Department of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education

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 Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, along with the Department of School Psychology, 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 291 total, 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.

Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D.

The doctoral program in counselor education and supervision prepares individuals for employment as counselor educators and supervisors for colleges and universities offering training in school counseling, clinical counseling, couples and family counseling/therapy, counseling with children and adolescents, and gerontology. Graduates are also qualified for licensure as professional counselors, marriage and family counselors, or school counselors. The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

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

Admission: Application must be complete and on file in the Applied Psychology and Counselor Education Office by December 1, with decisions announced by the first week of March.

• All applicants should have a GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and have GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores of at least 500 each, or 291 total on the new scoring 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 in an international applicant) needs to be submitted.
• A master's degree in counseling or a related area is required; CACREP accredited programs preferred.
• Three letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are familiar with the student’s academic and clinical skills.
• Written statement must be completed regarding the relationship of the doctoral program to the future career goals of the applicant.

Attendance at a doctoral applicant interview day is required for the admission process to be completed. Admission decisions are based on the professional judgment of the Counselor Education and Supervision faculty, considering the above data, including personal characteristics and interpersonal communications style as assessed in the pre-admission workshop. Applications are evaluated on a competitive basis for a limited number of positions.

Prerequisites: Required of All Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D. Students

Entering doctoral students should have completed graduate courses in the following areas:

• Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• Career Counseling and Theory
• Counseling Theories
• Lifespan Development
• Family Systems
• Group Counseling/Guidance
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling
• Substance Abuse
• Appraisal and Assessment
• Introduction to Graduate Research

Students who have not completed coursework in these areas must complete these courses as deficiency coursework not to be counted toward the hours required for the degree.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D.

Professional Counseling

The Counseling faculty views potential candidates as unique, with strengths and assets to be identified, encouraged and developed during their graduate education. The knowledge and human relations skills necessary to help individuals recognize their own and other persons' unique promise and discover opportunities for its expression form the core of professional preparation for students in professional counseling. Such knowledge and skills are learned in part from research and study in the behavioral and social sciences, various skill development activities and supervised practica. Supervised training is provided through the Psychological Services Clinic to the University and the local community. Opportunities for a broad understanding of human behavior and human relationships are included in the education of the student in Counseling.

The Counseling faculty is committed to the development of broadly based competent professional counselors skilled in helping people with personal, interpersonal and career concerns in community agencies or in schools. The requirements of the program are conceptualized within the framework and standards set forth by accreditation standards, the counseling profession, Colorado state law, Graduate School and job requirements. The Professional Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Admission. The prospective student must apply for admission to and be accepted by the program area faculty. Admission to the program requires a GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of course work. If the applicant's GPA is below 3.0, the Graduate Record Exam (General Test) score must be submitted. It is recommended that the applicant have a total score that meets or exceeds 1000 on the Verbal and Quantitative subtests, or 291 total on the new scoring scale, and a minimum of 3.5 on the Analytical Writing subtest. Two years of post bachelor's degree work experience is recommended for applicants under 25 years of age. Attendance at a pre-admission workshop is required for this admission process to be completed. When attendance at the preadmission workshop is an extreme hardship for the applicant, special arrangements are made.

Acceptance is based on consideration of the following criteria:

• Clarity of career goals.
• Intellectual qualities.
• Professional judgment of appropriate personality characteristics as evidenced by a structured interview, interpersonal communication style and personal references.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the master's level prepares professional counselors to work in various agency settings such as mental health centers, probation and parole departments, substance abuse centers and residential treatment centers.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A.  

Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy M.A.

The requirements for the Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy program are directed toward the development of competent professionals in the practice of marital and family counseling. The degree area specializes in relationships, interpersonal interaction, and systems theory.

For degree and program requirements, see:

  Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling/Therapy M.A. 

School Counseling M.A.

The School Counseling program is designed at the master's level to develop a professional who counsels with children and adults in elementary, middle and high schools.

For degree and program requirements, see:

School Counseling M.A.