Argosy University PhD Programs: What They Offered, History & Accreditation Details

A Deep Dive into Argosy University Doctoral Programs

Argosy University once stood out as a prominent choice for individuals seeking advanced degrees, including PhD programs. This institution served thousands of students across the United States. Understanding what Argosy University offered, its storied history, and the details of its accreditation can be useful for former students, researchers, or those affected by the closure.

Overview of Argosy University and Its Growth

Argosy University was a private, for-profit university system founded in 2001. It resulted from the merging of three academic institutions:

• The American Schools of Professional Psychology
• The University of Sarasota
• The Medical Institute of Minnesota

The university grew rapidly, with campuses in major U.S. cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. It offered a host of graduate and undergraduate programs, both in-person and online. Argosy University PhD and PsyD programs became especially popular for adults looking to advance in clinical, educational, and professional fields.

Argosy University PhD Degree Programs: What Was Offered?

PhD programs at Argosy University were designed to cater to working professionals seeking advanced education. These programs focused on helping graduates move into leadership roles, academia, or specialized practice. Below are some of the most notable doctoral programs you would have found at Argosy University:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology
• PhD in Business Administration
• PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision
• PhD in Educational Leadership
• PhD in Organizational Leadership
• PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PsyD in Clinical Psychology (Practitioner doctorate)

Each program featured a blend of coursework, research, and internships. The Clinical Psychology doctorate was particularly known for preparing students for licensure and professional practice.

Key Features of Argosy University Doctoral Education

• Flexible Course Delivery: Argosy offered evening, weekend, and online class formats to accommodate working students.
• Practitioner-Focused: Doctoral programs emphasized real-world skills alongside academic theory.
• Accessible Admissions: Rolling admissions and multiple start dates allowed greater flexibility than many traditional programs.
• Cohort Model: Some programs encouraged group learning and networking through cohort-based structures.

Argosy's PhD programs were often seen as alternatives for individuals who could not attend full-time, on-campus classes at traditional research universities.

Accreditation Status of Argosy University and Its Impact

Understanding accreditation is critical, as it affects the recognition of your degree and eligibility for licensure or further study. Here’s an overview of Argosy University’s accreditation history:

• Institutional Accreditation: Argosy was accredited nationally by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and previously by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), depending on the campus location.
• Programmatic Accreditation: Some specific programs, notably the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology, earned programmatic accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) at select campuses.

It's important to note:

• Not every doctoral program or campus was APA-accredited.
• Program-level accreditation is especially important for psychology licensure in many states.

Argosy University's accreditation was a deciding factor for many students considering licensure, transfer, or further graduate studies.

Closure of Argosy University and Student Support

In 2019, Argosy University ceased operations nationwide. The shutdown followed financial issues and regulatory actions. Students and alumni were impacted in many ways. Here’s what you should know if you attended Argosy:

• Transcripts and Records: Each state’s higher education agency or a third-party service now maintains student records. Alumni can request transcripts via those state agencies.
• Transfer Options: Many receiving institutions set up pathways for Argosy students to complete their degrees elsewhere. Check with each campus for transfer agreements.
• Federal Loan Discharge: Students who could not complete their programs due to the closure may be eligible for a closed-school loan discharge through the U.S. Department of Education.

Legacy and Considerations for Former Students

If you earned a doctoral degree from Argosy, your degree is still legitimate as long as the school was accredited during your attendance. However, it is always wise to verify programmatic accreditation for specialized fields such as clinical psychology. For career or further academic goals, you may need to provide transcripts or clarify accreditation status to employers or licensing boards.

Reasons Students Chose Argosy University PhD Programs

Many students selected Argosy University for their doctoral studies for several reasons:

• Flexible scheduling for working adults
• Focus on applied learning and practical skills
• Accessibility with multiple campus locations
• Opportunities for professional networking
• Availability of fully online or hybrid options in selected programs

Argosy aimed to help nontraditional learners achieve advanced credentials without sacrificing work or family obligations.

Evaluation of Argosy PhD Programs in the Current Educational Climate

In today’s educational and professional landscape, the closure of Argosy University has prompted continuing conversations about accreditation, transferability, and the broader implications for for-profit universities. It is always recommended to:

• Research accreditation status of any institution before enrolling
• Check with state licensing boards regarding degree eligibility
• Contact receiving institutions about transfer policies for discontinued programs

Staying informed and advocating for your educational records remains vital for Argosy University alumni.

Frequently Asked Questions about Argosy University PhD Programs

Was Argosy University accredited for its PhD programs?

Argosy University had institutional accreditation from WASC or HLC, depending on location. Some doctoral programs, such as the PsyD in Clinical Psychology at select campuses, held accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). However, not all programs were APA-accredited. Always confirm with licensing boards for your specific field.

Can I get my Argosy University transcripts?

Yes. Former students can request transcripts through the designated state agency or a third-party vendor. Each state has assigned an office to maintain records after the closure. Visit your state’s higher education website for instructions.

Are Argosy University degrees still valid?

Degrees earned while Argosy was accredited are still valid. For professions requiring programmatic accreditation, such as psychology, you may need to verify that your specific program was APA-accredited when you attended. Check with licensing and certification agencies for your industry.

What caused Argosy University to close?

Argosy closed after financial instability and failure to meet regulatory requirements. The U.S. Department of Education withdrew its federal financial aid access due to mishandling, which led to the closure of all campuses nationwide in 2019.

What should I do if I started a PhD at Argosy but didn’t finish?

Contact your state’s higher education agency or the Department of Education for transfer and financial aid options. Some universities offered teach-out or transfer pathways for Argosy students after the closure. You may also be eligible for student loan relief if you could not complete your program due to the closure.