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Graduate study in psychology: 1971-2004
John C Norcross1, Jessica L Kohout, Marlene Wicherski
1Department of Psychology, University of Scranton, PA 18510-4596, USA. norcross@scranton.edu
The American Psychologist
|December 22, 2005
Summary
Graduate psychology programs in the US and Canada have evolved significantly over 3 decades. Key trends include the rise of PsyD and neuroscience programs, alongside increasing acceptance rates for aspiring psychologists.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Higher Education
Background:
- Graduate psychology education in the US and Canada has undergone substantial changes over the last 30 years.
- Previous data collection efforts in 1970-1971, 1979-1980, and 1992-1993 provide historical context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the evolution of graduate study in psychology over three decades.
- To summarize and compare characteristics of psychology graduate programs and departments from 1970-1971 to 2003-2004.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2005 edition of Graduate Study in Psychology.
- Analyzed information from 495 institutions, 601 departments, and 1,970 graduate programs.
- Examined departmental data (faculty, students, admissions, costs) and program data (specializations, enrollment, retention).
Main Results:
- Observed the emergence and growth of Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs in professional psychology.
- Noted the increasing prominence of neuroscience programs within academic psychology.
- Documented a consistent rise in acceptance rates across psychology graduate programs over 33 years.
Conclusions:
- Graduate psychology education reflects shifts in specialization and professional training.
- Increasing acceptance rates may indicate changes in applicant pools or program capacities.
- The data provide a comprehensive overview of the changing landscape of psychology graduate programs.
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