Doctoral Admissions

Admissions Information

The Counseling Psychology Program admits a number of students each year that is considered to be optimal in balancing the needs of students enrolled in the program with availability of faculty resources. For the past three years, the program admitted a class of 5-7 students who were selected from a finalist pool of 20-25 applicants (see additional information).

Students may be admitted in one of three categories, depending on the nature and amount of prior training and course work at time of application. Preliminary decisions regarding the most appropriate level for admission are made in consultation with prospective students during the admissions process.

D-1:

Outstanding applicants with bachelor's degrees. These students are designated as doctoral students and must complete the M.A. or M.S. (with thesis) degree with a major in Psychology before being approved for Advanced Standing. Students who complete the master's degree in good standing are automatically enrolled as Advanced Standing students.

D-2:

Some students who enter with master's degrees in counseling, psychology, or other related fields are admitted to doctoral study but must first complete specified course work and research experiences equivalent to the M.A. (with thesis) before being approved to proceed at an Advanced Standing level. Students who enter with master's degrees from other institutions are often admitted at this level in order to provide sufficient time for addressing gaps in prior training (e.g., practicum training, thesis, and/or foundation courses) before proceeding to the doctoral comprehensive exams.

D-3:

Students who have completed a master's degree (with thesis or master's project) that is equivalent to the 60 hour program designed for D-1 students (above) are admitted to proceed at the Advanced Standing level.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

1.

Formal application to the program is made through the Office of Graduate Studies by January 15. The supplemental program application and personal statement should be sent directly to the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program - Dr. Mark M. Leach, in the Psychology Department. (supplemental application materials are found in the Admissions Brochure). Completed files for all applicants are reviewed and rated by members of the admissions committee. The admissions committee usually consists of the Director of Training and three core faculty members. Current doctoral students also actively participate in the on-campus interview process.

2.

A sub-set of approximately 20-25 applicants whose records indicate a high level of potential for doctoral study will be invited to participate in a day-long interview process on-campus. Applicants will be asked to provide rankings of program faculty with whom they would like to work, as the match between an applicant's research interests and those of program faculty is an important component of admissions. While on-campus interviews are considered to be highly beneficial for both the selection committee and the applicant, arrangements will be made for phone interviews if requested.

3.

Following interviews, the final ratings are made by the admissions committee, and initial selectees and alternates are notified (typically prior to April 1). Given that most applicants apply to more than one program, it is not uncommon for applicants to receive more than one offer, resulting in offers ultimately being made to some alternates before all slots are filled. While immediate responses to offers are highly appreciated, all acceptances must be completed by April 15.

ADMISSIONS REVIEW

As a matter of policy, the program in Counseling Psychology invites applications from all qualified students. Although the Counseling Psychology Program does not use cut-off scores on any of the selection criteria, the mean GRE scores over the past three years have ranged from 1050-1200 (Verbal + Quantitative) for the respective classes. In reviewing applications, the committee will take into consideration the following factors:

(a) Scores on the Aptitude Section of the Graduate Record Examination

(b) Previous grade point average

(c) Recommendations of professors and professional employers/supervisors

(d) Previous work, research, or volunteer experience

(e) Information gained from the on-campus interview

(f) Evidence of interest in and potential for research and scholarship

(g) The program's "goodness of fit" with applicant's training goals

(h) The match between the applicant's research interests and those of program faculty

Applicants who have questions about the admissions process are encouraged to contact the Director of Training for further clarification. Applications from members of groups who have been traditionally underrepresented in doctoral studies are strongly encouraged.

If you have requested application materials, appropriate forms and a Graduate Bulletin will mailed to you under separate cover. (These materials may be obtained by contacting the Office of Graduate Studies at 601-266-4369). Please note that a supplemental program application and personal statement are also required from applicants to the Counseling Psychology program. The supplemental application provides an opportunity for applicants to describe personal goals for graduate study and to share information regarding research interests/experiences and scholarship. The supplemental application is located in the Admissions Brochure. The deadline for application to the Counseling Psychology doctoral program is January 15.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Send the information below to:

Office of Graduate Studies
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Dr. #5024
Hattiesburg , MS 39406-5024

1) Graduate School Application

2) Official transcripts from all schools attended

3) Three recommendations mailed directly by your reference to the department. (Recommendations may be provided on forms included in the application packet and/or in letter form)

4) GRE scores should be requested and sent directly to the office of Graduate Admissions from The Educational Testing Service)

The supplemental program application, personal statement, and letters of recommendation should be sent to:

Bonnie Nicholson, Ph.D.
Director of Training-Counseling Psychology
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Dr. #5025
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001

Phone: (601) 266-4602 or 4598
Fax: (601) 266-5580

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