Part of the Graduate School of Education
Counseling Psychology and School Psychology, PhD
Our combined doctoral program in counseling psychology and school psychology, accredited by the American Psychological Association (750 First St., NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242, 202-336-5979), focuses on preparing psychologists who can evaluate, provide and enhance human services through scientific inquiry and practice. Our program adheres to the scientist-practitioner model of training that provides you with an opportunity to receive specialized training in either counseling psychology or school psychology. The major difference between the two concentrations is counseling psychology's emphasis on older adolescent and adult populations as compared to school psychology's focus on child and adolescent client populations.
Why Counseling Psychology and School Psychology at UB?
The features of our program include:
- foundation in psychological science that addresses etiology, prevention and intervention with contemporary problems
- integration of science and practice through instruction in research methods, counseling/interventions and supervised practicum experiences
- quality advisement for ongoing research efforts and clinical training
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 96 |
| Time to completion | 5 to 5+ years |
| Course delivery | On campus |
| Careers | Licensed psychologist in:
|
| Doctoral practicum contact hours | 1000 |
| Application deadline | Dec. 1 |
Full-time Status
Our combined doctoral program in counseling psychology and school psychology is designed as a full-time program of study. You are required to be registered each semester. Full-time status requires being registered for 12 credit hours each semester. Graduate assistants are considered full-time when registered for 9 credit hours. The intent of the full-time residence requirement is to provide the interactions with faculty and fellow students necessary for acculturation and socialization in the science and practice of psychology.
Maintenance in Progress
Coursework information is being updated. Please check back for an updated list of course requirements.
Standardized Testing No Longer Required
In an effort to make the application process more equitable, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for admissions consideration for those applying to this program through the fall 2023 semester. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.
You must have a bachelor’s (BA/BS) or master's degree in a related field. While an undergraduate major in psychology is not required, we suggest that you present a broad background in the applied social sciences including anthropology, psychology and sociology.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Contact information for at least three individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Statement of interest: Statement of your career goals and objectives.
- Diverse backgrounds statement: On the application, you will be directed to submit a 300-400 word response to the following: Describe any interests and experiences you have had working with individuals from different backgrounds than yourself (e.g., ethnic/racial, cultural, socio-economic, religious, ability status, sexual orientation). How have these experiences influenced you?
Personal Interview Upon University Request: Applicants must make themselves available for interviews with faculty on campus. In most cases there will be one current doctoral student interviewing as well.
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admission Decision: The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
In-state Residency Tuition
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you are required to provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months prior to your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload 3 documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic. Test scores must be dated within two years of submitting your application.
- TOEFL minimum score is a 250 for a computer based test, 600 for a paper based test and 79 for the Internet based test
- IELTS minimum score is 6.5 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- Financial documentation — International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application, and must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Are you an international student and unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL?
If you are currently unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are canceled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home. More information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.
The TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition is a safe and convenient option for students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT test at a test center due to public health concerns.
New York State prides itself in the high quality of its licensed and certified professionals. For the protection of its citizens, each license and certificate has requirements that individuals must meet in order to be licensed or certified in New York State. SUNY’s academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed these State requirements. This is a role SUNY plays in protecting the public. Other states frequently have their own requirements, so if your goal is to practice in another state, this disclosure will help you check to see what that state requires.
Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their state’s licensure entity using the links provided in the full disclosure document to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by their state(s) of choice.
Program Faculty
Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Research Areas: Addictions; Community Wellness; Meditation, Mental Health and Wellness; Mental Health
Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Research Areas: Bullying; Child and Adolescent Development; Design and Analysis of Longitudinal Research; Eating Disorders; Family; Measurements; Mental Health; Quantitative Research Methods; Research Design; Research Methods; School Counseling; Social and Emotional Development; Wellness
Assistant Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Research Areas: Bullying; Child and Adolescent Development; Mental Health; Social and Emotional Development
Clinical Associate Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Research Areas: Meditation, Mental Health and Wellness; Self-regulation; Wellness; Yoga
Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Research Areas: Assessment; Clinical and Career Counseling; Measurements; Mental Health; Psychometrics; Research Methods
Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Research Areas: Bullying; Mental Health; School Environment; Social and Emotional Development
Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Research Areas: Clinical and Career Counseling; Cultural Competence; Cultural Competence and Humility; Diversity; Gender and Sexuality Studies; Gender, Culture, and Equity; Higher Education; LGBT+ Studies; Mental Health; Multicultural Competence; Queer and Trans People and Perspectives; Race, Inequality, and Education; Racism and AntiBlackness; Social Justice; Training and Supervision
Associate Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Research Areas: Assessment; Child and Adolescent Development; Clinical and Career Counseling; Measurements; Mental Health; Program Evaluation; Psychometrics; Quantitative Research Methods
Clinical Associate Professor
Counseling, School And Educational Psychology
Learn More
Our combined doctoral program in counseling psychology and school psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA): 750 First St., NE; Washington, D.C. 20002-4242; 202-336-5979.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.
Questions About the Admission Process?
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu
University Computing Standards
You are required to have daily access to a reliable broadband connection and a computer that meets university computing standards. You are also expected to have basic computer competency before beginning your coursework.