The PhD program is one of 48 nationwide recognized for excellence in science-centered education and training.
The clinical psychology doctoral program at the University of Rochester has been recognized as among the most prestigious in the United States.
The recognition comes in the form of accreditation from the Psychological and Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), an independent, nonprofit organization which endorses programs that embody the highest standards of science-centered education and training.
PCSAS accredited the program, run by the Department of Psychology, after an extensive evaluation process that included two independent reviews, site visits, and a formal interview. The accreditation is valid for 10 years.
Evaluators found that the program has built a strong record of consistently graduating productive clinical scientists who have gone on to prominent careers in which they have made significant contributions to advancing psychological clinical science through research, teaching, service, and professional leadership.
“This is a high-quality program reflecting excellent clinical science faculty in an outstanding department with excellent students and a clinical science training model that is fully implemented,” Joseph Steinmetz, executive director of PCSAS, wrote in notifying the program of the distinction. “The curriculum is excellent, applied training is outstanding, and the quality of the science produced by the faculty and students is exemplary.”
The clinical psychology doctoral program has long been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and retains that distinction with the PCSAS recognition.
But the scope of PCSAS accreditation is narrower, focusing on doctoral programs that adhere to a clinical science training model. To earn PCSAS accreditation, programs must demonstrate a strong commitment to high-quality, science-centered education and training in clinical psychology, with an emphasis on integrative research and application.
Forty-eight programs around the country are accredited by PCSAS, while more than 500 programs have APA accreditation. Other programs recently recognized by PCSAS include those at Emory University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Miami.
Professor Jeremy Jamieson, chair of the psychology department, says the recognition will make it easier for students to launch careers in research. “PCSAS modernizes the training process for our students, allowing them to focus more of their time and energy toward research in lieu of excessive coursework,” he says.
David Dodell-Feder, an associate professor of psychology and of neuroscience at Rochester who spearheaded the effort for PCSAS accreditation, says the distinction is an affirmation of the incredible achievements of current and former students, faculty, and department as a whole. For students, he says, the accreditation means the University can continue evolving its curriculum in ways that ensures training to the highest standards.
“We’re thrilled and proud that our program has been added to the distinguished roster of accredited clinical science programs,” Dodell-Feder says.
Learn more about the clinical psychology doctoral program.
