MSU’s Clinical Psychology Program achieves landmark accreditation, perfect internship match rate

Contact: Sarah Nicholas

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s Clinical Psychology Program has earned a landmark achievement widely recognized as the gold standard in the field: a 10-year accreditation from the American Psychological Association.

The Ph.D. program’s success extends beyond accreditation, with a 100% match rate for clinical psychology internships through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers for the past 13 years. The achievement far exceeds the national average—86%—and demonstrates the program’s dedication to preparing students for competitive placements.

Ty Stafford, assistant clinical professor and director of clinical training, said accreditation not only enhances the program’s national reputation but also benefits students by boosting their competitiveness for internships and postdoctoral fellowships—both critical steps toward licensure and career success. The designation also strengthens opportunities for grant funding and research support, ensuring continued investment in the professional development of students and the university’s broader mission of academic excellence.

The program also houses the MSU Psychology Clinic, a nonprofit mental health service, training and research center operated by the Department of Psychology. Graduate clinicians, supervised by licensed professionals, provide affordable therapy and assessment services, both in-person and via telehealth, with fees based on a sliding scale.

“Our program receiving 10 years of accreditation is a testament to the commitment, talent and abilities of our faculty and the amazing students we have been able to recruit,” Stafford said. “It is direct evidence of the impact and importance of the research we produce and the high-quality clinical training we provide as our students prepare to become psychologists.

The 10-year designation is the maximum accreditation period possible, demonstrating exceptional commitment to academic and clinical excellence.

“I frequently hear from internship training directors that they are impressed by our students. They truly represent Mississippi State,” Stafford added.

He credited MSU Professor Michael Nadorff, who served as director of clinical training for the program until August of this year, for foundational contributions that were instrumental in the program’s achievements.

For more information about MSU’s Clinical Psychology Program, visit www.psychology.msstate.edu/graduate-programs/clinical-psychology-program or contact Stafford at 662-325-3202 or tws37@msstate.edu. More information about the MSU Psychology Clinic is available at www.psychology.msstate.edu/psychology-clinic.

For more details about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, visit www.cas.msstate.edu.

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