2009 Program Rankings: Best Grad Schools in Psychology
Every year U.S. News and World Report publishes rankings of top graduate programs. A variety of disciplines are ranked, and luckily, there is information published specifically on psychology grad programs. The 2009 edition saw several universities tying for spots.
Currently rounding out the top five grad schools in psychology (note that several programs were tied in their rankings):
- Stanford University and University of California-Berkeley
- Harvard University, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and Yale University
How 
are the ranking determinations made? According to U.S. News and World Report, data is collected regarding expert opinions about program quality and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research, and students. Over 1,200 programs are included in the assessment and over 11,000 academics and professionals took part in the study.
As you begin to research programs and course offerings, these rankings can help you compare programs’ reputations for academic excellence. Of course, this is just one measure of comparing programs among many others, and you may want to take rankings with a grain of salt. This is not saying these aren’t excellent graduate programs. I whole-heartedly believe they are, especially after finishing my Ph.D. from one of the above-listed institutions. However, you also want to note rankings of your specific program area. Do some investigation – Is the Clinical area as highly regarded as the Social Psych program?
Should you attend a particular university just because it is top ranked? It is important to determine one’s own criteria for a top graduate program. Are you interested in living in a particular geographical area? Do you have access to a burgeoning social life (for those days when you are not hitting the books)? What about faculty placement rates upon graduation? These are all factors to consider. And most certainly if your area of research interest is not represented among the faculty members, then whatever program you’re looking at is probably not the best one for you.
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