Celebrating 45 Years of Psychology at UCA
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 Opportunities
- The M.S.+15 program in School Psychology is accredited by National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and leads to certification as a School Psychology Specialist.
- The M.S. program in Mental Health Counseling is well respected for producing high quality, effective Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).
Doctoral Training Opportunities
- The Ph.D. program in School Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and is the only doctoral program in School Psychology in Arkansas.
- The Counseling Psychology Doctoral Emphasis (leading to a Ph.D. in School Psychology-Counseling Psychology Emphasis) began in 2008. APA accreditation will be sought within the next 2 years.
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).
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
Congratulations to Drs. Nail, Simon, and Bihm for being awarded a National Institutes of Health grant to study bullying in the schools.
For the 6th consecutive year, our chapter of the Psi Chi International Honor Society has received the award of Model Chapter by the international organization. Congratulations to advisor Dr. Shawn Charlton, the Psi Chi officers, and the Psi Chi members.
For more Psychology and Counseling News, visit our News and Events Blog
Recent Faculty and Student Research
Bihm, E. M., Roofe, N., & Shock, M. (2012). Nutrition magic: Preschoolers and the USDA MyPlate. A grant from the Blue and You Foundation of Arkansas for $1,000.
Boniecki, K. A., Thomas, A. D., Gowin, K. C., & Britt, T. W. (2012). Prejudice towards people with mental illness: An integrated threat approach. In D. W. Russell & C. A. Russell (Eds.) The psychology of prejudice: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Contemporary issues. Hauppauge, NY: Nova.
Brinegar, J. L., Wood, K. P., & Sims, W. D. (2011). Exploring body weight, voluntary activity, and intrinsic value in rats. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 113, 421-424.
Green, M.C., Chatham, C., & Sestir, M.A. (2012). Emotion and transportation into fact and fiction. Scientific Study of Literature, 2(1), 36-59.
Elizandro, A., Bramlett, R.K. & Crow, R. (2012). The effects of musically adapted and traditionally read social stories on the prosocial and negative behaviors of hyperactive-impulsive children. Perspectives: Journal of the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association, 7, 9-15.
McCabe, K., Blucker, R., Gillaspy, J. A., Cherry, A., Mignogna, M. R., Roddenberry, A., McCaffree, M. A., & Gillaspy, S. R. (in press). Reliability of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) with mothers of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Morgan, R. D., Flora, D., Kroner, D., Mills, J., Varghese, F.P., & Steffan, J. (2012). Treating offenders with mental illness: A research synthesis. Law & Human Behavior, 36, 37-50.
Murphy, J. J. (2012). Building school solutions from students' natural resources. In G. Walz & R. Yep (Eds.), Ideas and research you can use: VISTAS 2012. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
Murphy, J. J. (2012). Developing web-based training on relationship-building skills for community service providers. UCA Foundation, Amount: $2243.00.
Nail, P. R., Bihm, E. M., & Simon, J. B. (in press). Is school-yard bullying driven by defensive personality? In T. Patelis (Ed.). Proceedings of the Fifth Annual International Conference on Psychology. Athens, Greece: Athens Institute for Education and Research.
Reese, R. J., Gillaspy, J. A., Owens, J. J., Flora, K. L., Cunningham, L. C., Archie, D., & Marsden, T. (in press). The influence of demand characteristics and social desirability on clients’ ratings of the therapeutic alliance.
Sestir, M. A., (2012). Exploding Benefits and Consumer Perceptions. A grant from the Arkansas Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).
Varghese, F.P. &Cummings, D. (in press). Introduction: Why Apply Vocational Psychology to Criminal Justice Populations? The Introduction to the Major contribution in The Counseling Psychologist.
Varghese, F.P. (in press). Vocational interventions with offenders: Interdisciplinary theory, research, and integration. The Counseling Psychologist.
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.