Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology
Program Overview
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Mission, Aims, and Training Philosophy
The mission of the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is to offer “broad and general doctoral education and training that includes preparation in health service psychology (HSP)” (APA, 2018).
Aims of the Program
- Develop a counseling psychology identity based upon a commitment to serving others through positive interpersonal relationships and professional competence.
- Acquire skills as generalists in the practice of psychology in diverse settings while being mindful of the contextual and multicultural aspects of human existence.
- Develop skills as scientifically-minded professionals who engage in evidence-based practice and as researchers capable of contributing to the knowledge-base of the field.
The Integration of Science and Practice
The program is designed to foster the integration of science and practice in all aspects of professional behavior. The theoretical perspectives of the core faculty are similar regarding the necessity of evidence-based decision making in practice and research.
Training is Sequential, Cumulative, and Graded in Complexity
Our 5-year curriculum shows how the progression of courses is sequential, cumulative, graded in complexity, and designed to prepare students for further organized training.
The Program is Committed to a Respect For and Understanding of Cultural and Individual Differences
The program values diversity and multiculturalism, as indicated by its commitment: “The program values cultural and individual diversity, which includes personal and demographic characteristics, as well as including (but not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, and social economic status.”
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
- An Online Graduate School Admission application
- Official transcripts of all completed college course work
- Official Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores on the General Section
- Three letters of recommendation from former college professors or individuals otherwise qualified to comment on the applicant’s professional and academic potential
- Essay: Statement of Career Path and Aspirations – a 500-word essay focusing on your career aspirations as a counseling psychologist and research interests
- Current resume’ or vita
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Background check: Before the application can be processed, the applicant must submit a background check
- Twelve semester hours of psychology coursework
TRANSFER OF GRADUATE CREDIT
For students who have completed some graduate work at other universities, the Counseling Psychology Program may allow the transfer of some graduate credit applicable to the student’s doctoral work at UCA.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Students entering the program with no prior graduate work will be required to complete four academic years at the university and a one-year internship, including at least one year of full-time residency or the equivalency thereof at UCA.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Selection Criteria (not specified)
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
- UCA Tuition and Fees Calculator
- Graduate Assistantships and Other Aid
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
The following are the Goals and Objectives of our program, and should give the current or prospective student a better idea of the types of things you will learn and the approach of the program.
- Research
- Ethical and legal standards
- Individual and cultural diversity
- Professional values, attitudes, and behaviors
- Communications and interpersonal skills
- Assessment
- Intervention
- Supervision
- Consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills
COURSES, PRACTICA, AND INTERNSHIPS
The program of study is typically five years (120 credit hours). Four years are spent in full-time coursework at UCA, and the fifth year is a full-time professional psychology internship.
- Sequence of Classes
- Descriptions of Classes
RESEARCH REQUIREMENT
Students are expected to join on-going core Counseling Psychology faculty research programs and labs.
CORE COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM FACULTY
- Femina Varghese (Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Texas Tech University)
- Elson M. Bihm (Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Texas Tech University)
- Christina Christie (Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Central Arkansas)
- J. Arthur Gillaspy, Jr. (Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Texas A & M University)
- Christina Jeffrey (Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Texas A & M University)
- Aaron McLaughlin (Ph.D., Georgia State University)
- David Mosher (Ph.D., University of North Texas)
OTHER PSYCHOLOGY FACULTY
- Other Departmental Faculty (not specified)
University of Central Arkansas
Overview:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. It boasts a rich 115-year tradition of excellence and is committed to providing an innovative and collaborative education within a culture of student support and success.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Accessibility Resources and Services:
Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Bear Card:
A multi-purpose card used for access to campus facilities, meal plans, and more.Bookstore:
Provides textbooks, course materials, and merchandise.Campus Safety:
Ensures a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Disability Resource Center:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to help students fund their education.Food Services:
Provides dining options on campus.Housing & Residence Life:
Offers on-campus housing options and residence life programs.Information Technology:
Provides technical support and resources for students.Library:
Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Health:
Provides healthcare services to students.Student Organizations:
Offers a wide variety of student organizations for students to join and engage in extracurricular activities.Veterans Services:
Provides support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections. Students can:
Join over 150 Recognized Student Organizations:
Catering to diverse interests and passions.Participate in various events and activities:
From sporting events to cultural performances.Live in on-campus housing:
With various residence halls and living learning communities.Enjoy recreational facilities:
Including a campus recreation center.Volunteer in the community:
Through service-learning opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
UCA Commitment:
A groundbreaking program offering a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming Arkansas freshmen with household income of $100k or less.Small class sizes:
Allowing for personalized attention from faculty.Engaging programs:
Providing hands-on learning experiences and internships.Supportive community:
Fostering a sense of belonging and success.Strong academic reputation:
With a focus on research and experiential learning.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a wide range of academic programs across five colleges:
