Counseling Psychology and School Psychology, PhD

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.

Our graduates go on to become licensed psychologists in:

• hospitals
• mental health centers
• school systems
• university counseling centers

As articulated in Standard I.B.2, programs may have “admission and employment policies that directly relate to affiliation or purpose” that may be faith-based or secular in nature. However, such policies and practices must be disclosed to the public.

This program does not require students, trainees, and/or staff to comply with specific policies or practices related to the institution’s affiliation or purpose. Such policies or practices may include, but are not limited to, admissions, hiring, retention policies, and/or requirements for completion that express mission and values.

Revised federal regulations under 34 CFR §668 now require the University at Buffalo (UB) to determine whether academic programs leading to professional licensure meet the educational requirements for licensure in states where UB students reside.

As such, this attestation outlines the responsibilities of UB and students in our combined doctoral (PhD) program in counseling psychology and school psychology.

Our combined doctoral program in counseling psychology and school psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).  Our program’s accreditation follows the Standards of Accreditation for Health Service Psychology (SoA) as developed by the APA Commission on Accreditation and approved by the APA Council of Representatives. Completion of the program qualifies graduates for a variety of positions in schools, universities, hospitals, private practice, mental health centers, university counseling centers and community clinics. Graduates meet the educational requirements to sit for the psychology licensure examination in New York and most other states.

Therefore, students enrolling in the combined doctoral program in counseling psychology and school psychology while residing outside of New York State should be aware that:

• UB cannot guarantee the combined doctoral program meets all the requirements for licensure in a student’s state of residence if not New York State.
• If a student seeks to practice as a licensed psychologist in a state other than New York, it is the student’s responsibility to determine that state’s specific licensure requirements beyond the curricular requirements for UB’s PhD with concentrations in counseling psychology or school psychology program, and to seek additional guidance from their state’s licensing board. The American Psychological Association (APA) website provides a comprehensive directory of licensing requirements by state. Students are also instructed to consult with the combined doctoral program director and department leadership for assistance with this process. 

Disclaimer: The University at Buffalo cannot provide legal advice or guarantee professional certification or licensure eligibility in any state. Students are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable state certification and licensure requirements. UB is not a state licensing authority and cannot guarantee that a student will be issued a professional license or professional certification in any state.

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.