Department of Counseling Psychology

Counseling Psychology Ph.D.

This program is designed to develop counseling psychologists who can independently apply scientific psychological principles to improve the well being of individuals across the lifespan. The program focuses on developing competencies in the application of three treatment modalities: individual, group, and couples and family therapy. In addition, attention is directed toward the development of competencies in research, assessment, clinical supervision, advocacy, and program evaluation. This program subscribes to the scientist-practitioner model, with an emphasis on training practitioners and researchers to work with diverse populations. Graduates obtain employment in faculty positions, counseling centers, private practice, community agencies, health care, and business. The program is APA accredited, which leads to eligibility for licensure as a psychologist.

The Department of Counseling Psychology, along with the Departments of School Psychology and Counselor Education and Supervision, and the Professional Counseling programs, offers services to the University and the local community through the Psychological Services Clinic, a research and training facility.

Admission: Application materials must be completed and on file in the Graduate School by December 1st. The Graduate School Application includes: a completed application form, one official copy of academic transcripts, one official copy of GRE scores (and TOEFL scores if an International applicant), three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with an applicant’s academic and clinical skills (letter writers should also complete the Graduate School’s Letter of Recommendation form), and an application fee.

1. All entering doctoral students will hold a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology/counseling or a related field; should have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores of at least 450 each, or 291 total on the new score scale, and a minimum of 3.5 on the Analytical Writing subtest. International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 213 on the computer based test and 550 on the paper based tests. An official copy of GRE scores (and TOEFL if an international applicant) needs to be submitted.

2. The Counseling Psychology program has a supplemental application form that should also be sent to the Graduate School by December 1st. The supplemental materials include: completion of the Supplementary Data Sheet (included in the Counseling Psychology Application Packet or on the Counseling Psychology program’s website), applicant’s current vita, and a written statement responding to questions related to an applicant’s mental health experiences, professional background/interests and aspirations.
3. A further review process is conducted by the faculty. Finalists are invited to attend an admission screening workshop.

Admission decisions are based on the professional judgment of the Counseling Psychology faculty, considering the above data, including personal characteristics and interpersonal communication style as assessed in the pre-admission workshop. Applications are evaluated on a competitive basis; positions are limited.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Counseling Psychology Ph.D.

Professional Counseling M.A. Programs: Clinical Counseling, Clinical Counseling: Couples and Family Therapy, School Counseling.

Professional Counseling (PC) programs are comprised of faculty members from the Departments of Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education and Supervision. Professional Counseling faculty work collaboratively to advise, mentor and instruct students. The PC Coordinator, along with the PC core faculty, provide governance, oversight, and accountability for the PC program, including but not limited to policies, procedures, and curriculum.

Professional Counseling M.A. programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling—Clinical Counseling Emphasis, Clinical Mental Health Counseling—Couples and Family Therapy Emphasis, and School Counseling.