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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has earned the No. 2 spot in the 2027 Rankings of Psychology Programs in Illinois from CounselingPsychology.org.

The rankings focus on programs offering online or hybrid learning options, with SIUE’s listing featuring its online psychology bachelor’s program and graduate specialization in exercise and sport psychology.

CounselingPsychology.org provides information about degree programs and careers in psychology and related fields. Its ranking methodology considers affordability, online and hybrid access, graduate earnings and debt, student success indicators, and program specialization and quality.

Dan Segrist, PhD, professor and chair of SIUE’s Department of Psychology in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, said the recognition highlights an online bachelor’s program built around strong teaching and meaningful faculty connections.

“We are very proud of our online baccalaureate program and are also excited to have it recognized in this way,” said Segrist.

Online students learn from the same faculty and meet the same degree requirements as their on-campus peers, receiving equivalent breadth and depth of study.

“Our online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach our on-ground courses—which means that our online students are being taught by faculty who are very passionate about teaching and mentoring.”

Students also have opportunities to connect with professors beyond regular coursework. Through PSYC 491, online students can participate in a faculty member’s research lab or serve as a teaching assistant, developing skills relevant to employment and graduate study.

The program was designed for students balancing their education with work, family and other responsibilities that may make attending classes on campus difficult.

“We would want them to know that this program was created specifically with their needs, goals and life circumstances in mind,” said Segrist. “We’re thrilled to offer a program that facilitates the educational, professional and personal goals of so many people who might not otherwise feel they have a route for pursuing these goals.”

For students already enrolled in SIUE’s online psychology program, Segrist hopes the recognition reinforces their confidence in the education they’re receiving.

“We hope that recognition like this affirms that they have chosen to pursue their education through an outstanding, distinguished and student-oriented program.”

Learn more about SIUE’s online psychology degree program and view the full rankings and methodology from CounselingPsychology.org.