psychology phd rankings

2023-2024 Best Psychology Schools

Ranked in 2022, part of Best Social Sciences and Humanities Schools

Studying the intricacies of the

Studying the intricacies of the human experience is central to a psychology program. With a graduate degree, psychologists are able to work in health facilities, schools and the government. These are the top psychology programs. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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PhD Program Rankings (Adapted from US News and World Report)

Below are reputation scores and ranks of the top 27 PhD programs in Psychology, including top-ranked schools in each of six subspecialties. From US News and World Report, “America’s Best Graduate Schools” rank/school average reputation score.

Rank                                      School Average reputation score

1                                 Stanford Univ.                                                         4.8

2                                 Univ. of California-Berkeley                                       4.6

2                                 Univ. of Michigan-Ann Arbor                                     4.6

4                                 Univ. of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign                         4.5

4                                 Yale Univ.                                                                 4.5

6                                 Harvard Univ.                                                        4.4

6                                 Univ. of California-Los Angeles                             4.4

6                                 Univ. of Minnesota-Twin Cities                             4.4

9                                 Carnegie Mellon Univ.                                             4.2

9                                 Princeton Univ.                                                          4.2

9                                 Univ. of Pennsylvania                                                4.2

9                                 Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison                                        4.2

13                               Indiana Univ.-Bloomington                                          4.1

13                               Univ. of California-San Diego                                         4.1

13                               Univ. of North Carolina-Chapel Hill                               4.1

16                               Johns Hopkins Univ.                                                       4.0

16                               Univ. of Colorado-Boulder                                              4.0

16                               Univ. of Texas-Austin                                                  4.0

19                               Cornell Univ.                                                               3.9

19                               Duke Univ.                                                                   3.9

19                               Northwestern Univ.                                                  3.9

19                               Univ. of Chicago                                                      3.9

19                               Univ. of Washington                                                    3.9

24                               Columbia Univ.                                                             3.8

24                               Ohio State Univ.                                                             3.8

24                               Univ. of California-Irvine                                                 3.8

24                               Univ. of Virginia                                                              3.8

Top Specialty Programs

C linical Psychology

1. Univ. of Minnesota-Twin Cities

2. Univ. of Illinois-Urban a-Champaign

3. Univ. of Michigan-Ann Arbor

4. Univ. of California-Los Angeles

5. Univ. of Washington

Co unseling Psychology

1. Univ. of Maryland-College Park

2. Ohio State Univ.

3. Univ. of Minnesota-Twin Cities

4. Univ. of Missouri-Columbia

5. Univ. of Iowa

Developme n tal

2. Univ. of Virginia

2. Stanford Univ.

4. Univ. of Michigan-Ann Arbor

5. Univ. of Illinois-Urban a-Champaign

5. Univ. of California-Berkeley

Expe ri menta l P sychology

1. Stanford Univ.

2. Univ. of Michigan-Ann Arbor

3. Univ. of California-Berkeley

4. Univ. of Illinois-Urban a-Champaign

5. Carnegie Mellon Univ.

I ndustrial / Organizational

2. Univ. of Maryland-College Park

3. Michigan State Univ.

4. Ohio State Univ.

5. Bowling Green State Univ.

5. Univ. of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

Schoo l Psychology

1. Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

2. Univ. of Texas-Austin

3. Univ. of South Carolina-Columbia

3. Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln

3. Columbia Univ.

(The response rate for psychology was 34%, the lowest response rate for the six PhD fields surveyed. Political Science had the highest response rate, at 54%.)

Reprinted with permission from US News and World Report. Copyright, 1995, US News and World Report.

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New Report Finds “Gaps and Variation” in Behavioral Science at NIH

A new NIH report emphasizes the importance of behavioral science in improving health, observes that support for these sciences at NIH is unevenly distributed, and makes recommendations for how to improve their support at the agency.

APS Advocates for Psychological Science in New Pandemic Preparedness Bill

APS has written to the U.S. Senate to encourage the integration of psychological science into a new draft bill focused on U.S. pandemic preparedness and response.

APS Urges Psychological Science Expertise in New U.S. Pandemic Task Force

APS has responded to urge that psychological science expertise be included in the group’s personnel and activities.

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World University Rankings 2023 by subject: psychology

The psychology subject table uses the same trusted and rigorous performance indicators as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, but the methodology has been recalibrated to suit the discipline.

It highlights the universities that are leading across several areas of psychology, including educational, sport, business, animal and clinical psychology.

This year’s table includes 600 universities, up from 568 last year.

View the World University Rankings 2023 by subject: psychology methodology

Stanford University in the US had led the table almost every year since its inception in 2018, and it regained the top spot after having slipped into second last year.

Although the UK and the US continue to score highly throughout the rankings, Germany has widely improved. Its Ruhr University Bochum has risen at least 16 places to 85 from the 101-125 band; University of Konstanz at least 28, to 98 from 126-150; and Leuphana University of Lüneburg is a newcomer to the 101-125 category.

Other countries with new representation in the top 200 include the US, Sweden, Cyprus and Qatar. Respectively, Purdue University West Lafayette is now in the 101-125 band, Virginia Commonwealth University is in the 301-400 band; Jönköping University is in the 176-200 category; and the University of Nicosia and Qatar University both sit among the 251-300 band.

Read our analysis of the subject rankings 2023 results

View the full results of the overall World University Rankings 2023

To raise your university’s global profile with Times Higher Education , contact [email protected]

To unlock the data behind THE ’s rankings and access a range of analytical and benchmarking tools, click here

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• World University Rankings by Subject 2023: results announced

Methodology:

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Featured universities.

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Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 203 results

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Harvard University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability is a first of its kind professionally focused master's program in the nation. Interdisciplinary by design, MSES covers the technical, policy, and business/economics of the energy and sustainability sector pulling professors from the Kellogg School of Management as well as the McCormick School of Engineering. The industry professionals are leaders in their respective fields and are always willing to help the students. The cohort focused program enables deep connection among the students that will last a lifetime! ... Read 3 reviews

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability is a first of its kind professionally focused master's program in the nation. Interdisciplinary by design, MSES covers the technical,... .

Read 3 reviews.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study ... Read 1 review

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

Read 1 reviews.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Graduate School •

INDIANA, PA

• • Rating 4.32 out of 5   56

Rowan University Graduate

GLASSBORO, NJ

• • Rating 4.38 out of 5   29

Xavier University

CINCINNATI, OH

• • Rating 4.55 out of 5   29

College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

College of Fine Arts - Boston University

Boston, MA •

Boston University •

Boston University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering - University of Rochester

Rochester, NY •

University of Rochester •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Alum: The Optics program is the toughest offered at the school. Optics grads do twice as much (60 credit hours instead of 30) class work as other degrees. You learn a ton! The field is so diverse you can pick and choose what subfields to focus on, and all fields are offered. Amazing professors. In all my classes, I felt one professor was bad at teaching. All the others were very competent, and the best were extremely passionate about their class/field of research. ... Read 2 reviews

Blue checkmark.

University of Rochester ,

ROCHESTER, NY ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The Optics program is the toughest offered at the school. Optics grads do twice as much (60 credit hours instead of 30) class work as other degrees. You learn a ton! The field is so diverse you can... .

Read 2 reviews.

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Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Dallas, TX •

Southern Methodist University •

Southern Methodist University ,

DALLAS, TX ,

BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Provo, UT •

Brigham Young University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: I will be starting the EMPA program at Brigham Young University this fall, and have been so impressed with the communications I have received as a new grad student. BYU's faculty have been professional, welcoming, and enthusiastic, which has inspired an excitement in me to begin studying. ... Read 2 reviews

Brigham Young University ,

PROVO, UT ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I will be starting the EMPA program at Brigham Young University this fall, and have been so impressed with the communications I have received as a new grad student. BYU's faculty have been... .

University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences

Seattle, WA •

University of Washington •

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Washington, DC •

George Washington University •

• • Rating 4.73 out of 5   11 reviews

Doctoral Student: GW selects an eclectic class. I noticed the diverse backgrounds, age groups, and interests among the students. Half the class are women. Students have a wide-variety of interests and talents outside of. medicine and bring this to the classroom and beyond. The location is amazing with major health organizations and hospitals nearby. The curriculum is focused on evidence-based care and cutting edge research. From day one. you dive in hands on. The pace is intense at times, but the faculty is supportive and available. ... Read 11 reviews

George Washington University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says GW selects an eclectic class. I noticed the diverse backgrounds, age groups, and interests among the students. Half the class are women. Students have a wide-variety of interests and talents outside... .

Read 11 reviews.

UC San Diego School of Medicine

La Jolla, CA •

University of California - San Diego •

Current Doctoral student: The UCSD School of Medicine is a top-ranked medical school located in La Jolla, California, and is widely regarded as one of the best medical schools in the country. The school is part of the University of California system, known for its excellence in education and research. One of the strengths of the UCSD School of Medicine is its focus on innovation and collaboration. The school's curriculum emphasizes active learning and hands-on experience, with opportunities for students to participate in research projects and community service programs. The curriculum also encourages students to explore areas outside of traditional medicine, such as business and law, to help prepare them for a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Overall, the UCSD School of Medicine is a highly respected institution that provides students with an excellent education and numerous opportunities for research and the ability to live in a beautiful city. ... Read 2 reviews

University of California - San Diego ,

LA JOLLA, CA ,

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says The UCSD School of Medicine is a top-ranked medical school located in La Jolla, California, and is widely regarded as one of the best medical schools in the country. The school is part of the... One of the strengths of the UCSD School of Medicine is its focus on innovation and collaboration. The school's curriculum emphasizes active learning and hands-on experience, with opportunities for... .

Henry Kendall College of Arts & Sciences

Tulsa, OK •

The University of Tulsa •

Graduate Student: Overall, it’s pretty good to be a grad student at TU in A&S, but that is changing rapidly. The faculty care about us and the other students do as well, but neither the Board of Trustees nor the President nor the Provost (now acting President) actually care about this particular group of students. They’d honestly rather A&S disappear to make way for “industry jobs”. If your goal is to pursue Psychology, then TU is a solid option. Other degrees housed under A&S? I’d look elsewhere just to be safe. ... Read 1 review

The University of Tulsa ,

TULSA, OK ,

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Overall, it’s pretty good to be a grad student at TU in A&S, but that is changing rapidly. The faculty care about us and the other students do as well, but neither the Board of Trustees nor the... .

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Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology

Bronx, NY •

Yeshiva University •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

Yeshiva University ,

BRONX, NY ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

The Wheaton College Graduate School - Illinois

Wheaton, IL •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   27 reviews

Current Master's student: The staff is phenomenal, in and out of the classroom! Small-town feels, but very close to Chicago so the city life is close by. Academically challenging ! ... Read 27 reviews

WHEATON, IL ,

27 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The staff is phenomenal, in and out of the classroom! Small-town feels, but very close to Chicago so the city life is close by. Academically challenging ! .

Read 27 reviews.

College of Arts and Sciences - Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY •

Syracuse University •

Master's Student: The speech-language pathology program at Syracuse university is ranked very high among graduate programs in New York State. It is clear that the professors are very knowledgeable and provide students with the quality education needed to become excellent clinicians. The clinical faculty does an amazing job at supporting their students and allowing them to develop clinical skills for all types of speech and language disorders. This program does so much more than just providing students with education on the field of speech-language pathology. Students are constantly challenged to use complex skills like analytical thinking, collaborating with peers, and so much more. This program can be very demanding at times and requires students to put in a lot of work in the clinical and classroom settings. The main campus at Syracuse is very nice, however, the building for the speech program is nothing special. Almost all masters classes are in the same, small classroom with no windows. ... Read 2 reviews

Syracuse University ,

SYRACUSE, NY ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says The speech-language pathology program at Syracuse university is ranked very high among graduate programs in New York State. It is clear that the professors are very knowledgeable and provide... This program can be very demanding at times and requires students to put in a lot of work in the clinical and classroom settings. The main campus at Syracuse is very nice, however, the building for... .

Graduate School of Education and Psychology - Pepperdine University

Los Angeles, CA •

Pepperdine University •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   105 reviews

Master's Student: My experience in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy with LatinX Communities at Pepperdine University (also known as the Aliento Program) is something I have not experienced in the education system. That means enjoyable learning and not ignorant learning, where everything is about tests, grades, and even memorization. My professors here deeply care about me and my community and they show it. They are so skilled at what they do and made me realize and reflect on things that I did not think about before. They tell us that this program is about supporting one another and not about competition. I also feel the sense of community in the program where everyone is close to one another compared to other programs where students are distant from each other. I love this program because it feels like home, it feels like a family away from my biological family. This program made me realize so much about my community and culture which makes me want to learn more. ... Read 105 reviews

Pepperdine University ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

105 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says My experience in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy with LatinX Communities at Pepperdine University (also known as the Aliento Program) is something I have not... .

Read 105 reviews.

Auburn University College of Liberal Arts

Auburn, AL •

Auburn University •

Auburn University ,

AUBURN, AL ,

Saint Louis University- College of Arts and Sciences

St Louis, MO •

Saint Louis University •

Doctoral Student: Faculty are generally supportive, professional, and offer great training. There are resources for curriculum development and development as a teacher. Institutional support may vary by department or school, but I am funded with a stipend and health insurance. ... Read 2 reviews

Saint Louis University ,

ST LOUIS, MO ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Faculty are generally supportive, professional, and offer great training. There are resources for curriculum development and development as a teacher. Institutional support may vary by department or... .

College of Arts and Sciences - Baylor University

Baylor University Graduate School •

Baylor University Graduate School ,

College of Arts and Sciences - University of Dayton

Dayton, OH •

University of Dayton •

University of Dayton ,

DAYTON, OH ,

College of Arts and Sciences - American University

American University •

American University ,

College of Arts and Sciences - University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC •

University of South Carolina •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Current Master's student: My academic program has given me many opportunities to become a social worker post-graduation. The College of Social Work is great. ... Read 2 reviews

University of South Carolina ,

COLUMBIA, SC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says My academic program has given me many opportunities to become a social worker post-graduation. The College of Social Work is great. .

Graduate School of Professional Psychology - University of Denver

Denver, CO •

University of Denver •

• • Rating 1 out of 5   1 review

University of Denver ,

DENVER, CO ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars.

University of San Francisco College of Arts and Sciences

San Francisco, CA •

University of San Francisco •

University of San Francisco ,

SAN FRANCISCO, CA ,

College of Sciences - University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL •

University of Central Florida •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Other: Nestled in a picturesque town surrounded by rolling hills and a bustling downtown, this college exudes an undeniable aura of fun and excitement. From the moment you step onto its vibrant campus, you're greeted by a palpable energy that permeates the air. The campus is alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and enthusiastic chatter, creating an atmosphere that's both invigorating and welcoming. One of the highlights of this college is its diverse range of extracurricular activities, catering to every interest imaginable. Whether you're into sports, arts, community service, or something entirely unique, there's a club or organization for you. From spirited intramural games and outdoor adventure trips to dynamic student-led performances and cultural celebrations, the options for fun and enrichment are endless. ... Read 1 review

University of Central Florida ,

ORLANDO, FL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Other says Nestled in a picturesque town surrounded by rolling hills and a bustling downtown, this college exudes an undeniable aura of fun and excitement. From the moment you step onto its vibrant campus,... .

University of Houston - Clear Lake

HOUSTON, TX

• • Rating 4.54 out of 5   70

WASHINGTON, DC

College of Professional Sciences - Xavier University

Xavier University •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2

Showing results 1 through 25 of 203

NRC Doctoral Program Rankings

The National Research Council assessed programs according to 21 different criteria. Here are the NRC's five major ratings summarizing those criteria. For a detailed explanation, see their  FAQ.

S-Rank: Programs are ranked highly if they are strong in the criteria that scholars say are most important. Research: Derived from faculty publications, citation rates, grants, and awards. Students: Derived from students' completion rates, financial aid, and other criteria. Diversity: Reflects gender balance, ethnic diversity, and the proportion of international students. R-Rank: Programs are ranked highly if they have similar features to programs viewed by faculty as top-notch.

See more at: http://chronicle.com/article/NRC-Rankings-Overview-/124708/#sthash.NGSJzASE.dpuf

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Psychology Headlines

From around the world.

• Gloom and Doom Warnings About Climate Change Do Not Work
• Treatment for Maternal Mental Health Issues on the Rise in U.S.
• Vermont Bill Would Require Fossil Fuel Companies to Pay for Climate Damage
• Nigerian Takes to the Water to Raise Mental Health Awareness
• J.K. Rowling in "Arrest Me" Challenge Over Hate Crime Law
• Could Artificial Intelligence Benefit Democracy?
• Cuba Once Sent Gay People to Labor Camps; Now, It Supports LGBT Rights
• U.S. Is Changing Race and Ethnicity Categories for First Time in 27 Years

Source: Psychology News Center

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QS World University Rankings by Subject: Psychology 2023

Discover which universities around the world are the best for your chosen subject with the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. 

The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 cover a total of 54 disciplines, grouped into five broad subject areas.

The QS World University Rankings by Subject are compiled annually to help prospective students identify the leading universities in a particular subject. Research citations, along with the results of major global surveys of employers and academics, are used to rank universities. More information about this year’s  methodology  is available.

This year’s rankings include three new subjects: data science, history of art, and marketing. All 54 tables included in this year’s QS World University Rankings by Subject can be accessed by clicking the links below. Let us know what you think of the results on  Sina Weibo .

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