UCA Counseling Psychology PhD program receives 10-year reaccreditation from the American Psychological Association

Maximum-term reaccreditation reflects strength of faculty, alumni, curriculum, professional preparation of students

The University of Central Arkansas has received 10-year reaccreditation for its Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology from the American Psychological Association (APA), the recognized accrediting body for doctoral training in psychology. The reaccreditation affirms the program's continued commitment to excellence in education, professional training and competent practice.

The UCA Counseling Psychology PhD program has met the APA's rigorous Standards of Accreditation, which are designed to ensure that doctoral programs prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for effective and competent psychological practice. APA accreditation also serves to protect the public by holding programs to nationally recognized professional standards.

"Receiving reaccreditation for the maximum term reflects the strength of our faculty, curriculum and training experiences," Department of Psychology and Counseling Chair J. Art Gillaspy said. "It confirms our commitment to preparing counseling psychologists who are skilled clinicians and scholars, grounded in evidence-based practice, and dedicated to serving varied communities."

APA-accredited programs are widely recognized by employers and are essential for licensure eligibility in many states. Graduates of the UCA program are well prepared to pursue professional roles in clinical, academic and community-based settings.

The Counseling Psychology PhD curriculum follows a scientist-practitioner model, integrating coursework, research, practicum and supervised internship experiences in a sequential and cumulative manner. The program typically spans five years of full-time study and emphasizes professionalism, cultural competence and evidence-based assessment and intervention.

This reaccreditation ensures that prospective students, current trainees and the public can continue to have confidence that UCA's Counseling Psychology PhD program meets the highest standards of doctoral education in psychology.