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Doctor of Philosophy Counseling Psychology

The principles underlying our Counseling Psychology doctorate are a focus on a developmental understanding of clients; commitment to a health model of intervention; and appreciation of the gendered, cultural, and institutional contexts of people’s lives, as these contexts affect both clients and counselors.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Counseling Psychology

About the Program 

The program follows the basic pattern of a scientist-practitioner model. The major components of the Counseling Psychology doctorate are course work, clinical training (practica, externships, internship), and research training (including dissertation). Solid training in teaching and mentoring, giving students the professional background toward a career in academics, is another key feature of our program. Across all components, attention is given to the integration of practice, theory, and research.

Licensure and Accreditation

The PhD in Counseling Psychology was first registered with the New York State Department of Education for the professional preparation of psychologists in 1971. Graduates of the program become fully qualified psychologists with specialized training in counseling and are eligible for licensure by the state. Learn more about licensure requirements in those states in which students are doing learning placements.

The Counseling Psychology program has been fully accredited since 1981 by the American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington DC 20002-4242 (202-336-5979). Questions related to the program's accreditation status may be directed to this office.

Center for Counseling and Community Wellbeing

The Center is part of the teaching and training program in Counseling Psychology and provides services to meet the local community's social, emotional, and behavioral health. We provide a range of services to children, adolescents, adults, and families.  Learn more about the Center , an important part of the Department of Applied Psychology at NYU Steinhardt.

Admissions Information

Careers and outcomes.

CNPS Student Handbook

Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program Online Info Session

Individuals interested in learning about and applying for the Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University will have the opportunity to hear from the Chair of the Admission Committee, Dr. Anil Chacko, about the process. This will include information about the mission of the program, requirements for applying, and what makes for a successful candidate/application. There will also be an opportunity for Questions and Answers.

Registration Required. 

GRE Requirements: 

Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2024 admissions cycle, the GRE general test score is optional, and the GRE subject test is not required. The Admissions Committee will review all applications holistically, and the applications submitted without GRE scores will not be disadvantaged in the review.

Research Mentors:

The doctoral program in counseling psychology at NYU is a small, individualized scientist-practitioner training program; thus, we pay close attention to the match between the candidate and the program’s faculty and resources. In particular, we seek to admit students whose professional interests align with the program as a whole and whose research interests are well-matched with those of more than one faculty member. Each new student will be matched with a primary research mentor and will also be supported by secondary faculty mentors in other research and clinical roles.

The faculty who are available to serve as primary research mentors for the Fall 2024 admission are:

• Anil Chacko
• Shabnam Javdani
• William Tsai

Other faculty are potentially available to serve as secondary mentors, so we encourage you to write about your interests and experiences that demonstrate that you are a good match with the program as a whole as well as with your potential primary mentor.

Questions: 

If you have questions regarding admission requirements, please review our How to Apply  page.

If you have any additional questions that are not addressed on the "How to Apply" page, please contact us at  [email protected] .

NYU Steinhardt offers a competitive funding package for PhD students who study full time.   Learn more about Steinhardt's funding opportunities .

Our program will prepare you for diverse roles in academia, social research, and clinical practice. In the academic arena, our students can go on to jobs in schools of psychology, public health, and public policy. In the area of social research, students are prepared to obtain positions in research, advocacy, and social service organizations. 

Additionally, our students are well-positioned for jobs in private-practice and healthcare organizations. Indeed, there is increasing demand for evidence-based strategies in health and social service organizations and our students are qualified to contribute to the design and implementation of such strategies, and the delivery of evidence-based interventions.

Learn more about Students Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data .

Take the Next Step

Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

College of Education

Counseling psychology doctoral program.

The University of Houston's Counseling Psychology doctoral program generates new knowledge and trains community-engaged change agents. We provide our students the tools they need to help others navigate the modern world. Our students have the opportunity to contribute to unique research opportunities in behavioral health, multiculturalism and social justice. Situated within one of the nation's most diverse cities, we have developed relationships with a variety of unique practicum locations, including several within the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center.

• PHLS Directory
• Mission & Values
• Student Profiles
• Graduate Profiles

About the Program

The Counseling Psychology doctoral program trains psychologists to become health service psychologists and psychological researchers. Our nationally recognized and competitive program offers a challenging curriculum, a supportive student environment, student-faculty mentorship, excellent and diverse sites for clinical training, and multiple opportunities for research.

The following faculty are currently accepting new students:

Dr. blake allan, dr. consuelo arbona, dr. virmarie correa-fernández, dr. marcel de dios, dr. nathan grant smith, option: health psychology emphasis.

For those Counseling Psychology doctoral students who wish to add a Health Psychology Emphasis to their doctoral training, there is additional coursework that can be integrated into your program. This 15-hour minor includes three courses (two required and one elective) and two semesters of clinical health psychology practicum (which can be one of the practicum placements already included in the doctoral program). Hence, this is only an addition of nine credit hours. It is also possible to gain exposure to this topic by taking one or two courses. For more details on this option, please see pages 11-12 of the doctoral program handbook available on this website.

• Accredited American Psychological Association since 1987
• 5 - 6 years to complete the degree
• Counseling Psychology Student Handbook
• Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
• UH Graduate School

What will I learn while attending the counseling psychology program?

Students develop professional leadership, ethical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills through:

• Candidacy research project
• Comprehensive exam
• Dissertation

Since degree plans change periodically, students will follow the degree plan that is in place at the time in which they complete an official, approved degree plan. Students enter the program with either a Master’s or Undergraduate degree. Please see page 13 of the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Program Handbook for the most current sample degree plans.

What can I do with my degree?

The program offers the preparation necessary for students to apply for licensure as psychologists in Texas. Our graduates are employed in settings such as:

• Colleges and University Psychology Departments
• University and College Counseling Centers
• Community Agencies
• Private Practice
• K-12 schools

Important Counseling Psychology Documents and Resources

The following is a collection of important documents and other resources

• Resource Guide for Ethnic Minority Graduate Students
• A Guide for LGBT Students Navigating Graduate Training
• Evaluation of Practicum Student Competencies
• Sample Practicum Contract
• Supervisor Evaluation Form
• Practicum Hours Log

Counseling Psychology Faculty

The following is a list of current counseling psychology faculty:.

Counseling Psychology Program

Faculty Profile | Email

Dr. Chakema Carmack

Dr. robert h. mcpherson.

• PHLS Homepage
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The Counseling Psychology faculty's research ranges from stress and coping in the LGBTQ community and tobacco cessation to minority stress and health disparities. Visit the PHLS Research Portal to learn more about our diverse interests and discover faculty pursuing answers to the questions that matter to you.

Feel free to contact faculty directly to learn more about their research. You can find contact information in the Research Portal or by visiting the COE Faculty Directory .

• PHLS Research Portal

Financial Aid

All Counseling Psychology doctoral students are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the UH and the College of Education. To learn more about how to fund your graduate studies, visit the Graduate Funding page .

Graduate Tuition Fellowship

Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF) provides tuition remission for 9 credit hours, during the academic year, to students who enroll in at least 9 credit hours. During the summer term, GTFs are contingent upon available budget. Not all years in the graduate program may be covered by this program.

Assistantships

Graduate appointments are usually available to students during the first two years of graduate studies. The program doesn't cover mandatory fees or course fees. Not all years in the graduate program are covered by this program. 

To learn more about funding your education, contact the COE's College of Graduate Studies at  [email protected]  or call 713-743-7676.

• COE Financial Aid and Scholarships
• UH Graduate Funding
• UH Graduate Financial Information

Houston, Texas

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and one of the nation's most diverse cities. This fact benefits our students and faculty both personally and professionally. Home to more than 100 different nationalities and where more than 60 different languages are spoken, Houston is the perfect environment to practice what you're learning in the classroom. The city also boasts more than 12,000 theater seats and 11,000 diverse restaurants featuring cuisines from around the globe (Don't know where to start? Just ask a Houstonian, and they're sure to bombard you with at least a dozen places to eat.) 

Houston is bustling with culture, energy and offers something for everyone inside and outside the classroom.

(Background photo: “ Metropolis ” by eflon is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .)

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• Greater Houston Partnership - Welcome to Houston

Ready to Apply?

Are you ready to apply to the University of Houston Counseling Psychology doctoral program ? Yes? You can learn more about the application process by visiting the College of Education's Graduate Admissions page  or jump right into the application process by visiting the UH's How to Apply to Graduate School page .

If you need more information about the Counseling Psychology program, we are here to help. You can always contact the COE Office of Graduate Studies by phone at 713-743-7676  or by email .

The Counseling Psychology doctoral program is a member of UH's Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences department .

Training and Program Director:  Dr. Consuelo Arbona

UH College of Education Stephen Power Farish Hall 3657 Cullen Blvd., Room 491 Houston, TX 77204-5023

Undergraduate: [email protected] or 713-743-5000 Graduate: [email protected] or 713-743-7676 General: [email protected] or 713-743-5010

*Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to:

The Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 (202) 336-5979 [email protected] http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Psychology

Graduate Programs

The Counseling Psychology program is committed to the scientist-practitioner model of training wherein professional psychologists are prepared to integrate theory, research, and practice in their practice as agents of knowledge development and change in a diverse society. The program prioritizes research, with students obtaining research, presentation, and publication experiences. The program incorporates diversity, focusing on contextually relevant skills in assessment and intervention with multicultural populations. The program also emphasizes an energetic and collaborative learning atmosphere.

December 1st is the deadline for admission consideration. We are hosting a virtual open house from for interested applicants to know more about the program before the application deadline. RSVP here.

The Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology at Purdue prepares students for professional licensure as a psychologist in the state of Indiana. Contact Eric Deemer at [email protected] before continuing with program application if you have questions regarding licensure or contact your state psychology licensure board about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.

This program does not lead to teacher licensure in the state of Indiana or elsewhere.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Program requirements.

The counseling psychology program offers ONLY the Ph.D. as a terminal degree. A master’s degree is awarded en route to the Ph.D. for students entering the program with a bachelor’s degree, but this degree does not prepare graduates for licensure as a practicing counselor. Students who are unsure that they can or will complete a doctoral program should apply to a master’s program or to a doctoral program that awards a master’s degree as a part of the doctoral requirements.

All program information is available online. The faculty encourage students to inform themselves about the program. At a minimum, please check the Student Handbook.

When applying, please choose “Educational Studies” (for which counseling psychology is under) as a graduate major in the application portal.

Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose The academic statement of purpose should be 300-500 words concerning your purpose for undertaking or continuing graduate study at the Purdue Counseling Psychology program, your research interests, career goals, and the faculty member(s) with whom you would prefer to work and why.
• Personal History Statement The personal history statement should be 300-500 words concerning how your background and life experiences contribute to your ability to be both persistent and resourceful in graduate school. Describe how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to an academic community where scholars with diverse research interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences are supported, respected, and valued.
• Submit a Curriculum Vita. Your CV should include a section listing your experience with (a) research and statistics, including courses, (b) teaching, and (c) professional related activities (e.g., organizational leadership, social advocacy, community engagement).
• Description of Previous Program. Please print and fill out the description of previous program.
• Submit three letters of reference describing research skills and potential, counseling skills and potential, and capacity for graduate study.
• Graduate School E-mail Address: [email protected]
• Graduate School Mailing Address: Graduate Studies Office, Purdue University, 100 N. University Street, Room 3229, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2098
• One academic writing sampling
• International applications may be required to submit proof of English proficiency .

Student Handbook

Application Instructions for the Counseling Psychology PhD program from the Office of Graduate Studies:

In addition to a submitted application (and any applicable application fees paid), all completed materials must be submitted by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete and forwarded on to faculty and the Purdue Graduate School for review.

We encourage prospective students to submit an application early, even if not all required materials are uploaded. Applications are not forwarded on for faculty review until all required materials are uploaded.

When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:

• Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
• Select your proposed graduate major: Educational Studies
• Please select an Area of Interest: Counseling Psychology
• Please select a Degree Objective: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Primary Course Delivery: Residential

Tentative Plan of Study

Supplemental program information, practicum placements.

Students begin the application process to off-site practicum sites following consultation with their advisor the academic year prior to starting off-site. Often this is during student’s 2nd and 3rd years. In the spring semester, the program’s Off-Site Practicum Coordinator hosts a practicum fair for students to learn more about practicum partnerships in the community. After the attending the practicum fair, students contact practicum sites they are most interested in to set up an interview. Students should not contact sites directly before the practicum fair. Below are select examples of off-site practicum locations where our students receive training.

Please note: students may need to satisfy certain eligibility requirements (e.g., background check, drug screening) for some site placements. The placements change regularly as the program adds new sites and other sites become unavailable. Some sites accept only advanced students.

University Counseling Centers

Purdue University, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – West Lafayette, IN Indiana State University Student Counseling Services – Terre Haute, IN IUPUI Counseling & Psychological Services – Indianapolis, IN Butler University – Indianapolis, IN DePauw University – Greencastle, IN

Veteran’s Hospitals

VA Illiana Health Care System – Danville, IL Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center – Indianapolis, IN

Community Mental Health Centers

Indiana Women’s Prison – Indianapolis, IN Willowstone Family Services, Inc – Lafayette, IN Wabash Valley Hospital, Inc., Outpatient – Lafayette, IN Four County Counseling Center – Logansport, IN

Wabash Valley / River Bend Hospital – West Lafayette, IN Logansport State Hospital – Logansport, IN

Funding Opportunities

Funding for Counseling Psychology doctoral students is complex and comes from multiple sources. First, students find assistantships in offices across campus, including the Academic Success Center, the Military Family Research Institute, and the Center for Career Opportunities. Students must apply and interview for these positions. Faculty and peers are supportive in filtering assistantship information to students, and faculty assist students in preparing their application materials. Nonetheless, the student is responsible for following up with the information and securing the assistantship. Although our students are very competitive for these positions, the process can be stressful.

Second, students may have opportunities to teach sections of undergraduate courses. These include EPDS 105: Academic and Career Planning, EPDS 315: Collaborative Leadership – Listening, EPDS 316: Collaborative Leadership – Cross-Cultural Settings, and EPDS 317: Collaborative Leadership – Mentoring. Students have also secured teaching assistantships in the Department of Psychological Sciences.

Finally, some students obtain faculty-nominated fellowships, which guarantee funding but require 20 hours per week of work for our home department, Educational Studies. Only a few fellowships are available each year, and they are competitive.

Although funding can be stressful, all current students in the program who want funding have at least a .25 FTE appointment. Regardless, some students obtain federal or private loans to supplement their income.

Tuition and Fees

* In State ** Out-State *** Additional $290 for international

Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement

The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions to publicly disclose to prospective and currently enrolled students whether certain programs meet the education requirements for licensure or certification in the state or territory in which they reside. “Programs Leading to Professional Licensure” is defined as programs represented to prepare students for an occupation for which, at completion of the program, a local, state or federal license, or nongovernmental certification is required (i) as a precondition for employment, (ii) to perform certain functions, or (iii) to meet additional conditions that are generally needed to secure employment.

The Ph.D. program in counseling psychology at Purdue prepares students for professional licensure as a psychologist in the state of Indiana. However, the program has not made a determination as to whether its training requirements meet licensure standards in the remaining 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and other specified territories. Current and prospective students are advised to contact the psychology licensure board in the jurisdiction in which they expect to practice to determine whether the program meets its licensure standards.

State by state psychology licensure requirements.

Faculty accepting students for 2023-24 admission: Rawan Atari-Khan, Eric Deemer, David Stanley, Xiang Zhou

Faculty accepting students for 2024 Fall admission: Amanda Case, Eric Deemer, Emily Boswell, Xiang Zhou

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Emily Boswell

Amanda s. case, eric deemer, heather servaty-seib, david c. stanley , jr..

We embrace values of equity, social justice, and inclusiveness in all aspects of our training in the Counseling Psychology PhD program. These ideals are also reflected in the diverse backgrounds and cultural identities of faculty and students, which broadly reflect race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, physical ability, age, national origin, and religion. Consistent with the values of the field of counseling psychology, we strive to train students to advocate with and on behalf of people with marginalized identities to address sociocultural, political, and institutional factors that serve to perpetuate systems of oppression that undermine well-being. To this end, we believe that it is necessary for us all, faculty and students, to explore and reflect upon our own biases, privileges, and blind spots in all aspects of our roles in this program. This ongoing process of critical self-examination and self-awareness can often be an uncomfortable one, particularly as other program members may hold beliefs and values that differ from one’s own. However, we strive to navigate diverse individual and cultural perspectives together in a climate of trust, safety, and support.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the traditional homelands of the Indigenous People which Purdue University is built upon. We honor and appreciate the Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi), Lenape (Delaware), Myaamia (Miami), and Shawnee People who are the original Indigenous caretakers. See: https://www.purdue.edu/naecc/

Counseling Psychology (PhD)

Program description, career opportunities, licensure and accreditation.

The PhD Program in Counseling Psychology is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Counseling psychologists are defined as those who enter into professional relationships with individuals and groups and bring to those relationships knowledge of psychology as a science, knowledge of counseling theory and research, a personally integrated theory of counseling, and an ethical responsibility.

The major principles underlying the Program in Counseling Psychology are a focus on a developmental understanding of clients; commitment to a health model of intervention; and appreciation of the gendered, cultural, and institutional contexts of people’s lives, as these contexts affect both clients and counselors.

The program follows the scientist–practitioner model of training and is organized in three areas: general psychology, including statistics and research methodology; counseling and vocational psychology; and patterns of learning experiences designed to meet the professional goals of program matriculants.

In addition to course requirements, students must pass a comprehensive examination to be admitted to candidacy, complete a full-year, full-time internship; have an approved dissertation proposal and dissertation; and pass a final oral examination of the dissertation.

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the New York State psychology licensing examination and are prepared to practice in diverse settings such as colleges, clinics, hospitals, and community agencies, as well as pursue careers in research and teaching.

Graduates of the program become fully qualified psychologists with specialized training in counseling and are eligible for licensure by the state. Learn more about licensure requirements in those states in which students are doing learning placements.

The Counseling Psychology program has been fully accredited since 1981 by the American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington DC 20002-4242 (202-336-5979). Questions related to the program's accreditation status may be directed to this office.

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See  NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website  for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

Additional program requirements.

For completion of the doctorate, 69-72 credits beyond the bachelor's degree are required. Additionally, as part of undergraduate or other graduate work, 18 credits in psychology including a course in statistics are prerequisites to the PhD program. In the Counseling Psychology required curriculum (53-56 credits), students complete work in counseling theory and process, cross-cultural counseling, group counseling, abnormal psychology, psychological measurement, program seminar, seminar in counseling theory, clinical assessment, statistics and research design, and practica in individual counseling, clinical intake and diagnosis, and counselor training and supervision. Students also must take two counseling psychology specialty electives (6 credits); and statistics and research design electives (10 credits).

Students also must complete departmental and state licensure course requirements covering measurement, history and systems, principles of learning, personality, developmental psychology, social psychology, and the biological basis of behavior (21 credits). In addition to course requirements, students must pass a comprehensive examination to be admitted to candidacy, complete a full-year full-time internship, have an approved dissertation proposal and dissertation, and pass a final oral examination of the dissertation.

Sample Plan of Study

APSY-GE 2657 Individual Counseling: Theory and Process must be taken as the first elective if a student enters without a counseling degree

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

• Fulfill the multiple roles of professional psychologists.
• Demonstrate a high level of ethical sensitivity and behavior in their professional roles.
• Knowledgeable in counseling/clinical theory, research, and practice.
• Are knowledgeable about the research process and the creation of new knowledge.
• Attain awareness, knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Understand optimal adaptive and maladaptive human functioning across the lifespan.
• Have a professional identity of a counseling psychologist and who are able to acquire additional knowledge appropriate to this specialty.
• Demonstrate understanding of  how to maximize psychological flourishing within individuals and across populations and settings.

Fieldwork Placement

Stem opt benefits for international students, nyu policies, steinhardt academic policies.

Be advised that fieldwork placement facilities that provide training required for your program degree, and agencies that issue licenses for practice in your field of study, each may require you to undergo general and criminal background checks, the results of which the facility or agency must find acceptable before it will allow you to train at its facility or issue you a license. You should inform yourself of offenses or other facts that may prevent obtaining a license to practice in your field of study. NYU Steinhardt will not be responsible if you are unable to complete program requirements or cannot obtain a license to practice in your field because of the results of such background. 

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in this program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT .

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

Additional academic policies can be found the  Steinhardt academic policies page . 

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Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Counseling psychology, phd.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). It is designed to train the next generation of mental health professionals. The program offers doctoral education and training in psychology and seeks to prepare students for entry-level practice in counseling psychology. Doctoral-level counseling psychologists conduct research, teach at the university level, supervise students and professionals, consult with community agencies, and provide clinical services to people across the developmental life span. Counseling psychologists also enhance the science of health promotion and health psychology and emphasize community-based interventions. It is the mission of the PhD in Counseling Psychology program to train multiculturally competent counseling psychologists who are clinically adept in multiple settings with a variety of psychological and health-related issues and who are able to conceptualize, conduct, and evaluate research across biological, cultural, and relational systems in numerous social contexts, such as families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

Please visit  Bouvé College Learning Outcomes  for the specific student learning outcomes for this program.

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Annual review Four qualifying examinations completed in the first three years—research, ethics, assessment, and intervention Research team during the first year (two consecutive semesters) Dissertation committee Dissertation proposal Dissertation defense

Core Requirements

A grade of B or higher is required in all coursework.

Dissertation

Program credit/gpa requirements.

62 total semester hours required Minimum 3.000 GPA required

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2023-24 Undergraduate Day PDF

2023-24 CPS Undergraduate PDF

2023-24 Graduate/Law PDF

2023-24 Course Descriptions PDF

Students in the Boston University PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development Program are trained in four core areas:

• Psychological foundations of behavior
• Research methods and data analysis
• Applied psychological practice
• Counseling psychology foundations and practice

Students follow one of our two program concentrations (child/adolescent mental health or sport/performance psychology) and receive additional training in the concentration area they choose. A list of courses can be found in the BU Bulletin , while a suggested semester-by-semester plan of study can be found in the Doctoral Student Handbook .

Research Training

Through active engagement in research with one or more faculty, students will learn how to apply theory and previous empirical findings in generating studies that produce new knowledge, design and implement intervention and curriculum strategies to promote optimal development, and learn how to translate research findings in ways that are accessible to educators, policy-makers and the lay public. 

We deliberately keep our doctoral cohorts small so that we can match each student with one or more faculty who have the time needed to provide personalized support and research development. Most faculty have active research teams that provide students with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of research, and often grant-funded, projects. As students begin to identify a program of research, advanced research courses will be selected that enable the student to continue developing their quantitative and/or qualitative skills.

Clinical Training: Practica and Internships

Applied human development.

The doctoral program in Applied Human Development provides students to develop their research and applied experiences in a variety of settings. Students should discuss with their mentor how best to approach this requirement. Some students will want to use this experience to enhance their research skills. These students should enroll in research independent study with their mentor, or with another faculty member to immerse themselves in the research process. Other students will want to develop their competencies through practicum training experiences.

Counseling Psychology

The Counseling Psychology doctoral program provides students with opportunities to develop their clinical competencies through practicum training experiences, starting in the second year. During the fourth year, students may choose (although not required) to continue their practica training, enrolling in externships that allow them to gain further clinical experience in either a new setting or a specialized area of training.

In the fourth year, if students have completed their prerequisite milestones, they become eligible to apply for a pre-doctoral psychology internship position. This position is the final clinical training experience prior to graduation. Students have done internships at sites such as hospitals, child & adolescent treatment programs, health centers, and local colleges and universities.

Training Goals

Students in the PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development program are expected to demonstrate competence in a number of interrelated and mutually reinforcing areas corresponding to the overarching goals of the program. A more detailed description of the program training goals, objectives, and competencies can be found in the PhD Handbook.

Goal #1 : To train counseling psychologists and researchers in Applied Human Development to work effectively with children through emerging adult populations.

• Understand role and function of professional psychologist in a wide range of clinical, training, and research settings
• Acquire advanced knowledge of theory and research
• Develop skills to work with children through emerging adult populations

Goal #2 : To train researchers who are able to contribute to the empirical knowledge base of counseling psychology and applied human development.

• Develop and implement research in schools and communities
• Use advanced knowledge of research methods to conduct independent research
• Critique and advance extant research

Goal #3 : To train graduate students who are committed to and serve as role models of cultural competence, ethical practice, and social justice.

• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity across professional contexts
• Work effectively with culturally diverse groups as professional psychologist and advocate

PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development

Get Your Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology – Everything You Need to Know in 2024

What’s in this guide, at a glance, what do you cover in a phd in counseling psychology, why get a phd in counseling psychology, how much does a phd in counseling psychology cost, what jobs can you do with a phd in counseling psychology, how much can you earn with a phd in counseling psychology, what to look for in a phd program.

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

A PhD in Counseling Psychology is frequently the final educational step for students on the path to becoming a licensed  Counseling Psychologist  and helping individuals overcome emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges through counseling and psychotherapy. But this qualification opens up a wealth of career opportunities across psychotherapy, education, sports, academia and Government.

A PhD in Counseling Psychology is a  doctoral-level degree  program that typically takes 4-6 years to complete.

During the program, students will take a variety of courses in areas such as counseling theories, research methods, human development, social and cultural diversity, and ethical and legal issues in counseling. They will also receive extensive training in counseling techniques, including individual, group, and family counseling, as well as assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders.

A Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology is a rigorous program that prepares students to become competent and ethical counseling psychologists. Here are some of the topics likely to be covered:

• Counseling Theory and Practice:  different counseling approaches, such as humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic, and how to apply them in practice.
• Research Methods:  learn about research design, data analysis, and how to conduct research in counseling psychology.
• Assessment and Diagnosis:  learn how to assess and diagnose mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, using different assessment tools and techniques.
• Human Development:  learn how individuals develop physically, cognitively, and socially over the lifespan, and how developmental factors influence mental health.
• Multicultural Counseling:  learn how culture, ethnicity, and other diversity factors impact counseling and the importance of cultural competence in working with diverse populations.
• Ethics and Professional Issues:  learn about ethical and legal issues in counseling, including confidentiality, informed consent, and boundaries.
• Supervised Clinical Practice:  gain hands-on experience in counseling by providing therapy to clients under the supervision of licensed professionals.
• Dissertation:  Students are required to conduct original research in counseling psychology and write a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to contribute to the field.

Here is a sample curriculum:

• Introduction to Counseling Psychology
• Counseling Theories and Techniques
• Research Methods in Counseling Psychology
• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Multicultural Counseling

Second Year

• Human Development and Counseling
• Advanced Counseling Theories and Techniques
• Group Counseling and Group Dynamics
• Ethics and Professional Issues
• Supervised Practicum
• Psychological Testing and Assessment
• Advanced Research Methods in Counseling Psychology
• Child and Adolescent Counseling
• Family Counseling

Fourth Year

• Career Counseling
• Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches in Counseling
• Addictions Counseling
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• Advanced Topics in Counseling Psychology
• Dissertation Research and Writing
• Internship in Counseling Psychology
• Teaching Assistantship
• Professional Development

Career Opportunities

Pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology opens up a wide range of career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow by 3% from 2020 to 2030. Moreover, a PhD in Counseling Psychology allows for a variety of career paths, including clinical practice, teaching, research, consulting, and administration.

See also:  what is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counseling psychologist?

Professional Recognition

Earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology can lead to professional recognition and respect within the mental health field. Graduates of PhD programs are recognized as experts in their field, and this recognition can open up opportunities for leadership positions, speaking engagements, and consulting work. Moreover, a PhD in Counseling Psychology can provide a competitive advantage when seeking employment or pursuing advanced certification or licensure.

Contribution to the Field

Pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology offers the opportunity to contribute to the field of mental health and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Through research, students can advance the knowledge and understanding of mental health issues and improve treatment approaches. They can also develop and implement innovative interventions that address the unique needs of diverse populations.

According to data from the National Science Foundation, the average cost of tuition and fees for doctoral programs in Psychology (including Counseling Psychology) is approximately $18,100 per year for in-state students at public institutions, and $34,600 per year for out-of-state students at public institutions. At private institutions, the average cost is approximately $33,800 per year.

A PhD in Counseling Psychology opens the doors to a wide range of opportunities in and out of the mental health field including:

• Counseling Psychologist  (or any other licensed psychologist – see some examples below) : After meeting  state-specific licensure requirements , you can provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, families, or groups in private practice or group practices.  Find counseling psychologist jobs.
• Licensed professional counselor : A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a certified mental health professional trained to provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and groups for a variety of emotional and psychological challenges.  See available LPC jobs on our board.
• School Counselor or Psychologist :  Work in schools to help students navigate academic and personal challenges, although this may require additional certifications depending on the jurisdiction.  See all our available school psychology jobs .
• Forensic Psychologist : While this might require additional training or specialization, you can work within the criminal justice system, evaluating defendants, making recommendations to courts, or providing therapy to offenders. Perhaps a  Ph.D. in forensic psychology  may be a better fit for you however if you are looking to become a forensic psychologist.  Find forensic psychology jobs .
• Sports Psychologist : While this may require further training in sports psychology, it involves working with athletes and teams to optimize performance and deal with sports-related stress.  See our latest sports psychology jobs .
• Researcher : Conduct research in universities or research institutions on topics related to counseling psychology, mental health, interventions, psychopathology, or other related areas.  Find open research jobs .
• Professor : Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and related fields at colleges and universities. This role often includes conducting research, publishing articles, mentoring students, and participating in academic service.
• Consultant : Offer expert advice to organizations, schools, or businesses on topics like stress management, conflict resolution, and employee well-being.
• Director of Counseling Services : Oversee the delivery and quality of counseling services at institutions such as universities or community centers.

The earning potential for someone with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology can vary widely based on factors such as geographical location, years of experience, specific role, work setting, and individual expertise.

Here are some of the average salaries for jobs commonly held by those with a PhD in counseling psychology. The links take you to specific salary guides that provide further insights such as what you can expect as a starting salary and how your salary might grow as you gain years of experience or complete additional education.

• Counseling Psychologist – $81,040
• School Counselor or Psychologist – $60,000
• Forensic Psychologist – $101,000
• Sports Psychologist – $72,255
• Professor – $80,370
• Consultant  – $150,000
• Director of Counseling Services  – $120,000

Choosing a Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology is a significant decision, and several key considerations should guide this choice. When assessing any program, it’s a good idea to visit if possible, talk to current students and faculty, and review program websites and literature for up-to-date statistics and information.

Accreditation

Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized body, such as the  American Psychological Association (APA) . Accreditation ensures the program meets certain standards and can be crucial for licensure and employment. Historically, graduates from APA-accredited programs have had higher  EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)  pass rates compared to non-accredited programs.

Be sure to review the overall cost of any particular PhD program taking into consideration the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. Tuition and fees for counseling psychology PhD programs can vary widely, from $18,000 a year to nearly $34,000 per year.

Cost of living is frequently overlooked when considering programs but this can significantly impact the overall cost. For example, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in San Francisco is 62% higher than the national average.

Students should also research available financial aid,  scholarships , and grants, as well as the availability of paid research or teaching assistantships.

Program’s Approach and Curriculum

Some programs may emphasize certain therapeutic modalities, research methods, or populations. Individual preferences vary, but it’s crucial to find a program that aligns with your career goals and theoretical orientation.

Faculty and Research Opportunities

Another important consideration when comparing counseling psychology PhD programs is the faculty and research opportunities available. Students should look for programs that have faculty members who are experts in their areas of interest and who are actively conducting research in those areas. This will provide students with the opportunity to work with and learn from experienced researchers and practitioners in the field. Additionally, students should consider the research opportunities available, such as access to research facilities, grants, and other resources.

Practical Experience and Internship Opportunities

Finally, students should consider the practical experience and internship opportunities offered by any given PhD program.

Students should look for programs that offer ample opportunities for clinical experience, such as supervised  practicums  or internships. Additionally, students should consider the quality of the internship opportunities offered, including the reputation of the sites, the level of supervision, and the diversity of the clients served.

Post-Graduation Job Placement

Investigate where graduates typically work after completing their degrees – in academia, private practice, hospitals, etc. Does this align with your career goals?

The majority of psychology doctorate recipients, around 70% according to the APA, find their first postdoctoral employment in health service provision settings.

The PhD in Counseling Psychology program at Northeastern is designed to train the next generation of mental health professionals.

In The News

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PhD Candidate Wins Prestigious Fellowship

The PhD Program in Counseling Psychology offers doctoral education and training in psychology and prepares students for entry-level practice in counseling psychology. Doctoral level counseling psychologists conduct research, teach at the university level, supervise students and professionals, consult with community agencies, and provide clinical services to people across the developmental lifespan. Counseling psychologists also enhance the science of health promotion and health psychology and emphasize community-based interventions.

Mission:  It is the mission of the PhD in Counseling Psychology program to train multiculturally competent counseling psychologists who are: (1) clinically adept in multiple settings with a variety of psychological and health-related issues; (2) able to conceptualize, conduct, and evaluate research across biological, cultural, and relational systems in numerous social contexts, such as families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

Our clinical training prepares counseling psychologists to work in various settings with individuals presenting with a variety of psychological and health-related issues. We emphasize an ecological model which encourages the conceptualization of relationships and research across multiple systems: biological, cultural, and relational. These relationships occur in various social contexts, including families, schools, neighborhoods and communities.

• Merging of science and practice within multicultural and urban contexts
• Translational research related to health promotion of individuals, groups, families, and communities
• Opportunities for empirically-based practice in urban community centers, agencies, schools, and hospitals
• Development of consultation and leadership skills in researchers and practitioners
• To prepare graduates for the role of professional psychologists, to include advanced skill development in behavioral observations, interviewing, psychological assessment, counseling and treatment planning and practice, consultation, effective use of supervision and an understanding of and commitment to the profession’s ethical codes.
• To foster understanding and application of the scientific basis of clinical practice in psychotherapy and clinical assessment.
• To produce graduates who possess advanced and applied research skills within an ecological perspective.
• To produce graduates who are committed to and demonstrate ethical practice as counseling psychologists.
• To produce graduates who are multiculturally competent across sources of difference, including race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion/spirituality, disability, and sexual orientation, in both clinical and research settings.
• To advance the field of counseling psychology using program strengths: (a) an interdisciplinary and interprofessional approach to clinical services provision and enhancement of the science of health promotion and health psychology; (b) stress on urban, community-based interventions using an ecological approach.

Northeastern’s Counseling Psychology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) The next APA accreditation site visit will be held in 2024.

At least two years of intensive clinical training is required. This preparation includes advanced fieldwork at various mental health settings in the Boston area. Students are expected to be at their site for 20 hours each week. Approximately half of their time is direct service delivery. Training goals include advanced skill development in behavioral observations, interviewing, psychological assessment, counseling and treatment planning and practice, consultation, effective use of supervision, and an understanding of and commitment to the profession’s ethical codes. Students must complete a one year, full-time pre-doctoral internship that has been approved by the program.

Where They Work

• McLean Hospital
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Arbor Counseling Services

What They Do

• Healthcare Services
• Community and Social Services
• Business Development
• Entrepreneurship

What They’re Skilled At

• Mental Health
• Psychotherapy
• Public Speaking

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal Statement
• TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
• 3.5 GPA and above preferred
• Masters degree in psychology or related field
• Official GRE General is optional
• Personal interview

Application Deadline: December 1st

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Counseling Psychology

• University of Kentucky

• Main Menu / Search

Ph.D. Program in Counseling Psychology

Our counseling psychology doctoral (PhD) program is APA-accredited. Our program follows the Boulder model for preparing scientist-practitioners, with an emphasis on social justice issues.

Introduction to UK Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Program (Video)

The program requires full-time study (9-12 credits per fall/spring semester) and residence in Lexington.  Like all counseling psychology PhD programs, our program includes the completion of a dissertation and a one-year, full-time internship at an APA accredited site, which usually requires relocation to another state.  As is typical for counseling psychology PhD programs, our program takes most post-master’s students (who enter the program with an applied mental health master’s degree) five years to complete and most pre-master’s students seven years to complete.

A majority of our program graduates ( click here to Meet our Alumni ) gain employment in mental health agencies (e.g., medical centers, community agencies, group practices), university counseling centers, or federal facilities (e.g., VA’s, prisons). Some graduates engage in private practice. Other graduates pursue research or teaching positions in institutions of higher education. The first employment setting is typically closely related to the specialized type of experience gained from the student’s pre-doctoral APPIC internship year. Many graduates have been able to move to the director/manager levels of those health delivery systems within three to seven years of graduation.  Please review our PhD Program’s Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data summary (see side menu) for information about time to completion, internship placement, retention, and licensure.

Check out our videos, in which we  answer students’ questions about Counseling Psychology and our programs  and our  doctoral students talk about their experience  with the UK Counseling Psychology PhD program.  Learn more about the  awards and accomplishments  and  professional background and interests of our current students .  If you have questions about the program that you would like to ask a current student, email Melanie Miller ( [email protected] ).

Top 12 Reasons to Join Our Program

• 100% of our  alumni  achieved gainful  employment  after graduation
• 100% of our students obtain  practicum  placements in a variety of desirable settings such as VA Medical Centers, Hospitals, Prisons, University Counseling Centers, and Community Mental Health Agencies
• 99% of students who wanted full-time (20/hrs/wk, includes tuition waiver and medical insurance coverage)  funding  in the last 3 years received it in the form of assistantships   or fellowships
• 98% of our students who applied for pre-doctoral  internship  in the last ten years received an APA-accredited and fully funded internship
• Our students received 49  awards  in 2020-2022
• Our students were first authors on 27  publications  and 52  presentations  at professional conferences in 2020-2022
• We have a  6:1  student to  faculty  ratio   that facilitates close mentoring in research and personal attention in the classroom
• We have a  diverse  student  body and  faculty  in the program
• Program faculty are successful in obtaining  extramural grant funding  to support their research (e.g., our department had $1,104,364 in primary and $11,428,625 in collaboration sponsored project grants and contracts for Academic FY 2022)
• The opportunity to conduct  multidisciplinary research : our faculty and students publish with scholars from Behavioral Science, Engineering, Public Health, Political Science, Sociology, Social Work, Gender and Women’s Studies, Education, and many other  departments on the UK campus .
• Social justice  research, training, and advocacy opportunities (e.g., EDP Social Justice Scholarship Series, EDP Ally Development Workshop,  Center for Equality and Social Justice )
• Lexington  is ranked as one of the Top 35 places to live in the USA by  U.S. News & World Report , which described our city as a good place for young professionals to live given the constant influx of young, highly educated people, plus the temperate climate, outdoor recreation, and low cost of living.  Check out  Lexington’s rankings , including recent Top 10 rankings on safety, place to raise a family, first-time home buying, place for new college grads, eating out affordably, work-life balance, and other quality of life indicators.

*List last updated in Fall 2022.

Program Philosophy and Social Justice Statement

The philosophy of the program is rooted in the values and goals of a socially just society. A socially just society is contingent on the optimal health and well-being of all persons in that society. The health and well-being of persons is contingent on access to healthy environments that support healthy development and functioning. We seek to train counseling psychologists who are competent  health service psychologists  (HSPs) that facilitate optimal well-being and the transformation of unhealthy and oppressive societal structures through engagement with science and practice.

Program Mission and Aims

Our mission is to train  skilled and ethical scientist-practitioners  who use their  counseling psychology professional identity  to competently address the evolving needs of a diverse society.  Learn more about the ten competencies and ten knowledge areas that underlie our program’s dual aims by examining the CP PhD Program Aims file available via our Handbooks and Forms webpage .

Program Training Model

We use a competency-based approach to training. We endorse the pedagogical principles for  Preparing Professional Psychologists to Serve a Diverse Public  and the  Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity . We also embrace the following APA aspirational practice guidelines , among others: Multicultural Guidelines: An Ecological Approach to Context, Identity, and Intersectionality; Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Girls and Women; Professional Practice Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men, Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults; and Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons; Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People; Guidelines for Psychological Practice for People with Low-Income and Economic Marginalization, and Guidelines for Assessment of and Intervention with Persons with Disabilities.  Our students completed clinical practica in a variety of settings in and around Lexington, including university counseling centers, community mental health agencies, private practices, assessment clinics, psychiatric hospitals, Veterans Health Administration medical centers (VA’s), correctional facilities, and specialty mental health clinics.

For in-depth information about all facets of the program, download the Doctoral Program Handbook and Program of Study from the  Handbooks and Forms  page.

Students who are looking for a program that will prepare them to be competitive for a career in academia will be delighted to learn that our program faculty ( click here to Meet the Faculty ) are some of the most productive, cited, and awarded in counseling psychology.

Academic Preparation for the Doctoral Program

Generally, students who enter the doctoral program have completed the master’s degree in psychology or counseling. We may accept strong applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related discipline (e.g., sociology, pre-med), but do not have a master’s degree; these students are expected to complete our master’s level coursework and practica prior to beginning the doctoral coursework and practica. Students negotiate a specific program of study with their advisory committee. Students can often waive out of doctoral courses when they completed an equivalent course during their master’s program.

How Students are Selected for Admission

The annual PhD program application deadline ( click here to Apply ) is  December 1 .

Drs. McCubbin, Hammer,  and Stevens-Watkins will be taking doctoral students for Fall 2024 start. GRE scores are optional (unless the applicant wishes to work with Dr. Stevens-Watkins, in which case reporting GRE scores is required). There is no minimum GRE score requirement or cut-off.

Applications for admission are evaluated by the program faculty who carefully review the applicant’s (a) GPA; (b) GRE scores, when provided; (c) letters of recommendation addressing academic, research, and counseling experiences and interpersonal skills; (d) match with faculty research interests; (e) Statement of Purpose outlining professional goals (i.e., is it commensurate with our training model and social justice values, and does it demonstrate excellence in written communication); (f) writing sample demonstrating excellence in written communication; and (g) contribution to diversity, broadly defined to include individual social identities and background experiences. The program faculty  holistically  considers the entire application of a prospective student and makes decisions based not only on numerical criteria but also on perceived fit with program goals, needs, and values. Therefore, a low score in one area can be off-set by professional strengths in another area. Minimum GPA is >2.75 for undergraduate and >3.00 for graduate. Minimum TOEFL score is 79. It is  crucial  that students articulate in their Statement of Purpose how their specific research interests match the research program of one or two of the counseling psychology faculty members.

See the  Apply webpage  for information on what date  doctoral interview day  will be held via Zoom .

This interview process helps the program faculty and prospective students further assess fit with the program and intended faculty adviser. After the interview day, the program faculty meet to review, discuss, and make final decisions about admission offers.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Counseling Psychology has been APA-accredited since November 9, 1983.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 Email:  [email protected] Web:  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/

For specific questions about the Program, please contact:

Joseph H. Hammer, PhD Associate Professor and Director of Doctoral Training 243 Dickey Hall University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0017 Email: [email protected] Phone: (859) 257-4158

We encourage prospective students to read the webpages mentioned above as well as the  Handbook and Program of Study  before emailing the Director of Training, as most questions are answered by these resources.   Dr. Hammer’s website  also provides in-depth advice on applying to counseling psychology PhD programs.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)
• Graduate School
• Prospective Students
• Graduate Degree Programs

Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The Counselling Psychology Program, in line with the mission of the research-intensive University of British Columbia, creates, advances and critically examines knowledge in counselling psychology, especially with respect to its validity, applicability, limits, and interface with other disciplines. In developing and applying pertinent and innovative research methodologies, the Counselling Psychology Program relies upon and builds qualitative and quantitative evidence to determine effective counselling interventions in educational, community, health, and occupational settings.

Our Doctoral Program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association and follows the scientist-practitioner model for the education of counselling psychologists: students receive a substantial education as both researchers and professional psychologists.  Designed for those with relevant experience who want to gain doctoral level competence, this program enhances research, counselling theory, and counselling skills.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

I decided to study at UBC because the Counselling Psychology program prepares its students to be excellent researchers as well as clinicians.

Katie McCloskey

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is required by all applicants.

2) Meet Deadlines

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)

Criminal record check, citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 2 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 2 students was $10,800.
• 8 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 8 students was $7,089.
• 1 student received Academic Assistantships valued at $2,700.
• 14 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 14 students was $12,751.
• 9 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 9 students was $25,370.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

52 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 50 alumni (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016):

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

Students will be prepared for careers as researchers, practitioners, and educators in a wide variety of settings including academic, clinical, community, business, private practice, and research. Our graduates hold positions such as staff psychologist, research manager, professor, director, department head, clinical counsellor, vocational rehabilitation consultant, team leader, behavioural consultant, group facilitator, and psychoanalyst.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Bedi, Robinder (Counselling psychology; Investigating counselling and psychotherapy as Western cultural healing practices; Counselling psychology disciplinary and professional issues in Canada; Heterodox issues in counselling psychology that challenge its dominant narratives and sacred ideas; Counselling/psychotherapy/mental health with Punjabi/Sikh individuals; Neglected topics in the Psychology of Men and Masculinity)
• Borgen, William (Career Counselling, Career/life transitions, Developmental approaches to counselling, Group counselling)
• Buchanan, Marla (Counsellor Stress, Narrative Inquiry, School Counselling, Traumatic Stress)
• Cox, Daniel (Counselling psychology; Motivations and Emotions; Anxiety; depression; Mental Health and Society; stress; Suicide)
• Haverkamp, Beth (Counselling Process Research, Ethics and Professional Issues, Research Design)
• Hubley, Anita (Psychological and health measurement; test development and validation; adult neuropsychological, personality, and mental health topics and assessment; research with general community and vulnerable populations (e.g. elderly, homeless, drug addicted))
• Miller, Kenneth (Mindfulness and its incorporation into mental health interventions in settings of adversity, Development of culturally grounded assessment and evaluation tools, The use of mixed-methods in intervention development and evaluation research)
• Park, CJ (Vocational psychology; Career counseling; diversity and social justice; critical consciousness; international and cross-cultural psychology; interventions)
• Tomfohr-Madsen, Lianne

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Keep your hands to yourself and use your words : a condescendingly titled exploration of what helps and hinders people with visual impairments while receiving unsolicited help from sighted people
• Coping is a collective responsibility : a narrative inquiry with women veterans on the barriers and facilitators of coping with military sexual trauma
• Health and wellness for Métis youth involved with Métis family services : exploring cultural connection through Métis beadwork using photovoice
• The process of transitioning to a mainstream high school for hard-of-hearing youth
• Positions : possibilities and pleasures in gay, bisexual, and queer men's storytelling
• Operation returning to school (Op RTS) : Canadian veterans’ experiences of transitioning to post-secondary studies
• From disenfranchisement to integration : young women's narratives of embodiment and sexual satisfaction
• The impact of traditional masculinity ideology on veteran mental health and treatment outcome
• Sexual and gender minority youth and their parents : identity-related conversations

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA)
• Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (MEd)

Same Academic Unit

• Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in School and Applied Child Psychology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD)
• Graduate Certificate in Orientation and Mobility (GCOM)
• Master of Arts in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MA)
• Master of Arts in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MA)
• Master of Arts in School and Applied Child Psychology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Special Education (MA)
• Master of Education in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (MEd)
• Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (MEd)
• Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology (MEd)
• Master of Education in Special Education (MEd)

Further Information

Specialization.

Programs of research reflect the core values and foci of the discipline of Counselling Psychology: career development, health and wellness, indigenous healing, gender and cultural diversity, disability, and social justice issues. Faculty members are involved in a wide range of research activities including intercultural counselling, First Nations counselling, career development and counselling, stress and coping, sexuality and reproductive health, disabilities, trauma, working with families and children in school settings, prevention of anxiety disorders, and empirically supported approaches utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

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Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Alejandra Botia

Throughout my undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, I have felt grateful to access a globally recognized university. Beyond being a stunning place, I chose to continue my graduate degree at UBC because of the invaluable friendships and professional relationships that I have built over the...

Sarah Panofsky

My PhD will be my fourth UBC degree and I am confident that the university will provide me with the comprehensiveness, relevance, and rigour that I seek in my studies. Connection to place is also important. Studying at UBC allows me to maintain relationships with the communities in Northwest BC...

Christine Yu

I had a wonderful experience during the Master’s program at UBC and felt a sense of community, with excellent support from my supervisor. Once I was ready to pursue a doctoral degree, I wanted to re-engage in that type of supportive environment while stretching the boundaries of my clinical and...

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QUICK FACTS

Visit Admissions!

Special Note: The GRE test has been waived for the December 1, 2023 application deadline (Fall 2024 start). 

• Application requirements:  Online application, transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 undergraduate and graduate, proof of  English language proficiency , GRE test scores (waived for 2024 Fall start), two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• International students: Please visit this page for information regarding transcript evaluation requirements.
• Deadline(s):  December 1 for Fall start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline.
• Course Requirements:  29 courses (72 credits) if you have a Master's degree or 38 courses (102 credits) if you do not have a Master's degree when entering the program
• Typical Course Load:  Fall (2 courses), Spring (2 courses), Summer (1-2 courses)
• Time to Completion:   4-5 years depending on course loads and whether you have a Master's degree prior to enrolling
• Alumni Current Positions:  Graduates work as staff psychologists at counseling centers and are faculty members at universities. Many become psychologists in private practice, and others work in hospitals and in policy fields.  

The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program, which is accredited as a scientist-practitioner program by the American Psychological Association, provides training to students to become effective counseling psychologists with  the knowledge and skills in research and clinical practice necessary to help people from diverse, multicultural backgrounds in a variety of settings. 

Doctoral students work closely with innovative faculty to conduct and publish significant peer-reviewed research on mental health issues, in addition to gaining extensive clinical experience that culminates with a one-year full-time internship at an approved site.

Lehigh’s Counseling Psychology faculty have significant research expertise in such areas as socio-emotional development of young children, attachment and family relationships, process and outcomes of interventions, liberation psychology career development interventions, undocumented and documented migration, gerontology, sexual assault prevention, LGBTQ issues, intimate partner violence, trauma-informed schools, experiences of racism, masculinity, Asian American concerns, and the intersection of identities. 

The doctoral program embraces multiculturalism and social justice, preparing students to conduct research and to work with people of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, religions, ages and socioeconomic statuses. 

Alumni have gone on to become members of university faculties or staff psychologists at counseling centers. Many work in hospitals or in policy fields, while others become psychologists in private practice.  

Students are highly involved in research, teaching apprenticeships, and clinical practica. As part of a research apprenticeship with a faculty member, students are immersed in the advisor’s lab early in the program. Students go on to complete an empirical qualifying project that is the equivalent of a master’s thesis. Later, they research and write their doctoral dissertation with supervision from a faculty mentor. They typically conduct additional research with their faculty mentor and other members of the faculty. Faculty mentor students in presenting their research and scholarship at national and international conferences, as well as in publication. Among the requirements, doctoral candidates complete a college teaching apprenticeship where they work closely with a faculty member to develop effective pedagogy. With the support of our clinical faculty, students complete their clinical practica. Students have completed their practica at University counseling centers, hospital settings, VAs, and community clinics. 

The full-time program requires 102 credits, which includes 30 master’s level credits plus 72 doctoral level credits. A student who enters the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program already holding a master’s degree in the field may be exempted from taking up to a total of 30 credits of required master’s level coursework if the student’s advisor approves, based on a review of the student’s transcript and course syllabi. 

Students entering with a bachelor’s degree have 10 years to complete all the doctoral degree requirements while those entering with a master’s degree have seven years. Typically, most students complete the program in much less time (5-6 years). 

Those seeking to apply for the Ph.D. program should complete the online application and provide official undergraduate and graduate transcripts. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for undergraduate and graduate work, and students must submit GRE test scores from within the past five years. 

Prospective students should provide an essay about why they want to become a psychologist and two letters of recommendation with at least one from a faculty member of an accredited academic institution. They must acknowledge they understand the College of Education policy on clearances. 

The deadline to apply is Dec. 1 for a fall start. 

All Counseling Psychology doctoral students are evaluated based on professional competencies expected to be demonstrated by counseling psychologists (see APA Education Directorate, 2013, and Campbell et al., 2013).

Questions regarding APA Accreditation may be addressed to the APA Office of Accreditation at: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 750 First St, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/ Telephone: (202) 336-5979 TDD/TTY: (202) 336-6123 Fax: (202) 336-5978 Email  (General Questions) ( [email protected] ) Email  (Annual Report Online only)

Currently, the doctoral program requires a total of 100 credits, which are composed of 30 master's level credits plus 72 doctoral level credits. A student who enters the counseling psychology doctoral program already holding a master's degree, regardless of where the degree was obtained, may be exempted by her or his advisor from taking up to a total of the 30 credits of required master's level coursework, with the exemption granted based on a review of the student’s transcript and/or course syllabi to ensure that the course or courses were of similar content to the course offered by Lehigh. These exempted credits do count toward the total needed for the doctoral degree (currently 100), but will not appear on the student’s Lehigh transcript. After conferring with his or her advisor, the student will complete an internal petition to have these credits exempted, and this petition must be approved by the program director. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets eligible F-1 students work in their field of study in the United States for 12 to 36 months after completing their program. Most students studying on F-1 visas become eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students with a degree in a STEM field—science, technology, engineering or math—may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their 12 months of OPT. Thus, students with an F-1 visa in our program may be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, which allows for up to a total of 36 months of Optional Practical Training off-campus work authorization. For more information on who is eligible to apply for this extension visit Lehigh’s Office of International Students and Scholars: STEM OPT Extension ( https://global.lehigh.edu/ oiss/current-students/stem- opt-extension ).

Educational Psychology: Counseling Psychology PhD

UWM’s PhD specialization in Counseling Psychology follows a scientist-practitioner model that integrates theory, practice and research to give you the scientific knowledge and skills needed to work with multicultural populations across diverse settings.

Our program sets up students for success. Placement rates for our graduates is 100%, and 87% of our graduates are licensed psychologists in various states.

Program Type

Program format, why choose our program.

• Commitment to diversity: In 2013, the Department of Educational Psychology won the American Psychological Association’s prestigious Bersoff Presidential Cultural Award for its success in recruiting and graduating doctoral students from racial/ethnic minorities as well as other countries.
• Location: We’re located in the state’s economic, cultural and career capital, just 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Chicago.
• Career prep: Since 2008, 88% of our counseling students were matched in internships, compared with the national average of 80%. Most years, it’s 100%.
• Research: Work alongside internationally known faculty as an integral member of their research teams. You may have the opportunity to present your work at national conferences.

Our PhD students are expected to conduct research and to advance the science of counseling psychology through scholarly inquiry. You’ll learn how to apply your scientific knowledge using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Our program, which is accredited by the American Psychological Association through 2029, will prepare you to work as a counseling psychologist in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, mental health clinics and private practice.

Note: Due to pending and recent retirements, and funding restrictions that prevent post baccalaureate students from serving as teaching assistants, most faculty will not consider admitting students for 2024 and into the Fall 2024 semester who do not already have a master’s degree.

Counseling Psychology Handbook

For additional information about the program, see the  Counseling Psychology PhD Program Handbook (PDF) .

Student Data

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data (PDF)

We will assign you a temporary advisor when you are admitted to the program. Once you enter the program, you are free to choose a new advisor who will be the chair of your dissertation committee, or continue with your assigned advisor.

Stipends for teaching or research assistantships at or above 33% time include tuition remission. Stipend salaries vary according to type of assistantship (e.g. teaching, research) and type of student (doctoral, dissertator). For an academic year (nine month) appointment for 2023, stipends are $15,000 for 50% time assistantships and $9,900 for 33% time assistantships.

The following table indicates the type of support given to each cohort of students for the 2022-23 academic year. Assistantships are allocated based on availability of positions, with priority given to first year students, then second year students, and then third year. Students in the counseling psychology program have successfully applied for assistantships in other schools and colleges. After the third year in the program, students are strongly encouraged to seek assistantships through faculty grants or off-campus sources.

Learn more about the Graduate School’s  current assistantship salary schedules .

Counseling Psychology Student Association

Open to all doctoral students in the Counseling Psychology PhD Program, CPSA focuses on student advocacy, professional development, and socialization/peer-to-peer mentorship. Members are also active at the national level (e.g., ACA, APA, APAGS). We encourage all students to get involved.

Career Resources

• Careers as a Counseling Psychologist
• Society of Counseling Psychology
• American Psychological Association
• Licensing Information

The Graduate School provides a range of  resources for student professional development  on its website.

Program Requirements

If you already have a master’s degree, the program involves three years of coursework, a year of dissertation and a year of internship.

Students are required to take 15 credits of courses toward discipline-specific knowledge (psychological foundations), 18 credits of practicum, 13 credits of statistics and 12-18 credits of courses designed to provide profession-wide competencies as a counseling psychologist (Ethics, Interventions, Advanced Multicultural Counseling, Vocational Psychology, Supervision/Consultation and Research).

In keeping with our scientist-practitioner model, we require all students to participate on a faculty member’s research team for two years, registering for ED PSYCH 838 for 12 credits. Many students participate on more than one faculty member’s team, and most students stay involved in research for the entire four years that they are on campus.

Our program is recognized by the state licensing board, and you will be eligible for licensure as a psychologist once you complete the doctorate and the post-doctoral hours required by the state and successfully pass the national licensing exam and state jurisprudence exam.

Application Process

All applications must be completed fully online through the UWM Graduate School’s Panthera Application System .

You should plan to apply a year before you intend to start. Be sure to pay careful attention to the program’s specific deadline.

Final Deadline for Fall Admission : Final application deadline is  Dec. 1  for Fall admission.

Applicants who are invited for interviews will be notified by early January. Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions by mid-February.

• The program requires three letters of recommendation. These letters must be submitted through the application’s electronic recommendation feature by the recommenders themselves. Letters uploaded or sent by the applicant will not be accepted.
• Applicants are also required to submit a writing sample completed within the last five years.

• Associate Professor , Educational Psychology
• Program Director , School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS
• [email protected]
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• Mary and Ted Kellner Endowed Chair of Educational Psychology , Educational Psychology
• Program Director , Counseling Psychology, PhD
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• Professor , Educational Psychology
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Kelsey Autin, PhD, Assistant Professor University of Florida Dr. Autin’s research interests include how people find fulfillment in their occupations and how this relates to overall well-being. Within this, she focuses on how people’s identities along with their sociopolitical contexts shape their beliefs about their freedom of work choice and barriers to obtaining decent work.

Nadya A. Fouad, PhD, ABPP, University Distinguished Professor and Mary and Ted Kellner Endowed Chair of Educational Psychology University of Minnesota Dr. Fouad’s research interests include cross-cultural vocational assessment, career development, interest measurement, role of race and social class in development, and cross-cultural counseling. Dr. Fouad is board certified in counseling psychology, and a licensed psychologist in the State of Wisconsin. *Note : Dr. Fouad is not taking on any new doctoral advisees at this time.

Xu Li, PhD, Assistant Professor University of Maryland, College Park Dr. Li’s research interests include (1) the process and outcome of individual and group psychotherapy, particularly in cross-cultural and multicultural contexts, (2) the development and training of therapists and the measurement of therapist competency, and (3) the career development and mental health of college students. With a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences, Dr. Li is keenly interested in exploring the use of advanced and novel quantitative methods in counseling psychology research.

Ankita Nikalje, PhD, Assistant Professor Purdue University Dr. Nikalje’s research focuses on systemic issues within the South Asian diaspora and their impact on lived experiences and mental health. She is particularly passionate about the issue of casteism and how caste discrimination continues to be experienced on an institutional, interpersonal and internalized level outside of South Asia. She has theorized Caste Critical Theory (CasteCRIT) and is developing instruments to measure the impact of caste in the diaspora. Similarly, her research also focuses on the impact of colonization, especially as it relates to internalized colonization or colonial mentality among South Asians.

Leah Rouse, PhD, Associate Professor and Electa Quinney Scholar University of Wisconsin-Madison Dr. Rouse’s research interests include trauma psychology, suicidology and mental health issues facing corrections, EMS and military populations, as well as cancer patients, survivors and their families, and American Indian communities. She works from a qualitative and Indigenous framework in research and practice. Dr. Rouse is board certified in counseling psychology, and a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin.

Stephen R. Wester, PhD, ABPP, Professor University of Florida Dr. Wester’s research interests include male gender role conflict, multicultural expressions of masculinity, gender and emotion, and counseling men, as well as the training of counseling psychologists and counseling supervision. Dr. Wester is board certified in counseling psychology, as well as a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin.

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PhD in Counselling Psychology

On this page: Overview | Admission Requirements | Applying | Tuition & Fees

Application deadline: December 1 annually  (Fall admission only).

Please read the program’s admission requirements fully. Please note that the Department no longer accepts deferrals, except under extraordinary circumstances.

Related Content

Admissions faq.

Counselling Psychology PhD Pre-Admission Academic Checklist [.doc]

Counselling Psychology Pre-Admission Academic Domains Guide [.pdf]

ECP Counselling Psychology Curriculum Vitae Template [.doc] 

Important note: This CV template is intended for  Counselling Psychology applicants only . All other applicants, please refer to the application instructions for the Program you are applying to.

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Master’s Study in Psychology

Develop the understanding, professional skills and empathetic approaches that are critical for success in psychology with a master’s degree in psychology from Adelphi University in New York.

Three Degree Options

Choose from MA programs in general psychology, mental health counseling, and school psychology. Each offers optional specializations and valuable field placements.

Making Your Degree Affordable

Adelphi and the Derner School of Psychology offer many ways to help you pay for master’s study, including graduate merit scholarships, scholarships for master’s psychology students, teaching assistantships and even employer tuition reimbursement.

A master’s degree in psychology opens doors to a wide variety of careers and can serve as a pathway to a doctorate.

Derner’s master’s in psychology programs give you the knowledge, training, critical reasoning skills and cultural competence you’ll need to excel in your career. Each includes optional specializations to help you focus on your interests:

• General Psychology: Human Resource Management, Substance Abuse Counseling
• Mental Health Counseling: Global Mental Health, Substance Abuse Counseling
• School Psychology: Bilingual School Psychology, Autism Specialization

Our rigorous master’s programs also offer part-time options and flexible schedules to meet our students’ work or family responsibilities.

Graduate Psychology Programs

Exceptional hands-on training.

As a master’s student at the Derner School of Psychology, you’ll gain clinical skills through practica and internships in local healthcare settings, schools, agencies and organizations, and community services offered by Adelphi. You can also gain valuable experience—and earn money to help cover tuition—in graduate assistantships.

Field Placements

Field experience is a vital part of our master’s degree programs, helping you develop the professional skills and the cultural competence to thrive in any working environment.

Graduate Assistantships

Working with faculty, staff and students helps cover the cost of your graduate education. Choose from research, testing or departmental assistantships.

“A number of professors in this program have made a profound impact on my development. The coursework, practica and internship experiences helped prepare me to obtain a job prior to graduation.

Mentoring Future Psychologists

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Awards & Recognition

Earn Your Master’s Degree at the Derner School of Psychology

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Is a Psychology Degree Worth It?

Know before you read At SNHU, we want to make sure you have the information you need to make decisions about your education and your future—no matter where you choose to go to school. That's why our informational articles may reference careers for which we do not offer academic programs, along with salary data for those careers. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

If you're interested in the human mind, you might want to pursue a psychology degree. But you may also be wondering how you might use a psychology degree and if it’ll be worth it in the end.

Can a Psychology Degree Be Useful?

There are a few different types of psychology degrees  you may consider pursuing, depending on your interests and career goals.

A few of those include:

• Associate of Arts (AA) in Psychology (Not currently offered at SNHU)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
• Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD-PSY) (Not currently offered at SNHU)
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) (Not currently offered at SNHU)

Dr. Leslie Buddington , an online adjunct psychology instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), suggested a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology  degree if you’d like to apply psychology concepts to the workplace.

Although there are several different areas you can focus on, most psychology programs have some common skills you can learn.

According to Buddington, while pursuing a psychology degree, you may learn about:

• Applying research
• Conducting experiments
• Data analysis and research methods
• Individual differences
• Making measurable changes in an environment  
• Social justice and inequities  

“Those are incredible skills that are useful in any future career,” said Buddington.

Many employers look for individuals with those kinds of skills, across a variety of fields. According to Buddington, psychology is a well-rounded field that demonstrates that you understand people, how situations contribute to behavior, how to predict and change behaviors and how to apply that information in order to make changes to a system. “That is going to help you stand out as a job candidate in multiple careers," she said.

Exploring experiential learning opportunities  can help you to stand out even further, providing real-world experience while you're a student. Buddington noted that you can also work with your school's career center to find an internship.  “An internship or experiential learning opportunity is definitely worthwhile to pursue," she said.

Find Your Program

How hard is a psychology degree.

"Because in psychology there are multiple perspectives (cognitive, developmental, behavioral, evolutionary and so forth), there is often no one ‘correct’ answer,” said Buddington. “Sometimes the fact that an answer is not just black or white doesn’t fit with how some people think.”

Buddington also said that students can sometimes be surprised by the amount of statistics and research work a psychology program involves.

The course load and program requirements may vary from school to school. Taking the time to research and ask questions about the programs you’re interested in can give you a better idea of what to expect while pursuing a psychology degree.

“I don’t necessarily think a psychology degree is hard, but it can sometimes be different from what you are expecting,” said Buddington.

Is a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Worth It?

Buddington said that a BA in Psychology can allow you to work in many careers. Some options you may consider include:

• Data analysis
• Human resources
• Law enforcement
• Sports coaching

“I think because the principles you are learning apply to people, situations, behavior, society, as well as data analysis, they are universal skills that are needed across multiple career fields,” said Buddington.

And the reasons for entering this field of study are just as varied.

With her degree, Molinari hopes to work at a healthcare organization. She wants to help anyone who needs discretion, empathy and care, such as those transitioning or those who don’t have healthcare.

“I would just like to lend a helping hand to anybody who needs it,” she said.

A psychology degree can also help you to change careers.

“I always had an interest in the human mind,” said Parker. Psychology was the obvious choice when choosing his major.

After working 14-hour shifts, traveling all over the country, he would start doing his schoolwork. Since earning his degree, he now works as an HR business partner.

“It’s amazing, the job opportunities you can get with a psychology degree,” said Parker.

Is a Master of Science in Psychology Worth It?

“With an MS in Psychology, you are able to concentrate more fully on a field,” said Buddington.  

You might become a therapist or forensic psychologist, according to Buddington. She said that a master’s degree may also allow you to teach at some community colleges.

Parker said that his degree has already opened doors for him, including the opportunity to pursue further education. He’s currently enrolled in the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at SNHU. (SNHU is not currently enrolling new students in the graduate counseling program.)

“My ultimate goal is to go back into drug and alcohol counseling, try to help people who suffer with addiction,” he said.

Are Psychologists in Demand?

“Post-pandemic there is more need than ever for psychologists,” said Buddington.

Becoming a psychologist typically requires a master's degree or higher, and licensing requirements vary by state. BLS predicts that job growth for psychologists will grow by 6% through 2032.*

“Teletherapy allows more individuals to have access to therapy that they otherwise may not have had,” said Buddington.

For example, people living in rural areas might not have therapists available nearby. Teletherapy allows those individuals to have access to therapy, said Buddington. “The fact that you can become teletherapy certified is an equity and inclusion triumph,” she said.

Like most fields, psychology is open to more diverse and inclusive perspectives. A psychology degree can provide you with the ability to better understand those from different backgrounds from you.

According to a study on diverse populations by the American Psychiatric Association, people from racial or ethnic minority groups are less likely to receive mental health care ( American Psychiatric Association PDF Source ). Some factors contributing to this include:

• Lack of diversity among mental health providers
• Language barriers
• Mental health stigma

Psychologists with unique cultural perspectives can help more people to feel understood.

A degree can change your life. Find the SNHU psychology program  that can best help you meet your career goals.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Ashleigh Worley '22 is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at SNHU. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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About southern new hampshire university.

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

This degree is offered through the School of Online Studies. The Psychology degree with a Counseling Concentration has been designed with an emphasis on counseling and psychology content. The curriculum focuses on issues of development, diversity, and human behavior and is designed for students desiring entry-level positions or preparation for graduate studies.

Required Courses for the Psychology/Counseling B.S. Degree

I. christian studies core - 15-21 credits.

• ICS 3610 - Concepts of Global and Ethical Leadership 3 Credits *
• THE 3701 - Apologetics and Christian Evidences 3 Credits *
• BIB 1511 - Survey of Biblical Literature 3 Credits *
• BIB 1520 - History of the Old Testament 3 Credits
• BIB 1522 - History of the New Testament 3 Credits
• BIB 3510 - Interpreting the Gospels 3 Credits
• BIB 4710 - Interpreting Romans 3 Credits
• THE 3520 - Foundations of Christian Thought 3 Credits *
• THE 3522 - Systematic Theology I 3 Credits
• THE 3524 - Systematic Theology II 3 Credits

II. General Education Core - 30 Credits

• COM 1010 - Introduction to Communication 3 Credits
• COM - Communication Elective 3 Credits
• Communication, Humanities, Math, Science or Social Science Electives 9 Credits
• ENG 1510 - College Writing and Research 3 Credits
• ENG 1512 - Introduction to Literary Analysis 3 Credits
• Literature Elective 3 Credits
• MAT - Math Elective 3 Credits
• SCI - Science Elective 3 Credits
• Social Science Elective 3 Credits
• SOC 1510 - College Success Strategies 3 Credits 1,2

III. Major Core - 39 Credits

• MAT 2230 - Statistical Concepts 3 Credits *
• PSY 130 - General Psychology 3 Credits *
• PSY 236 - Developmental Psychology 3 Credits *
• PSY 240X - Social Science Research Methods 3 Credits *
• PSY 3060 - Diversity Issues in Counseling 3 Credits *
• PSY 331 - Personality Theories 3 Credits
• PSY 337 - Understanding Psychopathology 3 Credits
• PSY 3538 - Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy 3 Credits
• PSY 3542 - Methods of Counseling 3 Credits
• PSY 431X - Social Psychology 3 Credits
• PSY 442 - Marriage and Family Counseling 3 Credits
• PSY 4533 - Group Dynamics 3 Credits
• PSY 4546 - Crisis Intervention 3 Credits

IV. Electives - 41 Credits*

A minimum of 36 credits must be at the upper (3000-4000) level for a bachelor degree.

* Some courses from the Christian Studies Core and Major Core can be used to fulfill requirements in the General Education Core. By doing that the number of electives needed would increase so that the minimum of 125 credits is reached.

Total - 125 Credits

1 Counts towards 3 credits of Social Science credits. Students who have successfully completed 60 credits with a GPA of at least a 2.0 may replace  SOC 1510    with a Communication, Humanities, Math, Science or Social Science elective.

2 Click HERE to view options for Humanities and Social Science Electives.

Option: Accelerated Degree Program

Qualified students in the B.S. in Psychology/Counseling program may apply for an accelerated degree program to earn their M.A. in Counseling    degree in an additional two years instead of the typical three years. Click here for more detailed information regarding the acceptance process for this option.

Course Requirements for MA/Counseling

Students who are accepted into the accelerated  M.A. in Counseling    program will substitute the following graduate level courses into the undergraduate degree to fulfill the B.S. Psychology/Counseling requirements.

Click for more information about the M.A. in Counseling    program.

Click here to determine if the Counseling M.A. degree meets the requirements for licensure in your state.