The Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology (see the Counseling Psychology Program Doctoral Student Handbook) prepares students to function in a variety of high-level positions in the mental health field. In addition to coursework that prepares the student for credentialing as a licensed psychologist, the Ph.D. program includes advanced coursework in clinical practice and supervision, career development, prevention, and research. Flexibility in coursework allows students to develop an area of concentrated study consistent with academic interests and professional goals. Graduates find positions in a variety of settings as university faculty, mental health clinicians, consultants, researchers, and administrators.

The goal of the Counseling Psychology program is to train professionals in Counseling Psychology using the scientist-practitioner model. The faculty expects students to develop strong practice skills, informed by theory and research. The following five goals represent the faculty's commitment to training of future psychologists:

• Develop knowledge in the scientific foundations of psychology
• Develop knowledge of the scientific, methodological and theoretical foundations of the practice of counseling psychology
• Develop skills necessary for the practice of counseling psychology and its application to diverse client populations and clinical settings
• To foster proficiency in relevant areas of scientific inquiry
• To foster acquisition of skills and attitudes consistent with the practice of counseling psychology in a culturally diverse society

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must submit an online application for admission to the University of Louisville Graduate School.

Students may enter with a baccalaureate or a master's degree. The Counseling Psychology Program requires four undergraduate or graduate courses (3 semester hours of coursework) in each of the following areas: 1) abnormal psychology, 2) social psychology, 3) human or lifespan development, and 4) statistics or methodology. These courses cannot become part of the doctoral program of study. Students admitted to the doctoral program who are deficient in these prerequisite courses must complete them in the first semester of doctoral study.

Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic and/or professional capabilities and potential.

Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a total greater than 1000 in the verbal and quantitative sections (individual verbal and quantitative scores of 450 or greater). Applicants are required to submit the analytical writing scores as well.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all foreign students from countries in which English is not the native language. Students holding a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States are exempt from this requirement.

Undergraduate grade point average greater than 3.0 or a graduate grade point average greater than 3.5.

An updated Curriculum Vitae or resume.

Professional goals appropriate to pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Louisville. Applicants should submit a personal statement outlining their professional goals and how their research and professional interests might align with those of faculty in the department.

An applicant who does not meet one of the above criteria and wishes to be considered for admission should include, in his or her application package, a written rationale for why the doctoral admissions committee should consider the application.

Applicants ranked highest by the doctoral admissions committee based on their application packages will be interviewed on campus or by telephone by the Counseling Psychology Program doctoral admissions committee.

Please see the Counseling Psychology Program Doctoral Student Handbook [PDF] to learn more about the program. If you have questions about the program, email ecpy @ louisville.edu.

Application Deadline

Fall Admission Only: January 15 (applicants wishing to be considered for financial assistance; applications submitted until April 15 will be considered if positions remain available)

Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the program find employment in various human service and counseling agencies including mental health agencies, residential treatment centers, drug/alcohol treatment facilities, family resource and youth service centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, and career placement centers. Graduates perform a variety of job tasks including individual and group counseling and psychotherapy, psychological assessments, program development, and consultation.

Certification

The coursework for this program fulfills the American Psychological Association educational requirements and meets the requirements of most states to sit for the licensing exam for psychologists..

Accreditation

Inquiries about the accreditation status of the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program can be obtained from the American Psychological Association's Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The CoA can be reached at:

American Psychological Association
Office of Program Consultation & Accreditation
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: (202) 336-5979
Email: apaaccred@apa.org