Message from the Department Chair

Welcome to the Department of Psychology and Counseling at The University of Texas at Tyler!  We have lots of changes occurring in our department this year.  We are moving to the School of Health Professions which will open up a wide array of research, teaching, and clinical practice opportunities.  We are more than excited to contribute to bettering the mental health of East Texas. With over 900 students who major in psychology and counseling, we are providing a much-needed workforce to navigate the complex challenges facing our community.  Our students, faculty and staff are compassionate, caring, and committed to helping others.    

We offer both the BA and BS degree in Psychology and students have the opportunity to learn from world class faculty who teach in their areas of specialization. Within the undergraduate program, there is room for internship and community-based learning in local organizations where students can put their education to use in real-world settings.  Our graduate programs include the CACREP-Accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA degree which leads to licensure as an LPC. We have two clinical psychology graduate programs, the MS in Clinical Psychology and the APA-Accredited Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.  Students in the PhD program focus on underserved populations such as veteran’s issues, rural mental health, and geropsychology which are tremendous areas of need for East Texas. Our MA in School Counseling prepares professionals to help and assist students in school districts overcome mental and emotional difficulties.  All faculty are active researchers and there are opportunities to engage in innovative research with our various research labs.  Students often publish and present with faculty.  We are a student-centered program, and you will find we go above and beyond to help students complete their degree and provide active mentorship/advising along the way! 

We are very proud of our programs, and we hope you join us in learning about the science and practice of psychology and counseling. Our mission is to improve the lives of people in East Texas, and we gladly take on this challenge. Please come visit us and see where psychology and counseling can take you, career-wise.  You will not be disappointed.

Regards, 

Dennis Combs, Ph.D.
Department Chair and Professor of Psychology