Clinical and School Psychology Ph.D. Programs Reaccredited for 10 Years
Wed, 06/03/2026 - 09:21am | By: Karelia Pitts
The American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) granted re-accreditation to the clinical psychology and school psychology Ph.D. programs in The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Psychology through 2035, the maximum period allowed.
“The reaccreditation of our clinical and school doctoral programs reaffirms that our programs are highly regarded in their provision of high-quality training for the next generation of psychologists,” said Dr. Melanie Leuty, director of the USM School of Psychology. “We couldn’t be prouder of the exceptional work of our psychology faculty in the training of our students who graduate well-prepared to help address the increasing need for mental health service providers.”
Since 1940, the Southern Miss School of Psychology has worked to educate the public through the discovery and creation of psychological knowledge and the dissemination of that knowledge through scholarship, teaching, professional service and evidence-based psychological practice. The school has a strong history of supporting the University and surrounding communities through research and psychological service in schools and businesses, in addition to providing low-cost mental health services to residents of South Mississippi.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the exceptional training our program provides and the outstanding faculty and students we have. I could not be prouder of what we have achieved, and I know we will continue to do great things,” said Dr. Stephanie Smith, clinical psychology doctoral program coordinator. “Our students are fully prepared to become licensed clinical psychologists and leaders in our field upon graduation, as evidenced by their appointments in prestigious institutions as researchers, academics and clinicians.”
The clinical psychology doctoral program follows a scientist-practitioner, evidence-based model and provides clinical training with concentrations in clinical child and adult psychology. Students develop a range of professional competencies needed for entry-level practice in health service psychology while also building knowledge of psychological science through research that advances the field. Graduates of the program leave Southern Miss equipped for careers in academia, research, mental health care delivery and clinical practice in both public and private settings.
“Our APA reaccreditation reflects the strength of a program that is deeply committed to both rigorous research training and high-quality applied psychological practice. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a faculty that prepares students not only to become excellent school psychologists, but also thoughtful professionals who can make a meaningful impact in schools, clinics, hospitals, universities and communities,” said Dr. Zach LaBrot, school psychology doctoral program coordinator. “This reaccreditation is especially meaningful because it ensures our graduates can continue pursuing licensure as psychologists and have the flexibility to follow a wide range of professional paths.”
The school psychology doctoral program prepares health-service psychologists who can integrate psychological science and practice to promote the academic, social, emotional and behavioral well-being of children and adolescents. The degree emphasizes the integration of research and applied practice, grounded in evidence-based practice and data-based problem solving. In addition to APA accreditation, the program is also certified by the National Association of School Psychologists.
“This reaccreditation represents far more than compliance with professional standards,” said Dr. Trent Gould, dean of the Southern Miss College of Education and Human Sciences. “It reflects a long-standing commitment to excellence in preparing psychologists who are equipped to address complex challenges facing children, families and communities. Combined with this year’s 100-percent internship match rate, the maximum 10-year reaccreditation affirms that Southern Miss continues to develop graduates who are highly sought after and exceptionally prepared to lead in clinical, educational and research settings.”
There are currently 21 students enrolled in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program at Southern Miss and 22 students in the school psychology Ph.D. program. Both programs celebrated a 100-percent match rate this spring for students participating in the competitive Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) online match program.
Learn more about the Southern Miss School of Psychology and their clinical and school psychology doctoral programs.