Counseling Psychology Program FAQs
How do I apply?
To learn about the application process, please visit: http://www.du.edu/education/calls/admission.html
When is the deadline for admission?
The deadline for applications to the PhD program is December 15th; the deadline for
MA applications is January 15th.
What programs are offered?
The University of Denver offers a PhD degree and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling
Psychology through the Morgridge College of Education.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in Psychology to apply to the program?
A major in Psychology is not required for acceptance into either program.
Do I need a master's degree to apply to the PhD program?
No. We do not require applicant's to have a master's degree prior to applying to
the PhD program.
What factors are considered for acceptance into the programs?
The admissions committee will consider your transcript(s), letters of recommendation,
statement of goals, GRE scores and prior experience, including volunteer work in the
field or any training in counseling.
Do I need to take the GRE?
Yes. There is no cut off score but GRE scores will be considered as part of the application.
What is included in the application?
The application materials include: a completed application, a 2-3 page statement of
goals, resume, official transcripts from every higher education institution attended,
letters of recommendation (2 for MA, 3 for PhD), a $65 application fee, and GRE scores
(which should be sent directly to the university).
Is an interview required as part of the application process?
Yes. Individuals who cannot attend Interview Day will be scheduled for a phone interview
with a faculty member.
Will I be able to waive a course or transfer credit from previous graduate coursework?
Some courses can be waived with documentation that you've already taken a similar
course. Discuss any requests with your advisor.
How can I learn more about this program and the University of Denver?
University of Denver homepage: http://www.du.edu/
Morgridge College of Education webpage: http://www.du.edu/education/
MA and PhD Program Handbooks can be found at: http://www.du.edu/education/resources/current-students/handbooks.html.Faculty will be available to answer your questions.
Is this program accredited?
The PhD degree program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
What distinguishes this program from other programs in counseling psychology?
The Counseling Psychology program at the University of Denver is distinguished by
a small student to faculty ratio, small class size, opportunities for both research
and clinical experience, and the variety of quality internship opportunities available
in the Denver Metro area.
Can I enroll in this program part time?
Both the MA and PhD programs are full time (full time = 8-18 credits per quarter)
but arrangements can be made for part time enrollment.
Can I defer if necessary?
If admitted to the MA program you can defer for one year. The PhD program does not
permit deferals.
When does this program begin?
For both the PhD and MA programs, students begin Fall Quarter.
What does a typical schedule look like for MA and PhD students?
More complete information about typical schedules can be found in the Handbooks (see
above). Your advisor can help you create a comprehensive schedule that fits your needs.
What types of practicum and internship placements are available?
The Counseling Psychology Program has relationships with many sites in the Metro Denver
area where practicum and internship placements are available. Students have an opportunity
to work with adult and adolescent clients in schools, hospitals, residential centers,
and community counseling centers.
What should I do to prepare for my practicum placement?
In the Counseling Psychology lounge, there is a blue notebook containing information
and reviews of sites with which students have worked in the past. Look through the
notebook and talk to other students about their practicum and internship experiences.
What types of settings will I be qualified to work in when I graduate?
Students will be prepared to work in a variety of settings including community counseling
agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practice. Selecting a practicum or internship
site that corresponds with the setting in which you would like to work after graduation
will give you experience in a particular setting.
What populations will I be qualified to work with when I graduate?
The Counseling Psychology program prepares students to work with adolescents and adults
in various settings. Selecting a practicum or internship site and elective credits
with a focus on a specific population will prepare students to work with the population
of their choice.
What programs lead to licensure in the state of Colorado?
Both the MA and PhD programs lead to licensure in the state of Colorado.
Will I be able to obtain a license in another state after receiving my degree in Colorado?
Licensing requirements vary from state to state, check with the licensing board for
the state you are interested in. Some states may require specific classes or degrees
for licensure that are not required for Colorado.
I'm interested in eventually applying to a PhD program; what can I do to ensure that
the master's program prepares me for that?
To prepare for your application to the PhD program, it is helpful to make connections
with faculty, be involved in research (including attending conferences and working
on presentations and papers) during your MA program.
Are there opportunities to be involved in research during my program?
There are many opportunities for MA students to be involved in research with faculty
members. Research experience is a fundamental component of the PhD program.
Are there opportunities to teach during this program?
Opportunities for teaching are available to PhD students but not MA students.
What is the cost of tuition?
Current tuition for graduate students can be found at http://www.du.edu/finaid/index.html .
What financial aid is available?
In order to apply for financial aid at the University of Denver, and be considered
for grants and scholarships, you must have a current FAFSA on file. This application
can be filled out quickly on the Department of Education website at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Information about financial aid can be found here http://www.du.edu/finaid/. Student employment is also available for graduate students.
What scholarships are available?
Information about available scholarships is posted on the Morgridge College of Education
webpage at http://www.du.edu/education/resources/current-students/index.html and is updated frequently.
Is insurance available?
Information about student health insurance and the Health and Counseling Center can
be found here http://www.du.edu/duhealth/general/insurance/index.html .
I'm coming from out of state, how do I find a place to live?
Information about on-campus graduate student housing can be found at http://slife.du.edu/housing/gliving.html and information about finding off-campus housing is available here http://www.du.edu/housing/resources/offcampus.html.
