UT Tyler Doctoral Program Earns Initial Accreditation from American Psychological Association

September 12, 2024 | Hannah Buchanan

The University of Texas at Tyler has earned initial professional accreditation from the American Psychological Association for its clinical psychology doctoral degree program.

APA accreditation is the gold standard for psychology programs and signifies that the program
meets or exceeds national training standards for psychologists. The accreditation was based on a
minimal five-year review of student outcome and performance data, comprehensive self-study, site
visit and final program review.

“We are delighted that our PhD in clinical psychology degree program has achieved this initial
accreditation,” said Dr. Amir Mirmiran, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
“This accreditation indicates that our program provides highly trained graduates who are more than ready to meet the mental health needs and challenges of East Texas and beyond.”

Based on guidance from the American Psychological Association, the program’s three emphasis
areas reflect the projected demand for mental health services in East Texas over the next 10 to 15
years –– rural mental health, veterans and active duty military, and care for those age 65 and older.

“APA accreditation elevates the program and makes our students who apply for jobs, licensure and
internships more competitive. Many psychology jobs require APA accreditation,” said Dr. Dennis
Combs, UT Tyler professor and director of clinical training.

UT Tyler will submit an updated self-study report within three years of receiving the contingent
status. Upon successful completion of the updated self-study report, the doctoral program may be
granted full accreditation, Combs added. The program, which began in 2019, includes four years on
campus and an off-site doctoral internship year. For additional information, contact Combs at
dcombs@uttyler.edu, or visit uttyler.edu/academics/programs/clinical-psychology-phd.php.

The American Psychological Association promotes psychology science and knowledge to benefit
society and improve lives. For more information, visit apa.org/.

With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT
Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 10,000 students.
Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has
unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent
patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World
Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.