Oklahoma State University #36

Oklahoma State University #36

 

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Oklahoma State University was created, until the Morrill Act in 1890, as Oklahoma Territorial Agricultural & Mechanical College. During World War II, OSU was famously one of six colleges selected for the Navy Electronics Training Program. Today, Oklahoma State is a public, land-grant and sea-grant RU/H research institution.
Based on a 1,489-acre campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma State University has extension centers in Okmulgee, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. The entire OSU system enrolls more than 35,000 students yearly. According to the U.S. News, Oklahoma State is America’s 149th best university and 79th top public school. In particular, OSU offers the 87th top clinical and 117th best psychology programs nationally.

Oklahoma State University Accreditation Details

Recently evaluated in 2015, Oklahoma State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA). This regional agency accredits universities in the 19-state Midwestern region for the U.S. Department of Education. Notable specialized accreditations include the:
• American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA)
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)

Oklahoma State University Application Requirements

Becoming an Oklahoma State Cowboy is moderately tough with the selective acceptance rate of 75 percent. For the B.A./B.S. in Psychology, freshmen must be graduating from a licensed high school or homeschool program. Finishing the 15-unit core with four years of English and three to four years of math is mandatory. Assured admission is offered to applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA or class rank in the top 33.3 percentile. OSU prefers first-years scoring above 21 on the ACT and 980 on the SAT (reading and math). Undergraduate transfers must have attempted at least seven credits at a regionally accredited college with a 2.25 GPA.
Master’s in counseling programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s from an accredited U.S. college or foreign equivalent. Holding a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is required. Ph.D. programs accept either bachelor’s or master’s-level graduates with a GPA higher than 3.25. Major isn’t predetermined, but satisfying prerequisites in introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology with a “B” or better is critical. Competitive candidates will have scored at least 294 on the GRE or 394 on the MAT. International scholars from non-English speaking countries must achieve a 550 TOEFL score or 6.5 IELTS score.
Oklahoma State University’s application process opens July 1st and lasts until February 1st. During this time, interested students should submit the following:
• Completed online OSU application
• Non-refundable $40 application fee
• Official record of testing scores
• Copies of high school and college transcripts
• Two to three letters of reference
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Statement of professional goals
• Scores for English proficiency exams (if applicable)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduates from Oklahoma are charged $4,160 per semester. Non-resident students taking 12 to 18 undergraduate credits pay $11,221 each term. Part-time learners are billed $189 (in-state) or $635 (out-of-state) per credit. Mandatory expenses include the $5 student activity fee, $5 health services fee, and $17 technology fee per credit. Total estimated cost of attendance is $22,308 for Oklahomans and $35,508 for non-residents. At the graduate level, in-state residents pay $209 per credit. Out-of-state graduates must afford $825 per credit.
Approximately 89 percent of starting, full-time OSU students get assistance. The average financial aid package is worth $8,750. Institutional awards like the President’s Leadership Scholarship, Regent’s Distinguished Scholarship, Cowboy Covenant Scholarship, and Transfer Achievement Scholarship are numerous. In-state residents could receive the Oklahoma Promise Scholarship or Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant. Federally, there’s the Pell Grant, FSEOG Grant, and TEACH Grant available. Needy students taking 12+ credits could obtain the OSU Opportunity Grant too. Federal Work-Study (FWS) awards pay at least minimum wage for campus employment. Graduate assistantships can provide full or partial waivers. Learners could also wisely borrow Federal Stafford, Perkins, and Graduate PLUS loans that must be repaid.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees

In North Murray Hall, the College of Arts & Sciences houses six degrees in psychology and counseling to promote behavioral science. The student-faculty ratio of 20:1 means one-third of classes have under 20 students. Oklahoma State University offers several special opportunities such as the Psychology Diversified Students Program and Summer Science Academy for High School Students. Aspirant mental health professionals could pursue the:
Psychology B.A./B.S.
As Oklahoma State’s second largest major, the Psychology B.A./B.S. program develops a fundamental grounding in psychological principles. The 50-credit major studies the cognitive, biological, social, developmental, cultural, and clinical aspects of human behavior. Students benefit research practicum, teaching assistantships, hands-on learning in the Psychology Museum and Resource Center (PMRC), and Psych Club meetings.
Counseling M.S.
Following CACREP guidelines, the Counseling M.S. program uses a practitioner model to prepare graduate students for licensed professional counselor positions in Oklahoma. The 60-credit program is delivered at OSU’s Tulsa and Stillwater campuses with Community Counseling or School Counseling tracks. After the culminating, 600-hour internship, graduates achieve a 100 percent NBCC exam pass rate.
Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.
Admitting a small cohort of eight students yearly, the Marriage and Family Therapy M.S. at Oklahoma State develops the holistic counseling skills for fostering growth in relationships. The 60-credit program requires 500 contact hours, half of which are completed at the OSU Center for Family Services. For seven years, 100 percent of alumni have passed the LMFT exam.
Counseling Psychology Ph.D.
Devoted to multiculturalism and social justice, the APA-accredited Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Oklahoma State uses a scientist-practitioner model to prepare graduates for therapeutic intervention. The five-year, 129-credit program includes a qualifying exam, dissertation, four practicum placements, and a predoctoral internship. The Counseling Psychology Clinic also provides on-campus training in Stillwater.
Clinical Psychology Ph.D.
The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program transforms OSU graduate students into scientific clinicians with the theory-based strategies to address mental health disorders. Four specializations are available for Clinical Child, Health, Pediatric, and Adult. Most complete the program’s seminars, clinical practicum, dissertation, and APA-approved internship in six years with 100 percent tuition waivers.
Experimental Psychology Ph.D.
Offering tracks for Cognitive, Comparative-Neurobiology, Developmental, and Social-Personality, the Experimental Psychology Ph.D. program sharpens research and quantitative reasoning skills for contributing to psychological science. The full-time, four-year program examines factors affecting behavior with master’s thesis and dissertation research. Oklahoma State University has produced faculty at leading U.S. colleges like Kansas State and UMass.

#36 Oklahoma State University

Ball State University #37

Ball State University #37

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Located in the city of Muncie, Indiana, about an hour northeast from Minneapolis, Ball State University is a public university established in 1918. Here, on this suburban campus of over 1,000 acres, world-renowned faculty conduct research, the NCAA Division I Cardinals varsity teams compete, and approximately 20,000 students pursue their educational and career goals in a variety of academic programs.
Ball State University believes that experiential learning is the future of higher education and the saving grace of traditional universities, and their commitment to this belief takes the shape of “immersive learning” experiences and programs. The psychology and counseling degree programs at Ball State University are among the many of the university’s programs that provide these immersive learning opportunities, as well as the university’s unique Degree 3 program that strives to help undergraduates finish their studies and prepare for employment in three years instead of four. It’s these and other innovations that has earned Ball State a spot on the Princeton Review’s “Best of the Midwest” ranking list every year for the past decade.

Ball State University Accreditation Details

In 2014, Ball State University’s continuously accredited status was reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission. The university is now accredited until the 2023-2024 academic year, and based on its long-term good standing is now eligible to maintain its accreditation through the less intensive “open pathway” option.
In addition to Ball State University’s institutional accreditation, its various educational programs have been accredited by the relevant accreditation organizations where applicable. This includes the university’s several client-contact psychology and counseling programs. The Ph.D. program in counseling psychology at Ball State University is accredited by the American Psychological Association(APA.) The clinical mental health and school counseling tracks have been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP.) The rehabilitation counseling track is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE.)

Ball State University Application Requirements

For Undergraduate Students

• Ball State University practices rolling admissions for undergraduate students. This means that the university’s admissions officers review and decide on an application after receiving all of the required materials and continue to admit students as long as space remains for that year’s incoming class.
• When making admissions decisions, Ball State’s admissions staff considers factors such as grade trends, strength of the high school curricula and participation in extracurricular activities.
• Prospective freshmen will need to submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores and a form completed by their high school guidance counselor. A one-page personal statement is optional
• Transfer applicants with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 in all transferable college coursework will be considered for admission to Ball State. Prospective transfer students should submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Transfer students who have earned at least 24 transferable college credits and all applicants age 23 or older may have the SAT/ACT score requirement waived.

For Graduate Students

• Graduate degree candidates apply first to Ball State University’s Graduate School, then to the specific academic program they intend to pursue.
  Prospective graduate students will need to submit their official undergraduate college transcripts.
• The Graduate School will review applications until one week before the academic term applied for begins, but individual programs and departments reserve the right to set their own deadlines for admission. Graduate applicants should contact the program director of their intended degree track before applying.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For Undergraduate Students
As of the 2016-2017 academic year, full-time undergraduate tuition for Indiana residents was $7,698. For out-of-state students, that number was $23,472. Through the Midwest Student Exchange Program and the Ohio Reciprocity Agreement, students from certain Midwestern states and from certain counties in western Ohio may be eligible for tuition discounts.
In 2016, the costs of room and board started at $8,715. The comprehensive yearly cost of attendance at Ball State University, covering tuition, fees and housing, was $18,589 for a resident student and #34,363 for a non-resident student. Students should also budget roughly $4,500 to $5,000 for books, supplies and personal expenses.
About four out of every five Ball State undergrads receives some type of financial assistance. This assistance may come in the form of federal grants and loans, work-study or one of the over 500 merit-based scholarships Ball State offers to incoming students each year.
For Graduate Students
For the 2016-2017 academic year, Indiana residents paid $7,902 per year or $3,546 per semester for full-time graduate study at Ball State University. The cost of tuition for non-residents was $19,404 per year or $9,702 per semester.
Ball State graduate students have the option of living in on-campus housing. Rates started at $8,715 in 2016.
Graduate students in good standing and enrolled in at least six credits per semester are eligible to apply for a graduate assistantship, of which over 900 are available at Ball State. These assistantships require approximately 20 hours of teaching, administrative or research work per week and provide a stipend and partial tuition waiver, with exact amounts decided upon by the offering department.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees at Ball State University

Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate degree in psychological sciences. The Department fully embraces Ball State’s campus-wide commitment to experiential learning through signature immersive programs. For psychological sciences students, these immersive learning experiences take the shape of internships, undergraduate teaching assistantships, undergraduate research assistantships and community outreach.
The psychological sciences majors is also one among the roughly 30 programs on Ball State’s campus that participate in the university’s Degree 3 initiative. This initiative allows ambitious students to shave one year off of the normal time required to complete a bachelor’s degree by taking summer courses while exploring career options.
The major in psychological sciences requires 39 credit hours of coursework in introductory studies, statistics, research methods and electives selected from topics including learning and cognition, motivation and emotion, abnormal psychology, diversity, personality and social psychology. For students who intend to become psychology teachers, the 44-credit teaching major in psychology includes coursework required for teaching licensure.
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services
The Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services at Ball State University emphasizes learning through research, practice, teaching and service in each of its masters and doctoral degree programs. In keeping with the university’s commitment to experiential learning and community service, graduate students provide supervised counseling services to area residents at the Counseling Practicum Clinic.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track
This CACREP-accredited, master’s level program prepares graduates for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor. Candidates complete 60 credits of coursework in counseling, psychology and approved electives while gaining real-world experience through two semesters of practica and a 600 to 900-hour field internship.
School Counseling Track
This CACREP-approved master’s level program requires a minimum of 51 credits in counseling, educational psychology and approved electives. All candidates in the program complete a one-year internship at an area school and develop a portfolio of professional work.
Rehabilitation Counseling Track
The 48-credit, CORE-accredited Rehabilitation Counseling Track is the only master’s program of its kind in Indiana, and prepares graduates for certification in the growing field of rehabilitation counseling. Candidates learn ways to foster independent living skills, improve employment chances and enhance the psychosocial functioning of clients with a wide range of disabilities and chronic health conditions.
Ph.D. Program in Counseling Psychology
This APA-accredited doctoral program prepares candidates to work as psychologists in a variety of settings. The program blends academic training with hands-on experience in research and collaboration with faculty. The program stresses outreach opportunities whether at the Counseling Practicum Clinic on the Ball State University campus or through an internship at a hospital, school, correctional facility or military setting.

#37 Ball State University

Cleveland State University #38

Cleveland State University #38

 

 

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Cleveland State University was originally founded in 1923 as Fenn College in honor of the YMCA president Sereno Peck Fenn. Today, CSU is a public, co-educational research university endowed for $66.2 million.
Cleveland State educates more than 17,700 students annually in 200+ diverse academic programs. Spread across 85 urban acres, CSU is located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, on Lake Erie’s southern shoreline.
Cleveland State University was ranked the 256th best public college and 251st top research university nationally by Forbes magazine. The Brookings Institution also named CSU the #3 public university in Ohio for value and return on investment.

Cleveland State University Accreditation Details

Last reaffirmed in 2011, Cleveland State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA), one of six agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CSU’s specialized accreditations include:
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA)
• International Association of Counseling Services (IACS)

Cleveland State University Application Requirements

Admission to Cleveland State University is selective with a 67.1 percent acceptance rate. For the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, first-year students must have completed a diploma from a licensed high school. Finishing the Ohio Core curriculum, an out-of-state equivalent, or GED is mandatory. Freshmen must have maintained a cumulative secondary GPA of 2.3 or better. The School of Science and Health Professions requires a minimum SAT (reading and math) score of 770 or ACT score of 16. Transfers from other regionally accredited colleges must have a 2.0 GPA on all attempted coursework.
Graduate psychology and counseling programs will require holding at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent. The Ph.D. in Urban Education requires a master’s degree in counseling, clinical psychology, or similar field. In general, CSU applicants must achieve a minimum collegiate GPA of 2.85. Ph.D. candidates need a 3.5 graduate GPA for consideration. Competitive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores would be 156 (verbal) and 151 (quantitative). International students from non-English speaking countries must score 213 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL.
During the rolling admissions, interested students should apply to Cleveland State University by sending:
• Completed online application
• Check or money order for $30 fee
• Transcripts of all academic work
• College entrance exam scores
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Resume or curriculum vitae (graduate)
• Proof of English language proficiency

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduates from Ohio pay $4,818 per semester at Cleveland State. Non-resident students enrolled full-time must afford $6,843 each term. Part-time undergraduates are charged $401 (in-state) or $570 (out-of-state) per credit. Total annual cost of attendance ranges from $26,436 to $29,678. Graduate programs at CSU bill Ohio residents $6,908 per full-time semester. Out-of-state master’s students must pay $11,770 each term. Enrolling part-time will require paying $531 (in-state) or $905 (out-of-state) per credit.
Approximately 89 percent of beginning, full-time CSU students earn assistance. Financial aid packages value $6,486 on average. Those taking 6+ credits could borrow Federal Perkins, Stafford, or Grad PLUS with interest. Free gift money is available with the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG Grant, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Residents with EFC below $2,190 could obtain the Ohio College Opportunity Grant. Federal Work-Study is granted to student employees for 10-20 hours weekly. Graduate assistantships also provide tuition waivers. Many institutional awards are given, including the Viking Voyager Scholarship, Ruth Ann Moyer Scholarship, and Athletic Scholarship.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees

The College of Sciences and Health Professions partners with the College of Education to award seven accredited degrees in psychology and counseling disciplines. Cleveland State University’s learner-faculty ratio of 18:1 means students work closely with experienced psychologists. Research in CSU’s 10 state-of-the-art labs, including the Mood and Emotion Regulation Laboratory, is ongoing. Students fascinated with human behavior can pursue:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Cleveland State’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology contains a 42-credit major to equip undergrad students with the behavioral science knowledge for human services or graduate study. Along with the four-year, daytime program, there are evening-only and transfer partnership options with Lakeland Community College. Several bachelor’s courses are accessible online.
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Requiring 50 credits, the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program gives CSU graduates two tracks: Practitioner or Doctoral Preparation. Over two years full-time, students master the methods for assessing mental and behavioral development in clinical contexts. Courses like psychopharmacology and clinical interviewing culminate in a 450-hour field experience.
Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Research
Rooted in personnel psychology, the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Research program spans two years full-time to prepare CSU graduates for studying workplace climates. The 39-credit curriculum involves researching job training, recruitment, corporate leadership, teamwork, employee motivation, and more. Students with SIOP-member faculty to complete a master’s thesis project.
Master of Arts and Psy.S. in School Psychology
Featuring dual NASP and NCATE approval, the Master of Arts and Psy.S. in School Psychology program at Cleveland State focuses on children’s functioning in school systems, especially urban. The 51-credit, lock-step curriculum produces licensed school psychologists within three years full-time. School-based practicum leads to a nine-month supervised internship.
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Satisfying Ohio Counselor license laws, the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepare students to deliver customized, consumer-oriented therapy in diverse mental health capacities. The 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program includes courses from personality and intelligence testing to psychopathology with 600 internship hours. Cleveland State maintains a 95 percent LPC exam pass rate.
Master of Arts in School Counseling
For 48 credits, the Master of Arts in School Counseling program at CSU trains students for passing the Ohio Assessments for Educators School Counselor Exam. Students can further their preparation for PreK-12 positions with certificates in Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling or Chemical Dependency. The second-year internship requires 600 total hours in school districts.
Ph.D. in Urban Education – Counseling Psychology
APA accredited since 2010, the Ph.D. in Urban Education – Counseling Psychology program follows a scientist-practitioner model to train skilled psychologists for therapeutic interventions in multicultural, urban communities. The five-year program includes four semesters of practicum, dissertation research, and a predoctoral internship. Cleveland State University has placed Ph.D. candidates in top facilities like Cleveland Clinic and Wexner Medical Center.

#38 Cleveland State University

Texas Tech University #39

Texas Tech University #39

 

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  Texas Tech University, commonly referred to as Texas Tech and TTU, is a public research institution of higher learning residing in Lubbock, Texas. It is the state of Texas’ sixth biggest university.

The university was founded in 1923 as Texas Technological College. It started offering graduate instruction in 1927 and a division for graduate studies was founded in 1935, which went on to become the Graduate School in 1954. In 1969, the college became Texas Tech University and the schools of agricultural sciences, arts and sciences, business administration, education, engineering, and home economics became colleges.
Today, Texas Tech is home to about 36,000 students and 2,500 faculty and staff members, and it offers over 150 academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.

Texas Tech University Accreditation Details

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools regionally accredits Texas Tech University.
The American Psychological Association nationally accredits the Department of Psychology.
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society accredits human factors psychology programs.
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits the counseling programs.
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education accredits the doctoral program in marriage and family therapy.
The Council on Rehabilitation Education accredits the rehabilitation counseling program.

Texas Tech University Application Requirements

Undergraduate
• Fill out and complete the ApplyTexas Application by visiting www.applytexas.org
• $75 application fee or fee waiver
• Official transcripts from secondary and post-secondary institutions
• Official SAT and/or ACT scores
Graduate
• Fill out and complete the ApplyTexas Application
• $60 initial application fee or $50 subsequent application fee
• Necessary requirements as deemed by specific program
• Official documents required upon admittance

Tuition and Financial Aid

Texas Tech University determines the cost of attendance, including tuition and related expenses, such as room and board, books, transportation, and personal costs. The expenses for individual students vary by majors, courses, living, and personal habits. Tuition and fees are based on 15 hours per semester for undergraduate and law students and 10 hours per semester for graduate students.
Texas Resident and Bordering County (NM or OK)
• Undergraduate: $25,626
• Graduate: $24,545
• Law: $33,925
Non-Texas Resident
• Undergraduate: $37,866
• Graduate: $32,705
• Law: $50,275
Texas Tech University participates in an array of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. Texas Tech University offers a variety of scholarships based on a range of criteria, including merit-based scholarships and athletic, band, fine arts, choral, and department awards. The grants are offered at the federal and state levels and include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal TEACH Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, TTU Grant, Texas Grant, and the Texas Public Education Grant. The loans include Federal direct loans, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Parent PLUS Loan, and Texas B on Time Loan. Private loans are also accepted. The university also participates in both federal work-study programs and it has a variety of campus-based jobs for students.

Texas Tech University Psychology and Counseling Programs

Psychology

Undergraduate
The College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts program and a minor program in psychology through the Department of Psychological Sciences. The program is intended to provide students with a fundamental understanding of topics in theoretical, experimental, and applied psychology. It offers flexibility to enable students to apply meaningful abilities for future careers or further study in psychology or related area. The program requires the completion of 120 credits including general education courses, major courses, and second language requirements. Students have the ability to choose from a variety of psychology courses that meet their interests and objectives. Examples of major courses include general psychology, ethnic minority psychology, health psychology, child psychology, forensic psychology, abnormal psychology, psychology and religion, and research in personality and social psychology.
Graduate
The Department of Psychological Sciences also offers various graduate programs in psychology, including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and human factors psychology. The programs are offered at both the master’s degree and doctoral degree levels. All programs include advanced courses in psychology and specialty area. Master’s degree programs include thesis and non-thesis options, research projects, and internships. Doctoral programs include practicum, internship, externship, research, comprehensive examination, and dissertation requirements. Some programs also require students to select a specialty area.
• Clinical psychology: doctoral with credits required depend on specialty
• Counseling psychology: doctoral with 102 credit hours
• Cognitive psychology: Terminal masters with 36 credit hours with optional thesis and required research project. Doctoral with credits depend on individual students.
• Social psychology: masters with 36 credit hours with optional thesis and required research project. Doctoral with 81 credit hours, including 51 advanced coursework, 18 research coursework, and 12 dissertation courses.
• Human factors: master’s with 36 credit hours, including 30 hours of coursework and six hours of research courses. Thesis and non-thesis option available. Accelerated master’s which combines a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Arts in general experimental psychology with concentration on human factors. Doctoral with 75 credit hours, including 45 hours of advanced coursework, 18 hours of research coursework, and 12 hours of dissertation.
The Department of Psychological Sciences also offers a graduate certificate in psychological methods and analysis.
In addition to the graduate programs offered by the Department of Psychological Services, the College of Education offers a master’s degree in educational psychology, which requires completion of 36 credit hours.
Counseling
Counseling programs are offered at the graduate level at Texas Tech University. The College of Education offers programs in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and counselor education. The clinical mental health counseling programs include a graduate certificate and a master’s degree. The master’s degree program requires the completion of 60 credit hours. The school counseling programs include a professional certificate and a master’s degree. The master’s degree program requires 48 credit hours. The counselor education program is a doctoral degree and requires 93 credit hours. The College of Human Sciences offers both a master’s degree and doctoral degree program in marriage family therapy. The master’s degree program has a thesis option that requires 63 credits or a non-thesis option that requires 66 credits. The doctoral program requires the completion of 78 credits. A rehabilitation counseling master’s degree program is offered from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Health Professionals. The program requires the completion of 36 hours of coursework and 12 hours of practical experience.
With its vast program options and financial aid options, Texas Tech University is an excellent choice for students seeking a career in the psychology or counseling fields.

#39 Texas Tech University

Indiana State University #40

Indiana State University #40 

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Initially founded by the Indiana General Assembly in 1865 as a teachers’ college, Indiana State University has since evolved into a comprehensive public higher learning institution. ISU is classified as a doctoral-granting research university by the elite Carnegie Foundation. From a main 235-acre campus in the small city of Terre Haute within the thriving Wabash Valley, ISU offers a blend of traditional on-site and online programs. Indiana State is divided into six academic colleges providing more than 100 different majors. Each year, Indiana State University enrolls more than 11,200 undergraduates and 2,300 post-graduates. It’s renowned for being the first public college in Indiana to carry out a Laptop Initiative.

Thanks to its illustrious history of academic excellence, Indiana State University has been named on the Princeton Review’s “Best in the Midwest” list for 12 straight years. ISU was chosen as one of the “322 Green Colleges” for its commitment to sustainability. In addition to being placed on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, ISU was crowned the Non-Profit Leadership Campus of the Year in 2013. Washington Monthly magazine also ranked Indiana State #1 for community service and #3 for service learning in America. In particular, the U.S. News and World Report has honored ISU for housing the country’s 129th best graduate education school.

Indiana State University Accreditation Details

Last reaffirmed in 2010, Indiana State University has formal accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA), one of six regional accrediting bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education. ISU is wholly licensed by the Indiana Commission on Higher Education. Furthermore, the Bayh College of Education has received discipline-specific accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). All school-related programs have approval from the Indiana Department of Education for certification. Counseling degrees also meet the standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Indiana State University Application Requirements

Even though ISU has a less selective acceptance rate of 82 percent, incoming students must fulfill certain criteria for admissions. For the master’s program in school counseling, applicants are required to already hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 in all undergraduate coursework or minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of studies is mandated. Graduates should have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.0 in their major. It’s preferred that students have a background in education, counseling, psychology, sociology, and/or anthropology. Teaching experience will be viewed favorably.
Applicants will be reviewed by the admissions committee based on their achievement, previous experience, willingness to grow, and motivation for career success. Meeting the above minimum standards doesn’t guarantee admissions. All prospective school counseling students must pass an interview and show great promise in the behavioral science of education. Before the annual February 1st deadline, interested applicants must submit the following materials to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies:

• School Counselor Program departmental application
• Official transcripts for all college coursework
• Current, up-to-date professional resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• A maximum 1,000-word personal statement
• Graduate Record Examination scores (optional)
• Payment for the $45 application fee

Tuition and Financial Aid

Indiana State University has been ranked as the 12th most affordable public non-profit college in Indiana. Graduate students who reside in-state can expect to pay $388 per credit hour. Eligible out-of-state learners will pay higher at $762 per credit hour. Thanks to the Midwest Consortium, graduates residing in Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin can pay $485 per credit. Online courses will also be $485 per credit hour for all out-of-state students regardless of residence. However, online graduate students must budget for an extra $50 online education delivery fee for each course. Textbooks and other learning supplies aren’t included.
For help covering these expenses, 93 percent of matriculated, degree-seeking students at Indiana State University are supported by some form of financial aid. Filing the FAFSA form between January 1st and March 1st is required. Graduate students can borrow money that must be repaid through Perkins loans, Direct Stafford loans, Graduate PLUS loans, or private alternative loans. Certain learners may qualify for free gifted money with the Pell Grant, FSEOG Grant, TEACH Grant, or Indiana National Guard Supplement Grant. Federal Work-Study (FWS) and graduate assistantships are available to fund tuition in exchange for employment. Indiana State also provides abundant scholarship opportunities, including the Minority Teacher Scholarship, Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship, and 21st Century Scholars Award.

Online Degrees Available

Through Indiana State University’s Extended Learning Division, it’s possible for graduate students to select from 17 fully online master’s degrees. Six doctoral programs can also be completed online with little campus requirements. Indiana State Online offers access to the same quality, accredited education via high-speed Internet connections. Most courses utilize web-based video conferencing to interact from a distance. Full-time working adults can fit learning within their busy schedules thanks to 24/7 online contact with course materials. In the Bahr College of Education, students can pursue the:
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling
Highly regarded for being one of the nation’s first “Transforming School Counseling Programs,” the M.Ed. in School Counseling at ISU is designed to provide rigorous training that prepares competent counselors for K-12 school environments of the 21st century. Graduate students develop the skills to become advocates and agents of change in closing the educational achievement gap in diverse schools. Within the 48-credit program of study, students will progress through courses in lifespan development, counseling techniques, individual appraisal, group dynamics, multicultural counseling, career development, program evaluation, and counseling children. Students are admitted each spring and remain together as cohorts over two years.
Featuring a unique hybrid format, the School Counseling M.Ed. blends predominantly online coursework with on-campus cohort meetings just one weekend per month. Class will be held from 9am – 5pm on a chosen Saturday in Terre Haute. Gaining extensive hands-on school counseling experience is built within the program. Students will develop a two-year relationship with an elementary, middle, or high school in their local region. The entire program requires at least 160 hours of practicum and 540 hours of supervised internship starting in the first semester. Graduates from this CACREP-accredited program at Indiana State University will be qualified for receiving initial school counselor licensure in Indiana.

#40 Indiana State University

West Virginia University #41

West Virginia University #41

 

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West Virginia University is a public university that was founded in 1867. It is a land-grant institution that offers innovative, high-quality educational programs. West Virginia University has a rich tradition of inclusion, diversity and community partnerships.
The university is located in Morgantown, which is relatively close to Pittsburgh, Columbus and Washington, D.C. The West Virginia University has campuses in Keyser, Charleston, Montgomery and Martinsburg. The West Virginia University systems spans throughout the state and includes 518 buildings on almost 16,000 acres. The historic Morgantown campus has almost 250 buildings, 11 of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The university system also operates four forests and 10 experimental farms throughout the state.
West Virginia University is comprised of 14 colleges that offer over 350 majors in diverse topics. This includes dentistry, economics, journalism, pharmacy, agriculture, creative arts, natural resources, human services, mineral resources, sport sciences, public health and psychology and counseling. There are hundreds of distance education classes available. Students can choose from almost 470 student organizations and intramural programs. These include the Student Government Association, the Mountaineer Maniacs group and The Rack, which is a student run community resource and support program. Between 900 to 1,000 students travel abroad to study in another country every year.

West Virginia University Accreditation Details

-West Virginia University Higher Learning Commission
-The American Psychological Association has accredited the Clinical Psychology program since 1966.
-The Clinical Psychology program is also a member of nationally recognized organizations, such as the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, the Council of Clinical Health Psychology Training Programs (CCHPTP) and the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP).

West Virginia University Application Requirements

Admission is based on the student’s high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. New applications are processed in the fall for the following year. First-time freshmen must have taken the following high school units: four units of English and math, three units of science and social studies, two units of the same foreign language and one unit of fine arts.
West Virginia University has special residency requirements for admission.
Residents must have at least a 2.0 GPA, an ACT score of 19 or a math/reading score of 910. Nonresident must have at least a 2.5 GPA and a super scored ACT score of 21 or a super scored math and reading score of 990. Essays and letters of recommendation are not required and are not part of the admissions decision process. Most graduate programs have additional admission standards that exceed the basic admission requirements.

West Virginia University Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition rates for residents are some of the lowest in the country. The annual undergraduate tuition for residents is approximately $8,000, but out-of-state students will pay around $22,500. Students will spend around $900 a year on books and supplies. All students are required to carry health insurance coverage.
Each year, the university awards over $430 million in financial aid, which includes $50 million in scholarships. Grants are a gift, do not have to be repaid and are based on financial need. Scholarships are academic awards that are based on grades, skills, abilities, test scores and class rank. In order to determine eligibility for financial aid, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to receive the maximum amount of aid, FAFSA applications must be submitted by March 1st of each year. High school seniors who want to apply for internal scholarships must apply before February 1st. Students who miss the deadlines may still apply for Pell Grants and Direct Loans. Work-study programs are available through the library, copy centers, career services center and the Office of Student Employment.

West Virginia University Psychology and Counseling Degrees

The undergraduate psychology program is very popular. The curriculum covers the methods and principles that are used to understand human behaviors and thought processes. Students who choose this major can select a liberal arts degree, so they can customize their courses to meet their future career needs. These generally fall into three choices: graduate studies, psychology based career or a career in a non-related discipline. These students are allowed access to unique academic experience courses. This includes a teaching practicum that allows students to grade activities, proctor exams, hold review sessions and tutor students. Students also complete teaching related projects, such as researching test anxiety and performance challenges. A field experience option is basically a psychology internship. Students are placed in a local organization or facility and then submit a report on their experiences. The independent study option allows students to work in an on-campus research lab under the supervision of a faculty mentor and graduate student. They may work on literature reviews, recruit participants for experiments and enter data into programs.
At the graduate level, there are five doctorate programs available that include clinical, clinical child, developmental and
behavior analysis and neuroscience. For example, the life-span developmental psychology program provides in-depth training for the next generation of life-span developmental psychologists. Graduates go on to work in academia, foundations, government, research institutions and applied settings. The life-span developmental psychology program combines a broad array of training areas and a variety of perspectives on normal development across the entire life span. Students may choose an area of specialization and develop individualized plans of study. The research training occurs in labs or applied settings with many different age groups. In the beginning, the faculty provides strong guidance and structure that is customized to the students’ research design plan. At the end of training, students will have developed the skills needed to successfully design and execute a research project. The teacher training programs allow graduates to receive supervised teaching experiences in set areas, such as human development, social psychology and psychology basics.
West Virginia University is a leader East coast higher learning institution that offers hundreds of on-campus and online programs covering almost every possible field of study. West Virginia University is an excellent academic resource for students of all ages.

#41 West Virginia University

Fordham University #42

Fordham University #42 

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Fordham University was established in 1841 as the Northeast’s first Catholic college by Reverend John J. Hughes. Initially called St. John’s College, Fordham evolved into a private, non-profit research institution within the Jesuit tradition. Endowed for $665 million, Fordham enrolls approximately 8,400 undergraduates and 6,700 post-graduates annually. Based on an 85-acre urban campus in the Bronx, New York, Fordham University has satellite locations in Manhattan and Westchester. Divided into 10 constituent schools, Fordham is ranked America’s 66th best university and 55th top veterans college by the U.S. News. In particular, Fordham houses the 141st best graduate psychology programs nationwide.

Fordham University Accreditation Details

Recently reviewed in 2016, Fordham University holds 10-year regional accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS). Fordham is an approved member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU). Other discipline-specific accreditations are:
• Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)
• American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA)
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Fordham University Application Requirements

Getting into Fordham University is tricky with the selective acceptance rate at 48 percent. For the Psychology Major (B.S.), applicants must have completed a diploma from an accredited secondary school. Completing a NYS Regents curriculum or out-of-state equivalent with four years of English and math is expected. On average, admitted students have a high school GPA of 3.58. Freshmen typically score between 1840 and 2060 on the SAT (including writing). Transfers with 30+ accredited college credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA can also apply.
Master’s and doctoral programs require holding at least a B.A. or B.S. degree from a regionally accredited institution. Ph.D. degrees in psychology grant advanced standing for students who’ve already attained a master’s. Graduate admission mandates a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3. Master’s studies should be completed with a 3.5 GPA. Fordham University prefers candidates scoring in the 60th percentile on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Students without a B.A. in Psychology should take the GRE subject test. Non-native English speakers must score 100 or higher on the TOEFL iBT.
Before the application deadlines from November 1st to February 1st, interested students should submit the following to Fordham University:
• Completed online application
• Payment for the $70 processing fee
• High school or college transcripts
• Standardized testing reports
• Three letters of recommendation
• Typed, double-spaced writing sample
• One to two-page statement of purpose
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduates at Fordham University pay $23,925 per semester or $47,850 each year for tuition. Part-time learners must afford $1,595 per undergraduate credit. Undergrads should budget for the $281 general fee and $138 technology fee every term. With room and board, total annual cost of attendance is approximately $67,457. Graduate Fordham students generally pay $1,435 per credit with $330 fees each semester. Programs in the Graduate School of Education are discounted to $1,340 per credit.
Statistics from the NCES show 91 percent of beginning, full-time students earn aid. More than $164 million in financial assistance is available. Institutional awards, including the Fordham Presidential Scholarship, Loyola Scholarship, Jogues Scholarship, and Dean’s Scholarship, are abundant. NYC residents may obtain the $7,000 Metro Grant. Federal financial aid includes the Pell Grant, FSEOG Grant, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Federal Work-Study (FWS) and graduate assistantships cover tuition with employment. New York State offers the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Honorably discharged veterans qualify for tuition benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Borrowing Federal Stafford, Perkins, and Grad PLUS loans is also possible.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees

Fordham University currently houses seven degrees in counseling and psychology through its School of Arts and Sciences or School of Education. PhD-level faculty educate budding mental health professionals at the Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses with a 14:1 ratio. Fordham is renowned for several leading research institutes, including the Pediatric Emotion Regulation Lab and Memory and Aging Lab. Accredited available degrees include:
Psychology Major (B.S.)
The Psychology Major (B.S.) provides a structured, baccalaureate curriculum for Fordham undergraduates to develop the scientific thinking skills to analyze human behavior. Within the 120-credit program, students complete courses in biopsychology, memory, cognition, social psychology, child development, and abnormal psychology with 100+ service learning hours. Bachelor’s students with a 3.32 GPA or higher can join the Psi Chi chapter.
M.S. in Applied Psychological Methods
Offering tracks for Program Evaluation or Tests and Measures, the M.S. in Applied Psychological Methods at Fordham uniquely blends behavioral science into data analytics for applying psychological research. The 30-credit curriculum builds upon psychometric theory with advanced seminars and a semester-long internship. There’s also an Accelerated Five-Year B.S./M.S. option available.
M.S.Ed. in Counseling
The Graduate School of Education houses a M.S.Ed. in Counseling program at Lincoln Center for full-time and part-time Fordham students to prepare for NYS counselor licensure. The 60-credit curriculum starts every Fall with tracks in Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling. Following MPCAC standards, the program includes 600 hours of on-site fieldwork.
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Employing the Boulder scientist-practitioner model, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Fordham University equips graduates for ethical, real-world clinical practice in multicultural societies. With APA accreditation, the 89-credit, five-year program offers specializations in Child and Family, Forensic, Neuropsychology, and Health. Graduates are eligible for the NYS Licensing Examination in Psychology.
Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology
Fordham graduates in the Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology program study biopsychosocial development across the lifespan to promote effective community interventions. Over three years full-time, ADP majors research development in the context of race/ethnicity, school, family, and health/well-being. Year-long practicum placements are across NYC, such as Harlem Children’s Zone and Jewish Life Homecare.
Ph.D. in School Psychology
At the Lincoln Center campus, the Ph.D. in School Psychology is NASP-approved to produce licensed psychologists capable of applying psychological science to educational efforts in PreK-12 communities. The 96-credit curriculum covers five years full-time, including three 150-hour practica, dissertation research, and a predoctoral internship. Students could also choose the Professional Diploma in Bilingual School Psychology.
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
Ranked seventh nationally for EPPP pass rates, the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program takes a scientist-practitioner approach to preparing psychologists for individual, couple, family, and group therapy. The APA-accredited, 96-credit program includes a research assistantship and counseling externship. Fordham University matches PhDs with leading sites like Johns Hopkins, Mount Sinai, and NYU Langone Medical Center.

#42 Fordham University

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign #43

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  #43 

 

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The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the largest public college in the state and the main campus in the University of Illinois system. It goes by a number of different names, but most students, alumni and fans simply refer to it as Illinois.
Founded in 1867 as the Illinois Industrial University, it originally provided students with a strong background in mechanical and industrial topics, which helped those students find jobs in the changing economy of the times. Its first name change occurred in the 1880s after the university changed its curriculum to include courses in other fields. Known as the University of Illinois for nearly a century, it changed to its current name after other colleges in the system opened across the state.
U.S. News & World Report called Illinois one of the more selective colleges in the country. Though it is a public university, it admits fewer than 70% of those who apply. The same publication also ranked Illinois as the country’s 41st best college and as the 11th best public college in the nation. Other publications that ranked Illinois on a national level include Forbes, Washington Monthly and ARWU. QS, Times and U.S. News & World Report ranked Illinois within the 60 colleges on a global scale, and AWRU ranked it within the top 30 of all colleges in the world today. The university also has a strong reputation for its research-intensive programs, including those in technology and psychology.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Accreditation Details

Illinois is a regionally accredited college, which means that you can file the FAFSA to obtain financial assistance from the federal government. This also means that it’s easier to transfer credits that you earn on other accredited campuses to this university. Its regional accreditation comes from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS). As NCACS requires that the university renew its accreditation every 10 years, you’ll feel confident in applying here. Another benefit to attending Illinois is that it has accreditation from 15 different organization for its degree programs. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredited its business program, and the Planning Accreditation Board accredited its undergraduate program in urban planning. Other accreditation comes from:
National Association of Schools of Theatre
Council on Rehabilitation Education
National Association of Schools of Music
Council on Education for Public Health
National Association of Schools of Dance
American Veterinary Medical Association
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
American Psychological Association
American Bar Association
Council on Social Work Education Office of Social work Accreditation
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Application Requirements

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign knows that students are more than just a test score, which is why its admissions board looks at a number of different factors. All prospective students must submit a transcript that shows they took a college prep curriculum in high school that included four years of English, three to four years of math, two to four years of life and social sciences and at least two years of foreign language courses. The university also weighs your application based on the extracurricular activities you participated in, what activities you did outside of school, your test scores and your grade point average.
When you fill out the online application, you have the chance to talk about your background and why you selected Illinois. The application asks for your name, address, high school attended and parents’ names, but it will also ask about your activities and grades. If you cannot afford to pay the $50 application fee, your school guidance counselor can apply for a fee waiver on your behalf. You will then submit your transcript and test scores. Students applying for a spot in one of the performing arts programs may need to schedule an audition with the university too.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The estimated cost of attending Illinois is around $30,000 a year for in-state residents. This includes $15,000 for your tuition and fees, $11,000 for room and board and all the expenses and supplies you need. Living off-campus, changing the residence hall where you live, opting for a different meal plan or taking more classes each semester will increase your overall costs. Tuition and fees for students who live outside of Illinois increases to more than $30,000 a year and brings their total costs up to more than $46,000 a year.
No matter where you live before you enroll, you can still apply for financial aid. Filing the FAFSA is your first step. More than 50% of Illinois students receive financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships, and more than 40% qualify for loans too. The university will use your responses on the FAFSA to determine what you will get in your financial aid package and then mail a letter to your home. You can also check with Illinois directly to find out what you need to do to apply for need-based or merit-based scholarships. Students who need more help can also take part in the campus’s work-study program.

Studying Counseling and Psychology

Illinois is one of the only public universities that lets undergrads pick a concentration when majoring in psychology. Those concentrations include behavioral neuroscience, cognitive psychology, clinical and community psychology, developmental psychology, organizational psychology, social and personality psychology and general psychology. You need to maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain in the program and complete all general education requirements. The university asks that students take basic or general psychology courses and then take up to 36 credits of classes within their concentrations. Introduction to psychology, introduction to experimental psychology and introduction to statistics are just a few of the classes that all psych students take.
The university offers both an MA and an MS degree in psychology as well as a PhD in psychology. Before enrolling in those programs, you must complete a degree in psychology or a related field at an accredited college and take a standardized test like the GRE. The counseling psychology program offered by the university if available through its College of Education. This is a PhD program that typically takes a little over six years to finish. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign requires that these PhD students do at least two internship placements, but the program prepares them for obtaining an Illinois counseling license.

#43 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Kentucky #44

University of Kentucky #44 

 

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The University of Kentucky is a public educational institution that was founded in 1865. It is one of Kentucky’s only two land-grant universities, but it is the largest higher learning facility in the state. It is located in Lexington, Kentucky, which is northeast of Nashville and south of Cincinnati.
Lexington is referred to as the horse capital of the world and is also at the heart of the state’s bluegrass music movement. The urban campus of 800 acres serves approximately 30,000 students per year. The university boasts around 145,000 alumni in Kentucky and 220,000 in the U.S. The university has produced seven governors and various U.S. senators and U.S. representatives. Many notable CEOs, business magnets, Pulitzer Prize winners and even actress and activist Ashley Judd graduated from the University of Kentucky.
The University of Kentucky is composed of 16 colleges and a graduate school that offer around 90 undergraduate programs, 100 master programs and 70 doctoral programs. These include the Colleges of Dentistry, Business, Agriculture, Communication, Education, Fine Arts, Pharmacy, Medicine, Public Health and Social Work. The Graduate School, which was founded 1912 offers a variety of APA-approved psychology counseling programs.
The University of Kentucky has fifteen libraries on campus, one of which is a federal depository, and notable state buildings and landmarks. Kentucky legislature successfully passed a mandate in 1997 with the goal of the university becoming one of the Top 20 public research institutions in the U.S. by the year 2020. To date, the enrollment has increased by 2,000, Research expenditures increased by $170 million, endowments increased by $240 million and the six-year graduation rate has slightly increased. Today, the University of Kentucky ranks around 28th among public universities in sponsored research.

University of Kentucky Accreditation Details

-The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges.
-The PhD clinical psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System. The program is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science organization.
-The Educational Specialist graduate program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the school psychology doctoral (PhD) program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

University of Kentucky Application Requirements

The application process for graduate students is completed online. The University of Kentucky requires graduate students to submit their online application through the ApplyYourself Application Network, which is an enrollment system used by 700 colleges and universities across the country. Graduate students must upload their transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Students must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to apply and must maintain a 3.00 GPA on all graduate work. Official GRE or GMAT test scores are required for admission, but students have the option of committing to take the test on a future date. There are no minimum score standards for the GRE or GMAT. The graduate psychology programs require a resume and personal statement to be submitted. All graduate students must submit up to three letters of recommendation.

University of Kentucky Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate students who are local residents will pay $6,200 per semester, non-residents will pay $14,200 per semester. Students must submit a FAFSA application to apply for aid. Available loans include Federal Direct, Perkins and Direct PLUS – Graduate Student. Scholarships include the KHEAA Monies, Hope Scholarship/Lifetime Learning, Academic Excellence Scholarship Program and the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES). There are also the Legacy Tuition, the Felix E. Martin, Jr. Scholarship and the William C. Parker Diversity Scholarship programs.

University of Kentucky Psychology and Counseling Degrees

The counseling psychology program is designed to help students develop expertise in the traditional domains of counseling interventions. Students gain the scientific skills that enable them to evaluate research, create new knowledge and promote ethical and professional attitudes. Students are encouraged to strive for excellence and leadership in the field of psychology. The psychology programs at the University of Kentucky are noted for focusing on social justice and the importance of diversity. The purpose of most psychology programs is to educate professionals who continue to pursue scholarly activities and promote the discipline of psychology. The counseling program additionally encourages students to focus on the well-being, mental health and psycho-social development of diverse populations.
The University of Kentucky’s counseling programs are based on three primary concepts. First, a community-based perspective that values social justice. Second, a scientist-practitioner model of pedagogy. Third, a systems thinking perspective of individual interaction and interdependence. The counseling psychology program offers three degree specializations. These are the two Masters of Science in school psychology and educational psychology and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Counseling Psychology. These programs have been accredited by the American Psychological Association since the early 1980’s.
The educational psychology program focuses on producing psychologists who have excellent conceptual and practical educational psychology skills. Educational psychologists are trained to focus on statistics, assessments and research methodology. Students go on to become education advisers, public policy makers and research consultants. Graduate students choose one of four specialization areas: motivation, development, quantitative methods, and multicultural education. The school psychology program is designed to produce school psychologist who enthusiastically engage children, adolescents and adults in various educational settings. These students learn the best ways to connect with coworkers and students. The program was created through the assistance of the College of Education, but it still uses a scientist-practitioner model that focuses on transforming research to practice.
The doctoral clinical psychology program is designed to train clinical scientists who integrate research and practice together. Scientific methods provide the strongest research base for creating or challenging field knowledge. Clinicians are taught to focus on services that are scientifically effective. Students learn how to become proactive researchers and consumers of published literature in order to use scientific findings to guide applied activities. All doctoral students must conduct original research and make meaningful contributions to current scientific literature. Students who enter the program are expected to have well-formed professional goals that drive their teaching, research and clinical services.
The University of Kentucky has a various programs to help students succeed in life and at school. These include the Legacy program, which helps students connect with services, the Childcare Grants program, which helps students find daycare for their children, and various free transportation services that promote safety.

#44 University of Kentucky

Washington State University #45

Washington State University #45 

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Founded in 1890 as the Washington Agricultural College and School of Science, Washington State University is now one of the largest public colleges in the state and in the Pacific Northwest. Called Wazzu by current and former students and WSU by others, it offers a number of degree programs and ranks among the nation’s top schools. It was one of the first colleges in the region to admit female students and actually had a number of females within its first graduating class. Though it went by the name of the State College of Washington from 1905 to 1959, it changed its name after gaining university status.
Though it is a public university, it does have requirements that students must meet before applying. It typically admits between 70 and 80 percent of all applications, and students have an average grade point average of 3.2 or higher and score highly on tests like the ACT and SAT as well. U.S. News & World Report ranked WSU at number 140 on its list of all colleges in the country and at number 70 on its list of public colleges. Similar publications like ARWU, Forbes and Washington Monthly also ranked WSU on the national level. According to Times, QS, ARWU and U.S. News & World Report, Washington State University also ranks as one of the the top 400 colleges in the entire world.

Washington State University Accreditation Details

Washington State University obtained regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU) and passed each renewal stage required of that organization. Regional accreditation is especially important because it means that you can apply for federal student aid and transfer the credits you earn between accredited colleges. After obtaining regional accreditation, WSU looked for specialty accreditation for some of the programs offered through its departments. If you have an interest in any type of engineering, including chemical, civil, electrical or mechanical engineering, you’ll find that the university has accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET), which also accredits its computer science program. Other organizations that awarded WSU specialty accreditation for its degree programs include:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
American Psychological Association
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
American Council for Construction Education
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
American Veterinary Medical Association

Washington State University Application Requirements

As long as you have a high school diploma or your GED, you qualify as a freshman student, which means that WSU requires that you fill out the online application for incoming students. The deadline for admissions is usually around the end of the spring term, but the university may accept students late into the summer session provided that there are still spots available. If you do not meet this deadline, you will need to wait until the end of summer to apply for a spot in the following year. Priority deadline is at the end of January. You also have the option of mailing in a paper application to the university.
WSU has an assured admissions program that automatically accepts students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher who also graduate within the top 10% of their classes. You can still apply for admission, even if you do not meet those requirements. WSU asks that you fill out and submit the application before mailing in your official high school transcript and your SAT or ACT score. If you took part in any college programs while in high school, you must submit a transcript from that college too. If you want to apply for scholarships offered by the university, you must submit a scholarship application at the same time. All required forms are available via the WSU website.

Tuition and Financial Aid

While WSU charges the same rate for dorm rooms and meal plans, it charges separate tuition rates for Washington residents and residents of other states. In-state tuition is right around $11,000 and year and allows students to take two semesters of courses on a full-time basis. Those from other states face tuition rates of more than $24,000 a year. Students are also responsible for paying around $1,000 a year in miscellaneous fees. On-campus housing ranges in price from around $6,800 to more than $10,000 a year, and on-campus residents must also pay up to $4,500 a year for a meal plan that entitles them to eat multiple meals in campus cafeterias.
You should always file the university’s scholarship application, which allows you to apply for more than 700 scholarships at the same time. While some are only open to merit students or Washington residents, others are open to students who had lower grades in high school and those from other states. There are also scholarships available from specific departments for students enrolling in a certain degree program. WSU recommends that students file the FAFSA in the early spring too. This lets you see if you qualify for loans or grants from the government and other types of aid.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees

The Department of Psychology at WSU is part of the College of Arts and Sciences and offers several degree options. As an incoming freshmen, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the university. Students must agree to complete all general education requirements and take at least 30 credit hours of psychology courses. At least 15 of these courses must be at the 300 level or higher, and if you transfer any credits to the program, you must still take at least 10 psychology credits from the campus. You must also take a biology course that includes a lab component. Courses in this program include abnormal psychology, social psychology, cognitive development and child psychology.
Washington State University also offers graduate degrees in both experimental and clinical psychology. These programs often require that you do clinical work in the field for a full year and that you write a thesis too. You may have the option of completing a research project or doing an experiment in lieu of a thesis. Those hoping to enroll in one of the psychology grad programs at Washington State University must meet other requirements, including taking the GRE and having an undergrad degree in psychology.

#45 Washington State University

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee # 46

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

 

 

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The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee first opened its doors in 1885 as the Wisconsin State Normal School with 76 pupils. After 1955 legislation, UWM grew into a comprehensive public, state-funded research institution with doctoral RU/VH status.
Endowed for $201 million, UW-Milwaukee educates more than 23,000 undergraduates and 4,700 post-graduates annually. Its 104-acre urban campus stands on the Upper East Side of Wisconsin’s largest city near Lake Michigan. Forbes named UVM the nation’s 227th best research university and Midwest’s 147th top college. The Princeton Review includes UW-Milwaukee within its “Best Midwestern” schools. The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee also has the 101st best graduate psychology degrees according to the USNWR.

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Accreditation Details

Last reaffirmed in Spring 2015, the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA). This agency accredits colleges in 19 Midwest states for the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Relevant program-specific approvals include:
• American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA)
• Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)
• Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI)

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Application Requirements

The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee has a selective admission process with an average acceptance of 74 percent. New freshmen pursuing the Psychology Major must be graduating from a high school with at least 17 college-prep units. Attaining a GED certificate with a minimum score of 150 is acceptable too. On average, admitted students hold a secondary GPA of 3.05. First-years also achieve an average ACT score of 22 and SAT score of 1010 (excluding writing). Undergraduate transfers with at least 12 credits are welcome from other regionally accredited colleges. Competitive transfer applicants will have a minimum “C” average.
Getting accepted into the UWM Graduate School will require completing a baccalaureate degree with at least 120 credits from an accredited college. Master’s and doctoral students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA during the last two years. Completing at least six post-bachelor’s credits with a “B” or better could satisfy the requirement. Admitted students to psychology and counseling programs have an average GRE score of 157. The Ph.D. requires several course prerequisites, including research methods, psychological statistics, and abnormal psychology. Non-native English speakers must score at least 550 on the TOEFL or its equivalent.
Before the priority deadline on March 1st, aspirant psychology and counseling majors should apply to the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee by submitting:
• Completed online UW application
• $44 application fee (unless waived)
• Official high school and college transcripts
• College entrance exam scores
• At least two recommendation letters
• Proof of English fluency (if foreign)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduates from Wisconsin are charged $9,470 annually for tuition. The Midwest Student Exchange Rate (MSEP) is $13,514 per undergraduate year. Non-resident undergraduates can expect paying $19,826 annually for full-time enrollment. Room and board is estimated to cost $9,950 each year. At the graduate level, Wisconsin residents pay $11,764 yearly. The MSEP rate for full-time graduates is $17,222. Out-of-state graduate students studying full-time pay $25,036 each year.
Approximately 85 percent of beginning, full-time UWM students share over $13.3 million in financial aid annually. Institutional awards like the Freshman Merit Scholarship, Transfer Scholarship, Life Impact Scholarship, Osher Reentry Scholarship, and Graduate Fellowship are abundant. Students could benefit from federal aid, including the Pell Grant, FSEOG Grant, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Wisconsin funds statewide programs like the Talent Incentive Program (TIP), Hearing and Visually Handicapped Student Grant, and Lawton Scholars Grant. Veterans qualify for tuition benefits under the Yellow Ribbon Program. Federal Work-Study (FWS) and graduate assistantships are available. Students enrolling at least half-time could borrow Stafford, Perkins, and PLUS loans too.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees

The College of Letters & Science and College of Education combine to offer six psychology and counseling degrees to University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee students. There’s a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, so 43 percent of classes have fewer than 20 peers for interactive learning. Aspiring mental health professionals benefit from unparalleled resources like the Psychology Clinic, Norris Health Center, and Affective Neuroscience Lab. Available degree options are:
Psychology Major
UW-Milwaukee offers a Psychology Major leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science for undergraduates to build core knowledge on the factors influencing human behavior. The 34-credit major spans diverse courses from psychological statistics and child psychology to personality theory and behavioral neuroscience. Students could serve as research assistants, study abroad in South Korea, volunteer with the Milwaukee Women’s Center, and more.
M.S. in Experimental Psychology
As a terminal program, the M.S. in Experimental Psychology at UWM provides advanced study into psychological research and theories in two specializations. Students choosing the BACB-approved Behavior Analysis track complete 31 credits and thesis research to prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. Those going the 36-credit Health Psychology track delve into master’s thesis research on the causes and consequences of health disorders.
M.S. in School & Community Counseling
For more than 50 years, the M.S. in School & Community Counseling program has trained multiculturally competent counselors with the therapeutic skills to foster client well-being in urban environments. The 48-credit Community Counseling Concentration satisfies students’ qualifications for LPC licensure with two supervised practicum. The 48-credit School Counseling Concentration integrates courses like child development and educational assessment to produce licensed counselors for K-12 schools.
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Following a scientist-practitioner model, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program equips UW-Milwaukee graduates for entering licensed psychology practice as consumers and producers of empirical research. As an APCS member, the five-year program holds APA accreditation to train generalists from a cognitive-behavioral perspective. Cohorts of five to 10 students are accepted annually into the six-year program, including dissertation research and a year-long internship.
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
Noted for winning the APA’s Bersoff Presidential Cultural Award, UWM’s Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program brings together world-class faculty to promote the scientific inquiry and therapeutic skills required for multicultural practice. Along with 73 course credits, students participate in faculty research teams for two years and complete dissertations. The program boasts a 100 percent placement rate for pre-doctoral counseling internships.
Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology
The Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology is a research-intensive program devoted to producing exemplary scientists who can advance psychological theory to better explain the brain and behavior. From the preliminary exam to the master’s thesis and dissertation, doctoral candidates are deeply involved in faculty research in facilities like the Anxiety Disorders Lab. The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee offers three Ph.D. specializations: Behavior Analysis, Health and Social Psychology, or Neuroscience.

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