Tarleton State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core psychological science with applied clinical and counselling skill development. Students typically study subjects such as psychopathology and diagnosis, counselling theories and techniques, psychological assessment and testing, research methods and statistics, ethics and professional issues, and multicultural counselling. Applied components commonly include practicum placements and supervised clinical experience, and students often choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks or complete a capstone project.

• Core modules: Advanced Research Methods and Statistics; Psychopathology; Professional Ethics and Legal Issues; Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Counselling.
• Clinical assessment and intervention: Cognitive and Personality Assessment; Crisis Intervention; Evidence-based Therapies (e.g. CBT, DBT-informed approaches); Group Counselling Techniques.
• Applied experience: Supervised Practicum/Internship in community mental health, university counselling centres, schools or healthcare settings; case formulation and clinical supervision seminars.
• Electives and special topics: Developmental Psychology across the lifespan, Substance Use and Addiction Counselling, Forensic and Rehabilitation Psychology, Applied Behavioural Interventions.
• Research or capstone: Thesis option involving an original research project, or a non-thesis capstone/practicum portfolio emphasising applied competencies.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in psychology or a related field. Typical admissions materials include official undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and clinical interests, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. Some applicants may be required to demonstrate prerequisite coursework (for example foundational courses in introductory psychology, statistics or research methods) if their prior degree did not cover these areas.

• Academic preparation: Undergraduate degree in psychology or related discipline, or completion of prerequisite coursework.
• Supporting documents: Statement of purpose, CV/resume, and at least two letters of recommendation.
• Additional requirements: Some applicants may be asked to participate in an interview; practicum placements typically require background checks and immunisation records when working with vulnerable populations. GRE requirements vary by intake and applicants should check current departmental guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a range of careers in mental health, education and human services. Typical roles include counsellor or therapist in community mental health agencies, school counsellor (with additional certifications as required), substance abuse counsellor, behavioural intervention specialist, case manager, and positions in rehabilitation or forensic settings. The degree also prepares students for entry into doctoral programmes in clinical or counselling psychology or for those seeking licensure as a professional counsellor, depending on state licensure regulations and post-graduate supervised experience requirements.

• Clinical/counselling practitioner roles in community agencies, hospitals, private practice (with licensure)
• School and educational support services (may require state certification)
• Substance abuse and behavioural health treatment programmes
• Research assistantships, programme evaluation and applied research roles
• Further academic training toward clinical or counselling psychology doctorates

Why study at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University offers this programme within a university that combines a regional campus environment with the resources of the Texas A&M University System. The department emphasises hands-on training through supervised practicum placements with local community partners, enabling students to develop clinical competencies in real-world settings. Students benefit from small cohort sizes and faculty who are active in applied research and clinical training.

• Applied training: Strong practicum and internship connections with local schools, clinics and healthcare providers.
• Flexible delivery: Options for on-campus and distance/hybrid study to accommodate working students.
• Supportive environment: Faculty mentorship, professional development opportunities and access to campus counselling and research facilities.
• Pathways: Preparation for licensure-track clinical work or further doctoral study, with coursework aligned to common professional competencies.