Online PhD at Fielding Graduate University

Written by: Jacqueline Chinappi • Edited by: Laurie Patsalides
Updated Aug 24, 2011 • Related Guides: APA | Clinical Psychology

Fielding Graduate Institute offers PhD online in Clinical Psychology with a wide variety in concentrations including neuropathology.

Fielding Clinical Psychology

In our previous article we looked at two schools which offer online psychology degrees at the doctoral level. Neither of these colleges or their programs were accredited by the American Psychological Association, though. Are any online doctorate degree programs accredited by the APA?

Fielding Graduate University's PhD Program in Clinical Psychology is the only online doctoral program accredited by the APA. Fielding is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The PhD in Clinical Psychology includes 136 semester credits. Average length of time for a learner who is also balancing family and work is 4-6 years. Fielding policy states that the degree is expected to be finished within 10 years.

Students in the online clinical psychology program meet twice a year in different parts of the country for residency requirements and seminars. The students also meet for local “cluster” meeting in their own area. These meeting consist of a local teacher and other students studying clinical psychology in Fielding.

The PhD in Clinical Psychology requires not only residency but also practicum hours and internship hours. As with most online programs it also states no guarantee for licensure in your own state.

Concentrations & Costs

Fielding not only offers a PhD in clinical psychology but also offers:

PhD in Media Psychology

Optional Concentrations:

Forensic Psychology
Health Psychology
Neuropsycology
Parent-Infant Mental Health
Violence Prevention & Control

Cost of the doctoral program is $20,475 a year or $6,825 per term. Tuition for a student who finishes in 5 years would be $102,375. Is the money worth it for the accreditation? Is APA accreditation necessary? Depending on where you want to work and especially what state you live in this question will fluctuate from yes to no. In certain colleges professors must hold PhD’s from APA accredited programs while in other school it may be preferred but not necessary. This holds true for various states as well. Before starting any program students must understand their own professional and educational goals as well as state licensure requirements. If your state requires APA accreditation and online is the only way to go, Fielding may be for you!

APA Probation

Currently, Fielding University is on probation for APA Accreditation. What does this mean? Fielding University is still accredited by the APA but will be assessed during the next scheduled site visit in Spring 2013.

References

American Psychological Association. (2011). Accredited programs in clinical psychology. Retrieved on August 18, 2011, from http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/clinical.aspx

online degree Feb 2, 2012 9:16 AM

RE: Online PhD at Fielding Graduate University

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Cpoli005 Jan 31, 2012 10:40 PM

It is only on probation due to the length on time the school allowed working adults to complete the program. The APA changed their guidlines and thus, Fielding had to comply. They were put on probabtion and giving time to restructure. Thus, students must now complete the program in a shorter amout of time, something comparable to any other PhD program. This was the ONE and ONLY reason for probation. It is NOT and online program. Plus, the article clearly states that it is on probation. So whats your point?

Cpoli005 Jan 31, 2012 10:36 PM

First, regional accreditation is more important than APA accreditation. Yes, I said it. To enter into any program that is not regionally accredited is a waste of money, for your degree will be worthless. On the other hand, many states will allow one to obtain licensure without the APA status if the school is regionally accredited and meets other standards This is not true in NC. I have met personally with the Board. They will NOT and have never licensed anyone to practice psychology in NC that did not attend an APA accredited program.

online degree Dec 16, 2011 4:00 AM

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online education Dec 16, 2011 3:41 AM

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online education Dec 1, 2011 8:10 AM

Accreditation is extremely important in any areas of research. Be squandered anytime soon often be awesome to get a a person for five so that you can 5 ages plus pay back lots of : capital : inside of a application that isn't recognized.

Lee Aug 23, 2011 11:20 PM

Online

Some of the posts are quite simple in the understanding of regional and APA accreditation and online education. First, regional accreditation is more important than APA accreditation. Yes, I said it. To enter into any program that is not regionally accredited is a waste of money, for your degree will be worthless. On the other hand, many states will allow one to obtain licensure without the APA status if the school is regionally accredited and meets other standards. So it really depends on the state one wants to work in. Do the research for the program and school you are interested in. If you are like me, have an MSW and will be a LCSW, you don't need to get licensed at the PhD level to practice independently. A LCSW can do 99% of what a psychologist can do. Therefore, again, regional accreditation is more important. Finally, a 93 page report was published recently that finds online educations is better than traditional brick and mortar education. Students report finding it more enjoyable (not having to compete for attention), learn equally (or better than) those in brick and mortar. The fact is that online education is effective at turning out educated learners.It is here to stay and will only become more prevalent.

APS would be better Aug 19, 2011 10:13 PM

Fielding

Fielding is NOT on online program. It is a distributed learning program that is the current leading producer of multicultural practitioners in the field of clinical psychology in the US. APA is trying every loophole in the book to shut Fielding down because they do not want the diversity. APA is interested in cookie-cutter conformists who are not able to think for themselves. Fielding's faculty are among the best and they champion true diversity and social justice.

Henry E. Klugh Dec 5, 2010 9:07 AM

APA accreditation...

APA lists all accredited clinical programs on line. Anyone can google this. Fielding's program is on probation. It is grossly misleading to suggest orherwise.

Jan Dec 2, 2010 4:47 AM

BA to a Psyd?

Anyone in the states of either PA or Texas? What is the best online accredited university for going on to earn a Psyd in counseling psychology?

Also, is it impossible to earn a forensic psychology degree online and still be respected?

Sincerely,
Jan

JET Nov 2, 2010 10:11 PM

RE Melinda Clark - masters in psych - PhD

No, you do not need a master's in psychology to enroll in a PhD Psychology program - I am living proof. I have a BSBA and MBA and am currently enrolled in a PhD Psychology program -- and I never completed a psychology course in my life (I CLEP'd out of PSY 101 for the BSBA). Northcentral University offers two tracks -- the track without previous psychology requires five additional courses - foundations, history of psych, psych ethics, etc. NCU is an online school that has a one-on-one mentor/learner format. I can't stand being in a traditional classroom, so this program is working out very well for me.

makki chamail Sep 15, 2010 2:03 PM

About earning PhD Clinical Psychology

I want to obtain PhD in Clinical Psychology with thesis on some mental troubles. The abstract will be sent within a week through my C.V. As greet reader and writer I have many attainments in order to merit this diploma...

Anonymous Sep 3, 2010 1:47 PM

Fielding's APA Status

Fielding's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program was recently was put on an Applealable Probation Status with the APA after a recent site visit. The school insists that they are taking this very seriously and taking appropriate measures to keep their APA accredidation.

Solomon Esomu Jul 3, 2010 2:16 PM

Accreditation.

Accreditation is very important in all fields of study. It will not be nice for any one to put in 4 to 5 years and pay that much - money - in a program that is not accredited.

Moiz Khan Apr 6, 2010 8:58 PM

Yes, Fielding do offer Ph.D program. But it is not just another online degree program. Fielding utilizes distance learning, distributed learning, and yes due to availability of online activity you can communicate via phone, email, and USPS. It is very different than many others online program. You have to attend cohourts or cluster meeting at least once month and national Session once a year.

The program is good for people who can self direct their time and work independently.

M.Khan

Bethany Mar 23, 2010 12:15 PM

A 'regular' school is a luxury to some

Margaret,
You need to realize, an inconvenience to some is life altering to others. First, the word luxury in the context used was referring to the common definitional usage of 'expensive or hard to attain'. For some of us, mostly those of us who are older and have other life obligations such as children, 'regular' programs are a luxury. I had an impeccable undergraduate record and worked very hard in undergrad to come out at the top of my class. However, I have three small children to take care of with a 'job' (not a luxury), therefore, I can not just pick up and move to another city to go to 'regular' college (a luxury).

Margaret Mar 22, 2010 10:24 PM

A "regular" school is not a luxary.

Accreditation really matters in some agencies. I am in a "regular" clinical PHD program, and take exception to it being referred to as a luxury. My classmates and I had to have impeccable undergraduate records to even be considered, and then move half way across the country for school. Just want to throw that out there.

Laurie Patsalides Feb 18, 2010 12:39 AM

Hi Bethany

Thank you for clarifying. I had someone else ask the same question about receiving a PhD without a Master's.
Best,
Laurie

Bethany Feb 17, 2010 6:33 PM

PhD requirements

Melinda,
You do not need a Master's to enter a PhD program. The relationship between a Master's and PhD is similar to that of an Associates and Bachelor's degree. You do not need an Associates to apply for a Bachelor's because it is encompassed in it. Many Psychologists choose to have a separate Master's and PhD because the Psychology community looks on variety of experience more favorably. They also look on the PhD more favorably than the PsyD if you plan to teach.

maria konstantinopoulou Jan 30, 2010 6:01 PM

accreditation of online masters

i live in greece and have bachelor in psychology from the american college of greece.i am interested in doing my masters online.(especially developmental, or childpsychology, or special needs).is there any list with the accredited online universities?and is the master accredited by the APA? Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melinda Clark Jan 15, 2010 2:24 PM

About Current Degree

Hi Currently I am a nurse and have been for about 14 years, I also have a bachelor's degree is psychology and a master's degree in business administration. I am looking into completing my PHD or PsyD in psychology. My question is do I have to have a master;s degree in psychology to get into a PhD or PsyD graduate degree program? Would appreciate any advice! Thank you!

Eugenia Lopez Jan 13, 2010 11:44 PM

I need a university acreditation from APA

Eugenia Lopez Jan 13, 2010 11:42 PM

I am in the department of defense. I need to finish a PhD

Eugenia Lopez Jan 13, 2010 11:40 PM

CREDITS ACREDITATION

I have 154 credicts from another university do i have to pay in order to receive an acreditation

stephanie bromley Dec 12, 2009 11:05 AM

Online Psychology Masters

Though some may say that it looks better on a resume to have a traditional school rather than a online university, the degree is what counts! If your state requires APA accreditation than look into fielding. I thank Jacqueline for providing information about Fielding. Some of us just simply do not have the luxury of going to a "regular" school and it nice to know that there are alternative options out there.

Dave Nov 4, 2009 12:04 PM

School Psychology

There are universities and colleges that offer school psychology programs online. What matters is that you meet state requirements for school psychology licensure or certification.

As long as you enroll in a college or university that is regionally accredited, you should be fine. If you are to seek tenure, it is advised that you attend a university on campus as there is bias against online degrees.

If you want to teach as an adjunct, a degree program offered online will do well. In regards to applying for school psychology positions in a public or private K-12 school, what matters is that you have certification in school psychology.

Masters Degree Online Psychology Oct 27, 2009 11:04 PM

Masters Degree Online Psychology

I would recommend going to the school for a Master's degree in Psychology. The reason is Psychology is a very intense field and I believe classroom work would be better. I also had a professor who was a School Psychologist and she stated that it is best to go to school instead of online for the field of Psychology (plus it will look better on resumes/applications.maybe you can look here for more information about Masters Degree Online Psychology

Nazanin Sep 8, 2009 7:43 AM

International student

Dear Jacqueline Cataldo,
I am a Dutch national with a Masters degree in Psychology (with specialization in Clinical Psychology) from The University of Leiden in The Netherlands. At the moment I am working as a psychologist in the United Arab Emirates (2 years now). I`m planning to move to the US in a few years from now with my American boyfriend and I was very much interested to know if it is possible for me as a Dutch national to apply for a Psy.D online program in Clinical Psychology and if so, what are the criteria for me and also is there an online Psy.D program that is APA accredited?
Thank you in advance.

Online PhD at Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Clinical Psychology

Concentrations & Costs

APA Probation

References

Comments