SAN ANGELO, Texas — Angelo State University has added a new doctor of psychology (Psy.D) in counseling psychology program to prepare graduates to become licensed psychologists (LPs) in Texas, according to a release from the university.
It is the second doctoral degree offered by Angelo State.
The doctorate in counseling psychology will be offered through the Department of Psychology within ASU's Archer College of Health and Human Services. Classes for the new program will begin in fall 2022, and applications are now being accepted.
ASU said in the release it established the new program in response to the overwhelming need for more professional psychologists in Texas and throughout the nation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the employment of psychologists is projected to grow by 14% through 2028, adding thousands of new positions.
Graduates of ASU's new program will be eligible for licensure as a licensed psychologist in Texas and immediately enter the workforce.
Director of the new program is Dr. Drew Curtis, an associate professor of psychology who also directs ASU's nationally-recognized master's degree program in counseling psychology. Curtis also serves as past-president of the Southwestern Psychological Association and president-interim of the Psychological Association on Greater West Texas.
"It is a great honor and privilege to offer a new doctoral degree in counseling psychology at ASU," Curtis said in the release. "The Department of Psychology has a longstanding history of successfully training competent and confident master's-level practitioners in counseling psychology to meet the marketplace demands in San Angelo and rural West Texas. But, there is still a dire need for mental health professionals, specifically licensed psychologists, to meet the growing mental health needs and inadequate access, locally, statewide and nationally. We are excited to launch our new Psy.D. program that will address those needs and serve our community."
New students will be admitted to the program each fall semester. Anyone who has earned a bachelor's degree and meets certain grade point average requirements is eligible to apply, and the yearly application deadline is Jan. 15. Graduate, research and teaching assistant positions are also available in the department.
More details on all of ASU's bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in psychology are available at angelo.edu/psych.
