Mississippi State's school psychology program continues to meet strict national standards required for professional accreditation.

The university's doctoral-level program recently was notified of its reaccredidation by the American Psychological Association for four years-the maximum period permitted. First earning the distinction in 1996, the MSU program is among only 50 of its kind in the nation holding the highest accreditation level.

School psychology emphasizes children, families, and the schooling process, said program director Christopher Skinner of the counselor education/educational psychology department. Among areas subject to the APA's periodic review are a program's philosophies and curriculum, resources, diversity, intern-staff relations, and self-assessment, he added.

"Accreditation assures that our students meet standards that allow them to seek licensing," Skinner said. As a measure of the program's success, he observed that MSU students "consistently earn top internship opportunities."