Admission Criteria
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Rehabilitation Counseling
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application. The university application fee of $85 ($100 for International Applicants) can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online application). All application fees are nonrefundable.
Step #2: Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to gradapps@utrgv.edu or mailed to:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
*Please Note: If you are a graduate of UTPA, UTB/TSC, or UTRGV you do not need to request an official transcript to be sent to the Graduate College.
Review and submit all Program Requirements:
- Earned master's degree from an accredited institution in a field related to Rehabilitation Counseling with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.25.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the doctorate degree.
- Submission of 3 letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
- Documentation of 2 years of experience with people with disabilities.
- Personal Interview.
- GRE General Test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years.
Addi t ion a l requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Tests with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. Learn more about the
- English translation of educational records.
- Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA) or the World Education Services (WES)
Addi t ion a l requirements for international applicants:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. Learn more about TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test Minimum Scores
- English translation of educational records.
- Transcript evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA) or the World Education Services (WES). Learn more about
- Financial Documentation showing sufficient funds (minimum of $25,000) to cover all expenses (living and academic) for the first year of study.
- Immigration documents, including a current copy of your valid passport.