The Counseling Psychology Program (CPP) in the Department of Educational Psychology was ranked No. 1 on the “Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology, 2016” list by College Choice.

Professor Helen Neville, chair of CPP, said the program attracts students from all over the nation and world, students who attend Illinois because of the outstanding training they receive and because of the available flexibility to develop expertise in their areas of interest.

Neville said CPP students are able to join labs with leading researchers in the Educational Psychology and Psychology departments, and they receive excellent training opportunities through strong partnerships with the university's Counseling Center, The Career Center, the Division of Disability Resources & Educational Services, and local sites that provide psychological services to veterans, adolescents, and community members.

She added that students can pursue academic training in related fields such as gender and women studies and African-American studies.

“CPP is committed to the growth and development of each of our graduate students, and we find ways to nurture their learning by establishing a community and creating opportunities,” Neville said.  

According to PR Newswire, College Choice formulated this year’s rankings by curating a list of factors that affect a student’s aspiration to study in counseling psychology programs, elements such as academic reputation, tuition, gainful employment after graduation, and student satisfaction.  

The first-time pass rate of the Examination for Professional Practice Psychology test, necessary for students to pass in order to practice psychology, was also an important factor in the rankings.

CPP received an overall score of 100 from College Choice, which also tallied the tuition-per-credit amount for the ranked schools.

View the “Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology, 2016” list and see CPP’s 2014 ranking by CounselingPsychology.org.