Accreditation

APA-accredited programs routinely undergo self-study as well as external review to ensure they have sufficient education and training resources and deal with cultural and diversity issues.

What Is APA Accreditation?

The APA Commission on Accreditation (CoA) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a programmatic accrediting body. APA Accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process of self-study and external review intended to evaluate, enhance and publicly recognize quality programs. The APA-CoA accredits:

  • Doctoral programs in clinical, counseling and school psychology

  • Doctoral internship programs in professional psychology

  • Postdoctoral residency programs in traditional and specialty areas of psychology


The APA-CoA does NOT accredit entire institutions, schools or programs at the master’s or bachelor’s levels.  In addition, APA accreditation applies to programs only, NOT to individuals.
More information about APA accreditation can be found on the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation web page.

Accreditation Information