Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Last Updated:06/30/2008
Is there a specific area of focus in this program?
How many credits is the Counseling Psychology degree?
How many credits would I take per semester?
When are classes offered?
Can I work and go to school?
Are classes available online?
What are the class sizes?
What are my options for internship training?
Is the University of Utah program APA accredited?
Is the degree portable to other states?
What are the thesis and dissertation requirements?
What are the tuition costs?
Is funding available for graduate students to offset tuition costs?
What do I need to know about applying to the program?
What kind of jobs do graduates of this program find?
Who do I contact for information?
Is there a specific area of focus in this program?
The training and education plan for the Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology is based on seven overarching principles: Science, Practice, Integration of Science and Practice, Individual and Cultural Diversity, Optimal Human Functioning and Adaptive Developmental Processes, Professional Identity and Development, and Legal and Ethical Issues.
In addition, students are expected to choose a special proficiency (or proficiencies) they wish to pursue and complete coursework in that area. Some of the special proficiences for which coursework is available include: Assessment, Child/Adolescent Psychology, Family/Couples Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Gender Psychology, Adult Lifespan Development, Health Psychology, Multicultural Psychology, Human Diversity, Applied Neuropsychology, Psychometric Theory and Test Construction, Substance Abuse, and Vocational Psychology.
How many credits would I take per semester?
Most 1st and 2nd year students take between 12-14 credit hours per semester, students in their 3rd year and beyond often work up to half-time in community agencies in professionally relevant positions.
When are classes offered?
Most courses are offered in the Fall and Spring semesters. There are a few course offerings in the summer. With respect to the times that courses are offered, many classes are offered in the late afternoon/evening and meet Monday through Thursday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. However, some classes are only offered during day-time hours, making it difficult to maintain full-time, 8-5 employment obligations when taking those courses.
Can I work and go to school?
The answer to this question is still being generated. Please check back soon or call the Department of Educational Psychology (801-581-7148) for more information.
Are classes available online?
Not presently. At this time, the nature of the coursework and professional preparation involves active attendance and face-to-face involvement in the curriculum and with other students. Our commitment to high quality programming involves fostering a close, collegial atmosphere with you, your instructors, and your peers.
What are the class sizes?
The majority of courses enroll from 10 to 20 students. It is our goal to keep class size small so that you can become personally familiar (and interact) with your other classmates.
What are my options for internship training?
The answer to this question is still being generated. Please check back soon or call the Department of Educational Psychology (801-581-7148) for more information.
Is the University of Utah program APA accredited?
The Doctoral program is accredited by the American Psychological Association, office of Program Consultation and Accreditation; 750 First Street, NE; Washington, DC 20002-4242; Phone: 202-336-5979/TDD/TTY: 202-336-6123; Fax: 202-336-5978.
Is the degree portable to other states?
Because the Doctoral program meets or exceeds standards for licensure as a Professional Psychologist from the Utah State Department of Occupational Licensing, our graduates generally have little trouble obtaining licensure in other States and/or jurisdictions in the United States.
Do I have to do a research thesis or Dissertation?
Those students earning a Master's degree en route to their Ph.D. are required to complete an extended research project within the limited program timeline. You must identify a faculty advisor who is willing to chair your master's thesis research. Students entering the program with a Master's degree who have already completed an acceptable Master's thesis do not need to complete another prior to their dissertation. All students are required to complete a dissertation project under the supervision of a five member committee chaired by a faculty member.
What are the tuition costs?
Tuition and fees (per semester) are approximately $2,643 for residents of the State of Utah and $8,399 for non-residents (based on 12-credits per semester at current tuition rates). Exact, up-to-date tuition rates can be found by consulting the appropriate link below:
Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule
Non-Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule
Is funding available for graduate students to offset tuition costs?
There are no scholarships specifically geared to School Psychology master's degree students. There are, also, occasional opportunities to work on campus or other assistantships that come available that can be filled by Counseling Psychology students. There are some general scholarships provided through the College of Education for which students may apply. The vast majority of students elect to work off campus.
What do I need to know about applying to the program?
Most of what you need to know about the process of applying to the Counseling Psychology Program is contained within the standard application process for the Department of Educational Psychology. You can also download the Information for Counseling Psychology Applicants page for details. When completing your application be sure to check the box to indicate your interest in being considered for the Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology.
What kind of jobs do graduates of this program find?
The answer to this question is still being generated. Please check back soon or call the Department of Educational Psychology (801-581-7148) for more information.
Who do I contact for information?
At this time, the training director for the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program is Dr. Paul Gore. You may contact him by email at paul.gore@utah.edu.
You may also contact our Academic Programs Specialist, Sherrill Christensen, by phone at 801.581.7148 or by email at: sherrill.christensen@ed.utah.edu.
