The Counseling Psychology Program helps students develop expertise in the traditional domains of psychology, in counseling interventions as a helping professional, in the scientific skills that will enable them to create new knowledge and to evaluate their own or others’ psychological work, and in the ethical and professional attitudes that promote excellence and leadership in the field of psychology. The Counseling Psychology program offers two degree options: Master’s of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since November 3, 1983.

International students can study the Counseling Psychology at University of Kentucky at its main campus in Lexington, United States of America. This Master degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 2 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 21, 2027.
About Master of Counseling Psychology
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Counseling Psychology at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by the appropriate regional agency (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern or Western Association of Colleges and Schools). A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a postsecondary, academic degree-granting institution.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work is required by the Graduate School. Individual departments may require higher grade point averages.
- Submission of scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless their chosen program indicates otherwise. The Graduate School has no minimum GRE score requirement; individual programs may set specific score requirements and in some cases may require the advanced portion of the GRE.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required. Students may also use the Duolingo English Test (only tests taken after July 15, 2019 will be accepted. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. TOEFL essentials may also be used and the minimum overall score is 9.
- Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens or resident aliens) must pay a $65 application fee; international applicants must pay a $75 fee. The application fee is non-refundable.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Counseling Psychology
World-class counseling psychology training preparing future mental health professionals
The Counseling Psychology Program is committed to training students to assume emerging diverse roles and responsibilities that will advance a social justice agenda. Our goal is to educate professionals who maintain a continuing pursuit of scholarly activities, who promote psychology as a discipline, and who are concerned with facilitating psychosocial development and mental health and well-being in diverse populations and at multiple levels of the ecological system (e.g., individual, family, community, and society).
A majority of our Ph.D. program graduates gain employment in mental health agencies (e.g., medical centers, community agencies, group practices), university counseling centers, or federal facilities (e.g., VA's, prisons). Some graduates engage in private practice. Other graduates pursue research or teaching positions in institutions of higher education.
The MS program provides students with the comprehensive, foundational training specifically designed to prepare students to apply for Counseling Psychology Ph.D. programs. The program is also a great fit for those students who want to further explore the field of Counseling Psychology before making the decision about whether or not to commit to the 5+ years of training that is required to get a Ph.D. in our field.
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Counseling Psychology at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for Master of Counseling Psychology at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK Graduate Application
2. $75 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 79 iBT
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 115
Deadline to Apply
- April 15 for Fall semester
- August 22 for Spring semester
- Some programs have earlier deadlines

United States of America, Lexington