Programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) meet the highest standards and can help you find the best jobs.
While the APA doesn't accredit fully online programs, there are hybrid programs that might suit your needs.
With a hybrid program, you can take coursework at your own pace and on your own terms while some in-person coursework is required.
The APA only accredits programs at the doctoral level. All of these programs include an extensive internship component.
APA-Approved Hybrid Clinical Psychology Programs
Keep reading for more details about the best APA-accredited clinical psychology programs that have some coursework available online.
1. Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School offers a PsyD in clinical psychology through full-time, part-time, and online programs.
On-campus programs in Anaheim, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., are APA-accredited.
Online programs aren't APA-accredited, but you can take courses online and transfer them to an accredited program if you want to.
Tuition for the program starts at $1,703 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid could be available for qualifying students.
2.City College of New York
The City College of New York (CCNY) traditionally only offered its PsyD in clinical psychology on-campus.
However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, CCNY offers only online remote coursework.
The program is a mix of asynchronous and synchronous classes along with an in-person internship requirement.
Tuition starts at $560 per credit hour for NY residents or $965 per credit hour for non-residents. Financial aid is available.
3. Fielding Graduate University
Fielding Graduate University offers a hybrid PhD in clinical psychology that is the only hybrid program accredited by the APA.
The program is designed to be completed in five to six years of study and blends in-person with online learning formats.
The program is designed so you can stay in your local area and meet with faculty and students in your region.
Tuition for the program starts at $9,980 per term. Different types of financial aid, including loans, are available.
Non-Approved Online Clinical Psychology Programs
If online coursework is more important to you than APA-accreditation, one of these programs could work out well for you.
California Southern University
California Southern University offers an online PsyD program that combines online coursework with supervised internship experience.
Your internships are completed in your local area, so you don't have to travel to the school's campus in Arizona.
The program is designed to be completed in four to five years, with asynchronous courses so you can study when it's convenient for you.
Tuition starts at $545 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid are available if you qualify.
Capella University
Capella University offers two online PsyD programs to help you advance your career in clinical psychology.
The online PsyD in clinical psychology provides a combination of online coursework and in-person internship experience.
Since this program isn't APA-accredited, make sure it fulfills the licensing requirements of your state before you apply.
Tuition starts at $555 per credit hour. Capella offers non-need-based scholarships of up to $20,000 for new doctoral students.
National University
National University (NU) offers a PsyD online that can jumpstart your career in clinical psychology and prepare you to serve your community.
NU's program is normally delivered on-site in Pleasant Hill, CA, but some coursework can be completed online.
The program has applied for and anticipates full APA-accreditation by the end of 2023.
Tuition starts at $406 per quarter unit. Scholarships are available, many of which are merit-based.
Saybrook University
Saybrook University's online PhD in clinical psychology provides you the skills to enter professional practice as a clinical psychologist.
The program meets the needs for professional licensure in the following states:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- New York
- Ohio
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
If you live in another state, make sure you check out the licensure requirements before you pursue a degree from Saybrook.
Tuition starts at $1,590 per credit hour. Scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.
Walden University
Walden University offers an online PsyD in clinical psychology that prepares you for licensure as a psychologist.
The program includes an academic year in residence so that it meets licensure requirements for all states.
You only need a bachelor's degree and no further test scores to apply for Walden's online PsyD program.
Tuition starts at $515 per quarter hour for both coursework and dissertation credits.
FAQs about APA-Approved Online Clinical Psychology Programs
Read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about online clinical psychology programs.
Can I Get a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Completely Online?
You cannot earn a doctorate completely online if you want to graduate from an APA-accredited program. The APA does not accredit fully online programs.
However, there are several hybrid programs that allow you to complete at least a portion of your coursework online.
Is APA Approval Really Necessary?
APA accreditation is voluntary. Getting your doctorate from an APA-accredited program will definitely jumpstart your career.
APA-accredited programs also tend to be better respected professionally, so you'll stand out from other applicants.
You can also get a job with a degree from a non-accredited program. But you might find that your employment options are more limited.
Can I Get Licensed If My Degree Isn't APA-Approved?
Licensure depends on your state. Many of the online programs that aren't approved by the APA are accredited by state or regional bodies.
Programs with state or regional accreditation are usually good if you're getting licensed in that state or region.
However, if you want to move to a different state or region, your degree might not be recognized there.
Find the Right University for Clinical Psychology Today
If you're interested in earning an online clinical psychology degree from an APA-approved program, remember that some of your coursework will need to be completed in person.