Clinical psychology Ph.D. program nationally ranked

BOWLING GREEN, O. — Bowling Green State University’s clinical psychology Ph.D. program is among the best in the nation according to two recent reports. On the list compiled by counselingpsychology.org, BGSU is ranked 2nd in the nation for its success in preparing students for careers in professional counseling.

The website bestcounselingdegrees.net ranks the University 22nd on its list of the country’s 50 best Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology for 2016.

“The rankings are affirmation that we offer a top-flight program and have developed an excellent reputation,” said Michael Zickar, chair of BGSU’s psychology department.

“Our program has excelled in providing a balanced experience that focuses on rigorous academic research as well as excellent practical experiences and placement,” he said, adding, “Our doctoral students learn from world-class faculty and then go on to apply those experiences in mental health facilities throughout the region and the nation.”

The main metric for both rankings is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards as part of the process in granting licensure. BG’s passage rate is 100 percent. The exam is “one of the best ways to determine how well students are prepared for a career in professional counseling,” according to bestcounselingdegrees.org’s website.

Bestcounselingdeegrees.org’s rankings also look at the percentage of doctoral students who successfully obtain American Psychological Association-accredited internships. More than 91 percent of BGSU’s doctoral students achieved that marker.

The program is one of 300 clinical psychology Ph.D. programs nationwide that is accredited by the American Psychological Association.  BGSU’s program follows a scientist-practitioner model of training in which the development of research skills, coursework and clinical practica are integrated into a coherent program of study. Research requirements include completing a master’s-level research project, a post-master’s research project or examination and a doctoral dissertation. Students learn with and from one another as they participate in research teams and clinical skills teams where they will integrate research and practice

“Our psychology programs at all levels have a strong reputation of excellence,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Mazey, president of BGSU. “This recognition affirms that Bowling Green provides a quality education, preparing our students for success in their careers.”

Read the full reports at http://www.counselingpsychology.org/clinical-psychology-programs#top_ranked_intro and http://www.bestcounselingdegrees.net/best/phd-programs-clinical-psychology/ or learn more about the program at http://www.bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences/psychology/graduate-program/clinical.html.