The application process begins by submitting two applications; one to the Graduate School and one to the Psychology and Counseling Department. Applications received after the deadline or applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed. You are encouraged to follow up with the Departmental Assistant (501-450-3193) to ensure that your application is complete. All application materials must be received by February 10.

Application Timeline

Admissions Requirements

Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Although most applicants have undergraduate degrees in psychology, this is not a requirement. We do require students from other disciplines to demonstrate familiarity and experience in psychology and counseling through the completion of pre-requisite coursework.

Prerequisites:  Psychological Statistics, Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Psychological Tests and Measurement

Applicants should also address their familiarity and commitment to the field in their statement of clinical and research goals. Applicants with master’s degrees in counseling psychology, community counseling, or other counseling-related fields are also encouraged to apply.

The Counseling Psychology Committee reviews completed applications thoroughly, focusing on all aspects of applicants’ backgrounds. Our evaluation of potential for successful graduate study in counseling psychology is based on all components of the application. We do not use cut-off scores for grade point average or GRE.For our Fall 2010 student cohort, the median GPA and GRE scores were as follows:

After carefully reviewing applications, the Counseling Psychology Committee will select a group of applicants, who are judged to show exceptional potential for graduate study, for an on-campus interview. After the interview process, an assessment is made of each of the interviewed applicants based on their career goals and compatibility, understanding of goals and requirements, potential for successful completion, interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and commitment to social justice and interest in contributing to the well-being of others. After the interview is completed, the faculty will again review each application and make a decision about admission.

Steps in Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Graduate School ApplicationApply for admission to the UCA Graduate School. The completed application will be reviewed by the Graduate School, and the student will be informed of admission status by the Graduate School in writing.Note: The Counseling Psychology Committee determines admission status to the Counseling Psychology Emphasis.  Admission to the Graduate School does not indicate admission to the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Emphasis.

Step 2: Complete the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Application (click here for application document).

Required Application Materials

• Completed, typed application form.
• Twelve (12) successfully completed semester hours of undergraduate preparation in Psychology including, Psychological Statistics, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Tests and Measurement, & Research Methods.
• Current resume or vita.
• Essays (A and B)
  • Essay A– Statement of Career Path and Aspirations – Write a 500-word essay focusing on your career aspirations as a counseling psychologist. This may include: a) significant people or events that have led you to pursue a career in psychology, b) strengthens and limitations and c) impact you would like to make (for others, the field, etc).
  • Essay B- Statement of Research Interests and Goals – Write a 500-word essay focusing on your research interests, abilities, and how graduate training in counseling psychology at UCA will help you achieve those goals.
• Three letters of recommendation – These letters are to be sent directly to the Counseling Psychology Director of Training, Department of Psychology & Counseling, 201 Donaghey Avenue, Conway, Arkansas 72035-0001. Letters should be from individuals familiar with your academic performance and potential for doctoral study.
• Official copy of scores from Graduate Record Examination - must include Verbal, Quantitative, and written portions of exam (combined Verbal and Quantitative scores of 1000 or more are preferred).
• Official transcripts of all completed college coursework - Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 recommended.

Step 4: Selected applicants are asked to participate in campus interviews.

Step 5: After the interview process, an assessment is made of each of the interviewed applicants based on his/her application and

• Career goals and compatibility;
• Understanding of goals and requirements;
• Potential for successful completion;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Oral and written communication skills; and
• Commitment to social justice and interest in contributing to the well-being of others.

Step 7: Applicants on the waiting list may be offered admission if additional vacancies occur.