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What Is a Forensic Psychologist?
Similar to other psychology specialties, forensic psychologists observe, study, and identify brain functions such as behavioral patterns, disorders, and emotional matters. These professionals apply their clinical skills to individuals impacted by the legal system.
Forensic psychologists work in a number of environments connected to the law. For example, they may study how children handle testifying in court or whether a defendant is emotionally or mentally capable of standing trial. A forensic psychologist might work in a police department, court, hospital, detention center, or private practice.What Is Forensic Psychology?
Required Skills for Forensic Psychologists
Since forensic psychologists combine the legal and psychological worlds, they possess a unique skill set. Studying behavioral patterns and evaluating mental states within the context of the legal system requires an understanding of that system.
If you want to become a forensic psychologist, you should possess an interest in human behavior, the reasons behind people’s actions, and criminal justice. The job involves extensive teamwork, problem solving, communication, and knowledge of both the legal system and psychological practices.
In the lists below you will find a few of the numerous skills required to become a successful forensic psychologist.
Graduate Programs In Texas For Forensic Psychology
There are at least three universities in Texas that offer graduate programs specifically in or with an emphasis in forensic psychology. These programs are available at the master’s and doctoral levels and include extensive hands-on learning experiences that can lead to licensure.
A forensic psychologist applies a specialized knowledge of psychology to the realms of criminal justice and/or law. This application can assume any of several forms, depending upon the psychologist’s specialty. The type of education needed will depend upon the specialty you’re interested in. In general, you need a degree in psychology and at least a minor in a field in justice or law.
masters in forensic psychology texas
A Master’s in Forensic Psychology looks at where psychology and law come together. Students learn to apply theories and practices in the justice system.
Forensic psychology courses focus on advanced concepts in psychology and the legal system. Students in forensic psychology gain a better understanding of criminal behavior. They can use that knowledge in court evaluations, providing therapy, and more.
Forensic psychologists and forensic psychology professionals frequently work with industries or offices within or related to the legal system. These include:
- Consulting firms
- Government agencies
- Hospitals
- Insurance companies
- Law firms
- Police departments
- Prosecutors’ offices
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is expected to grow 14 percent through 2026. This growth is much faster than average. There will be increased demand for forensic psychology professionals in schools, law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, consulting firms, and mental health centers. This growth will add 32,500 psychologists to the workforce. (source: BLS.gov)
Keep in mind that prospects will be highest for those with a doctoral degree in forensic psychology. But it is possible to begin working in certain entry-level positions in the field with a master’s degree.
Do You Need a Master’s in Forensic Psychology?
A master’s degree can give you an edge over those with only a bachelor’s degree, but competition is stiff because jobs that require only a master’s degree are fairly limited as well.
In addition, people with a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology will face limits in the careers they can pursue. Someone with a bachelor’s degree might, for instance, be able to find work as an assistant in a rehabilitation center or as a court liaison.
A doctoral degree is often preferred or even required for certain jobs within the field. However, admission to many forensic psychology doctoral programs requires having a master’s degree in forensic psychology, so this degree serves as a necessary stepping stone to a career in this field.
forensic psychology degree in texas
University of Houston Victoria Forensic Psychology
The University of Houston-Victoria offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Forensic Psychology program that totals 63 credits. Students can take the program part-time but are encouraged to take it full-time in order to finish the curriculum in 2 years (including summers). The program requires a comprehensive exam over core coursework and a practicum experience during the second year that allows students to get hands-on experience in treatment and assessment rotations. Graduates of the program can pursue state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) if they have completed coursework in topics such as psychopathology, ethics, psychotherapy, assessment and forensic psychology.
Sam Houston State University Forensic Psychology
Sam Houston State University in Huntsville has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology program with an available emphasis in forensic psychology. The full-time program requires students to complete a master’s thesis (if they do not hold a master’s), a dissertation and comprehensive exams. Students are also required to complete a wide range of practicum experiences, including working in the on-campus Psychological Services Center (PSC), prior to their pre-doctoral internship experience that lasts a full year. Students in the forensic emphasis take additional coursework in areas like forensic assessment and mental health law and provide consultation and forensic evaluations for the courts in the local area.
University of North Texas
Denton’s University of North Texas also provides a PhD in Clinical Psychology program with additional training available in forensic psychology. The program must be taken full-time and requires a minimum of 3 years of study before the required internship experience. Students must also complete a dissertation. PhD candidates in the forensic elective have additional research and coursework opportunities specific to forensics, such as courses in forensic interviewing and theory. Students in this elective also take a forensic externship for 2 semesters and at the end of the program receive a certificate stating they completed an Elective Experience in Forensic Training, which can be presented to potential internship matches.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychologists and forensic psychology professionals frequently work with industries or offices within or related to the legal system. These include:
- Consulting firms
- Government agencies
- Hospitals
- Insurance companies
- Law firms
- Police departments
- Prosecutors’ offices
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is expected to grow 14 percent through 2026. This growth is much faster than average. There will be increased demand for forensic psychology professionals in schools, law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, consulting firms, and mental health centers. This growth will add 32,500 psychologists to the workforce.
Forensic Psychology Jobs
Becoming successful in this field is not easy. However, for those with the energy, stamina and critical thinking skills, it can be a rewarding occupation. A few tips: Apply for forensics-related internships, such as at forensic hospitals, correctional facilities and community mental health settings.
For instance, Indeed (2020) estimates that forensic psychologists make an annual average salary of $138,036. Payscale (2020), an aggregator of self-reported salary data, found a variety of salaries in this field among its 293 reporting forensic psychologists, ranging from $51,000 to $92,000.
The following are jobs available to a forensic psychologist
- Correctional Counselor.
- Jail Supervisor.
- Victim Advocate.
- Jury Consultant.
- Federal Government Employee.
- Police Consultant.
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
- Probation Officer.
forensic psychology jobs
A Forensic Psychologist, sometimes referred to as a Criminal Profiler, works with law enforcement agencies to develop a brief profile of criminals, based on common psychological traits. In their line of work they study the behavior of criminals and address anything from psychological theories to legal issues.
What is a Master’s in Forensic Psychology?
A Master’s in Forensic Psychology looks at where psychology and law come together. Students learn to apply theories and practices in the justice system. Forensic psychology courses focus on advanced concepts in psychology and the legal system. Students in forensic psychology gain a better understanding of criminal behavior. They can use that knowledge in court evaluations, providing therapy, and more.
Doctoral programs in psychology in Texas are part of the state’s educational pathway towards becoming a fully licensed, independent, practicing psychologist. As part of the National Alliance on Mental Health, Texas relies on licensed psychologists to improve counseling services and life quality for individuals and their families coping with mental health issues. Whether working towards a doctorate that follows a clinical, research approach or completing a program based on experiential, practitioner models, graduates from Texas doctoral programs in psychology enjoy meaningful, sustainable careers that contribute to the well-being of citizens in their communities. The following is the first half of our list of APA-CoA accredited psychology degrees in the state of Texas.
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How To Become a Forensic Psychologist in Texas
Because education is so important, you have to make sure that you attend quality schools from the beginning. You are going to need to start by getting your Bachelor’s degree in psychology, but this is just the beginning of your education. While you might be able to find some jobs in the periphery of the field, such as in a research position, you will not be a full-fledge forensic psychologist. To get your license, you are going to need to have your Master’s degree and your doctorate. Getting these degrees from good schools is important.
You will need to have a provisional license in the state of Texas when you finish your doctorate. You can submit an application to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. You are going to need to be able to provide them with three letters of reference, your transcripts, and any other items that they might request. When they review your application and approve it, they will then let you know when you are able to take your EPPP. The EPPP is the Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology, and every state requires that their doctorates take this test.
When you have your provisional license, you are going to need to work toward two years of supervised work experience. You will actually be able to do one of the years when you are getting your doctorate, but the other year needs to be done post-doctorate. Once you have the experience needed, you will be able to apply for your full license.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Texas: Quick Reference Guide
- Attend an accredited school and get a bachelor’s degree.
- Receive a master’s degree in psychology or forensic psychology. Some PhD programs do not require this step.
- Earn your PhD in forensic Psychology.
- Obtain two years of supervised work experience. One can be completed prior to graduation.
- Apply for your license through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
- Take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Follow these steps for guidance on how to become a licensed forensic psychologist in Texas:
 | Earn an Undergraduate Degree in Forensic Psychology |
 | Advance to a Master’s and Doctoral Degree |
 | Apply for and Pass National and State Licensing Examinations |
 | Submit Application to Become a Provisionally Licensed Psychologist |
 | Earn Two Years of Supervised Experience with your Provisional License |
 | Pass the Texas Board Oral Examination |
 | Submit Application to Become an Independent Licensed Psychologist |
 | Begin Your Career as a Forensic Psychologist in Texas |
 | Complete Continuing Education to Renew your License Annually |
Doctoral Degrees in Forensic Psychology
Your doctoral degree in forensic psychology must be accredited through the American Psychological Association (APA) to meet the requirements for Texas licensure.
As of 2015, there were 10 APA-accredited clinical psychology programs in Texas, in cities such as:
- Waco
- Houston
- College Station
- Austin
- Lubbock
- Dallas
- Denton
- Huntsville
Doctoral programs in forensic psychology include, but are not limited to:
- Juris Doctor in Law / PhD in Clinical Psychology (JD/PHD)
- Master of Legal Studies / PhD in Forensic Psychology (MLS/PhD)
- PhD or PsyD in Forensic Psychology
- PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology – Forensics
Because many doctoral programs accept students based on their bachelor’s degree and previous research, they often have similar admissions requirements as master’s programs and often include:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Hold a high grade point average
- Achieve high scores on the GRE and psychology subject test
Doctoral programs can be highly selective, requiring applicants to have outstanding credentials, previous research experience, and previous internship experience.
Doctoral programs will consists of around 100 credit hours of coursework and internship experience that include:
- Forensic psychology courses
- Elective courses
- Practicum experience/pre-doctoral internship (at least 1000 hours)
- Dissertation credits
Forensic psychology courses will include titles such as:
- Personality Features in Social Deviancy
- Contextual Influences in Prisoner Research
- Factor Analysis for Behavioral Scientists
- Psychometric Theory and Methods
- Motivation and Cognitive Processes
- Theories of Social Psychology
- Physiological Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Clinical Interventions
Once you write your dissertation, you will be ready to defend your dissertation and receive your doctoral degree in forensic psychology.
Step 3. Apply for and Pass National and State Licensing Examinations
Once you’ve completed your doctoral program, you’ll be able to apply to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Texas Jurisprudence Exam.
To apply for examination eligibility, complete these steps:
- Complete and submit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists Exam Request Form
- Indicate that you are applying to become a Provisionally Licensed Psychologist
- Attach $200 EPPP exam fee and $200 jurisprudence exam fee
Once the Board receives your application, they will send you information, instructions, and materials on the exams within 7-10 business days.
EPPP
When the Board approves your exam application, they will send you an email that invites you to activate your account with the exam vendor. Once you activate your account, you will be able to:
- Register for the exam directly with the exam vendor
- Schedule a date and time for the exam
- Pay the $600 examination fee
Once you complete the exam, you will receive results from the vendor, and you will also need to wait to receive your official results from the Board.
A score of 70% or higher is required to pass the EPPP national exam.
Texas Jurisprudence Exam
The Board will mail you this exam, which is an open-book, multiple-choice exam. Once you receive it, you will have two weeks to complete it and send it back to the Board.
This exam will cover the Act and Rules of the Texas Board. Because this is an open-book exam, you will need to achieve a score of 90% or higher to pass.
Step 4. Submit Application to Become a Provisionally Licensed Psychologist
Once you receive your passing exam scores, you can apply for a provisional license. To apply, complete the following steps:
- Submit General Application for Licensure, indicating “Provisionally Licensed Psychologist”
- Submit $340 application fee
- Submit documents to establish citizenship or legal presence
- Submit criminal background check
- Submit official doctoral transcripts
You will send these materials to the Board at the following address:
Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450
Austin, Texas 78701
Once the Board approves your application, you will be issued a provisional psychologist license in Texas.
Step 5. Earn Two Years of Supervised Experience with your Provisional License
To earn your full, independent psychology license, you will complete two years of supervised experience with your provisional license.
These supervised experience hours, or your post-doctoral residency, should be completed in a forensic setting, such as:
- Correctional settings
- Federal threat assessment settings
- Forensic hospitals
- Policy settings
- Public sector mental health settings
- Local jails
- Juvenile justice settings
APA-accredited post-doctoral residency programs in Texas include, but are not limited to:
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System – San Antonio
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center – Lackland
- VA North Texas Health Care System – Dallas
- Children’s Medical Center – Dallas
Step 6. Pass the Texas Board Oral Examination
When the Board is notified of you passing both the national exam and the jurisprudence exam, the Board will send you a request to submit your $320 oral examination fee.
After you submit your fee, you will be able to take this examination during or after your two years of supervised experience.
This exam will cover:
- Knowledge of psychological principles and techniques
- Applicable laws and regulations
- Ethical principles
The oral examination schedule indicates that the Board gives the exam twice a year— in January and July.
Step 7. Submit Application to Become an Independent Licensed Psychologist
Finally, once you’ve completed your two years of supervised experience with a provisional license and passed your oral examination, you will be ready to apply for the independent psychology license.
To apply, submit the following documents:
- Application for Licensure, indicating “Licensed Psychologist”
- $180 application fee
- Proof of supervised experience
Submit this and any other supporting documents to the Board at the following address:
Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450
Austin, Texas 78701
Once the Board approves your application, you will be issued a Texas psychologist license.
Step 8. Begin Your Career as a Forensic Psychologist in Texas
Once you’re a fully licensed forensic psychologist, you will be prepared to apply for forensic psychology jobs in Texas that include:
- Criminal psychologist
- Criminologist
- Police detective
- Corrections officer
- Probation counselor
- Forensic clinician
Organizations and agencies throughout Texas that may hire forensic psychologists include, but are not limited to:
- Brazos County Detention Center
- Brazos County Probation and Parole Services
- Brazos County Supervision and Corrections Department
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Department of Aging & Disability
- Legal Consensus
- Texas Federal Correctional Institution in Bastrop
- Houston Police Department
- Arlington Police Department
- Texas Association Against Sexual Assault
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Step 9. Complete Continuing Education to Renew your License Annually
Once you are working as a licensed forensic psychologist, you will need to renew your license each year.
To renew, submit a hard-copy renewal form or online renewal form with the appropriate renewal fee, which is indicated on the form.
With your renewal form, you’ll need to submit proof that you earned a minimum of 20 hours of professional development over the renewal cycle, with:
- 3 hours relating to ethics, Board Rules of Conduct, or professional responsibility
- 3 hours dedicated to cultural diversity
- At least 10 hours obtained from a Board-approved provider
Board-approved providers include continuing education providers accredited with the APA, such as:
- Advanced NP Systems LLC – Dallas
- American Academy of Clinical Psychology – San Antonio
- Society for Military Psychology – McAllen
- The Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma – Richardson
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Texas
Jobs for those in forensic sciences are on the rise, and that’s the case with forensic psychologists as well. Those practicing in Texas will find many varied career paths to follow. Some might want to work with the police and provide consultation on cases that need the help of a psychologist. Others may want to work with the court system to determine the ability for someone to stand trial. Working as a teacher is also a possibility that some forensic psychologists follow.
Salary and Employment Facts for Texas Forensic Psychologists
The average annual salary for a forensic psychologist working in Texas is $95,720 per year. With Texas being such as large state with a large number of heavily populated areas, the employment outlook appears quite healthy.
Texas Forensics in the News
Forensics is very important in Texas, as evidenced by the Crime Scene Investigation Course held at the Texas Forensic Science Academy for ten students from Texas A&M University Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program. The students were able to complete a 40-hour course as well as a latent print processing course. They learned a number of techniques for crime scene investigation as well as death investigation. This type of opportunity is great for these students because it will provide them with a more accurate description of what they will be doing once they graduate.
Baylor University
College of Arts and Sciences, Psychology Department
Chartered as a private, Christian college in 1845, Baylor is nationally recognized for its broad range of studies and strong research foundations. In addition to conferring a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, the university offers 34 doctoral programs, including a doctorate in clinical psychology. Baylor enjoys national rankings by organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger and Fiske. Further, its psychology department and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology have been recognized by groups such as U.S. News and the National Research Council.
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
This degree prepares doctoral candidates with the “clinical and conceptual competencies” necessary to provide professional, effective, responsive mental health care. The program’s foundations rely upon interdisciplinary team collaboration, research and evaluation protocols, psychological assessment, intervention techniques and treatment therapies, consultative approaches, patient management and supervision strategies. The degree requires five years of rigorous classroom instruction and on-site training, including: taking advanced core psychology and research classes, working in supervised practicum and internship settings, and participating in applied, research-based lab experiences leading to completion of an independent research project or dissertation. Accreditations
Our Lady of the Lake University
Psychology Department
Our Lady of the Lake University is a private, Catholic institution serving the greater San Antonio community since 1895. OLLU prides itself on offering a wide variety of programs to students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The university has earned national recognitions in recent years from U.S. News & World Report, Diverse Magazine, The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education and Washington Monthly Magazine. OLLU’s philosophy of excellence in education infuses all of its programs, including those in psychology. The university’s highest degree in psychology is offered as a doctorate in counseling and has garnered acclaim for providing proficient Spanish speakers the opportunity to earn Certification for Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations in addition to their doctorate.
Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology
OLLU’s Psy.D. program prepares its graduates to serve individuals, couples, families and groups as competent, independent practitioners using appropriate assessment, intervention, counseling and followup protocols. Candidates entering the program must possess a master’s and complete 117 hours for the doctorate, including three hours for an internship and nine hours for a dissertation. Up to 39 approved courses from the master’s degree may be transferred as credits to the doctoral program. In addition to a concentration in Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations, candidates may elect to concentrate in: Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy, or Behavioral Health. The Psy.D. in Counseling also requires written and clinical evaluations in addition to a pre-doctoral internship. To establish residency for Texas licensure, doctoral candidates must take at least 18 or more semesters hours of full-time study yearly for three consecutive years. Accreditations
Sam Houston State University
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University operates on the motto, “The measure of a life is its service.” This guiding principle forms the core basis of all educational opportunities provided at SHSU, including curricula that is grounded in research, creativity, and experiential learning. In addition, the university has earned recognition from the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education as a “Doctoral Research University”. The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program is a good example of a doctoral program founded on research principles. Graduates from this program are trained to be licensed professional clinicians who possess a broad knowledge base in scientific psychology and demonstrate competencies as both research clinicians and clinical practitioners.
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
This doctorate requires 108 hours of study from classroom instruction, research, and experiential learning in applied settings. Candidates are also expected to complete a dissertation while being enrolled full-time. Coursework and applied practice have a strong forensic foundation to prepare graduates to work within the legal system, intervening on behalf of the client while providing professional interpretation to the court system of psycho-pathology that affects behavior. Candidates gain experience working with multiple faculty mentors in inpatient and residential settings. This includes private psychology practices, neuro-psychiatric facilities, residential and group homes, correctional institutions and the university’s own Psychological Services Center. Graduates will be eligible to apply for licensure and work varied mental illness profiles including those who have: traumatic brain injuries, personality disorders, gender and minority issues, addictive behaviors, behavioral abnormalities, adolescent disorders, and troubled individuals. Accreditations
Southern Methodist University
Dedman College of Humanities and Science, Department of Psychology
Southern Methodist University’s motto of “World Changers Shaped Here” encapsulates its dedication to preparing students for real-world careers that uplift, nurture and sustain communities. Located near Dallas, SMU is world renowned for its research facilities, state-of-the-art programs and interdisciplinary instruction emphasizing 21st-century leadership skills. The university has been classified as having high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and also consistently fares well in U.S. News & World Report rankings. The Clinical Psychology doctorate program uses research in the field with clinical training as a two-pronged approach to therapeutic psychology practice. Cutting-edge digital observation equipment, virtual reality technology, and innovative psycho-physiological assessment complement traditional experiential training and instructional methods.
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
This Ph.D. program stresses the scientist-practitioner model, which views the contributions of research and clinical practice of equal importance when assessing and treating mental health conditions. Two areas of focus are offered to program candidates: Health, or Family and Child. Each focus area helps candidates hone their skills sets with regard to their area of interest by completing supplementary coursework and practica experiences in addition to required core material for the degree. The average time for degree completion is six years, requiring approximately 50 hours of coursework with additional time spent in research and clinical training experiences. Practicum and pre-doctoral internship sites are available at public health agencies, correctional facilities, schools, medical centers, rehabilitation clinics, behavioral and counseling centers, and private practices. Program candidates must also complete several written documents, including a thesis, research article review, and a dissertation. Accreditations
Texas A&M Forensic Psychology
Texas A&M boasts of being the Lone Star state’s first public institution of higher learning. Since opening its doors in 1876, TAMU has grown into a world-class research facility with global recognition from organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly and Kiplinger. Part of its driving force behind education is to produce “developing leaders of character dedicated to serving the greater good.” This sentiment aptly describes the school’s psychology programs, which offer multiple specialized doctoral degrees in the field.
Clinical Psychology PhD
This degree combines clinical and practitioner models to impart research and practice competencies of psychology to its graduates. The program requires 96 credits from core psychology classes and from a variety of research, practicum and internship experiences, culminating in a dissertation. Students are also encouraged to choose up to two specialization areas such as: child and adolescent psychology, couples and family psychology, interpersonal processes, diversity and cultural issues, quantitative methods, assessment, forensics, prevention, gerontology issues, and neuro-behavioral sciences. The program is designed to be completed in five years with full-time enrollment.
Counseling Psychology PhD
The counseling Ph.D. program heavily incorporates field-based learning experiences to model assessment and therapeutic approaches. The goal is for graduates to provide research-driven services that promote public health and well-being in a personalized manner. Settings for practicum and internship experiences include: child and family guidance centers, public health centers, outpatient veteran’s clinics, medical facilities, preschool programs, juvenile justice centers, correctional institutions, and university sponsored counseling centers. The program is approximately 109 credit hours taken over four to five years in the primary areas of: psychology core classes; research courses and experience, including a dissertation; counseling techniques; and practitioner placements.
School Psychology PhD
This Ph.D. programs specifically emphasizes counseling within schools to address the academic, social and behavioral needs of children and adolescents. The curricula spans a five to six year time period with numerous practicum and internship opportunities, including a research apprenticeship and dissertation. Practicum experiences begin the very first year of training, working with public school students. This hands-on, experiential framework provides candidates with the opportunity to put theoretical psychological practices into immediate use in real-world situations. The program requires 100-112 credit hours of study and experiential learning that covers: basic psychological sciences, research and statistics, professional school psychology instruction, and work in specialization areas. Accreditations
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-CoC)
- American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA)
Texas Tech University
Department of Psychological Sciences
As a comprehensive research university, Texas Tech offers diverse, cutting-edge programs that are nationally recognized for their academic excellence. TTU prides itself on being student-centric, providing personalized instruction for its students to complement their learning experiences. This attention to individualized programming especially enhances TTU’s graduate psychology offerings, landing them at 132 for U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 national rankings.
Clinical Psychology Ph.D.
With equal emphasis on the scientific and practice aspects of psychology, the clinical psychology doctorate prepares graduates for work as licensed clinical practitioners, research psychologists or teaching professionals. Instructional coursework and training opportunities occur in on-campus and off-campus settings. Successful students enjoy conducting research as much as doing clinical work with patients. Candidates work closely with a faculty mentor throughout their program which covers 100-135 credits spanning six years. Candidates take core coursework and practicum experiences in years one through four, complete their dissertation in year five, and participate in an extended internship in year six.
Counseling Psychology Ph.D.
The counseling psychology doctorate prepares graduates for work as professional practicing psychologists within a variety of settings, including: hospitals and medical health groups, psychiatric and rehabilitation programs, outpatient clinics, community mental health facilities, independent practices, university counseling centers, and correctional institutions. Curricula requirements include study over a five year period that includes a minimum of 102 credit hours in core psychology and research instruction with additional hours for practicum, internship and dissertation completion. Accreditations
Texas Woman’s University
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology and Philosophy
Though traditionally noted for focusing on higher education for women, TWU is actually a co-educational university promoting a wide variety of degree program choices, including the field of psychology. Their mission strives to turn out graduates who will be global leaders in their profession while serving their communities. In 2014, TWU was recognized nationally for its student diversity by U.S. News & World Report and Poder Hispanic magazine. This diversity attracts a broad candidate pool that enriches TWU’s psychology doctoral programs.
Counseling Psychology Ph.D.
Using the practitioner-scientist model, the counseling doctorate provides a strong foundation for clinically based practice of psychology in a wide variety of public and private community settings. Graduates are prepared to work with individuals, family groups and diverse populations who experience mental health issues affected by neurological, social, cultural, and institutional factors. The program involves completion of roughly 130 credits in behavioral psychology, neuroscience, research and statistics, ethics, cross-cultural ideologies, assessment, therapeutic approaches, and professional issues. Additionally, candidates must participate in supervised practicum and internship experiences and complete a dissertation.
School Psychology Ph.D.
The focus of the school psychology doctorate guides graduates towards identifying and working with high risk student populations, as well as becoming counseling resources for school staff, families, and students at all levels of instruction. Graduates may work in community agencies, educational facilities, or in academic and research positions at institutions of higher learning. Candidates will take a minimum of 121 hours of coursework focusing on school psychology principles, cognitive and academic assessments, research design, human development, cross-cultural influences, social and emotional issues, peer interactions, and family support. The program culminates with several practicum and internship placements and completion of a dissertation. Accreditations
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