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Online PsyD Programs: Hybrid and Fully Online Options

Online PsyD programs fall into two groups, and APA accreditation is what separates them. APA says a doctoral program delivered substantially or completely by distance education could not be accredited, so online PsyD programs that hold APA accreditation are hybrid, not fully online. Among the APA-accredited programs, 3 describe a hybrid or blended format on their own pages; outside APA accreditation, 8 online PsyD programs are offered, each with the school’s own words on whether it is entirely online or also taught in person or in a blended format.

Portrait of Trevor Rupe

By , Contributor at Savo Media Group
Updated

A woman in a plaid blazer gesturing toward a phone on a tripod in a home study with full bookshelves, for online PsyD programs.

Online PsyD Programs at a Glance

  • Online PsyD programs that APA accredits are hybrid, not fully online. APA states that a doctoral program delivered substantially or completely by distance education is not compatible with its standards and could not be accredited.
  • 3 accredited programs state a hybrid format. They are Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA), Indiana State University (Terre Haute, IN) and The Chicago School, Chicago Campus (Chicago, IL), each quoted from its own pages below.
  • 8 online PsyD programs hold no APA accreditation. The table gives each school’s own words on how the program is delivered, whether entirely online or beside on-campus or blended study, and on licensure.
  • Licensure is a separate step from the degree. Psychologist licensure by state explains the rules each state sets.

What APA Accreditation Allows Online

APA does not accredit a doctoral program that is delivered substantially or completely online. Its own regulation says so:

Although the Standards of Accreditation (SoA) do not set a pre-determined limit on the extent of distance education that is permitted, a doctoral program delivering education and training substantially or completely by distance education is not compatible with the doctoral SoA and could not be accredited. This is because face-to-face, in-person interaction between faculty members and students is necessary to achieve many essential components of the doctoral SoA that are critical to education and training in professional psychology, including socialization and peer interaction, faculty role modeling, and the development and assessment of competencies.

Read October 12, 2026 on APA Commission on Accreditation, Implementing Regulation C-11 D, Distance Education in Doctoral Programs

At this time there are no APA-accredited programs available that ONLY use online methods of instruction. Some programs may offer courses online, or utilize some nontraditional/distance education methods, but the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) does not maintain information on the courses offered, the modality of such courses or which programs might be offering them. All accredited programs must meet all provisions of the Standards of Accreditation (SoA), regardless of the methods of instruction they may use.

Read October 12, 2026 on APA Commission on Accreditation, Choosing a Program

Hybrid Formats at APA-Accredited Programs

Each program below is APA-accredited, and its own pages state that a substantial share of its coursework is online, or that it runs in a hybrid or low-residency format. The schools are in alphabetical order, and each school’s own sentence is quoted.

The Chicago School, Chicago Campus

Psy.D. in School Psychology, Chicago, IL

Optional blended start: in person on Saturdays and remote on Tuesday evenings.

Students may begin the program in a blended modality, which requires in-person attendance on Saturdays and remote attendance on Tuesday evenings.

The Chicago School, Chicago Campus (Psy.D. page in School Psychology), read October 14, 2026

Online PsyD Programs Without APA Accreditation

None of these programs holds APA accreditation. They are in order of school name, and each row gives the school’s own words about how the program is delivered and about licensure, read on October 12, 2026.

Online PsyD programs without APA accreditation, in the schools’ own words
Program Delivery, as the school words it Licensure, as the school words it
Alliant International University (Alliant University)’s Online PsyD in Educational Psychology page Online PsyD in Educational Psychology “The PsyD program is offered entirely online so that you can complete your doctorate in educational psychology from home in any of the states where the program is approved for enrollment.” “This program does not lead to initial certification or licensure and does not include a field experience, practicum, or internship.”
Alliant International University (Alliant University)’s PsyD in Marital and Family Therapy page PsyD in Marital and Family Therapy “Our COAMFTE-accredited, 114-credit post-baccalaureate program is offered online and on campus.” “Students in the PsyD program develop advanced competencies in assessment, diagnosis, systemic intervention, supervision, and leadership, preparing them for licensure, clinical leadership roles, and meaningful contributions to the evolving practice of marriage and family therapy.”
California Southern University (CalSouthern)’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Clinical Specialization (PsyD-CS) page Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Clinical Specialization (PsyD-CS) “66 credits, entirely online ... Optional practicum & internship courses available (3 credits each)” “CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational content requirements for licensure or certification as a psychologist in the following states: CA, CO, DE, HI, NY, OH, TX, WI, WV. Some states may have additional requirements (such as additional courses or clinical training) that are not part of the required curriculum, but which can be satisfied at CalSouthern if the student chooses to do so.”
California Southern University (CalSouthern)’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Applied Psychology (PsyD-AP) page Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Applied Psychology (PsyD-AP) “66 credits, entirely online ... No practicum, internship, or residency available” “This program does not include licensure preparation but is designed to provide a strong foundation in psychological science for those pursuing career paths in non-licensed roles.”
Golden Gate University’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Applied Counseling Psychology (non-clinical) page Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Applied Counseling Psychology (non-clinical) “The PsyD program is designed for working professionals residing in the United States. Using a 15-week term format, this program is offered in online and hybrid modalities, in English. The program is delivered asynchronously with structured faculty support” “This degree does not include clinical practicum or internship training. Graduates are prepared for non-clinical roles in higher education, organizational consulting, program development, community leadership, and research.”
Meridian University’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology page PsyD in Clinical Psychology “Learning Formats Hybrid & Online ... The Hybrid format is tailored for those seeking a blend of online learning and in-person classes at Meridian's Los Angeles Campus.” “Meridian's integral and participatory approach to education can prepare you for Psychologist licensure educational eligibility and/or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC) educational eligibility across multiple states.”
Touro University Worldwide (TUW)’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Human and Organizational Psychology page Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Human and Organizational Psychology “100% online program with no residency required” “Note: This Human and Organizational Psychology PsyD degree does not lead to any form of licensure or certification.”
William James College’s PsyD in Leadership Psychology page PsyD in Leadership Psychology “Whether you choose the fully online option or our blended model with periodic on-campus residencies, this program supports working professionals” “There is no separate licensure category in Massachusetts for Leadership Psychology or Organizational Psychology. Graduates of Leadership or Organizational Psychology programs must accurately represent their education without implying licensure.”

Questions About Online Study

Can an Online PsyD Be Accredited by APA?

APA’s own answer: “At this time there are no APA-accredited programs available that ONLY use online methods of instruction. Some programs may offer courses online, or utilize some nontraditional/distance education methods, but the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) does not maintain information on the courses offered, the modality of such courses or which programs might be offering them. All accredited programs must meet all provisions of the Standards of Accreditation (SoA), regardless of the methods of instruction they may use.” APA, Choosing a Program.

The CoA recognizes that some accredited doctoral programs may elect to utilize distance delivery formats in a supplemental or adjunctive role within their programs. APA, Implementing Regulation C-11 D.

Which Accredited PsyD Programs Describe a Hybrid Format?

3 APA-accredited programs state it on their own pages: Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA), Indiana State University (Terre Haute, IN) and The Chicago School, Chicago Campus (Chicago, IL). Each school’s sentence is quoted in the section on hybrid formats.

How Much In-Person Study Does APA Require?

APA’s Standards of Accreditation say: “These obligations cannot be met in programs that are substantially or completely online.” The residency rule reads, in part: “…at least 1 year of which must be in full-time residence (or the equivalent thereof) at that same program.” APA, Standards of Accreditation.

What Do Online Programs Without APA Accreditation Say About Licensure?

Each school words it differently, so the table above quotes the school’s own statement for every program instead of summarizing it. The guide to becoming a licensed psychologist explains how each state handles the degree.

Sources for Online Study