SUU’s Doctor of Psychology Program Achieves National APA Accreditation
Published: July 27, 2026 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 2 minutes
[CEDAR CITY, Utah] Southern Utah University (SUU) proudly announces that its Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD program) has been awarded accreditation with contingency by the American Psychological Association (APA). As the only PsyD program in the state of Utah, this prestigious milestone firmly establishes SUU as a beacon of doctoral psychological training in the region.
APA accreditation represents the gold standard in psychological education, ensuring that the curriculum meets rigorous national scientific and professional training standards. For students, this formal recognition validates the quality of their education and significantly streamlines their transition from the classroom to impactful clinical practice.
"Our vision has always been to cultivate deeply compassionate, highly skilled clinicians who are well prepared to serve diverse and rural communities," said SUU's PsyD Program Director Dr. Daniel Hatch. "Our program blends rigorous academic coursework with supervised clinical practice, allowing students to develop their skills within a supportive, close-knit campus environment."
Choosing an APA-accredited program is a critical decision for future psychologists. This accreditation opens important pathways to professional practice for graduates, such as competitive internships and qualifying for high-paying job opportunities with federal agencies. Additionally, graduating from an APA-accredited program is required for professional licensing.
SUU's PsyD program accepts ten students each fall. The application deadline for the Fall 2027 cohort is December 1, 2026.
About SUU Graduate and Online
As part of its more than 128-year history as Utah's first experiment in distance education, Southern Utah University's Graduate and Online department continues its pioneering legacy by offering to students across the globe affordable and flexible college degrees: 13 master's, 13 bachelor's, two associates degrees, and 12 graduate certificates. This includes one of the most affordable bachelor's degrees in the nation, Speedway | Bachelor of General Studies. SUU Online's combination of affordability, flexibility, and vast student success programs provides an extraordinary education without compromise.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu