Texas Tech University

Application

Applications for Fall 2024 are due December 1, 2023. For specific application instructions, see the application guide.

Questions concerning applications should be directed to the Admissions Coordinator, Dr. Paul Ingram at paul.ingram@ttu.edu.

Faculty who are accepting Ph.D. students for Fall 2024 include:

Dr. Nicholas Borgogna will be taking one student.
Dr. Sheila Garos will be taking two students.
Dr. Paul Ingram is considering taking one student.
Dr. Brandy Pina-Watson will be taking one student.
Dr. Chris Robitschek will not be taking new students.
Dr. Craig Warlick will be taking one student.

We welcome applicants with a bachelor's degree and those with a master's; however, transfer of courses associated with the counseling psychology training core (see the current Counseling Psychology Student Handbook) are not available for waiver. Transfer of courses that are not part of core classes can be considered for waiver, but these will be reviewed on an individual level. We do not guarantee how many non-core courses will transfer. 

The Counseling Psychology doctoral degree program has no terminal master's degree program, nor do we offer distance learning courses; thus--only applicants interested in obtaining a Ph.D. are selected for admission

An undergraduate psychology major is not required for entry into the program; however applicants must have completed at least 18 credit hours of psychology courses to be considered for admission. At least one statistics course is also required that can count toward the 18 credit minimum in psychology. 

Students are admitted to our program based on a mentorship model. This means that typically, students apply to work directly with specific faculty members based upon common research interests. Thus, “fit” is an important consideration in our evaluation of applicants and much time and attention is devoted to the process of admitting doctoral students to our program. A subset of applicants are invited for in-person interviews during which time applicants have a chance to meet faculty and current doctoral students, get a “feel” for the climate of the department and of our program, tour the department and the campus, and get a glimpse of West Texas life. 

In addition to the interview, each applicant is reviewed on his or her own merit. As part of the admissions application procedures, applicants must submit the following (GRE is not required):

  • GPA (overall, last 60 hours, & psychology only)
  • TOEFL score (if applicable)
  • Educational history
  • At least three recommendation letters
  • Personal statement that addresses questions listed on our application
  • Record of applied and research-related experience in psychology
  • Record of psychology-related presentations or publications
  • Record of any honors and scholarships received
  • Record of foreign language proficiency

Successful applicants also typically have:

  • Strong letters of recommendation
  • Clearly articulated and relevant self-statements
  • Research experience
  • Values and interests that fit well with the goals of the Counseling Psychology program, including experience with, and an interest in, cultural and individual diversity 
  • Evidence of leadership and interpersonal skills

 

Review Student Admission, Outcome, and Other Data for information about student demographics, as well as mean and median GRE and GPA scores and other relevant admission and graduation data for the past ten years. 

In summary, we strive to select students whose interests are congruent with our program's philosophy, aim, and faculty specializations. For instance, students interested in working primarily with children or young adolescents are not typically considered for admission as our training focus is with, late adolescent and adult clients. That said, we want students who are well-rounded, have diverse interests, and demonstrate potential to become qualified and competent health service psychologists.

The Counseling Psychology Program has made the necessary changes to be in compliance with Texas Senate Bill 17 regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. More information can be found here.

Link to APA Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Public Disclosure: Professional Licensure by State

The Texas Tech University Counseling Psychology Program is required to publicly disclose to prospective and currently enrolled students whether our program meets the education requirements for licensure or certification for all 50 states, District of Columbia, and specified U.S. territories. Our program is responsible for determining whether our academic program meets applicable state education requirements for professional licensure or certification. See the TTU Counseling Psychology Program's Professional Licensure by State Table.

Program Acceptance for Licensure by State

APA Accredited, Next Review: 2033

Contact Information for Accrediting Association:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: 202-336-5979
Fax: 202-336-5978
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation