Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations (PSSSP) - Counseling Psychology Concentration, Certificate

Programs prepare the student to apply psychological theory and practice in a broad range of settings with diverse populations.

Admission Application Requirements

Regular Admission

In addition to the requirements for graduate admission into Our Lady of the Lake University, applicants will provide:

1. Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities where degrees were conferred. (Download special instructions for submitting transcripts from outside the United States and transcripts not in English).
2. An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with an overall grade point average of 2.50 or a 3.00 grade point average for the last 60 semester hours.
3. At least 12 undergraduate semester hours in psychology including one course in statistics and a cumulative average of a “B” or better.
4. Two letters of recommendation not more than one year old from former instructors or employers (forms supplied by the University).
5. Submission of a satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years.
6. As felony convictions may limit practicum placements and the ability to obtain professional licensure after graduation, all students who enroll in the MS program must submit criminal background checks. A national criminal background check, no older than 6 months prior to enrolling in the MS program must be submitted by the last day of the first semester in the program. All admissions are conditional pending the submission of the national criminal background check.
7. Personal statement addressing background in Psychology, expectations of the MS program, and professional goals.
8. Completion of admission file by the appropriate deadline.
9. After a review of the completed admissions files, selected applicants will be invited to a group interview with psychology program faculty.

NOTE: Due to limited spaces available, meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission.

Admission Deadlines

Deadlines for completing application to the Master of Science degree program are:

Fall admission - Early decision - March 1
Final deadline - June 1

Admission Procedures

Students will be notified of admission decision within three weeks after the interviews of selected students.

Academic Requirements

Students will be expected to complete the following requirements in addition to required coursework:

1. Practicum (as required by Psychology Department)
2. Comprehensive Examination/Computer Literacy requirement

The goal of the Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations (PSSSP) program is to produce mental health practitioners who are equally competent to provide services in English and Spanish. Core courses are taught in Spanish or bilingually and students have the option of taking a language and cultural immersion course taught in a Spanish speaking country. PSSSP students will also receive supervision in Spanish of their practicum work with Spanish speaking clients.

It is an optional certificate for students in the PsyD in Counseling Psychology.