Admissions to the Ph.D. Program | Division of Counseling Psychology

Admission to the Ph.D. Program

The counseling psychology program receives 100-130 applications each year, and we usually accept 8 students in each incoming class. Typically, about half of each entering class hold bachelor degrees, and half enter with master's degrees. We are looking for students who have research experience, experience in an applied setting, a strong academic record, above average GRE scores, good communication skills, and positive letters of recommendation. During the past several years, the average combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of accepted applicants has been around 1150. The average GPA of accepted applicants has been approximately 3.5 (on a 4 point scale) undergraduate GPA and if applicable 3.8 graduate GPA. Applicants are required to have a minimum of 18 credits in psychology coursework. It is recommended that coursework include statistics, personality, and abnormal psychology.

Application Materials

Applications for the counseling psychology doctoral program are due on December 15th of each year. The application materials include:

University at Albany Application for Admissions for Degree Graduate Study
University at Albany Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship Application
Personal Statement
Résumé
Copies of all academic transcripts
Official GRE score reports (Only the general test is required. We do not require the psychology test)
3-5 reference letters
Application Fee
TOEFL (for international students without a degree from a U.S. college or university)

Application for Admissions for Degree Graduate Study and Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship Application Form

These two forms can be obtained from Graduate Admissions. The Graduate Admissions Office is located at University Administration Building, Room 121, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany NY, 12222, Phone #: (800) 440-GRAD. These forms can also be downloaded and the application for admissions form can be submitted on-line (the assistantship/fellowship application form needs to be downloaded and mailed separately). Instructions for completing the university forms and submitting other materials are available at the Graduate Admissions website.

PersoMarch 12, 2008t with information about you as a person and your professional interests and goals. We are interested in knowing what attracted you to the field of counseling psychology and specifically to our program. Describe your experiences in applied psychology (e.g., residence hall assistant, practicum in counselMarch 12, 2008ssisting data collection for professors' research, conducting own research, presenting or publishing findings). In addition, indicate your goals for graduate study as well as your goals for your professional career, i.e., the kinds of applied and/or scholarly activities you would like to explore during your doctoral training, and the settings, problems, and/or populations you envision to be primary in your professional work.

Résumé

Please include a current résumé or Curriculum Vitae.

Academic Transcripts

Include official copies of all undergraduate and graduate institutions that you attended with your application. See the Graduate Admissions website for more information.

GRE Scores

Arrange to have Educational Testing Service (ETS) send official GRE test results to the University at Albany, Code 2532. You may include a photocopy of your GRE score report in your application materials; however, your application will not be reviewed until your official test scores are received.

Reference Letters

Include 3 to 5 letters of reference in your application materials. Recommendations should include letters from undergraduate or graduate faculty. Reference letter forms can be obtained through Graduate Admissions.

Application Fee

All applicants must submit the required, non-refundable $75 application fee. More information can be obtained from Graduate Admissions.