The Ph.D. program in Counselor Education (Mental Health Counseling - MHC) 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 mental health professional, 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 and mental health clinicians, consultants, researchers, and administrators.

To produce leaders in the field of mental health counseling who support the integrity and growth of the field through ethical practice in a variety of professional roles including clinician, consultant, researcher, and administrator.

Admission Requirements

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

A master's degree or its equivalent in counseling psychology or related field (i.e. mental health counseling, college student personnel, school counseling). Applicant are required to submit all official transcripts as verification of coursework and degree(s).

Two 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 2.75 and graduate grade point average greater than 3.5.

Professional goals appropriate to pursuing a PhD in educational counseling & psychology from the University of Louisville.

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

Applicants ranked highest by the doctoral admissions committee based on their application package will be interviewed on campus or by telephone.

Visit the Doctoral Student web site to learn more about the admission process. If you have questions about the program, e-mail csp@louisville.edu.

Application Deadlines

Spring Term Admission: October 15 only
Fall Term Admission: January 15 (if requesting financial assistance) or April 15 (if no assistance needed and positions are available)

Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates find positions in a variety of settings as university faculty and mental health clinicians, consultants, researchers, and administrators. Graduates are able to pursue licensing as a mental health counselor in most states including Kentucky. Individuals with an LPCC credential (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) can engage in the independent practice of professional counseling in Kentucky.

Certification

The coursework for this program fulfills the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) educational requirements to sit for the exam for National Counselor Certification. A graduate of this program can apply to the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors to have his/her credentials evaluated to become a licensed professional counselor associate (LPCA). LPCAs can engage in the practice of professional counseling in Kentucky under an approved clinical supervisor. LPCAs with appropriate supervised experience can apply to the Board to become a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC). An LPCC can engage in the independent practice of professional counseling in Kentucky.