both the features of the program and the needs of the student. For example, some students may prefer accelerated PsyD programs so that they can obtain licensure sooner. Students looking for online PsyD programs without dissertation requirements should also review program requirements when deciding on a program.

In choosing a school, students should also consider characteristics such as financial aid (grants, scholarships, and more) availability, localized placements, accreditation status, and admissions requirements. While many programs are open to students with a bachelor's degree, some schools require a master's degree and/or specific prerequisites.

Does APA Accredit Online Doctoral Programs?

The APA accredits different types of programs, but it does not accredit any fully online PsyD programs. Individual states set psychologist licensure requirements, and counseling psychologists must complete a specific number of practice hours. Mental healthcare roles require real-world skills and competencies, including roles such as counseling psychologists in public or private practice or roles as school psychologists.

Is Capella University's PsyD Program APA-Accredited?

No, Capella University's PsyD program is not accredited by the APA. This does not necessarily mean that Capella's program doesn't meet state licensure requirements. Students should review their state's licensing requirements to determine if Capella's PsyD program will make them eligible for their psychologist license.

Is National University's PsyD program APA-Accredited?

Yes, National University's PsyD program is accredited by the APA. There are currently more than 100 APA-accredited PsyD programs offered throughout the U.S., including National University. Like most accredited programs, it is offered on campus and does not have a hybrid format option.

What Can I Expect From an APA-Accredited PsyD Program?

A program that is accredited by the APA has been evaluated and approved by the organization. Obtaining APA accreditation is voluntary and costs a school money, so a lack of accreditation is not necessarily indicative of lesser quality. Graduating from an APA-accredited program typically qualifies you for licensure and is a requirement for roles within the federal government.

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