With a variety of psychology degree programs available online, ensuring that your chosen program is accredited can have a significant impact on your career prospects. Accreditation from reputable bodies, like the American Psychological Association (APA), indicates that a program meets high educational standards and provides the necessary skills for professional success.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accredited programs are widely respected because they adhere to quality guidelines that ensure thorough preparation for counseling and psychological services. Graduates from accredited institutions often enjoy broader career options and may be eligible for further research opportunities.

Choosing an Accredited Program

Attending an APA-accredited program can make a substantial difference in the quality of your education and future job prospects. However, if a school is not accredited, consider investigating why. If it’s undergoing accreditation, it may still be a good option; however, if it previously held accreditation but lost it, this could be a red flag. Conduct research to make sure the program aligns with your goals.

For hands-on experience, some APA-accredited internships require students to be enrolled in APA-accredited programs, which can be a valuable consideration for career preparation. Accredited programs also provide solid prospects in fields like school psychology, clinical counseling, and other specialized areas within psychology.