Georgia Southern University's Doctor of Psychology (Psy. D) program in Clinical Psychology has been formally accredited by the American Psychological Association's Council on Accreditation, school officials announced.

"The Psychology Department's achievement of accreditation for the Psy.D program provides the program and the Department with significant national recognition," Jean Bartels, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said in a statement. "This prestigious accreditation will provide current and future students with the assurance that their program is of the highest quality and has recognition which will open doors for internships and employment after graduation."

The doctorate program originated from a dire need for a licensed psychologists in rural, underserved areas in the United States, especially the South.

Students are taught to become generalists who will be effective in the delivery of psychotherapy, psychological assessment and psychological consultation services in rural areas. The curriculum strives to create and maintain a dynamic, integrative and hands-on program that emphasizes behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and other approaches to therapy.

"This accreditation is a tremendous stamp of approval for the psychology program and faculty. It is the American Psychological Association's way of indicating that the education our students receive meets the high standards of the profession, and that our graduates are well-prepared to be licensed psychologists," Michael Nielsen, chair of Psychology, said in a statement. "Accreditation is further evidence that our faculty and staff are doing great work on behalf of our students, the community, and the state."

This program is one of several doctorate programs students may study at Georgia Southern University.