Counseling Psychology
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Degree
An American Psychological Association (APA) Accredited Program
Dear Prospective Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Northern Colorado. This
letter is intended to provide you with information about the program of study for our APA approved Doctor of
Psychology (PsyD) degree and the necessary application materials for the School of Professional Psychology. If
you have questions regarding program accreditation, you can contact the APA’s Office of Program Consultation
and Accreditation at (202) 336-5979 or at http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/.
The PsyD degree in Counseling Psychology is designed for persons interested in careers as psychologists in
independent practice, mental health settings, and other institutions in which the direct application of counseling
and therapy is required. While some of our students have obtained academic positions at colleges, the PsyD is
primarily a practitioner degree. The program adheres to a practitioner-scientist model and strives to train
psychologists who can independently assess, diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of mental health and adjustment
concerns, in a variety of settings, utilizing at least three core treatment modalities: Individual, Group, and Couples
& Family therapies. In addition to completing practica in the three core treatment modalities, you will also
complete a practica in the supervision of individual therapy. Additional practica experiences are also available for
play therapy, supervision of play therapy, supervision of couples & family therapy and supervision of group
therapy. Most of your therapy sessions will receive live-supervision from behind a one-way mirror. In addition,
feedback from your supervisor and classmates will be dubbed onto your videotaped recordings of each session.
The assessment core emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge regarding how to use numerous cognitive,
educational, behavioral and personality tests in order to assess, diagnose and direct treatment for clients and to
evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. The School has its own Diagnostic Materials Library, which houses
well over 100 different assessment instruments. Additional coursework and clinical experiences in Rorschach,
neuropsychological and infant/toddler assessment are available.
In addition to our practica and assessment cores, we also provide the requisite coursework and experiences in order
to become a licensed psychologist. A complete listing of required courses is attached at the end of this document
(See PsyD Advising Worksheet).
While our program is weighted on the practitioner side of the scientist-practitioner continuum, the faculty is also
strongly committed to training psychologists who know how to conduct, understand and utilize psychological
research. Consequently, a research based doctoral dissertation is required. To help prepare students, completing a
two semester Research Apprenticeship is required. The research apprenticeship involves working on a research
project with a member of the faculty. You will also complete the sequence of courses in the Research Core that
gives you the foundation needed to conduct quantitative or qualitative research and to be an informed user of the
research literature. The university also operates a statistical consulting laboratory where experts can assist you in
designing, analyzing and interpreting the findings of your doctoral research. As a result of these activities,
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approximately 70 percent of our recent graduate students have made professional presentations or coauthored
articles with members of the faculty. The Department of Professional Psychology has recently been recognized for
its Departmental Excellence in Scholarly Activity and University/Community Service.
Completing the PsyD degree will require a total of four to five years of full-time study both on and off campus.
Enrolling in the program on a part-time basis is not possible. Our degree in Counseling Psychology has been fully
accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1995. Our program is built on a strong
advising base. It recognizes that incoming students enter with differing backgrounds, coursework and experiences.
Thus, individual plans of study may not reflect an equal number of hours or identical courses. Students coming
from strong backgrounds in the counseling field would be able to substitute more courses and may reduce the total
number of hours required to graduate. Students with minimal backgrounds in the counseling field will be required
to complete more coursework in order to compensate for training needs, thus increasing the number of hours
required to graduate. A dissertation and a 2000-hour, one-year long, pre-doctoral internship are required as part of
your degree. In recent years, our students have completed internships all over the United States and about 85
percent of them obtained internships that are also APA approved. The minimum number of credits required for the
degree (excluding dissertation and internship) is 72 semester hours.
Our student body ranges in age from their mid 20’s to their mid 50’s. Approximately 85 percent female and about
15 percent come from underrepresented groups. Each year we receive 30-40 applications, and admit 6-7 students.
Their GRE scores average about 550 for both the Verbal and Quantitative scales and their MA program GPA is
about 3.8. Our attrition, or drop out rate, is about 10 percent.
In addition to the Counseling Psychology program, the School of Professional Psychology also offers an APA
accredited PhD degree in School Psychology and a CACREP accredited PhD degree in Counselor Education and
Supervision. If you are interested in these degree programs, please contact Dr. Michelle Athanasiou at (970) 3512356 for School Psychology or Dr. Linda Black at (970) 351-1638 for Counselor Education and Supervision.
What are the Admission Procedures?
Attached is a copy of our admission application. Please note that admission to the Counseling Psychology program
is a two-step process. You must first apply to the Graduate School and then you can apply to the School of
Professional Psychology. To download a Graduate School application, go to www.unco.edu. You can also call
(970) 351-2831 to get an application sent to you. You can also write for an application by sending your request to
The Graduate School, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639. Or emailing the Graduate School
at: gradsch@unco.edu
All students applying to the Counseling Psychology program must hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related
field. In addition, they should have a grade point average of at least 3.25 from their master’s degree work, and
have Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of at least 1000 on the Verbal and Quantitative subtests. While
we sometimes make exceptions, in general, no GRE subtest should be below 450. On the Analytical Writing
subtest, the score should be at least 3.5. For GRE tests completed before October 2002, a score of 1500 on the
Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical subtests, with no subtest less than 450 is recommended.
The deadline for all completed application materials is December 15. The Admissions Committee will review all
completed applications and select approximately 25-30 finalists. All applicants will be notified of the committee’s
decision by early to mid February. Finalists will be invited to attend an all-day screening and interview preadmission workshop typically held in late February or early March. From these finalists, approximately six (6)
students are admitted each year. Telephone interviews are conducted if traveling to the pre-admission workshop
creates too big of a hardship for a finalist. Offers are made shortly after the pre-admission workshop. The
Counseling Psychology Program is committed to the recruitment of applicants from underrepresented groups and
to creating a climate of diversity that respects individual differences and strives to understand and appreciate
persons from various backgrounds.
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What types of Financial Aid is Available for Graduate Students?
The Counseling Psychology program has limited funds for financial assistance. There are several sources of
financial assistance available for our students. The State of Colorado provides a limited number of scholarships
for residents enrolled in graduate programs. The Graduate School has financial support for out-of-state graduate
students, as well as some support for students from diverse backgrounds. Some research assistantships, graduate
assistantships and teaching assistantships are available within our department and across the campus. Finally,
there is a student loan program. Upon admission to the program, all students admitted to the program will be
informed of financial aid awards and provided with appropriate application forms. In recent years, we have been
able to offer some assistance to all incoming students. To pursue student loans, you should directly contact the
Office of Financial Aid, Carter 1005, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639 or call (970) 3512502. They can also be found on the web at www.sfr.unco.edu.
To review:
(1) Apply for admission to the Graduate School
(2) Apply for admission to the School of Professional Psychology
a. Complete Supplemental Data Form
b. Answers to the Additional Questions
c. Include your Vita/Resume
Thank you for your interest in the Doctor of Psychology degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of
Northern Colorado. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any further questions regarding our
program.
Sincerely,
David M. Gonzalez, Ph.D.
Professor and Director of Training
Counseling Psychology
Licensed Psychologist
970-351-1639
david.gonzalez@unco.edu
UNC School of Professional Psychology: http://www.unco.edu/coe/ppsy/
General Index of UNC Site: http://www.unco.edu/mainindex.html#C
UNC Application for Graduate School and various other forms: http://www.unco.edu/grad/admissions/home.htm
Information on financial resources at UNC: www.unco.edu/sfr or www.unco.edu/grad
Interactive Map of UNC: http://www.unco.edu/uncmap/
UNC PPSY Off-Campus Degree Programs in Denver : http://www.unco.edu/center/es/ocdp/ocdp_site.htm
UNC PPSY Off-Campus Degree Programs in Colorado Springs: http://www.unco.edu/center/es/ocdp/ocdp_site.htm
UNC Off-Campus Housing: https://www.unco.edu/applications/OCH/
UNC Residence Life: http://housing.unco.edu/residencelife/default.htm
UNC Office of Student Financial Resources: http://www.unco.edu/sfr
Cost of attending UNC: http://www.unco.edu/acctservices/budget/costs.htm
Important Graduate Student dates: http://www.unco.edu/grad/general/home.htm
UNC Catalog/Bulletin: http://bulletin.unco.edu/
UNC Registrars Office: http://www.registrar.unco.edu/
UNC Schedule of Classes: http://www.unco.edu/sched
UNC Center for International Education: http://www.unco.edu/cie/
UNC International Guidelines: http://www.unco.edu/international/
Greeley Tribune (local newspaper on-line): www.greeleytrib.com
Greeley Chamber of Commerce: www.greeleychamber.com/
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
School of Professional Psychology, Greeley, Colorado 80639
(970)351-2731
FAX(970)351-2625
Counseling Psychology
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Degree
An American Psychological Association (APA) Accredited Program
Supplemental Data Form
Do Not submit an application unless you meet the following minimum requirements:
You will have your MA/MS degree in psychology, or a closely related field, before August of
your admission year.
 Your combined GRE score on the Verbal & Quantitative subtests is 1000 and your Analytical
Writing subtest is 3.5 (1500 on Verbal, Quantitative & Analytic subtests for GRE's completed
before October, 2002).
 Your GPA for your last completed degree program is at least 3.25.

Last Name __________________________________ First _______________________ Middle ____________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip _______________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone (____)____________ Office (____)_______________ FAX (____)____________
E-Mail ____________________________________
BEAR # __________________________________
- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Graduate Education
School __________________________________ Degree _________ Year_________Major ______________
School __________________________________ Degree __________Year _______ Major ______________
Undergraduate Education
School __________________________________ Degree __________Year ______ Major ________________
School ___________________________________Degree _________ _Year ______ Major________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommendations: Please list the names of the people who are providing letters of recommendation. Letters
should be from people who know your academic and professional experience.
1.
______________________________________________________________________
2.
______________________________________________________________________
3.
______________________________________________________________________
Please do not write below this line --- PPSY Office Use Only
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------GPA _________
_______ Application from Graduate School
GRE Verbal
________
1
GRE Quantitative
________
_______ Personal Statement
GRE Analytical
________
_______ Supplementary Data Sheet
GRE V + Q Total
________
2
3 Letters of Recommendation
_______ Current VITA
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INSTRUCTIONS:
Complete the Supplemental Data Form and the information requested below (Please Type) and mail it, along
with a copy of your vita/resume, to:
School of Professional Psychology
Attn: Diane Christiansen
McKee Hall 248
Campus Box 131
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO 80639
Should you have questions, you may contact Ms. Christiansen at diane.christiansen@unco.edu
or call the main office at 970-351-2731.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------Please respond to the following questions on a separate sheet of paper and attach to the Supplemental Data
Form.
I.
Mental Health Related Work Experiences
a. Please list the mental health related jobs you have had since receiving your bachelor’s degree.
Please list them beginning with your present position and ending with the first job you took after
graduation. Your listing should include the name of each employer, the address, the dates of
employment, and a brief statement describing your major responsibilities.
b. Volunteer Experience.
II.
Professional Background and Interests
a. What are your three most significant professional experiences?
b. What are your major professional interests?
c. To which professional organizations do you belong? Indicate offices held, if any.
d. List any professional presentations and workshops you have conducted.
e. List any publications and/or works in progress.
f. List any special recognitions or awards you have received.
g. List any interest areas outside your professional interests.
III.
Aspirations
a. In a maximum of two (2) single spaced typed pages, comment on why you want a doctoral degree in
Counseling Psychology.
b. What are your major professional goals (independent practice, research, teaching, administration).
c. How did you select the University of Northern Colorado?
Please note: Letters of Recommendation should come from individuals who are familiar with your academic
work, research capabilities and/or counseling skills.
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Advising Worksheet
Psy.D. – Counseling Psychology
Student’s Name:
Semester Admitted: ________
Program CACREP Accredited: Yes
___
MA Degree: Institution/Program _________________________
No
Date of Graduation _______________________
Introductory Core (All Required) - 33 semester hours*
SRM 600 Introduction to Graduate Research (3)
PPSY 558 Abnormal Psychology (3)
PPSY 607 Theories of Counseling (3)
PPSY 610 Theories of Personality (2)
PPSY 612 Practicum in Individual Counseling (5)
PPSY 662 Group Dynamics and Facilitation (2)
PPSY 605 Group Laboratory Experience (1)
PPSY 665 Family Systems (3)
PPSY 670 Psychological Testing and Measurement (2) or
PPSY 673 Appraisal & Assessment: Community Counseling (3)
PPSY 669 Advanced Methods: Marriage/Family Therapy (3)
Taken in MA
(Date)
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
Taken/Will Take
@UNC (Semester)
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
*Some courses may be waived, with adviser consent, if similar coursework was completed during your MA Program.
Counseling Psychology Core (All Required)
PPSY 616 Career Theory, Counseling and Assessment (3)
EPSY 530 Life Span Developmental Psychology (3)
PPSY 701 Pro. Dev. Seminar in Counseling Psych (1)
__________
__________
Research Core (All Required) - 14 semester hours
Research Methodology
SRM 700 Advanced Research Methods (3) or
SRM 680 Qualitative Research (3)*
PPSY 781 Evaluation of Psychological Services (3)
Techniques of Data Analysis
SRM 602 Statistical Methods I (3)
__________
SRM 603 Statistical Methods II (3)
__________
PPSY 733 Research Apprenticeship (2: 1 credit/semester)
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
*For those doing a qualitative dissertation, SRM 680 and one of the following is required: SRM 641, 686 or 687)
Practicum Core (All Required) - 24 semester hours
PPSY 702 Practicum in Counseling (4)
PPSY 712 Advanced Practicum in Individual Counseling (4)
PPSY 714 Practicum in Supervision of Counseling (3)
PPSY 715 Seminar in Counselor Supervision and Theory (2)
PPSY 762 Practicum in Group Facilitation (4)
PPSY 694 Practicum in Family Therapy (4)
PPSY 793 Psych Services Clinic (1)
PPSY 794 Psych Services Clinic (2)
Suggested Practica Electives
PPSY 773 Practicum in Supervision of Group Facilitation (3)
PPSY 774 Practicum in Supervision of Family Therapy (3)
PPSY 617 Practicum in Play Therapy (3)
PPSY 713 Practicum in Supervision of Play Therapy (3)
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_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
Taken in MA
(Date)
Taken/Will Take
@ UNC (Semester)
Assessment Core (All Required) - 10 semester hours
PPSY 674 Assessment for Intervention: Intellectual & Academic (5)
PPSY 678 Assessment for Intervention: Personality & Behavioral (5)
_________
_________
Suggested Assessment Elective
PPSY 782 Intro. to Rorschach Administration and Scoring (2)
_________
Licensing Core - 24-25 semester hours
Biological Bases of Behavior
PSY 625 Principles of Neuropsychology (3)
__________
OR
PPSY 777 Applied Neuropsychology (4)
__________
Cognitive – Affective Bases of Behavior
PSY 643 Theories of Motivation (3)
__________
OR
EPSY 540 Theories and Principles of Learning (3)
__________
Social Bases of Behavior
PPSY 655 Community Psych & Social Systems (3)
__________
OR
PSY 664 Advanced Social Psychology (3)
__________
Individual Behavior
PPSY 707 Seminar in Personality & Counseling Theories (3)
AND
PPSY 758 Advanced Psychopathology (3)
Professional Ethics
PPSY 657 Legal/Ethical Aspects-Couns. Psych (3)
_________
History & Systems
PSY 590 Seminar in History and Systems (3)
__________
Cultural & Individual Differences
PPSY 565 Psychology of Prejudice (3)
__________
OR
PPSY 623 Counseling Diverse Populations (3)
__________
Internship Core
PPSY 791 Internship in Counseling Psychology (3-18)
(1 Year, 2000 Hours)
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
Dissertation Core
PPSY 797 Doctoral Proposal Research (4)
PPSY 799 Doctoral Dissertation (12)
_________
_________
(The Program requires a minimum of 72 hours of coursework that is in addition to PPSY 797 & PPSY 799)
______________________________________________
Student Signature
__________
Date
_____________________________________________
Faculty Advisor
__________
Date
Revised 6/05
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