University of Miami

The University of Miami was first established in 1925 by the Circuit Court for Dade County on land donated by George E. Merrick. The next year, a major hurricane forced classes to move to nearby Anastasia Hotel for rebuilding. By World War II, Miami expanded considerably in the V-12 Navy College Training Program. The University of Miami now stands as a premier private, non-sectarian research institution endowed for over $887 million. Across its 12 colleges, UM enrolls approximately 16,700 students. The university occupies a 453-acre suburban campus in Coral Cables just southwest of Florida's second largest city.

According to the U.S. News, Miami is the 51st best national university and 41st top college for military veterans. With America's 44th best medical research center, the University of Miami offers the 52nd top graduate psychology degrees. Forbes ranked UM as the 88th best research university with the nation's 55th most grateful graduates. The Princeton Review named Miami 12th nationally for "Lots of Race/Class Interaction." Washington Monthly crowned it the 193rd best master's university for social mobility. In 2016, the University of Miami also landed 37th in Kiplinger's best private values.

University of Miami Accreditation Details

At Level VI, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has accredited the University of Miami since 1913. This regional accrediting agency is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Ph.D. programs in psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-COA).

University of Miami Application Requirements

Getting into the University of Miami is tricky with the very selective acceptance rate of 38 percent. For the B.A./B.S. in Psychology, freshmen must have completed a rigorous, college-prep curriculum for a high school diploma. Passing four years of English and Math is required. More than 60 percent of first-year students rank in the top 10 percent of their class. On average, admitted applicants have a weighted GPA of 4.0. UM freshmen achieve an average SAT score of 1300 out of 1600 and ACT score of 30.

Undergraduates can transfer 12 to 64 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from a regionally accredited college. For graduate study, applicants must hold a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent. Psychology and counseling programs mandate a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5. Curriculum prerequisites require 18 or more psychology credits. Admitted graduates typically score above 150 on the GRE. International learners must achieve a 550 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL.

Before January 1st, interested students must submit the Common Application online via CaneLink with the following attachments:

• Official, sealed academic transcripts
• College entrance exam scores
• Two letters of recommendation
• Five 250 to 650-word essay responses
• Current resume or CV (graduate only)
• Non-refundable $70 application fee

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduates at Miami pay $22,200 per semester. For part-time studies, tuition costs $1,850 per credit. Students are responsible for the $159 activity fee, $120 health center fee, and $75 athletic fee. Room and board is estimated to cost $13,066 each year. Total annual cost of attendance is approximately $62,329. Graduate students are charged $1,850 per credit taken, including "0" research courses. On average, master's and PhD students spend $33,300 each year.

The NCES reports that 78 percent of beginning, full-time UM students earn financial aid. Money can be borrowed with the Federal Stafford, Perkins, or Direct PLUS loans. Low-income students could qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or FSEOG Grant. In-state residents may receive the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) or Bright Futures Scholarship. Federal Work-Study (FWS) and graduate assistantships are available. Armed Forces members obtain benefits from the Yellow Ribbon program. Institutional aid is abundant, such as the Canes Achievement Award, Hammond Scholarship, Jenkins Scholarship, and President's Scholarship.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees

Within the College of Arts & Sciences, the University of Miami currently offers six degrees for psychology and counseling. Most take advantage of the over 10,000-square feet of laboratory space in the Behavioral Medicine Research Building (BMRB). Students learn from world-class faculty who have published more than 100 journal articles. The student-faculty ratio of 12:1 keeps pupils closely connected to mentors. Consider pursuing the:

B.A./B.S. in Psychology

Leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Science, the Psychology Major at Miami constructs a broad introduction to modern psychological principles about how humans think, behave, and relate. The 120-credit curriculum currently serves over 800 students with coursework from personality to behavioral neuroscience and experimental psychology. Undergraduates can join Psi Chi, earn University Honors, and participate in the 10-week PRIME Internship program.

M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling

Miami's 15-course M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling program equips students with the assessment skills to diagnose and treat behavioral or emotional difficulties as LMHCs in Florida. Available in two-year or four-year tracks, the accredited program includes 1,000 hours of practicum at the on-campus Institute for Individual and Family Counseling (IIFC).There's also a 12-credit Latino Mental Health Certificate.

M.S.Ed. in Marriage and Family Therapy

Featuring 48 credits, the M.S.Ed. in Marriage and Family Therapy program trains Miami students to guide individuals, couples, and families toward relational conflict solutions. To satisfy Florida's LMFT requirements, students complete at least 20 hours of practicum each week at the IIFC. Coursework ranges from psychopathology and human development to substance abuse and cultural diversity.

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

The University of Miami's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program in APA-accredited to utilize the Boulder model for training well-rounded, informed psychologists ready for licensing. The five-year program offers specialization in Adult Clinical, Child Clinical, Developmental, or Health Clinical tracks. Ph.D. students spend two semesters working for the Psychological Services Center (PSC) before dissertation research and off-site clinical internship.

Ph.D. in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

For non-clinical students, the Ph.D. in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience program develops a 73-credit curriculum rooted in the scientific research of the human mind and behavior. Coursework delves into psychopathology, psychobiology, neuroanatomy, neuropsychology, cognition, and psychological statistics. Graduates must write a qualifying dissertation, pass a comprehensive exam, and teach at least one semester.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology

Fully APA-accredited since 1989, the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program follows a scientist-practitioner model to study the scientific underpinnings of human development and relationships. Over four years full-time, master's-level students are mentored in faculty-led research and IIFC practicum training. Before graduating from the University of Miami, Ph.D. students complete a year-long counseling internship to master DSM-IV diagnostics.