Counseling Psychology
Department of Educational Psychology
Designed For
Students seeking doctoral-level training in counseling psychology who are committed to advancing mental health through research, clinical practice, teaching and service.
Career Objective
Graduates are prepared for licensure as psychologists and for leadership roles in research, higher education, healthcare and advanced clinical practice.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Deadline to Apply:
December 1
Length of Program: 54-72 months
Program Location: On campus
GRE Required? No
Prepare for Impactful Research and Practice in Counseling Psychology
Our doctoral program is one of the longest continuously American Psychology Association (APA)-accredited counseling psychology programs in the country. Grounded in a scientist-practitioner model, we prepare Ph.D. psychologists to work with both specific and general problems of human behavior in the context of a range of social processes and systems.
The program is guided by four core aims as we prepare counseling psychologists who are:
- Rigorous researchers and scholars who critically evaluate research and conduct methodologically sound studies.
- Competent practitioners prepared to deliver effective counseling services across settings.
- Ethical and socially responsible professionals committed to responsible practice.
- Culturally aware and responsive professionals who understand how attitudes, values, beliefs and biases shape individuals and societies.
These aims are grounded in discipline-specific knowledge as defined by the APA Standards of Accreditation for Health Service Psychologists (APA SOA), which serve as the foundation of professional identity in psychology.
Our faculty are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, and value the full range of human experiences and backgrounds. These commitments shape both research and clinical training, supporting the development of effective practitioners and scholars who contribute meaningfully to the field and to society.
Program Details
Admissions
Student selection is based on multiple factors including:
- GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Relevant professional activities
- Demonstrated interest and productivity in research
- Match between student and faculty interests
Recommendation letters and personal statements that reflect intellectual curiosity, tenacity, open-mindedness, interpersonal sensitivity and integrity are also highly valued.
Counseling Psychology typically invites candidates for online interviews at the end of January.
Identifying a Mentor
Our program follows a mentorship model, so applicants should clearly demonstrate fit with faculty research priorities and expectations, as doctoral study involves close collaboration with a primary advisor.
We encourage you to review our faculty profiles and research areas to identify those who align with your academic interests. Be sure to name one or two potential faculty mentors in your statement of purpose and explain why their work resonates with your goals. Typically, faculty profiles will include whether or not they will be taking new students in the coming year.
While a specific academic background is not required, relevant coursework or professional experience in education, psychology or related fields can strengthen your application. Prior research experience is not required but is highly valued.
How to Apply
All graduate students are required to apply through the Graduate School website. We strongly encourage you to start this process well in advance of the deadline to allow us time to process your information.
Learn more on our How to Apply page.
Program Requirements
Course requirements may vary from year to year. The courses below reflect those most commonly taken by students in the program. Admitted students receive an official Degree Plan to track their coursework when they enter the program.
Students in the program will complete:
- Foundational coursework in Educational Psychology
- Coursework in Counseling Psychology
- Supervised practicum and internship
- A dissertation
Discipline-Specific Knowledge Foundations (APA SoA – 30 Credit Hours)
Students in APA-accredited doctoral programs must demonstrate broad knowledge in psychology, including:
- History and systems of psychology
- Core scientific content areas
- Integrative knowledge across domains
- Research methods and inquiry
These requirements are typically completed in the first three years of the program.
Category I: History & Systems
- EDP 382D.2 History & Systems of Psychology
Category II: Basic Content Areas
- EDP 382D.4 Psychology of Learning or EDP 382D.5 Motivation & Emotion
- EDP 382F.3 Life Span Development
- EDP 382C.2 Social Psychology
- EDP 382E.2 Biological Bases of Behavior
Category III: Advanced Integrative Knowledge (AIK)
- Completion of two integrative papers combining at least two DSK areas
- Submitted during spring of Year 3 and Year 4 in practicum
- Evaluation criteria provided in practicum syllabus
Category IV: Research Methods, Statistics and Psychometrics
- EDP 380.D.4 Psychometric Theory and Methods
- EDP 380C.2 Fundamental Statistics
- EDP 480C.6 Statistical Analysis of Experimental Data
- EDP 480C.4 Correlation and Regression
- EDP 381C.2 Research Design and Methods for Education and Psychology
Counseling Psychology Professional Coursework
Aligned with Program Aims 2 and 3, this coursework builds competency in delivering counseling psychology services.
Required Professional Courses
- EDP 194.16 Internship Colloquium
- EDP 384C.2 Theories in Counseling
- EDP 383C.30 Developmental Psychopathology
- EDP 384C.6 Helping and Counseling Skills
- EDP 383C.12 Assessment in Counseling
- EDP 385C.5 Professional Orientation/Ethics in Counseling
- EDP 384C.18 Multicultural Counseling
- EDP 384C.24 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Adults
- EDP 382D.2 History and Systems of Psychology
- EDP 382E.2 Biological Bases of Behavior
- EDP 385C Advanced Consultation, Collaboration, Supervision
Research Competency Courses
- EDP 395R Qualifying Process (2 semesters) (enrollment optional)
- EDP 398R En-Route Master’s Report (1 semester, if applicable)
Clinical and Practicum Training
Clinical training is a core component of the Counseling Psychology doctoral program and reflects its developmental, sequential approach to preparing students for professional practice. Training progresses in scope and complexity across practica and culminates in a full-time internship.
Practicum training emphasizes the scientist-practitioner model through supervised clinical work and integrates training in assessment, intervention and professional practice.
Students must register for and complete a minimum of 5 semesters of practicum (EDP 384Q Practicum in Counseling) over four long semesters and one summer session.
After meeting the attendance requirement, students must continue to register for EDP 384Q when completing practicum hours, though seminar attendance may be optional.
Practicum Sequence
Summer (after Year 1): Assessment practicum.
Year 2 (Fall & Spring): Foundational practicum at the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) – Counseling Psychology Training Clinic and attendance of practicum course.
Year 3 (Fall & Spring): Continued practicum at CMHC. Seminar attendance required if not completing a Year 4 practicum.
Year 4: Advanced practicum (optional, but recommended for internship preparation)
- May include placements in hospitals, VA settings or community mental health clinics.
- Supervision provided by licensed psychologists on-site and the course instructor.
- Seminar required if attendance requirement has not yet been met.
Year 5: Optional practicum
Internship
- EDP 1/393N Internship in Counseling Psychology
- Requires 3 semesters at an APA-accredited internship site
- Placement occurs through the APPIC Match process
Additional Opportunities
Counseling Psychology students also have the opportunity to be considered for the competitive UT Integrated Behavioral Health Scholars Program.
Professional Interest Component Courses (6 Credit Hours)
Students complete 2 elective counseling-related courses taught by program faculty.
Required
- EDP 384C.6 Career Development OR
- EDP 384D Group Counseling
Additional options
- EDP 384C Motivational Interviewing
- EDP 384C.14 Addictions Counseling
- EDP 381 Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Out-of-Specialization Courses (9 Credit Hours)
In addition to foundation and program area requirements, students must complete additional coursework outside of their program area.
- 3 hours: Biological Bases of Behavior
- 3 hours: Outside program, within EDP
- 3 hours: Outside the department
Students may complete this requirement entirely with out-of-department courses if they prefer.
Students who enter the doctoral program with a master’s degree in a related area may request a waiver of this requirement.
Dissertation (6+ Credit Hours)
Dissertation: EDP 3/6/999W Dissertation (2 semesters minimum)
Faculty
Explores the intersection of psychology and culture through such topics as the experience of cities and communities as psychological spaces, ethnic conflict and the impact of violence on communities, and the relationship between individual and collec...
Research interests include mental health public policy, college student mental health and suicide prevention, collaborative care models of behavioral health in primary care, and the intersection of mental health and academic success.
Supports the clinical training of doctoral students, teaches clinically-focused courses and prepares students for psychology internship training. Jane Gray does not serve as a research mentor for students in the School Psychology nor Counseling ...
My Coping and Stress in Education Lab conducts research at the intersection of health, psychology, and education. The focus of our work generally is on promoting wellness and optimal functioning in educational settings. Current work includes studie...
Focuses on improving access to mental health care in low-income and humanitarian settings internationally and in the US through digital innovations, consideration of social determinants and enhanced cultural fit of services.
Accepting new students
Focuses on suicide prevention, healthcare access, mental health service use, and aging
Accepting new students
Affiliated Labs
Cities, Neighborhoods and Communities as Psychological Spaces Lab
Examines cities and communities as psychological spaces through a project on gentrification in Austin, using qualitative interviews with current and former residents of a highly gentrified neighborhood. We also analyze the economic, social and cultural forces shaping these transformations, comparing them to key historical precedents like Georges Haussmann’s renovation of Paris during the 1860s–1870s.
Led by Ricardo Ainslie
Coping and Stress in Education Research Team
Explores the intersection of health, psychology and education by researching how to promote wellness and productivity in educational settings.
Led by Chris McCarthy
Health Equity Across the Lifespan (HEAL) Lab
Advances research, advocacy, and education to support at-risk populations, improve access to mental health services, and foster equitable, culturally informed care across the lifespan.
Led by Afroze Shaikh
Innovation in Global Mental Health (iGMH) Lab
Applies a community-based participatory research approach to improve access and relevance of mental health care in low-resource settings, globally and locally.
Led by Jennifer Mootz
Accreditation
The Counseling Psychology doctoral program at the University of Texas has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1953; the program’s next re-accreditation site visit will be in 2033. Accreditation status may be confirmed by APA via:
Education Directorate
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: (202) 336-5979
TDD/TTY: (202) 336-6123
Fax: (202) 336-5978
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
The application opens in early August. Apply and check MyStatus for updates.
