Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Science’s clinical psychology doctoral program is ranked 17th in the country out of 157 programs at universities across the United States.The study, conducted by Louisiana State University, was based on the number of publications each university program produced, as well as the frequency others in the field cited the work of the respective universities in their research and publications.’This ranking was based on the productivity of the faculty and the visibility of that research we’re publishing,’ said Kevin Masters, an associate professor and director of clinical training at SU. ‘It is particularly gratifying that this ranking was based on research.’This is the study’s first year, Masters said. He said he feels very positive about the new ranking system.’Obviously we’re pleased. To be 17th out of 157 puts you in the top echelon,’ Masters said. ‘It is true that the clinical psychology department here is truly a leader in the kind of research we do.’Since 1999, every graduate in the program has been accepted into funded internship positions at institutions, including Brown and Yale universities, among others.The ranking didn’t surprise Mary Spagnola, a graduate student in her last year in the clinical psychology doctoral program, who said she was ‘happy about the news.”I’ve always known that we have an excellent program here,’ Spagnola said. ‘The professors here are passionate about teaching and research, which had a definite benefit for the students. It is this combination that I think makes Syracuse unusual.’This study will give programs without immediate reputations like SU a chance to be recognized, Spagnola said. The fact that it was based on publications and citations speaks more for the program.’This ranking speaks well for the faculty,’ Masters said. ‘They’ve been working hard.’