University of Texas at Austin

3The University of Texas at Austin began in 1839 when the Congress of the Republic of Texas authorized the setup of a site for higher education. It took several decades before the project was finalized in 1876. Austin was selected for the site of a “first class university” in 1881 and construction began in 1882.

Initially, the college was known as the Main University in Austin while the Medical Department was established in Galveston. The Main Building, the first on campus in Austin, served as the central spot on what was then a 40-acre campus. The building was completed in three stages with the final section constructed in 1899. By the 1930s, there was a need for a library and Main Building was demolished in 1934 under protest. Today’s Main Building and the modern-day tower were built in its place.

In 1910, 500 acres of land was donated along the Colorado River and the regents voted to move the campus to the new location. The decision was met with outrage and legislators appropriated $1.3 million to purchase land next to the main campus. The expansion stalled due to restrictions against governmental funding of buildings. However, oil was discovered on land owned by the university making it possible for the school to start their own general endowment fund.

Tragedy struck the university in 1966 when Charles Whitman barricaded himself on the observation deck of the tower of Main Building with a rifle, killing 14 people and wounding many more before he was killed by police. Before the massacre, he had killed his mother and wife, although he spared the life of his son. The observation deck was closed for two years. It closed again in 1975 after a series of suicide jumps. Security and safety precautions were added in 1998 and the deck reopened to the public.

Today, there are almost 51,000 students enrolled in programs at the University of Texas at Austin. The school is ranked 13th among Best Value Public Colleges by Kiplinger, 14th among Best Public Colleges by the Business Journal, 16th among Top Public Schools, National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and 17th among Best Value Schools by Forbes.

University of Texas at Austin Accreditation Details

The University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation demonstrates that the school meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the agency that indicates excellence in higher education. In addition, programs at the university are accredited by the following industry-specific organizations or agencies:

• ABET, Inc.
• Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• American Association of Museums
• American Psychological Association
• American Library Association
• American Psychological Association
• American Society of Landscape Architects, Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Council for Interior Design Accreditation
• Council on Rehabilitation Education, Inc.
• Council on Social Work Education
• National Architectural Accrediting Board
• National Association of Schools of Art & Design
• National Association of Schools of Dance
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
• Planning Accreditation Board of the American Planning Association
• State Board for Educator Certification

University of Texas at Austin Application Requirements

Freshman who wish to attend University of Texas at Austin must complete an online application and pay the application fee. Students must provide two essays on topics that are found on the college website application page. An official high school transcript is required as well as any college transcripts for credits earned while in high school. Students must submit official SAT or ACT scores and a current resume. A student information form is required as well as letters of recommendation. Texas residents must provide a residency affidavit.

Graduate students must complete an online application and pay the application fee. Applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. One transcript must have the conveyance of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students may be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores depending on the program they wish to enter. Letters of recommendation are required as well.

University of Texas at Austin Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition for Texas residents is between $4,813 to $5,530 per semester and for non-residents is $17,131 to $19,635, depending on the program chosen. Graduate tuition for Texas residents is $4,052 to $5,062 per semester and for non-residents is $8,078 to $9,232 per semester. Undergraduate students attending at the university for the first time are eligible for Longhorn Fixed Tuition that allows them to pay a fixed tuition rate for four consecutive academic years. Tuition varies depending on the program entered.

Financial aid is available through the Financial Aid Office. Aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans or work-study programs. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for financial aid at the university.

University of Texas at Austin Degree Program Available

Counseling Psychology

The University of Texas offers a Counseling Psychology program that has been accredited by the APA longer than any other program in the country. The program is scientist-practitioner based and prepares students to work with both specific and general problems of human behavior. It is a doctorate program that prepares students for innovative and intellectual careers in social science, human service or social and community careers. The program develops sophisticated researchers that are able to integrate research literature and the ability to conduct rigorous empirical studies. Students are prepared to enter applied practice upon graduation, creating graduates who are socially responsible and ethical. Students develop an understanding of their own attitudes, beliefs and biases in order to understand how they may impact their professional activities.

The University of Texas at Austin offers one of the longest accredited doctoral counseling psychology programs in the country. The university offers students the opportunity to achieve their higher education goals with a rigorous curriculum and accessible instructors. The University of Texas at Austin has a strong commitment to training, theoretical perspectives and research opportunities.

Related Resource: The 50 Best Doctoral Programs in Counseling Psychology