New Online Clinical Psychology Programs & Accreditation Updates for 2026

The gap between growing demand for mental health professionals and the supply of qualified practitioners has never been wider. The American Psychological Association projects a shortage of nearly 80,000 health service psychology professionals by 2037, a number that pressures the field to rethink who can train, how, and at what cost.

Two developments in 2026 respond directly to that pressure: Arizona State University opens a fully online Master of Science in clinical psychology this fall, and the APA is expanding accreditation to master's-level programs for the first time. Together, they signal that online graduate education is moving from the margins toward the center of the profession.

In Arizona, where only about 15% of mental health care needs are currently being met, these changes are not theoretical. They are a direct answer to a service gap that looks similar or worse across most states. The mental health workforce shortage affecting counselors, social workers, and psychologists alike makes both developments worth understanding before you choose a program.

ASU Launches a Fully Online Master's in Clinical Psychology for Fall 2026

What does a fully online master's in clinical psychology look like, and can it really prepare you for licensure? Arizona State University intends to answer that with its new Master of Science in clinical psychology, accepting applications now for a fall 2026 start.

A Direct Response to the Provider Shortage

The American Psychological Association projects a deficit of nearly 80,000 health service psychology professionals nationwide by 2037. In Arizona alone, the Health Resources and Services Administration estimates that only about 15% of mental health care needs are currently being met.¹ Leah Doane, professor and chair of ASU's Department of Psychology, frames the new program as a deliberate adaptation of the doctoral model to the master's level: "We're adapting the doctoral training model to the master's level to reach more people." The aim, according to program director and clinical assistant professor Danielle Pandika, is to train professionals who can step directly into the gap: "Our goal is to train professionals who can step into the gap left by a critical shortage of well-trained providers."

For students weighing counseling vs psychology vs social work paths, this program represents a new pathway toward master's-level psychology licensure, a growing option in many states. The program's design also opens the door to dual licensure through the built-in addiction certificate, broadening career flexibility across integrated care settings.

How the Online MS Is Structured

Offered entirely online by ASU's Department of Psychology in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the 36-credit curriculum culminates in a 600-hour in-person practicum arranged in the student's own community under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. This supervised fieldwork ensures graduates meet the clinical contact hours required by many state licensing boards for master's-level psychology practice.

Students may also elect to add an online graduate certificate in addiction and substance-use related disorders. The certificate meets the educational requirements for addiction counselor licensure in Arizona and numerous other states, creating an expedited route to earning both a psychology credential and a substance-abuse counseling credential simultaneously. Prospective students interested in that track may also want to review addiction counseling graduate programs more broadly to understand how ASU's certificate compares.

AI-Powered Practice Before the First Client

One of the program's most distinctive features is an AI-based chatbot that lets students practice clinical interviewing and intervention techniques in a simulated environment before they work with live clients. Whitney Hansen, director of online initiatives and teaching professor, explains that the tool builds deliberate-practice hours early: "The AI chatbot gives students more chances to practice clinical skills and receive immediate feedback." This means incoming students arrive at their practicum sites with more rehearsed conversational frameworks and diagnostic reasoning than typical master's-level trainees.

The 2026 launch, announced May 29 by ASU, arrives as several states continue to move toward recognizing master's-level psychology practitioners for independent licensure. For counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and forensic psychology professionals already working with overlapping populations, the program adds an evidence-based clinical psychology foundation that can complement existing credentials.

• Affordability and accessibility: As a public university online offering, tuition falls below many private-sector alternatives.
• Fall 2026 admission: Applications are open, with the first cohort starting this autumn.
• Dual licensure potential: Completing the psychology MS alongside the addiction certificate can satisfy training requirements for two licenses at once.

Other New or Announced Online Clinical Psychology Programs for 2026–2027

A Growing List of Online Clinical Psychology Master's Programs

The launch of ASU's online MS in Clinical Psychology isn't happening in isolation. Several other institutions have recently updated or expanded their online clinical psychology curricula, and a few are preparing to welcome their first cohorts around the same time. While ASU's program is among the most visible , largely due to the university's scale and the program's direct ties to an APA-accredited doctoral training model , students now have more paths to a master's degree that can lead to licensure in states that recognize master's-level practitioners. Choosing a graduate program in psychology requires weighing accreditation status, clinical hour requirements, and licensure portability before committing.

• Pepperdine University continues to enroll students in its long-standing Online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology.² The 62, 68-unit program operates on a cohort model with four start dates per year and holds institutional accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission. It emphasizes clinical training with embedded field placements and prepares graduates for MFT or LPCC licensure in California and other states.
• Capella University offers a fully online MS in Clinical Psychology that carries programmatic accreditation through the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Because APA only began accrediting master's programs in 2024, 2025, MPCAC remains the most common specialized accreditation for online clinical psychology master's programs for now. Capella's degree includes supervised practicum and internship requirements and is designed to align with state licensure boards for professional counseling or psychology associate roles.
• Ball State University is launching a new Master of Arts in Psychology with a Clinical Science track, also starting fall 2026.³ The campus-based, 36-credit program is a newer addition to the landscape and suits students who prefer an in-person cohort environment.
• UTHealth Houston offers a 63-credit MS in Clinical Psychology completable in 24 months, designed for students in the Texas medical center ecosystem.⁴

Accreditation Status: What to Look For in 2026

At the master's level, the accreditation landscape is in transition. Historically, APA reserved accreditation for doctoral programs, so older online master's in clinical psychology pursued regional accreditation or MPCAC approval. With APA's new master's accreditation pathway now live (see Section 7), programs like ASU's are positioned to seek APA recognition once eligible. For students evaluating programs, it's essential to distinguish between:

• Institutional accreditation (e.g., WASC, Higher Learning Commission) , required for federal financial aid and baseline quality assurance.
• MPCAC accreditation , currently the most established specialized accreditation for clinical psychology master's programs, accepted by many state licensing boards.
• APA accreditation , the gold standard for doctoral programs; now beginning for master's, but no online clinical psychology master's program holds it yet as of mid-2026.

Structural Differences Across Online Programs

Not all programs are built alike, and the details matter for licensure portability and clinical readiness.

• Practicum hours: ASU mandates 600 in-person practicum hours in the student's local community.¹ Comparable online programs often range between 600 and 1,000 hours, with some dividing hours between practicum and internship. Students should verify that the required clinical experience meets the licensure board's minimum in their target state.
• Add-on certificates: ASU's optional graduate certificate in addiction and substance-use related disorders is a standout feature, directly preparing students for addiction counselor licensure. Other programs may offer concentrations in forensic psychology, child and adolescent treatment, or integrated behavioral health, but stackable credentials are less common.
• Admission model: Pepperdine uses fixed cohorts, which can build community but limits flexibility. ASU's 7.5-week online courses suggest a more modular enrollment pattern. Capella uses a continuous enrollment model. Each style suits different learner schedules.

The Bigger Picture

While ASU's program grabs headlines, the reality is that the online clinical psychology market is maturing. Students in 2026, 2027 can choose from regionally accredited, MPCAC-accredited, and eventually APA-accredited master's programs, each with distinct clinical hour requirements and state-by-state licensure implications. The key is to match program structure and accreditation status to the licensure rules where you intend to practice. As more states adopt master's-level psychology licensure, expect program announcements to accelerate through 2027.

Liberty University's Psyd Earns APA Accreditation: What Contingent Status Means

In November 2025, Western Kentucky University's PsyD in Clinical Psychology received initial accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).¹ Liberty University's PsyD in Clinical Psychology is similarly listed with contingent accreditation, a designation that signals a program is on track toward full recognition but still under active review.

What Contingent Accreditation Means

Contingent accreditation is granted to doctoral programs that demonstrate substantial compliance with APA standards but have specific, time-limited areas needing improvement. The program must submit annual reports and undergo a follow-up site visit before it can be considered for full accreditation. Students enrolled during this period are still considered graduates of an APA-accredited program, which preserves their eligibility for licensure and internships. For a deeper look at what this status means in practice, the Liberty University PsyD contingent accreditation status is covered in detail alongside broader context about APA review cycles.

How to Verify a Program's Current Status

Accreditation statuses can change between formal announcement cycles, so always confirm directly.

• Check the APA accredited programs database and use the "Search for Accredited Programs" tool. The database is updated annually, with the most recent cycle including 2025 decisions.² Look for entries under "contingent" or "initial" to see newer designations.
• Review the CoA's public meeting summaries or subscribe to the "Graduate Psychology Education" newsletter for early notices of new accreditations, contingencies, or status changes.
• Visit program-specific pages. Liberty University's PsyD details its accreditation under program statistics or an "Accreditations" tab; always cross-reference any institution's claim with the APA database.³

Why Accreditation Status Matters for Licensure

The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) coordinates licensure requirements across jurisdictions. Most U.S. states require a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program (contingent status included) to sit for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for clinical and counseling psychologists to grow faster than average, and graduation from an accredited program is a baseline qualifier for the internships and postdoctoral hours that lead to independent practice.

What 'initial,' 'contingent,' 'full,' and 'probation' Accreditation Mean for Students

As clinical psychology expands online, understanding accreditation labels is essential. Licensure boards and employers rely on these designations, and your financial aid eligibility depends on them. Here's exactly what each status means.

APA Accreditation Statuses: A Quick Guide

• Initial Accreditation: The first grant of accreditation to a new program.¹ It's retroactive to cohorts within a defined window, so confirm you're covered.² Licensure boards treat it as accredited; federal financial aid is available.³ Employers view it positively, though some may prefer established programs. Risk is low, but watch for timelines: initial status lasts 3-5 years before the program must qualify for continuing accreditation.¹

• Contingent/Provisional Accreditation: Often required before a program can enroll students. It indicates many standards are met, but specific conditions remain.⁴ Licensure eligibility usually holds as long as conditions are being met.⁴ Financial aid is typically available. Employer perception is generally neutral, but some may check progress. Risk is moderate; frequent monitoring and site visits are common.⁴ Stay informed on the program's path to full status.

• Full Accreditation: The gold standard. The program meets all APA standards and has documented outcomes.¹ Full eligibility for licensure and aid, with periodic review cycles (every 6-8 years).¹ Employer confidence is highest. Risk is very low; graduates are fully qualified.

• Probation Accreditation: The program remains accredited but has serious deficiencies.¹ Graduates are still considered graduates of an accredited program during probation, preserving licensure and aid eligibility.⁴ However, employers may be cautious. Risk is high; if issues aren't resolved, accreditation can be revoked.¹ Increased oversight and public disclosure are typical.

• Accreditation Revoked: The program loses all accreditation. Graduates after the revocation date may not meet licensure requirements or qualify for federal aid. Employer recognition disappears. Choose programs with stable histories to avoid this outcome.

What to Do If Your Program's Status Changes Mid-Enrollment

If your program's status shifts while you're enrolled, act quickly. Understanding how employers view online psychology degrees is one part of the picture, but your first step is to read all official communications from the program and accreditor. Contact your state licensing board to confirm whether the new status affects eligibility. For programs placed on probation, inquire about teach-out plans or options to transfer. In most cases, students enrolled during a status change remain covered, but proactive verification is your best protection.

Apa's Expansion to Master's-Level Accreditation: 2026 Timeline and Implications

Master's-level psychology education is undergoing its most significant accreditation shift in decades. For the first time, the American Psychological Association (APA) is opening formal accreditation to master's programs in health service psychology, a move that promises to standardize curriculum, clinical training, and quality across a rapidly growing tier of the mental health workforce.

A Historic Shift in Accreditation

Historically, the APA's Commission on Accreditation (CoA) only reviewed doctoral programs and internships. That focus left a notable gap: master's programs in clinical psychology often sought recognition through the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) or regional bodies, but none carried APA's authoritative stamp. The APA's decision to include master's-level accreditation was driven by the rising demand for mid-level providers and the parallel movement in state licensure laws. CACREP vs. APA accreditation are two distinct quality frameworks that now apply at different degree levels, and understanding both helps prospective students evaluate program credentials. The rollout is deliberately paced, with a modest number of applications accepted in the first cycles to allow for careful calibration of standards.

Where the Process Stands in Mid-2026

As of June 2026, the APA's master's accreditation pipeline is actively building. A total of 11 programs have formally applied since the pathway opened.¹ The first wave included five programs under review as early as September 2025.² An additional six applications were received by May 1, 2026, pushing the total pipeline to 11.¹ These programs are progressing through the standard three-stage sequence: self-study submission, CoA review, and on-site evaluation.³ No master's programs have yet been granted full accreditation, but the CoA's summer 2026 meeting is slated to advance the first cohort through critical decision points.¹ A public comment period on proposed policy and standards changes ran from March 18 to June 16, 2026, signaling that the framework itself is still being refined with stakeholder input.⁴

Why This Matters for Licensure and Program Quality

APA accreditation at the master's level is poised to become the gold standard for master's-level psychology licensure. Currently, MPCAC fills this role in many states, but as more states create dedicated master's-level psychology licenses, separate from counseling or social work, the need for a unified, nationally recognized quality marker grows. APA accreditation carries deep familiarity with licensing boards and could streamline portability across state lines. For students, selecting an APA-accredited master's program (once available) would provide assurance of rigorous clinical training, ethical standards, and alignment with the same principles that govern doctoral education.

What It Means for New Programs Like ASU's

New online programs, such as Arizona State University's fully online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology launching in fall 2026, enter this landscape with both opportunity and strategic choice. ASU's program is not yet part of the APA pipeline; it would require a separate application once eligible. However, the existence of the APA master's accreditation pathway gives programs a clear long-term target. Many new and existing master's programs will likely pursue APA accreditation in addition to, or instead of, MPCAC, depending on state requirements. For ASU and similar institutions, aligning curriculum and practicum hours with APA's emerging standards early will position graduates favorably when the first cohorts of APA-accredited master's degrees reach the job market.

APA Vs. MPCAC Vs. Regional Accreditation: Which One Matters for Licensure?

Eight states explicitly require APA-accredited doctoral programs for psychologist licensure, a concrete number that underscores the power of specialized accreditation. For master's-level students, the picture is more nuanced, and the choices you make now directly affect your eligibility for licensure down the road.

The Three Accreditation Types

Institutional (regional) accreditation from bodies like the Higher Learning Commission or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is the bare minimum: it confirms a school meets basic academic standards and allows you to access federal financial aid. It says nothing about whether a psychology program prepares you for clinical practice.

Programmatic accreditation, on the other hand, evaluates specific degrees against the profession's standards. The American Psychological Association (APA) has long been the gold standard for doctoral programs, and approximately 422 doctoral programs hold APA accreditation. That stamp is the surest path to licensure as a psychologist. At the master's level, the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has been the primary programmatic accreditor, though its recognition by state licensing boards varies widely.²

Why Regional Alone Is Not Enough

Every legitimate degree comes from a regionally accredited institution, but for clinical psychology, that baseline will not get you licensed. State boards look for programmatic accreditation that demonstrates you completed a curriculum and supervised experience meeting clinical training standards. Without APA (doctoral) or MPCAC (master's), you may face extra coursework, fewer internship options, or outright licensure denial in some jurisdictions.

The Changing Landscape for Master's Programs

MPCAC has filled the master's-level gap, but no state currently mandates it, and acceptance depends on individual board review.² The APA's expansion into master's program accreditation, slated to launch in 2026, could change the equation dramatically. If a master's program gains APA accreditation, it may signal to state boards and employers the same rigor expected of doctoral programs, potentially easing licensure for master's-level practitioners in states that recognize such credentials. Knowing how to evaluate online counseling degree programs before you enroll can help you avoid committing to a credential your target state board does not recognize.

How to Check Your State's Requirements

Because rules differ, you must verify directly with the licensing board in the state where you plan to practice. Look for:

• Doctoral licensure: Does the board specify "APA-accredited" or accept equivalent? All 50 states plus D.C. require APA or equivalent for psychologist licensure, but only 8 explicitly name APA.
• Master's licensure: If your state offers a master's-level psychology license (e.g., psychological associate, licensed psychological examiner), check whether they accept MPCAC or will eventually recognize APA master's accreditation.
• Alternative paths: Some boards accept CACREP for counseling or CSWE for social work. Be sure the program aligns with the license you want, not just the degree title.

Contact the board directly or use the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) directory. The investment of a few phone calls now can prevent years of detours later.

Related Articles

Master's-Level Psychology Licensure by State: Where APA-Accredited Master's Degrees Are Recognized in 2026

The patchwork of state-level master's psychology licensure is undergoing a meaningful shift as APA expands into master's program accreditation and the 2026 APA Model Licensure Act revision signals growing recognition of master's-level practice.¹ As of 2024, 19 states offered a distinct master's-level psychology license, with several more exploring new pathways.¹ Because licensure rules can change quickly, any list is a starting point; prospective students must verify current requirements directly with the state board where they intend to practice.

The 2026 Licensure Landscape: A Snapshot of Master's-Level States

Unlike counseling or social work, psychology has long centered on doctoral-level licensure. Master's-level psychology licenses exist in a minority of states, and titles, scopes of practice, and supervision requirements vary widely. The American Psychological Association (APA) launched its first master's program accreditation in 2024,² but as of 2026, no state yet requires APA accreditation for master's-level psychology licensure.¹ Instead, most states with a master's license require a degree from a regionally accredited institution, often with specific coursework and supervised experience. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) maintains a model licensure act, and APA approved a significant revision in February 2026 that increases the visibility of master's-level practice.¹ These developments may encourage more states to adopt or update master's licensure laws in the coming years.

Key States and Their Credentialing Details

Below is a selection of states with notable master's-level psychology licensure as of 2026. The list is not exhaustive, but it illustrates the diversity of approaches.

• Texas: Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA). Requires a regionally accredited master's and passing the EPPP; APA accreditation is not required but may strengthen an application.
• Kansas: Licensed Master's Level Psychologist (LMLP). Requires a master's from a regionally accredited program with a practicum; no specific programmatic accreditation mandate.
• Michigan: Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP). Allows master's-level practice under supervision; accepts degrees from regionally accredited institutions.
• West Virginia: Licensed Psychologist (master's level). Requires a master's in psychology from an accredited institution and supervised experience.
• Alaska: Psychological Associate. Master's-level practitioners can become licensed with a regionally accredited degree and passing the EPPP.
• Kentucky: Licensed Psychological Associate. Requires a master's from a regionally accredited school and supervised hours.
• Oklahoma: Licensed Behavioral Practitioner (LBP). Master's-level license allowing independent practice in limited settings; regionally accredited degree required.
• Vermont: Licensed Psychologist-Master's. Degree from an accredited institution plus supervised experience needed.
• North Carolina: Licensed Psychological Associate. Master's degree from a regionally accredited program required; APA accreditation not mandatory.
• Oregon: Licensed Psychologist Associate. Master's-level credential with supervised practice; regional accreditation is the primary educational standard.
• Tennessee: Licensed Psychological Assistant. Works under supervision of a doctoral-level psychologist; master's from regionally accredited institution required.

Accreditation Requirements: APA, MPCAC, and the New Model Act

At the master's level, programmatic accreditation remains optional in most states. The Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accredits master's programs in health service psychology, and several states explicitly recognize MPCAC accreditation in their licensing rules. APA's new master's accreditation is too recent to be named in any state regulation, but the 2026 APA Model Licensure Act revision creates a framework that could lead more states to reference APA or MPCAC accreditation in the future.¹ For now, regional accreditation of the degree-granting institution is the near-universal baseline.

Florida exemplifies a state with no master's-level psychology license; only a doctoral license exists, and it requires graduation from an APA-accredited doctoral program. The 31 states and the District of Columbia that fall into this doctoral-only category¹ mean that aspiring master's-level practitioners must carefully map their education to target-state requirements. If you are weighing a doctorate degree in psychology, understanding how licensure portability differs between master's and doctoral credentials is an essential planning step.

Verifying Requirements with Your State Board

Because licensure laws are subject to legislative and regulatory change, any static list has a limited shelf life. Current APA and ASPPB resources are valuable starting points, but the definitive source is always the psychology board in the state where you plan to practice. Before enrolling in a program, especially an online one, contact the board to confirm that the degree, practicum hours, and accreditation status will meet licensing prerequisites. Many boards post upcoming rule changes, and the APA Model Act revision may prompt states to propose updates throughout 2026 and 2027.¹

The Clinical Psychology Workforce Gap at a Glance

Several data points reveal an urgent need for more trained mental health professionals, driving the expansion of online clinical psychology programs and accreditation pathways in 2026.

How to Verify a Clinical Psychology Program's Accreditation Status

Before enrolling, take three concrete steps to confirm a program's accreditation. Each step checks a different layer of quality assurance that licensure boards and employers expect.

Step 1: Verify Doctoral Accreditation with APA

The American Psychological Association (APA) maintains a searchable database of accredited doctoral programs at https://accreditation.apa.org. Look for the program's current status (e.g., accredited, accredited inactive, or accredited with conditions) and note the effective date. Programs can lose accreditation, so a recent status is more meaningful than a date from several years ago. Pay attention to public actions: if a program has been placed on probation, the database will display that information. For new programs, initial accreditation means the program met standards at the time of the most recent review, but you should still check for any updates before starting.

Step 2: Check Master's Programs via MPCAC

For master's-level clinical psychology programs, the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) is the primary specialized accreditor. Visit the MPCAC website (mpcac.org) and navigate to the directory of accredited programs. Confirm that the program is currently listed and check its accreditation status and effective dates. If a program is not in the directory, it may be in the process of seeking accreditation, but until it appears there, you cannot rely on that claim.

Step 3: Confirm Regional Accreditation

Regional accreditation applies to the entire institution and is essential for financial aid, credit transfer, and general credibility. Use the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database at chea.org or the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (ope.ed.gov/dapip) to verify the school's status. Look for regional accreditors such as the Higher Learning Commission or Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Without regional accreditation, even a specialized accreditation may not be enough for licensure. Understanding psychology graduate program accreditation requirements across all three layers is the clearest way to protect your investment.

Red Flags: When Accreditation Claims Fall Short

Beware of programs that describe themselves as "accreditation-eligible" or "pursuing accreditation" without providing evidence of an active application. These are marketing terms, not formal statuses. A program that has not yet received approval from a recognized accreditor cannot guarantee a pathway to licensure. Always rely on the official databases rather than program websites alone. If you are also comparing counselor education programs, note that COAMFTE vs. CACREP accreditation distinctions follow a parallel verification logic, with their own specialized databases and public disclosure requirements.

Looking Ahead: Programs to Watch and Key 2026–2027 Accreditation Deadlines

The APA Commission on Accreditation's next program review meeting convenes July 15, 18, 2026, to issue accreditation decisions for doctoral, internship, and master's programs.¹ Additional decisions will follow from the fall meeting (October 21, 24, 2026) and, for programs in the 2027 cycle, from the spring 2027 meeting and beyond. The timeline for programs seeking accreditation is long, but a handful of dates matter for students tracking the landscape.

Upcoming CoA Review Cycles and Key Deadlines

For doctoral and master's programs, self-study submissions drive the schedule.² The 2026 Cycle 3 self-study was due May 1, 2026; site visits for those programs occur in fall 2026, with decisions likely in early 2027. The 2027 Cycle 1 self-study is due September 1, 2026, with site visits projected for winter 2027 and decisions in spring or summer 2027. Cycle 2 self-studies are due January 1, 2027, with spring 2027 site visits. The CoA also holds a policy meeting each February to set standards and procedures, with the most recent running February 4, 7, 2026.

Programs in the Accreditation Pipeline

No comprehensive public list tracks every program in review, but several recent developments signal activity. The APA's new master's-level accreditation pathway means many clinical psychology master's programs, including ASU's recently launched online MS, may soon seek accredited status. Doctoral programs already in the pipeline, like Liberty University's PsyD, which received contingent accreditation, will undergo further review to advance to full accreditation. Students can monitor programs of interest by checking program websites for candidacy announcements or searching the APA CoA's accredited program directory, which is updated after each review meeting.

MPCAC and Other Accreditors

The Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) also accredits master's programs in clinical psychology and related fields. MPCAC review cycles are less centralized, but programs typically announce candidacy or accreditation on their own websites. With the expansion of master's-level licensure and the new APA track, more programs may apply to both bodies. Comparing psychology graduate program accreditation requirements can help students confirm which accreditor aligns with their state's licensure needs.

How to Stay Informed

Actionable steps for prospective students: bookmark the APA CoA's accredited programs search page and check it quarterly for newly listed programs. Subscribe to the APA's accreditation email updates through the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation. Follow professional associations (APA Division 16, APPIC) that announce public comment periods, with the most recent comment window having closed June 16, 2026.⁴ For MPCAC, visit mpacac.org for a current list of accredited programs and any news about upcoming reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Psychology Program Accreditation in 2026

The 2026 accreditation landscape for clinical psychology degrees is shifting, with new online programs and APA’s expansion into master’s-level review. Below we address common questions about credibility, licensure pathways, and what various accreditation statuses mean for your career.