Vol. 17, No. 10	Nov. 6, 1997

Clinical psychology ranked 4th

The University's Clinical Psychology Graduate Program has been ranked fourth out of 185 graduate programs in the U.S. and Canada, according to an article in the September issue of the American Psychological Society Observer.

The criteria for the ranking was the mean test scores from 1988-1995 of students who took the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). UD tied with the University of California at Los Angeles for fourth place.

The University of Oregon ranked first, with the University of Waterloo in Ontario second and the University of Pennsylvania third.

"We are pleased with the recognition that the UD clinical psychology program received. This study confirms the excellence of our students and the quality of the program," Roger Kobak, director of clinical training, said.

According to the article, "The researchers found that higher EPPP scores were associated with larger faculty-to-student ratios, smaller-sized clinical programs and traditional versus professional program orientation."

They looked at such variables as "the number of students and faculty, grade-point average admission requirements, Graduate Record Examination admission requirements, research versus applied orientation and other factors."

According to Kobak, these variables are important in the UD program. It is small and highly selective, accepting only five students a year from 250-300 applicants. There is a high ratio of faculty to students; and the program emphasizes research and trains students to be clinical scientists and policy makers as well as practitioners.

"Our students are in demand when they finish the doctorate program in clinical psychology," Kobak said.

In addition to course work, students carry out research projects and write dissertations. Second-year students serve as counselors in a clinic in Belmont House for faculty, staff and the public, directed by Rita Cohen. Off-campus internships also are part of the degree requirements.

The UD Clinical Psychology Graduate Program is emerging as a leader in the field of academic and research-oriented clinical psychology, said Kobak. It is a founding member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, whose goal is to integrate scientific research and the practice of clinical psychology. Robert Simons, a member of the clinical psychology faculty, serves on its board of directors.

-Sue Swyers Moncure