The 2025-2026 U.S. News and World Report ranked UW–Madison Psychology as the 19th overall Best Undergraduate Psychology Program nationwide and 8th among public universities, underscoring the department’s reputation as a leader in psychological science. UW–Madison was ranked 36th overall out of 438 public and private doctoral institutions and 12th among public universities — up from 39th and 13th, respectively, in 2025.
“Our research in biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology is consistently disseminated in top-tier outlets and makes significant impacts across a host of areas of society,” says Department Chair C. Shawn Green. “On the teaching front, our faculty and instructors offer engaging, evidence-based learning experiences, fostering environments that spark curiosity and critical thinking.”
In a University statement highlighting the latest rankings, Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin stated, “Rankings are just one of many measures of any school’s success, including ours, but I am gratified to see our excellence recognized. This university is dedicated both to meeting the highest standards of educational excellence across a tremendous array of academic disciplines and to advancing the kinds of fresh ideas and innovations in teaching and learning that will shape the future of education.”