Celebrating More Than 50 Years of Psychology at UCA
Racial Equity and Social Justice
The UCA Department of Psychology and Counseling stands with our Black colleagues and students in the face of racial inequity and injustice. We are deeply saddened, and called to action, by the murders of African-American men and women, the frequency of police violence against People of Color (POC), and the negative experiences of some Black students at UCA (#BlackatUCA). We hear you, we see you, and we are committed to being part of the change.
We strongly support the statement by UCA President Davis (https://uca.edu/news/statement-from-president-davis-on-racial-and-social-injustice/), in which he referred to the sin of racism and affirmed that racism and acts of discrimination will not be tolerated at UCA. In addition, we as part of the larger psychology and mental health community, affirm the need for racial equality and social justice. As a scientific discipline and a healthcare profession, psychology and counseling are in a unique position to understand the issues of racism and discrimination and to offer ways of changing behavior at the personal and systemic levels.
Please visit the Racial Equity and Social Justice tab above to find a running list of resources and information from psychology, school psychology, and mental health organizations, as well as other resources that are more local. Please watch this page for more information and ways to be involved.
About our Department
The Department of Psychology and Counseling has a strong tradition of high quality undergraduate psychology education and rigorous professional training in mental healthcare. Founded in 1967, the Department of Psychology and Counseling is one of the largest and most diverse psychology departments in Arkansas.
Our undergraduate program encourages scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and independent research. Graduates are prepared for graduate work in psychology, social work, and counseling programs, or to pursue other professional careers.
Our graduate programs prepare students to become Licensed Psychologists, School Psychology Specialists, or Licensed Professional Counselors who provide evidence-based services for children, adults, and families in a variety of healthcare and educational settings.
Master’s Training Opportunity
- The M.S. program in Mental Health Counseling is well respected for producing high quality, effective Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).
Specialist Training Opportunity
- The Specialist Program in School Psychology is accredited by National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and leads to certification as a School Psychology Specialist. Click here to obtain a detailed description of the Undergraduate Pathway and Mentoring Program for UCA undergraduate students.
Doctoral Training Opportunity
- The Counseling Psychology Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
- The School Psychology Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA); however, the program has been granted voluntary inactive status from the APA and is not currently accepting new students.
See each program’s website for specific admissions procedures and application deadlines.
If you have questions about our programs, please contact the Student Services Advisor (501-852-0780 or psyc_coun@uca.edu) or the Department Office (501-450-3193).
Alumni Spotlight
Timothy Ryan Southerland, Ph.D. Counseling Psychology
Click here to learn about this and other former students, where they are now, their experience at UCA and their advice for current students.
Faculty Spotlight
Femina Varghese, Ph.D. Counseling Psychology
Click here to learn more about this faculty member.
The Department Needs You!
The future of the Department of Psychology and Counseling depends, in part, on the financial support of alumni, parents,organizations, and other friends of the Department. With your contributions, we can continue our strong tradition of support for students and faculty as they seek to fulfill their professional goals. There are a number of ways to give to the Department including scholarships for current students.
Click here to learn more about each of our foundation funds and how you can contribute your support.
News and Current Events
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Undergraduate Pathway & Mentoring Program (UPMP) for UCA Students Seeking Admission to the Specialist in School Psychology Program
- Freshmen and sophomore psychology and education majors are eligible for admission to the School Psychology Undergraduate Pathway and Mentoring Program (UPMP). Admission to the UPMP means that students are on track to be admitted to the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program. UPMP students who maintain the necessary requirements, pass a background check, interview successfully, complete their baccalaureate degree, and complete prerequisites will be admitted to the Ed.S. program. Click here to obtain a more detailed description of the UPMP program.
Location
The Department of Psychology and Counseling is part of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and is located on the 2nd floor of Mashburn Hall across from the HPER Center.