Question about Accredited Programs

[PsychStudent21]

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Hi,
I am applying to MFT programs, an MS in clinical psych program, and an MA in comm. counseling program.

How important is it for these programs to be accredited? Most of the MFT programs I am applying to are accredited, so I would mostly like to know about the MS and MA programs. There are not many programs that are accredited (and most that are I've never heard of). So is it that important...I'm guessing as long as you get licensed it's the most important factor?

Also, any thoughts about which program to pursue would be appreciated although I know it's pretty much subjective.

 

[PsychStudent21]

Anyone?

 

[erg923]

Accredited by who exactly and at what level (the program itself, the entire university)?

Any university one attends needs to be a regionally accredited institution of higher learning by CHEA or by the United States Department of Education (USDE) for your degree to count for anything. If you were asking about APA accred...the APA does not accredit masters programs in clinical psychology, just doctoral programs.

 

[PsychStudent21]

Thanks for the reply.
Not really speaking in terms of the institution being accredited itself, all the institutions I am applying to are accredited. I'm talking more so about the programs within the schools. For an example, MFT programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). CACREP and MPAC accredit other types of psych programs. Are these important to look for in MA programs? What if the college is regionally accredited but the program itself has no accreditation in its specific field?

 

[lookitssara]

I'm only familiar with CACREP personally. I believe graduating from a CACREP program will make getting licensed easier. You should check out your state's licensing laws (if you want to become licensed) to see if your masters has to be from an accredited program. Any programs that you are looking at that are not accredited by their governing body, you should see if their curriculum/internship/etc. seems to meet the accrediting body's standards.