ASU Department of Psychology improves in Times Higher Education world rankings


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Just days after being announced as the No. 1 most innovative university for a record seventh year, Arizona State University continues to rise in the academic rankings.

In the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, released on Sept. 16, the ASU Department of Psychology ranked 52 in the world, ahead of Penn State, Michigan State, Brown University, the University of Arizona and the National University of Singapore. This is a nine-spot improvement from the previous year's report.

The September publication includes four subject rankings — physical sciences, life sciences, clinical and health, and psychology. Over 1,200 public and private universities across 98 different countries and regions are represented. ASU ranked 101–125 in physical sciences and 151–175 in life sciences

The rankings factor in teaching, the learning environment, research, citations, international outlook and industry income. It highlights the universities that are leading across several areas of psychology, including educational, sport, business, animal and clinical psychology.

“We are excited to see that our world-class department is being recognized by national and international publications — but we’re not surprised” said Steven Neuberg, chair and Foundation Professor of psychology. “Supported by a strong and dedicated staff, our faculty provides outstanding educational opportunities to our undergraduate and graduate students, engages actively with our communities and consistently contributes important discoveries and insights that shape our understanding of the mind, brain and behavior.”

In addition to having 3,000 undergraduate psychology and neuroscience majors, the Department of Psychology features six distinct doctoral areas — behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive science, developmental psychology, quantitative psychology and social psychology. Additionally, the department’s two master’s programs have experienced great growth, and the Master of Science in applied behavior analysis (MS ABA) program has launched a new virtual synchronous option for students who desire to become applied behavioral analysts outside the Phoenix area. The graduates of this program have a historical 92% pass rate on the BCBA licensure exam, over 39% higher than the nation’s average.

The department also has continued to build on its Psych for Life promise to students and alumni that it is with them for life, not just through graduation, launching a Student Success Center, a careers Initiative and an extensive internship and mentorship network. The Psych for Life initiative is also developing a new project to provide people with actionable, engaging and empowering evidence-based solutions to everyday challenges related to relationships, parenting, career, well-being and community.

Other subject rankings in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings will be released in October and November.

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