Accreditation and Other Information

The Clinical Psychological Science PhD Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1948 and by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) since 2014. As one of the nation’s leading clinical science programs and a member of the PCSAS Founders’ Circle, we have long been committed to advancing rigorous scientific training, innovation in clinical psychology, and the development of future leaders in research and evidence-based practice.

Following years of extensive discussion and careful evaluation of our program’s mission and long-term training goals, the faculty have decided that, upon expiration of our current APA accreditation term in 2029, the program will continue accreditation through PCSAS and will not seek further APA accreditation. Accordingly, students entering the program in Fall 2027 and thereafter will earn their doctoral degrees from a PCSAS-accredited program, rather than a program jointly accredited by PCSAS and APA.

This decision reflects our belief that PCSAS accreditation is strongly aligned with our clinical science training model and provides the flexibility needed to prepare students for the evolving scientific, clinical, and public health challenges of the future. Our core mission remains unchanged: to train outstanding clinical psychological scientists who generate new knowledge, improve mental health care, and advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of psychological disorders.

Importantly, this transition does not represent a change in our clinical training or standards. The program remains committed to ethical and culturally responsive clinical practice, evidence-based assessment and intervention, and mentorship that supports the professional success of all trainees.

We are committed to supporting current and future students as this transition unfolds. The program will continue to provide guidance regarding internship training, licensure pathways, and career development, and will work collaboratively with professional organizations, internship sites, and licensing boards to ensure graduates remain well-positioned for successful careers in research, clinical practice, and public service.

Prospective applicants with questions about accreditation, internship opportunities, or professional licensure are encouraged to read the below FAQs.

• Why is UW-Madison transitioning to PCSAS-only accreditation?

The Clinical Psychological Science PhD Program has long been committed to the clinical science model of training, which emphasizes the integration of scientific research and evidence-based clinical practice. UW-Madison has been accredited by PCSAS since 2014 and is a member of the PCSAS Founders’ Circle. After careful review, the faculty concluded that PCSAS accreditation is most closely aligned with the program’s mission, training philosophy, and long-term educational goals.

Maintaining accreditation through PCSAS will allow the program to continue providing rigorous scientific and clinical training while preserving flexibility to innovate and adapt to developments in psychological science and mental health care

• How will this affect current students?

Consistent with APA policies and procedures, students who entered under the dual-accreditation model (prior to 2026) will remain affiliated with that accreditation status while they complete their degrees and internship requirements. The program is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing any disruption to students’ training, internship opportunities, licensure plans, or career development.

• Will graduates still be eligible for internship training?

Yes. Students graduating from PCSAS-accredited programs continue to pursue competitive internship opportunities across the country. Internship eligibility requirements vary by site, and students are encouraged to review the requirements of programs to which they intend to apply. The Clinical Psychological Science Program will continue to provide the clinical training, supervision, and professional development experiences necessary to prepare students for internship and related career opportunities.

• Will graduates be eligible for licensure?

Licensure requirements are established by individual states and may change over time. PCSAS accreditation is currently recognized in the laws or regulations of a growing number of states, including several large jurisdictions such as California, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Virginia. In other states, graduates may pursue licensure through alternative pathways that evaluate coursework, training experiences, and professional credentials. While Wisconsin does not currently list PCSAS explicitly in its licensure regulations, Wisconsin regulations provide mechanisms through which the Psychology Examining Board may recognize other accrediting bodies or evaluate educational training for equivalency. Because licensure regulations may evolve over time, students should consult the most current state requirements when making career plans.

Students interested in practicing in a particular state should review that state’s current licensure requirements, and the program will provide guidance to students regarding licensure planning throughout their training.