Idaho has two APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs: a PhD at Idaho State University in Pocatello and a PsyD at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, accredited on contingency since February 2026. Newer PsyD programs at ISU’s Meridian campus and the University of Idaho are not yet accredited, so confirm current status with the state board.
Idaho’s psychology doctoral landscape has grown since 2021. Idaho State University’s PhD in Clinical Psychology in Pocatello remains APA-accredited, and Northwest Nazarene University’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology in Nampa earned APA accreditation on contingency in February 2026. Newer PsyD programs at ISU’s Meridian campus and the University of Idaho are still working toward accreditation of their own. Before choosing a program, it helps to understand how PhD and PsyD tracks differ.
PhD vs. PsyD: Choosing a Doctoral Track
A PhD in Clinical Psychology follows the scientist-practitioner model and weighs training toward research alongside clinical practice. PhD programs are more likely to fund students through research or teaching assistantships, and graduates often split time between clinical, academic, and research-oriented work.
A PsyD follows the practitioner-scholar model and weights training toward direct clinical practice rather than original research. PsyD programs more often rely on tuition funding rather than assistantships, and graduates typically move straight into clinical practice after an internship. Both paths lead to licensure and require passing the EPPP. For a full breakdown, see our guide comparing PsyD and PhD programs in psychology.
Idaho Psychology Doctoral Programs at a Glance
Every program listed below is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation.
| School | Degree | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho State University | PhD | Clinical Psychology | Pocatello, ID |
| Northwest Nazarene University | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | Nampa, ID |
Idaho State University
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Idaho State University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology trains generalist practitioners through a scientist-practitioner model, combining coursework, research, practicum training, and a year-long clinical internship. Students earn a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology along the way and typically complete the program in five years, with the final year spent at an internship site affiliated with the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC).
The program is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. Idaho State University itself holds regional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Located in Pocatello, ID. Program website.
Northwest Nazarene University
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Northwest Nazarene University’s Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology follows a practitioner-scholar model, combining coursework with three years of supervised practicum placements, a dissertation, and a full-time pre-doctoral internship in the final year. The program integrates training on religion, faith, and spirituality as dimensions of clinical practice and emphasizes service to Idaho’s rural and underserved communities. Students typically complete the program in five years.
The program is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation on contingency, effective February 18, 2026, through September 1, 2028, when it will be reviewed for full accreditation. Every student who graduates during this period earns a degree from an APA-accredited program. Northwest Nazarene University itself holds regional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Located in Nampa, ID. Program website.
Idaho’s doctoral landscape keeps growing. Idaho State University is launching a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology at its Meridian campus in fall 2026, and the University of Idaho now offers a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. Neither is yet accredited by the APA, since new programs only become eligible for full accreditation after their first cohort completes the program, so applicants should verify current status before enrolling. Demand for psychologists in the state is rising in the meantime. According to BLS state wage data, clinical and counseling psychologists in Idaho earn a median annual salary of $97,790, and Projections Central estimates 16.7% growth for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in the state between 2022 and 2032, with about 10 job openings a year on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs are in Idaho?
Idaho has two psychology doctoral programs accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation: the PhD in Clinical Psychology at Idaho State University in Pocatello and the PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, which earned accreditation on contingency in February 2026. Idaho State University and the University of Idaho have also launched newer PsyD programs that are not yet APA-accredited.
What’s the difference between a PhD and a PsyD in psychology?
A PhD follows a scientist-practitioner model that weighs research alongside clinical training, while a PsyD follows a practitioner-scholar model focused more heavily on direct clinical practice. Both require passing the EPPP for licensure.
Does completing an APA-accredited doctoral program guarantee psychologist licensure in Idaho?
No. APA accreditation confirms a program meets national training standards, but licensure also requires passing the EPPP and completing Idaho’s supervised practice requirements. Applicants should confirm current requirements with the state psychology licensing board before enrolling.
How long does it take to complete a psychology doctoral program in Idaho?
Idaho’s two APA-accredited programs, the PhD at Idaho State University and the PsyD at Northwest Nazarene University, both typically take five years: four years of coursework, research, and practicum training followed by a year-long pre-doctoral internship.
Select your state below to find accredited psychology programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Psychologists (including Clinical & Counseling, Industrial-Organizational, and School Psychologists) and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.