Admission Requirements
When applying to the counseling psychology program, you will need to submit several documents for review.
- Online application
- $50 application fee
- Goals statement (upload with the application)
- Resume (upload with the application)
- Writing sample (upload with the application)
- Three letters of recommendation (identify your recommenders on the application)
- Proof of completion of a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Official transcript(s): graduate (minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA if no master’s). Submit transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to gradapplytranscripts@gsu.edu or by mailing directly to Georgia State University | Office of Admissions — Graduate School |P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302.
- GRE scores: An official score on the Graduate Record Examination General Test is required for admission to Ph.D. programs in the College of Education and Human Development. While it is important to note that GRE scores are used along with other criteria established by departments and programs when determining admission, a score of 155 or higher on the verbal section and 151 or higher on the quantitative section will make the application more competitive
- institution code 5251
- scores may not be more than five years old at time of application
Please Note
Program faculty will be reviewing applications for fall 2022 and conducting virtual interviews for fall 2022 admissions. If selected for a virtual interview, applicants will be notified by the Counseling & Psychological Services Department.
Advising Note
Students admitted to the doctoral program should have completed a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in an appropriate major (e.g., counseling or clinical psychology). Students with a bachelor’s degree or lacking a counseling/clinical master’s degree will be required to complete compensatory curricular experiences as stipulated by their doctoral advisory committees.
Program emphases
- We value applicants with research experience and research interests that are closely associated with those of our faculty.
- We are committed to increasing the levels of commitment to valuing multiculturalism and diversity among our doctoral students.
- Professional experience as a practitioner and experience in the work world are highly valued.
- Involvement with the American Psychological Association, especially Division 17 (Counseling Psychology), is highly desirable.
Application essay
Your essay should describe your match with our program, including:
- Why a Ph.D. in counseling psychology is the best fit for your career goals
- How this program will help you meet your career goals
- How your background matches characteristics we seek in applicants
- Your research interests and how they relate to those of specific faculty who you would like to work with
Preferences for interviews are given to applicants with:
- GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile (we evaluate scores in the context of culture, nation of origin, and language)
- Master’s and bachelor’s degrees with high GPAs from rigorous programs, including counseling psychology/counseling programs (or other applied programs).
- Previous journal publications, national presentations, theses or comparable supervised research experiences
- Complex understandings of multiple cultural perspectives, experience working with diverse cultural populations, related research interests and/or diverse cultural backgrounds
- Professional experience counseling clients
- Letters of recommendation providing evidence you are a top candidate
- Initiative, self-direction, creativity, the ability to contribute to the field, etc.
