The Washington University Clinical Science PhD Program is accredited by both the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) and the American Psychological Association (APA). The program has been accredited by PCSAS since 2010 and was most recently reviewed by PCSAS in 2020. The program has been accredited by APA since 1948.
The program’s APA accreditation expires in 2028 and will not be renewed. Accordingly, students entering the program in 2022 and later should expect to graduate from a PCSAS-accredited doctoral program rather than an APA-accredited doctoral program.
Why PCSAS accreditation?
PCSAS accredits doctoral programs that follow a clinical science training model, in which scientific research and clinical training are closely integrated. Its accreditation standards address both rigorous research preparation and essential clinical competencies, including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and supervised clinical experience. Consistent with this model, our program prepares graduates to contribute to clinical science through research, teaching, clinical applications, and the dissemination and implementation of psychological knowledge.
Our graduates pursue careers in a variety of settings, including:
- Colleges and universities
- Academic medical centers, VA hospitals, and other health care settings
- Research institutes, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies
- Clinical and community settings in which they develop, evaluate, deliver, or disseminate evidence-based services
Although our program provides systematic training in essential clinical skills, its primary goal is to train clinical scientists rather than practitioners whose careers are focused exclusively on direct clinical service.
For additional background on the history of clinical psychology accreditation and the development of PCSAS, see Robert W. Levenson’s article, “Clinical Psychology Training: Accreditation and Beyond”.
Licensure
As a PCSAS-accredited program, the Washington University Clinical Science Program meets the educational requirements for psychologist licensure in Missouri. Graduates may also be eligible for licensure in other jurisdictions, although requirements vary by state and may include additional coursework, supervised experience, or other jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Some licensing boards explicitly recognize PCSAS accreditation. Others permit graduates of programs that are not APA-accredited to demonstrate that their education and training are substantially equivalent to the jurisdiction’s requirements. Prospective and current students who anticipate seeking licensure in a particular jurisdiction should review that jurisdiction’s requirements carefully and consult with the Director of Clinical Training when planning their coursework and clinical experiences. Because licensing laws and policies change over time, no program can guarantee that a graduate will meet future requirements in every jurisdiction.
PSYPACT and Interstate Practice
The curriculum and training structure of the Washington University Clinical Science Program are consistent with the educational and training criteria outlined by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) for its 2025 Pathway F for graduates of doctoral programs that are not APA-accredited. Accordingly, graduates may be eligible to obtain an E.Passport and/or Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate and participate in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT®), subject to ASPPB’s review of each individual’s qualifications and all other applicable eligibility requirements.
Because ASPPB policies may change over time, students and graduates interested in participating in PSYPACT should review the current requirements when planning for interstate practice.
Accreditation Contacts
Questions about the program’s accreditation status may be directed to the accrediting organizations below.
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
Laura L. Namy, PhD
Executive Director
Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
818 18th Street NW, Suite 810–1237
Washington, DC 20006
Email: Laura.Namy@pcsas.org
Phone: 771-241-5099
Website: www.pcsas.org
American Psychological Association
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
Phone: 202-336-5979
TDD/TTY: 202-336-6123
Website: accreditation.apa.org
Last updated: August 2026