Utah Tech to Launch Clinical Psychology and Counseling Master's Program

October 20, 2026 - 01:45

Utah Tech University has received approval to offer a new master's program in counseling and clinical psychology, with the first cohort set to begin in fall 2027. The announcement, made Tuesday, marks a significant expansion of the university's graduate offerings and reflects a growing effort to address mental health workforce shortages in the region.

The program is designed to prepare graduate students for careers as licensed mental health professionals. University officials say the degree will combine rigorous academic coursework with supervised clinical training, giving students hands-on experience in real-world settings before they enter the field.

The decision to add the program comes as demand for mental health services continues to rise across Utah and the nation. Access to care remains limited in many communities, particularly rural areas, where shortages of trained counselors and psychologists are especially acute. By training students locally, the university hopes to keep graduates in the region and strengthen the pipeline of providers serving underserved populations.

University leaders described the approval as a milestone in the institution's continued growth as a comprehensive university. The program will accept applications ahead of the fall 2027 launch, with details on admission requirements and curriculum expected to be released in the coming months. Faculty hiring and clinical partnership agreements are also part of the planning process now underway.