Psychology & Counseling: Admission Requirements

Master's degree and certification students in Counseling or Psychology must meet the general graduate admission requirements. While a strong undergraduate background in psychology is preferred, capable students with coursework in general psychology, developmental psychology and statistics will be considered.

All applicants must submit either a Miller Analogies Test score or a Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test score. Scores at or above the 50th percentile are preferred for the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Exam. Additionally, degree applicants may be required to participate in an on-campus interview. No more than six credits earned prior to full admission may be applied to a degree in the Department of Psychology and Counseling.

School Psychologist Certification Program (Ed.S.)

The Educational Specialist Program in School Psychology is interdisciplinary in nature and is intended for students who seek state certification as a K-12 school psychologist. Students will follow an integrated and sequential course of study that is based on national standards and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) regulations.

The program is competency based and aims to train professionals who can provide the wide range of services expected of school psychologist. Emphasis throughout the program is on realistic integration of didactic instruction and experiential learning, with the candidate expected to demonstrate continual progress toward independent professional functioning.

Students may enter the program post baccalaureate or post master's degree, although the former is preferred. Those seeking entrance post baccalaureate, earn a Master of Arts degree in Psychology (General Theoretical) while completing requirements for the educational specialist degree. Applicants seeking admission post-master's should expect to complete a minimum of 30 credits. The applicability of prior graduate coursework will be evaluated in writing by the school psychology program director.

Along with successfully completing program requirements, students must also have the following to be recommended for certification- 1) two college level math and two college level English courses , and 2) passing scores on the Praxis I ( Reading, Math, Writing) and Praxis II (School Psychology) standardized examinations.

Those interested in applying are to submit the following to University admissions by the application deadline (February 15th). A successful interview with the school psychology program committee is also
required.

1. A bachelor's or master's degree in a related area.
2. All undergraduate and graduate transcripts (minimum of 3.25).
3. Recent GRE scores
4. A personal statement citing the applicant's reasons for entering the profession of school psychology  and giving an estimate of potential for success in the field.
5. Relevant letters of recommendation (3).
6. Include a resume of the applicant's professional experience (if any).

Note: Program requirements and curricula are subject to change, pending Pennsylvania Department of Education Regulations and NASP Training Standards.

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (Psy.D.)

Admission to the Psy.D. program requires at least 18 credits of Psychology coursework at the undergraduate level, including: statistics, experimental methods/research design, and abnormal/ psychopathology. A major in Psychology is preferred. Combined Verbal and Quantitative GREs greater than 1000 are preferred. A minimum overall GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale is expected, for both general curriculum and psychology courses. Learn More

Counseling Program

Degree seeking students in Counseling must meet the general admission requirements for graduate students.

All applicants must submit either a Miller Analogies Test score or a Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test score. No more than six credits earned prior to full admission may be applied to a degree in the Department of Psychology and Counseling. Admission to the program is based upon a holistic review of undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation and test scores.

Details concerning special admissions requirements for the clinical services concentration are available upon request from the Department Chairperson and are outlined in the Student Handbook. Consideration for this program is made only after the student has completed degree candidacy requirements.

Art Therapy

The Department of Psychology and Counseling participates with the Art Department in a program leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Art Therapy. The program is centered administratively in the Art Department and ordinarily requires completion of an undergraduate art degree as an admissions consideration. Since the program is interdisciplinary in nature, undergraduate psychology majors with an appropriate art background also may be considered for admission. The Chairperson of the Art Department should be contacted for specific details.

Academic Advisement

The faculty of the Department of Psychology and Counseling believe that advisement is a critical component of graduate training. As such, faculty are available to students during posted times. While the student's advisor is an essential part of the student's progress throughout the program, students are reminded that it is the student's responsibility to schedule appointments, to register for courses in a timely manner and to submit various departmental and Graduate School forms (Candidacy, Comprehensive Exams, Professional Contribution, Internship and Graduation). Students should be very familiar with the Student Handbook and consult with their advisor on a regular basis.