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- What master's and doctoral programs are APA-accredited?
- How does a program become accredited?
- What is accreditation?
- What kinds of programs are accredited?
- Why is accreditation important?
- What is the difference between APA accreditation and institutional accreditation?
- What happens when a program's accreditation is revoked?
- Are programs outside the United States accredited?
- Will I have trouble getting a job as a psychologist or becoming licensed if I don't go to an accredited program?
- How can I verify that a program is accredited?
Are programs outside the United States accredited?
Currently, the accrediting authority of the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) extends to programs in the United States, its territories and Canada. The CoA also accredits several programs in Puerto Rico.
In order to be eligible for accreditation by the APA, doctoral programs must be sponsored by an institution of higher education accredited by a nationally recognized regional accrediting body in the United States or, in the case of Canadian programs, the institution must be publicly recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada as a member in good standing.
The APA CoA will no longer accredit programs in Canada as of Sept. 1, 2015, in accordance with the revised agreement between the APA and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). Accreditation of programs in Canada will be handled solely by the CPA as of that date. No new applications from programs in Canada will be accepted by the APA after Jan. 1, 2008.
The CoA does not evaluate foreign degrees. Please contact the appropriate state licensing body for more information on this issue.