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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 2025 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
• Jordan Wright  

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.

Counseling Psychology PhD

Doctor of philosophy in counseling psychology.

The Ph.D. Program in Counseling Psychology is dedicated to the preparation of counseling psychologists who facilitate the optimal development of individuals, groups, and organizations that is culturally relevant and psychologically appropriate across the lifespan. Our students are taught to use strategies of prevention, intervention, and remediation to assist others in developing effective coping skills and responses to their environments.

The program prepares students to meet the following profession wide competencies:

Individuals who successfully complete programs accredited in health service psychology (HSP) must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and competence sufficient to produce new knowledge, to critically evaluate and use existing knowledge to solve problems, and to disseminate research. This area of competence requires substantial knowledge of scientific methods, procedures, and practices.

Doctoral students are expected to: 

• Demonstrate the substantially independent ability to formulate research or other scholarly activities (e.g., critical literature reviews, dissertation, efficacy studies, clinical case studies, theoretical papers, program evaluation projects, program development projects) that are of sufficient quality and rigor to have the potential to contribute to the scientific, psychological, or professional knowledge base. 
• Conduct research or other scholarly activities. 
• Critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activity via professional publication and presentation at the local (including the host institution), regional, or national level.

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate competency in each of the following areas:

• Be knowledgeable of and act in accordance with each of the following: 
• the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct; 
• relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and 
• relevant professional standards and guidelines. 
• Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas.
• Conduct self in an ethical manner in all professional activities. 

Trainees must demonstrate knowledge, awareness, sensitivity, and skills when working with diverse individuals and communities who embody a variety of cultural and personal background and characteristics. The Commission on Accreditation defines cultural and individual differences and diversity as including, but not limited to, age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. 

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate: 

• An understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves.
• Knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service. 
• The ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles (e.g., research, services, and other professional activities). This includes the ability apply a framework for working effectively with areas of individual and cultural diversity not previously encountered over the course of their careers. Also included is the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or worldviews create conflict with their own.
• Demonstrate the requisite knowledge base, ability to articulate an approach to working effectively with diverse individuals and groups, and apply this approach effectively in their professional work.
• Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others. 
• Engage in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness. 
• Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision.
• Respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress across levels of training. 

Communication and interpersonal skills are foundational to education, training, and practice in psychology. These skills are essential for any service delivery/activity/interaction and are evident across the program’s expected competencies. 

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services. 
• Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated; demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts. 
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well. 

Trainees should demonstrate competence in conducting evidence-based assessment consistent with the scope of HSP. 

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate the following competencies: 

• Demonstrate current knowledge of diagnostic classification systems, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and psychopathology.
• Demonstrate understanding of human behavior within its context (e.g., family, social, societal and cultural).
• Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge of functional and dysfunctional behaviors including context to the assessment and/or diagnostic process.
• Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient.
• Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective.
• Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.

Trainees should demonstrate competence in evidence-based interventions consistent with the scope of HSP. Intervention is being defined broadly to include but not be limited to psychotherapy.  Interventions may be derived from a variety of theoretical orientations or approaches. The level of intervention includes those directed at an individual, a family, a group, an organization, a community, a population, or other systems. 

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate the ability to: 

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services. 
• Develop evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals. 
• Implement interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables. 
• Demonstrate the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making. 
• Modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking, 
• Evaluate intervention effectiveness, and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation. 

Supervision involves the mentoring and monitoring of trainees and others in the development of competence and skill in professional practice and the effective evaluation of those skills. Supervisors act as role models and maintain responsibility for the activities they oversee. Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of supervision models and practices. 

Consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills are reflected in the intentional collaboration of professionals in health service psychology with other individuals or groups to address a problem, seek or share knowledge, or promote effectiveness in professional activities. 

Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions, as well as knowledge of consultation models and practices.

Strengths and highlights of our training program include:

In-depth infusion of racial-cultural and social justice emphases throughout program components. Although our curriculum features certain courses with words like "multicultural" in the titles, our multicultural-social justice instruction does not just reside in those courses. Rather, we conceptualize every course and program experience within the context of a social justice and racial-cultural framework. Not only is this orientation consonant with our belief that socially-just practice is ethical, effective practice, it also allows us to align our work with broader movement toward social equity.

Research exposure and opportunities.  At Teachers College, you have the opportunity to get first-rate practitioner preparation in the context of first-rate scholarship. Our faculty includes researchers whose work has shaped the counseling profession, and every faculty member maintains ongoing research teams to which students at any level of training may apply. To find out more about our faculty's research interests, please consult their individual pages on the TC website.

A commitment to the crucial role of experiential training and self-awareness within psychotherapist preparation.  As a counselor or therapist, the instrument that you use to enact your professional work is you -- so the more aware you are of your own interpersonal style, skills, and biases, the more effectively you can use your instrument. Many students find that some of the most important, challenging, and transformational aspects of their TC training results from courses like Foundations, Group Counseling, and Racial-Cultural Counseling Lab, where students learn about themselves as they learn about the practice of psychology.

TC's program of study leading to the doctorate in Counseling Psychology is guided by criteria adopted by the  American Psychological Association  for accredited programs in professional psychology.

The course of study includes:

• Scientific and professional ethics and standards
• Psychological measurement, statistics, and research design and methodology
• Knowledge and understanding of a) history and systems of psychology b) the biological basis of behavior c) the cognitive-affective bases of behavior d) the social bases of behavior (e.g., social psychology) and e) individual behavior (e.g., personality theory, human development)
• Intervention strategies and methods of inquiry; and
• Preparation to undertake a doctoral dissertation.

In developing the necessary mastery of these areas, students are expected to be attentive to the historical roots of counseling psychology, i.e., the study of individual differences, the vocational guidance movement, and the mental health movement. Similarly, they are expected to be prepared for the probable future of counseling psychology in the areas of expertise represented by the faculty, especially the influence of social and cultural systems (home, family, workplace, and environment) on human development and change.

Mentorship model.  Students are advised by the faculty mentor with whom they selected during the application process. The advisor serves the important roles of orienting students to the program and helps them to develop their curriculum plans. Students receive mentorship in research by serving on the research teams of their advisors and ordinarily do research practicum on their mentor’s research team.  The doctoral mentors are:

• Melanie E. Brewster: ( Now interviewing new Ph.D. students to enroll in Fall 2024) Mental and physical health correlates of marginalization and/or objectification; atheism and nonreligious identities; collective action and well-being; instrument development and psychometric evaluation. Co-directs the Sexuality, Women, and Gender Project, which offers a graduate certificate. Link to website . 
• Whitney J. Erby: (Now interviewing new Ph.D. students to enroll in Fall 2024) The relationship between the experience of racism, racial identity, and well-being; career development; Black women’s mental health; couple’s therapy; psychological assessment.
• George V. Gushue: ( Now interviewing new Ph.D. students to enroll in Fall 2024) The influence of racial/cultural attitudes, beliefs, and values on social cognition (e.g., perception, judgment, memory, and attribution) in the areas of client evaluation and counseling practice, career development, and health; group and family counseling; psychosocial dimensions of HIV/AIDS. Link to website. 
• Cindy Y. Huang : Cultural factors associated with child development and psychopathology for ethnic minority and immigrant youth; prevention of psychopathology; culturally-informed child and family interventions; and family, school, and community-based prevention intervention.  Link to website . 
• Marie L. Miville : Multicultural counseling; universal-diverse orientation; Latina/o psychology; LGBT issues; women's issues; intersections of identities; supervision and training.  Link to website.  
• Laura Smith:  Social inclusion/exclusion and wellbeing; psychological dimensions of social class, poverty, and classism; intersections of race and class; Whiteness and antiracism; participatory action research; community-based psychological interventions.  Link to website.
• Derald Wing Sue : Multicultural counseling and therapy, cultural competency, multicultural consultation and organizational development, psychopathology, racism and antiracism, law and ethics.  Link to website.
• Brandon L.  Velez (Director of Clinical Training & currently interviewing new Ph.D. students to enroll in Fall 2024)  The associations of discrimination and identity-related attitudes with mental health and career outcomes among sexual, gender, and racial/ethnic minority individuals, as well as populations with multiple minority identities. Link to website. 

For detailed information about the program and its requirements, please see the Doctoral Student Handbook available for download below.

The Ph.D. program also offers a  Bilingual Latinx Mental Health Concentration .

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

Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Points/Credits: 90
• Entry Terms: Fall

Application Deadlines

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines , such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

Requirements from the tc catalog (ay 2023-2024).

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

View Full Catalog Listing

The program of study that follows is described in terms of full-time study. Some of the courses may be taken on a part-time basis. However, full-time study after the first 30 applicable credits is required unless the student can present persuasive evidence that his or her living and working circumstances have not prevented, and will not prevent, him/her from taking full advantage of the College’s resources. Certain essential subjects and practica are offered only in the morning and early afternoon hours.

The doctorate degree is granted after successful completion of a minimum of 90 points of planned, sequential study beyond the bachelor’s degree, of which at least 60 points must be taken at Teachers College. The doctoral program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and requires at least five years, including the equivalent of four years of academic study beyond the bachelor’s degree and one calendar year of internship.

Please note that upon admission to the Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology, students will receive a Doctoral Student Handbook for the Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology which will provide updated policy, program features, and requirements. (The most recent handbook is available on the Program website). The program of study leading to the Doctorate in Counseling Psychology is guided by criteria adopted by the American Psychological Association for accredited programs in professional psychology.

The course of studies includes: scientific and professional ethics and standards; psychological measurement, statistics, and research design and methodology; knowledge and understanding of: (a) history and systems of psychology, (b) the biological basis of behavior, (c) the cognitive-affective bases of behavior, (d) the social bases of behavior (e.g., social psychology), and (e) individual behavior (e.g., personality theory and human development), intervention strategies and methods of inquiry; and preparation to undertake a doctoral dissertation.

In developing the necessary mastery of these areas, the student is expected to be attentive to the historical roots of counseling psychology, i.e., the study of individual differences, the vocational guidance movement and the mental health movement. Similarly, she or he is expected to be prepared for the probable future of counseling psychology in the areas of expertise represented by the faculty, especially the influence of social and cultural systems (home, family, workplace, and environment) on human development and change.

In addition to core requirements, courses in specific and specialized areas of counseling psychology are available. Courses in the department are supplemented by appropriate offerings in other Programs and Departments at Teachers College, and Columbia University.

Please note that satisfactory performance in the degree program is defined as no incomplete grades and no courses in which the grade earned is lower than B. Academic dishonesty and unethical behavior may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program (master’s or doctoral). Specific information regarding curriculum requirements are contained in the Doctoral Student Handbook. In addition to coursework, a number of other academic experiences are required.

Doctoral Certification

Candidacy as a doctoral student expires after a certain number of years. Ph.D. candidates must complete all degree requirements within seven years of first entering the program (six years if they have an applicable master’s degree or 30 points of advanced standing prior to doctoral admission).

Counseling Psychology students do not become official candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy until they have passed: 1) a College-Wide Psychology Research Methods Exam, and 2) a Program Comprehensive exam which includes both a written exam and the submission of a Research Competence project paper. The written exam covers several areas in Counseling Psychology, including: (1) theoretical concepts; (2) core psychology course work; (3) clinical interventions; (4) assessment in career work and personal/social counseling; (5) professional issues such as ethics, professional trends, and developments in counseling psychology. Cultural issues will be infused into the content questions in the exam. In addition, they must satisfy all other requirements for certification prescribed by the Office of Doctoral Studies (ODS). Students who fail to take the certification examination at the appropriate point in their studies are subject to certain penalties. Also there are evaluations done annually to facilitate students’ timely completion of the Ph.D. degree (See Doctoral Student Handbook for more information).

Practicum and Externship

Practicum placements are available both on-campus and off-campus. The Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services (CEPS) is an in-house training clinic located at 657 528 Building. Students may petition program faculty to complete practicum placements off-campus and should contact the Fieldwork Coordinator for further information. A year-long externship placement may be required of students who do not obtain sufficient clinical hours during their practicum rotations.

For doctoral students only: Supervised experience in approved and appropriate agencies, institutions, and establishments. Students are required to petition faculty for internship training and must be approved to apply for an internship. Students must have completed all coursework during the academic year in which they are applying for an internship. Students must have passed all certification and comprehensive examinations as well as have an approved dissertation proposal.

The Dissertation

For most doctoral students, the completion of course requirements presents few problems. Successful completion of a dissertation is usually less easily managed. Unless carefully planned in advance, it can prove a difficult hurdle. Accordingly, the degree program has several built-in features designed to facilitate the formulation and successful execution of an acceptable dissertation proposal and assistance in completing the dissertation. These include the completion of a research competence project, the Dissertation Seminar course, and a Review of Research course.

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Teachers College, Columbia University 428 Horace Mann

Contact Person: Jacob Holober

Phone: (212) 678-3397 Fax: (212) 678-3397

Email: jsh2239@tc.columbia.edu Admissions Inquiries: CCPadmission@tc.columbia.edu

Doctor of Philosophy

Counseling Psychology

Become a counseling psychologist.

Our APA-accredited PhD Program in Counseling Psychology provides integrated scientist-practitioner training in psychology as a scientific discipline and in counseling psychology as an area of professional specialization.

Faculty are active researchers and practicing psychologists who help you develop into a multiculturally aware researcher and clinician applying evidence-based practices.

Our 81-credit program enables you to pursue a professional career as a licensed psychologist in a variety of research, teaching, and practice settings including employment at research-oriented universities and colleges, community and college counseling centers, academic medical schools, Veterans Affairs medical facilities, and private practice.

Program of Study

Professional and practical training, clinical work and research experience, graduate student funding.

• Special Opportunities

Admissions Requirements

• School of Education Home

Core Courses

• Introduction to Counseling Theory & Practice    
• Theories of Career Development in Counseling Psychology    
• Ethics and Professional Issues in Counseling Psychology    
• Theory, Research, and Practice in Counseling Psychology I & II
• Assessment in Counseling Psychology I & II
• Group Counseling Research and Practice
• Multicultural Counseling
• Clinical Supervision and Consultation: Theory, Research, and Practice
• Behavioral Disorders

Supervised Practica in Counseling Psychology

• Pre-practicum in Counseling Psychology
• Doctoral Practicum in Counseling Psychology I & II
• Doctoral Practicum in Specialized Procedures  

Statistics and Research Design Courses

• Statistical Methods II
• Research Principles and Methods in Counseling
• Regression Analysis for Counseling Research
• Multivariate Applications in Counseling Psychology  or  Multivariate Methods for Applied Researchers and Evaluators

Psychological Foundation Courses

Students will take coursework in this area that covers five major substantive areas within general psychology: 

• Biological Bases of Behavior
• Cognitive Bases of Behavior
• Developmental Bases of Behavior
• Social Bases of Behavior
• History and Systems in Psychology

Each course is three (3) credits.

Additional Requirements

Professional development activities, qualifying exam, research tool competence, professional internship, written dissertation, and oral defense.

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details .

For more information, please contact Dr. Myrna Friedlander at [email protected] .

This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State and the institution has not made a determination regarding the educational requirements for any other state.

The PhD program at UAlbany requires you to complete scholarly scientific work in addition to doctoral practica in clinical settings.

Required Activities

• Participate in professional development activities (teaching, research, etc.)
• Present a first-authored poster or paper at a psychology conference
• Submit a first-authored, empirically-based manuscript to a peer-reviewed psychology journal
• Complete at least 4 integrative assessment reports
• Complete NYS-mandated training in child abuse reporting

Initial Training

In your first year, if you enter without prior supervised clinical experience, you will take a one-semester pre-practicum course to prepare you for conducting psychotherapy with clients. In your second year, you complete two semesters of clinical practice (practica) at UAlbany's Psychological Services Center, under the supervision of NY-licensed faculty via closed-circuit television systems.

Advanced Training

In your third and/or fourth year, you complete advanced practicum training (psychotherapy and assessment) with clients in colleges, hospitals and community clinics under the supervision of NYS-licensed psychologists.

This provides you with deeper skills in service areas such as adult, group and family therapy, psychological testing, outreach, crisis management, psychiatric intake, behavioral health care, chemical dependency and substance abuse, hospice, cognitive remediation, and adjustment counseling for people with acquired brain injury.   Current sites for these advanced practica include:

• University at Albany Counseling and Psychological Services
• Albany Medical Center (Outpatient Clinic and Behavioral Pediatric Department)
• Capital District Psychiatric Center (Outpatient Clinic)
• Union College Counseling Center
• College of St. Rose Counseling Center
• Stratton Veterans Administration Medical Center (Various Inpatient and Outpatient Rotations)
• MindWell, LLP

Professional Internship

On obtaining doctoral candidacy, in your last year of the program, you complete an APA-accredited, 2,000-hour professional internship.

Recent internship sites include:

• Mount Sinai Morningside and West Hospital Center (NYC)
• Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston)
• VA Western New York Healthcare System (Buffalo)
• Charleston Internship Consortium (SC)
• University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)
• University of Colorado at Boulder
• White River Junction Veterans Medical Center (VT)
• Albany Psychology Internship Consortium (state hospital and VA hospital)
• Catholic University (Washington, DC)
• Towson University (MD)
• University of Rochester (NY)
• California State University-Northridge

Doctoral Dissertation

To earn your PhD, you conduct a qualitative or quantitative investigation on a psychology-related topic under the supervision of a mentor and two additional faculty members. Your dissertation involves collecting and analyzing empirical evidence, and demonstrates your competence in problem conceptualization, research design, data analysis, and scholarly reporting. Following approval of your written dissertation, you complete a final oral defense of your work. 

Doctoral Assistantships

All students entering the PhD program are guaranteed funding for their first year through a 20-hour per week research assistantship. Typically, second-year students receive an assigned teaching assistantship and third and fourth year students may apply for a desired teaching, clinical, or research assistantship.

Additional Funding Opportunities

• Career counselor in the UAlbany Office of Career and Professional Development
• Career services coordinator or graduate assistant at UAlbany Psychological Services Center
• Hotline coordinator and trainer in the Peer Assistance Program at UAlbany Counseling and Psychological Services
• Extern, Union College Counseling Center
• Extern, MindWell, LLP

International Exchange Program (Spain)

With some Spanish fluency, third year students and beyond may visit or train in Spain at the Union de Investigacíon en Intevencíon y Cuidado Familiar (UIICF), a clinical research unit directed by Dr. Valentín Escudero, a professor at the Universidad de La Coruña.

The program enables you to participate in international research, take interdisciplinary courses, and receive clinical training in approaches to family intervention for up to one year. Tuition costs are waived in exchange for 5-6 hours of research assistance per week.

Specialization in Health Disparities

You may complete a health disparities specialization certificate through the Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities.

Within three years of graduation, 96% of program alumni have become state-licensed psychologists. Most work in clinical settings, but some pursue academic careers, and about half of all alumni teach in some capacity.

Recent graduates are employed as post-docs, academic or staff psychologists at:

• Massachusetts General Hospital, MA
• Boston VA Medical Center, MA
• Silver Hill Hospital, CT
• Brattleboro Retreat, VT
• Fordham University, NY
• University of Minnesota, MN

"UAlbany's counseling psychology program enabled me to create my own specialty track in health psychology. I gained skills as a clinician and researcher, and had the opportunity to take on leadership roles. It was a highly collegial atmosphere, and I developed great relationships with both faculty and students."

-Counseling Psychology Graduate

Accreditation

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

The PhD program in Counseling Psychology has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1980. As of July 2020, the following states accept APA-accredited doctoral programs as meeting the educational requirements for licensure in that state:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming.

New York, as well as the following other states, require additional education and experience in addition to graduation from an APA accredited program to meet the educational requirements for licensure in that state:

Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

New York requirements for licensure

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 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 Phone: 202-336-5979 Email:  [email protected]

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: December 1 Spring: Not Available Summer: Not Available  

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: December 1 Spring: Not Available Summer: Not Available

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal Statement: The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program.  It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 
• Klaus Cavalhieri
• Dolores Cimini
• Myrna L. Friedlander
• Hung-Bin Sheu

Supplemental Documents

Available information for  International Applicants .

At least 18 credits of undergraduate psychology credit is required, of which it must include statistics and either abnormal psychology or personality.

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

• Students will understand current theory and research in human development, learning, research design, measurement, and statistical analysis.
• Students will be able to demonstrate that they can read and write critically and analytically about theory, research, and practice.
• Students will be able to design and carry out rigorous and theoretically well-grounded empirical research that addresses important educational and developmental issues and problems.
• Students will learn how to make significant contributions to the field through professional presentations in national and international forums and conferences, and through publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Students will demonstrate effective teaching skills in higher education, or competence in other relevant professional contexts.

Careers and Advisement

The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.

Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Graduate Advisement: Email Graduate Advisement 518-442-3529

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.

Visit the Supplemental Degree Programs page to learn how to apply for these programs.

Supplemental programs available with this degree:

Supplemental Program Africana Studies CGS Community College Leadership CGS Counseling Psychology MS Demography CGS Health Disparities CGS International Education Management CGS

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Counseling Psychology and School Psychology, PhD

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Our combined doctoral program in counseling psychology and school psychology, accredited by the American Psychological Association (750 First St., NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242, 202-336-5979), focuses on preparing psychologists who can evaluate, provide and enhance human services through scientific inquiry and practice. Our program adheres to the scientist-practitioner model of training that provides you with an opportunity to receive specialized training in either counseling psychology or school psychology. The major difference between the two concentrations is counseling psychology's emphasis on older adolescent and adult populations as compared to school psychology's focus on child and adolescent client populations.

On this page:

Why counseling psychology and school psychology at ub.

The features of our program include:

• foundation in psychological science that addresses etiology, prevention and intervention with contemporary problems
• integration of science and practice through instruction in research methods, counseling/interventions and supervised practicum experiences
• quality advisement for ongoing research efforts and clinical training

Program Overview

Program coursework.

Our combined doctoral program in counseling psychology and school psychology is designed as a full-time program of study. You are required to be registered each semester. Full-time status requires being registered for 12 credit hours each semester. Graduate assistants are considered full-time when registered for 9 credit hours. The intent of the full-time residence requirement is to provide the interactions with faculty and fellow students necessary for acculturation and socialization in the science and practice of psychology.

Coursework information is being updated. Please check back for an updated list of course requirements.

Five Year Program: Counseling Psychology (CP)

*  May be waived with prior approval **  Possible options for required Advanced Statistics Courses though other options are available ***  Prerequisite Career Counseling Course may be required and should be taken earlier #  Rotating courses offered every other year

Five Year Program: School Psychology (SP)

*  May be waived with prior approval **  Possible options for required Advanced Statistics Courses, though other options are available #  Rotating courses offered every other year

Application Requirements

In an effort to make the application process more equitable, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for admissions consideration. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.

You must have a bachelor’s (BA/BS) or master's degree in a related field. While an undergraduate major in psychology is not required, we suggest that you present a broad background in the applied social sciences including anthropology, psychology and sociology. 

Submit your completed online application, which includes:

• Application fee:  A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
• Contact information for at least three individuals  who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
• Unofficial transcripts  from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
• Statement of interest: Statement of your career goals and objectives.
• Diverse backgrounds statement: On the application, you will be directed to submit a 300-400 word response to the following: Describe any interests and experiences you have had working with individuals from different backgrounds than yourself (e.g., ethnic/racial, cultural, socio-economic, religious, ability status, sexual orientation). How have these experiences influenced you?

Personal Interview Upon University Request:  Applicants must make themselves available for interviews with faculty on campus. In most cases there will be one current doctoral student interviewing as well.

Former/Maiden Name:  Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.

Admission Decision:  The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you are required to provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months prior to your semester start date.

If accepted, you will need to upload 3 documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application  for more information. 

• Official original proof of your degree
• A copy of your passport biographical page
• TOEFL minimum score is a 250 for a computer based test, 600 for a paper based test and 79 for the Internet based test
• IELTS Academic Test minimum score is 6.5 overall
• PTE minimum score is 55 overall
• DET minimum score is 120 overall
• Financial documentation  — International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
• An official bank statement

All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application, and must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.

Program Handbook

Program disclosures.

As articulated in Standard I.B.2, programs may have “admission and employment policies that directly relate to affiliation or purpose” that may be faith-based or secular in nature. However, such policies and practices must be disclosed to the public.

This program does not require students, trainees, and/or staff to comply with specific policies or practices related to the institution’s affiliation or purpose. Such policies or practices may include, but are not limited to, admissions, hiring, retention policies, and/or requirements for completion that express mission and values.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

New York State prides itself in the high quality of its licensed and certified professionals. For the protection of its citizens, each license and certificate has requirements that individuals must meet in order to be licensed or certified in New York State. SUNY’s academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed these State requirements. This is a role SUNY plays in protecting the public. Other states frequently have their own requirements, so if your goal is to practice in another state, this disclosure will help you check to see what that state requires.

Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their state’s licensure entity using the links provided in the full disclosure document to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by their state(s) of choice.

Accreditation

Our combined doctoral program in counseling psychology and school psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) : 750 First St., NE; Washington, D.C. 20002-4242; 202-336-5979.

• 4/25/22 Program Philosophy, Aims and Competencies
• 10/14/20 Student Research
• 11/30/23 Student Admission, Outcomes and Other Data

Chat with a Student Ambassador

Program faculty.

Catherine P. Cook-Cottone

Professor Counseling, School And Educational Psychology

409 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1128

Email: [email protected]

Myles S. Faith

420 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1124

Email: [email protected]

Stephanie S. Fredrick

Associate Professor Counseling, School And Educational Psychology

Phone: 716-645-1141

Email: [email protected]

Wendy M. Guyker

Clinical Associate Professor Counseling, School And Educational Psychology

Phone: 716-645-1105

Email: [email protected]

Scott T. Meier

417 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1121

Email: [email protected]

Amanda B. Nickerson

428 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-3448

Email: [email protected]

Amy L. Reynolds

422 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1112

Email: [email protected]

Tangela Roberts

Assistant Professor Counseling, School And Educational Psychology

North Campus 410 Baldy Hall Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-2484

Email: [email protected]

Sandro M. Sodano

427 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1131

Email: [email protected]

Rebecca K. Vujnovic

421 Baldy Hall North Campus Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-1125

Email: [email protected]

We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office .

Questions About the Admission Process?

Office of Graduate Admission

Graduate School of Education 366 Baldy Hall, North Campus 716-645-2110 [email protected]

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Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Verywell / Evan Polenghi

Ph.D. vs. Psy.D.

Job opportunities, earning a degree, specialty areas, alternatives.

Getting a Ph.D. in psychology can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. For many careers paths in psychology-related career paths, a doctoral degree is necessary to obtain work and certification. A Ph.D. is one option, but it is not the only educational path that's available to reach some of these goals.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is one of the highest level degrees you can earn in the field of psychology . If you're considering pursuing a graduate degree, you might be wondering how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. in psychology . Generally, a bachelor's degree takes four years of study. While a master's degree requires an additional two to three years of study beyond the bachelor's, a doctoral degree can take between four to six years of additional graduate study after earning your bachelor's degree.

Recently, a new degree option known as the Psy.D. , or doctor of psychology, has grown in popularity as an alternative to the Ph.D. The type of degree you decide to pursue depends on a variety of factors, including your own interests and your career aspirations.

Before deciding which is right for you, research your options and decide if graduate school in psychology is even the best choice for you. Depending on your career goals, you might need to earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology in order to practice in your chosen field. In other instances, a degree in a similar subject such as counseling or social work may be more appropriate.

A doctorate in psychology is required if you want to open your own private practice.

If you want to become a licensed psychologist, you must earn either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology.

In most cases, you will also need a doctorate if you want to teach and conduct research at the college or university level. While there are some opportunities available for people with a master's degree in various specialty fields, such as industrial-organizational psychology and health psychology , those with a doctorate will generally find higher pay, greater job demand, and more opportunity for growth.

In order to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, you need to first begin by earning your bachelor's degree. While earning your undergraduate degree in psychology can be helpful, students with bachelor's degrees in other subjects can also apply their knowledge to psychology Ph.D. programs . Some students in doctorate programs may have a master's degree in psychology , but most doctorate programs do not require it.

After you’ve been admitted to a graduate program, it generally takes at least four years to earn a Ph.D. and another year to complete an internship. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, you can take state and national exams to become licensed to practice psychology in the state where you wish to work.

Once you enter the graduate level of psychology, you will need to choose an area of specialization, such as clinical psychology , counseling psychology, health psychology, or cognitive psychology . The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits graduate programs in three areas: clinical, counseling, and school psychology.   If you are interested in going into one of these specialty areas, it's important to choose a school that has received accreditation through the APA.

For many students, the choice may come down to a clinical psychology program versus a counseling psychology program. There are many similarities between these two Ph.D. options, but there are important distinctions that students should consider. Clinical programs may have more of a research focus while counseling programs tend to focus more on professional practice. The path you choose will depend largely on what you plan to do after you complete your degree.

Of course, the Ph.D. in psychology is not the only graduate degree option. The Psy.D. is a doctorate degree option that you might also want to consider. While there are many similarities between these two degrees, traditional Ph.D. programs tend to be more research-oriented while Psy.D. programs are often more practice-oriented.

The Ph.D. option may be your top choice if you want to mix professional practice with teaching and research, while the Psy.D. option may be preferred if you want to open your own private psychology practice.

In the book "An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology," authors John C. Norcross and Michael A. Sayette suggest that one of the key differences between the two-degree options is that the Ph.D. programs train producers of research while Psy.D. programs train consumers of research. However, professional opportunities for practice are very similar with both degree types.

Research suggests that there are few discernible differences in terms of professional recognition, employment opportunities, or clinical skills between students trained in the Ph.D. or Psy.D. models. One of the few differences is that those with a Ph.D. degree are far more likely to be employed in academic settings and medical schools.

Social work, counseling, education, and the health sciences are other graduate options that you may want to consider if you decide that a doctorate degree is not the best fit for your interests and career goals.

A Word From Verywell

If you are considering a Ph.D. in psychology, spend some time carefully researching your options and thinking about your future goals. A doctoral degree is a major commitment of time, resources, and effort, so it is worth it to take time to consider the right option for your goals. The Ph.D. in psychology can be a great choice if you are interested in being a scientist-practitioner in the field and want to combine doing research with professional practice. It's also great training if you're interested in working at a university where you would teach classes and conduct research on psychological topics.

University of Pennsylvania; School of Arts and Sciences. Information for applicants .

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?

U.S. Department of Labor.  Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Norcross JC, Sayette MA. An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (2020/2021 ed.) . New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2020.

Davis SF, Giordano PJ, Licht CA. Your Career in Psychology: Putting Your Graduate Degree to Work . John Wiley & Sons; 2012. doi:10.1002/9781444315929

US Department of Education. Bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by sex of student and discipline division: 2016-17 .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Master's & doctoral degrees

• Qualifications
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Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Closing date for applications for admission to master's and doctoral qualifications for 2024 academic year (some exceptions apply) extended to 31 january 2024., admission requirements, student fees and funding your studies.

• Application for admission

Registration

An appropriate master's degree. Only students who are registered senior psychologists (registered with the HPCSA for three years) with consulting experience in an organisation may apply. This is a selection degree and students must apply for admission before 30 November 2023. Application forms are available on the Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology's website. In addition to submitting the required application form, applicants must submit an academic record. All students with foreign qualifications, including those with qualifications from African countries, must have their qualifications evaluated at SAQA. (www.saqa.org.za) Students will be accepted on the following criteria: suitability and viability of the intended research; adequate supervisory capacity and research expertise in the discipline or department as well as an approved selection procedure which is in line with Unisa's policies on equality and diversity in the discipline or department.

Time limits for this degree

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. Refer to sections 4.12 and 4.13 in the Procedures for master’s and doctoral degrees .

A student registered for a research doctoral programme must complete the study programme within six years. A student may make application to the Registrar for one additional year of study who will only consider the application if it is recommended by the Executive Dean of the College in which the student is registered.

Doctoral degree

A doctoral degree will require you to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. Coursework may be required as preparation or value addition to the research, but does not contribute to the credit value of the qualification. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that you will be required to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of the discipline or field. This work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication.

Research focus areas

Click here  to view a list of departments and research focus areas for the College of Economic and Management Sciences.

Research outline (not required for the MBA, MBL, Coursework LLMs or the coursework MCom in Industrial Psychology)

Unisa’s admission policy has changed and you are now required to submit a detailed research outline for the qualification for which you apply. No application submitted without a detailed research outline will be considered. Although this research outline may differ for each qualification or academic department, the basic information required is as follows:

• Summary of topic
• Short literature review
• Expected contribution of the study
• Methodology to be followed
• Availability of the data
• List of references
• Reasons why you are interested in the topic

Click here  for the guidelines on how to prepare a research outline. 

Plagiarism of any form is unacceptable. Please take note of Unisa's Policy for Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism .

Application fee

Pay the online application fee of R135,00 once you have received your Unisa student number.

Please note: 

• The application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa.
• Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (eg STUDENTNUMBER 5370810030). 
• Send your proof of payment to [email protected]  
• Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo  for Unisa's payment methods and banking details. 

An application for a student number does not constitute an application for admission. After you receive your student number, you must still complete the online application for admission process and  upload the compulsory supporting documents. 

Student fees

Click here for the 2023 student fee information. The fee information for the 2024 academic year will be available at the time of registration. 

Students registering for qualifications through the Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) should visit the  SBL website for fee information, as the SBL uses a different fee structure.

Click here for student funding/bursary opportunities.

Apply for a student number and apply for admission

Applications for admission to master's and doctoral qualifications for the 2024 academic year will be open from 11 September to 14 November 2023 ( some exceptions apply ).

Click here  to apply for a student number and apply for admission.

Please ensure that you apply for a Unisa student number (if applicable), apply for admission and upload all the supporting documents during the application period.

You have 10 working days to upload all the supporting documents during the application period. If you do not comply with this requirement, your application will be declined and you will have to re-apply for admission during the next application period.

Only students whose application for admission was approved and re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) will be allowed to register online within the approved registration period for the 2023 academic year. Students with outstanding fees or a Library block on their accounts, will not be able to register online until these issues have been resolved. No printed registration forms will be accepted.

Click here  for registration information.

Counseling Psychology PhD Programs Guide

Psychology.org Staff

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated August 16, 2022 · 3 Min Read

Psychology.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for marriage and family therapists and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors should increase by 23% by 2026 — a growth rate that far outstrips the national average. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a psychologist, administrator, or faculty member in any of these fields, you might consider a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. To learn more about the benefits of counseling psychology Ph.D. programs and how to become a counseling psychologist, read the following guide.

Earning a Ph.D. vs. a Psy.D.

When students choose between pursuing a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and a Psy.D. in counseling psychology, they should clarify their goals: Do they want to treat patients, work with individuals, and practice as a counselor? Or do they want to perform original research, teach students, and advance the academic conversation in the counseling psychology field?

Students more focused on practice should opt for the Psy.D. in counseling psychology, while students more interested in teaching, learning, research, and academia should pursue a Ph.D. in the field. Psy.D. programs focus more on clinical experience, while Ph.D. programs focus more on research. Nevertheless, both degrees can lead to the job title psychologist, and anyone interested in becoming a psychologist and practicing in the field should earn an advanced degree.

Ph.D. programs usually maintain slightly more rigorous admissions requirements than Psy.D. programs, and since Psy.D. programs involve less statistics and methods courses, they usually take less time to complete than their Ph.D. counterparts.

Degree Snapshot

Typical Admission Requirements: GRE, letters of recommendation, 3.0 undergraduate GPA, relevant bachelor's or master's degree

Time to Completion: 5 years

Average Salary: $75,956

More information on Counseling psychology degrees

Why Get a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology?

There are many personal and professional benefits to pursuing a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. Below, we spotlight five of the most important.

• Counseling psychology is a helping profession that many people find meaningful.
• Current times necessitate a high demand for counseling psychologists and instructors.
• Graduates with a Ph.D. in counseling psychology can make a difference in practice and academia.
• Counseling psychology provides a strong option to professionals who enjoy working one-on-one.
• You can earn higher salaries if you hold an advanced degree.

Example Curriculum

While curriculum requirements for counseling psychology graduate programs can vary from school to school, most Ph.D. programs in the field will require that students complete the following elements.

Dissertation

Online Psychology PhD Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology?

Students who complete a Ph.D. in counseling psychology can pursue several different career paths . Most graduates from counseling psychology Ph.D. programs seek to engage in the professional practice of psychology as professors/researchers or counseling psychologists . Read on for more information about professional avenues for counseling psychologists.

Salary: $79,010

Where Do Counseling Psychologists Work?

In all states, graduates from counseling psychology Ph.D. programs need to pursue licensure before they can practice professionally. In general, this certification takes the form of a licensed professional counselor (LPC) credential. Nevertheless, requirements for professional licensure differ from state to state. As such, students should make sure to review the licensure requirements for the state in which they wish to practice.

In order to become licensed, candidates generally need at least a master's degree in counseling from a regionally accredited university. Most states also require some amount of supervised hours, which Ph.D. students complete through internship and practicum experiences. Some states require candidates to complete standardized tests as well. Applicants generally have to pay an application fee and a licensure fee. Most counseling licenses last 2-5 years.

Professional Organizations

• American Counseling Association The nationwide professional organization for all counseling fields, the American Counseling Association offers members professional development, advocacy, and access to a job board.
• American Mental Health Counselors Association The AMHCA focuses on advancing the profession through an annual conference, continuing education, and access to different field-specific publications.
• American School Counselor Association Focusing exclusively on school counseling, the ASCA operates local chapters in nearly every state. The national branch offers professional development and publishes the latest research in several periodicals.

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Counseling Psychology – PhD Degree Guide

About the PhD in Counseling Psychology

Degree type:.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Online, classroom, and hybrid

Usually 4–8 Years

Total Credits:

Usually between 90 and 130, including a dissertation

Aid Eligible:

Yes, for accredited programs

Counselors help people deal with the problems of everyday life, teaching them strategies to manage stress, grief counseling , anger, and other negative emotions. There are many  paths you can take to start working as a counselor , but  a PhD in counseling psychology can allow you to have a wider scope of practice and provide patients with more therapy and treatment options.

A PhD also allows you to research new methods for providing treatment. In addition, you can use the degree to teach aspiring psychologists and counselors, giving you the opportunity to have a significant impact on the overall field.

If this sounds like a great career fit for you, read on to learn more about counseling psychology PhD degrees and what you can expect along the way.

Counseling Psychology PhD Programs

Counseling psychology PhD programs are offered throughout the country. Some of these might be specializations within general psychology departments, while others might be their own degree program. Any PhD program will prepare you for licensure and include research-based learning, independent study, and a dissertation.

PhD vs. PsyD – Which one is right for me?

Students considering earning a doctoral-level degree in counseling psychology have  2 options : a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a  Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) . Either degree can be used for licensure, but there are some major differences in what and how you’ll study as you earn each degree.

• In a PhD program, you’ll focus on research and theory.  Your studies will involve broad principles and you’ll do a lot more independent work. You’ll need to complete a dissertation as part of your degree. You might also need to complete an internship or field placement with a PhD, though it’s not always required.
• I n a PsyD program, you’ll focus on practical applications and client interactions.  Your studies will teach in-depth techniques for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. You’ll also need to complete at least a 1-year internship or field placement before graduation.

Admission Requirements for Counseling Psychology PhD Programs

Each school will have its own admission requirements. Many counseling psychology PhD programs are competitive, so it’s important to make your application as strong as possible. Most admission departments will ask for:

• Transcripts from your previous education
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing samples
• An essay on your career goals
• A resume of your work and educational experience
• A formal interview
• A criminal background check

Is there a GPA requirement?

Not always. However, many programs do have a GPA requirement of at least 3.0, and some require a 3.5 or higher.

Do you need to take the GRE?

For most schools, yes. Many PhD programs require the GRE and want to see either a minimum score or a score that falls in an upper percentile range .  Top psychology grad schools report average scores of around 160 out of 170 on both the Verbal and Quantitative sections, and around a 5 out of 6 on Analytical Writing.

However, there are schools that don’t require the GRE at all or replace the exam with their own school-specific test. You’ll want to check the specific requirements of your top choice schools to make sure you’ve taken all of the necessary steps.

Can you get in without a master’s degree?

There are several counseling psychology PhD programs that admit students with only a  bachelor’s degree .  These are often referred to as dual or joint degree programs and allow you to earn your  master’s degree  along with your PhD.

Generally, your bachelor’s degree will need to be in psychology or a closely related field to pursue this option. If your bachelor’s degree is an unrelated subject, you’ll likely need to take some prerequisite courses before applying to a joint program.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a PhD?

Earning your PhD usually takes anywhere from 4–8 years . PhD programs also require anywhere from 90–150 credits, including your dissertation. In some cases, it can take up to 10 years to earn your PhD. Your program, your dissertation, and whether you attend full- or part-time can all affect how long earning your degree will take.

There are some programs, however, that put a cap on the number of years you can take to earn your PhD. If you don’t meet the degree requirements within a certain period of time—often 7 or 8 years—you’ll need to petition the school for an extension.

Accelerated programs

There are a few options for accelerating your degree If you’re looking to save time or money.  Some schools have a fast-track option that lets you take more courses at a time and start your dissertation earlier.  This can allow you to work through the requirements in less time than a standard program.

If you already have a  master’s degree in psychology  or a related field, you might have another accelerated option.Some programs let students with a master’s degree apply some of those credits toward their doctoral degree , lessening their total coursework.

What Are the Education Requirements?

Your PhD program will prepare you for licensure and give you a broad scope of knowledge in the field .  Some programs will be heavily research-based, while others will include more practical and client-centric coursework. No matter the focus of your program, you’ll study psychology as it applies to people’s everyday lives, and learn about the theories behind methods of counseling.

Core classes

The classes you take will depend on your program and any concentrations that might be offered. For example, some schools allow you to focus on relationship counseling, youth counseling, or other specific topics or populations. No matter what you choose, you can expect your core classes to cover:

• Theories of counseling
• Human behavior theories
• Social issues and counseling
• Group therapy techniques
• Research and counseling
• Assessment techniques
• Counseling ethics
• Abuse and trauma counseling
• Substance abuse counseling
• Interpersonal relationship counseling

Dissertation requirements

You’ll be  required to complete a research-backed dissertation  in addition to your coursework. This will require you to:

• Pick a topic
• Create a thesis or theory
• Get it approved by faculty members
• Conduct independent research toward your thesis
• Meet with faculty regularly to discuss your progress
• Write your dissertation
• Present and defend your dissertation to the faculty

Your dissertation is a major component of your PhD and will count toward your needed credits. Many states require that at least some of your dissertation hours are completed in residency. This means you’ll need to complete them on campus, even if the rest of your degree work is being done online.

Is an Internship or Other Fieldwork Required?

Not all PhD programs have a fieldwork requirement, but many do. The length of this fieldwork will vary depending on your school and specific program.  Common fieldwork requirements are between 1,000 and 2,000 hours.  Keep in mind that even if your program doesn’t require fieldwork, you’ll still need to complete your state’s requirements for postgraduate experience before you can apply for a license.

Most Common Instruction Formats

You can choose to  earn your degree online , in the classroom, or in a hybrid program. The format you choose doesn’t matter so long as the program is accredited by the APA or is designated by the ASPPB.

• Classroom programs:  Traditional classroom programs allow students to have 1-on-1 interaction with professors, advisors, and classmates. They may provide more opportunities for networking than other formats. Additionally, if you want to finance your education through teaching or research assistantships, you’ll likely need to earn your degree in the classroom setting.
• Hybrid programs:  Hybrid programs are designed to allow you to take some classes online and others on campus. These programs can be a great fit for students who need more flexibility in their schedule or who can’t make it to their campus every day.
• Online programs:  Online programs are a good choice for students who are working while earning their degree, as they can allow you to set your own pace. Keep in mind that if your state has dissertation residency rules, or if your program includes internship or fieldwork, you’ll not be able to fulfill those requirements online.

What Should I Look for in a Program?

Choosing the right counseling PhD program can have an enormous impact on your success in the field. Some important questions to ask include:

• What’s the total cost of this program?
• Does this program offer financial aid?
• Can I attend this program part-time?
• What kinds of jobs do graduates of this program hold?
• What are the qualifications of the faculty?
• Does this program offer classes/concentrations that match my career goals?
• Does this program have a fieldwork requirement?
• Can I transfer any credits I’ve already earned into this program?
• What’s the reputation of this program?
• Is this program accredited?

What Is Counseling Psychology?

According to the  American Psychological Association (APA) , “ counseling psychologists help people recognize their strengths and find resources to cope with everyday problems and adversity . Counseling psychologists focus on interactions between people and their environment and on educational and career development.”

As a counseling psychologist, you can work independently or as part of a team of professionals to improve lives by providing services, programming, and support. Many counseling psychologists work with clients from specific populations and use their understanding of the issues that affect these groups to provide better treatment.

Clinical vs. counseling psychology

Clinical psychology  and counseling psychology are very similar specialties, and at times, the roles can have some overlap. However, there are some key differences between the professions.

• Clinical psychologists work with clients who are experiencing sudden or severe mental health concerns . They might see clients who have been hospitalized or who are seeking treatment following an incident. Clinical psychologists are also more likely to work with patients who have diagnosed mental health concerns . They use their expertise to help them manage their conditions through medications and therapies.
• Counseling psychologists work with clients throughout their lives on a variety of issues.  They might counsel someone through the stress their job is causing them, help someone deal with a difficult family situation, or support someone processing grief after the death of a loved one.

For example, if a patient with an eating disorder was admitted to a mental health facility for treatment, they would likely be treated by a clinical psychologist during their stay. If a patient going through a divorce wanted to talk to someone on a regular basis about this major life change, they’d likely be treated by a counseling psychologist.

Careers for counseling psychologists

Counseling psychologists can work in several settings.  Many counseling psychologists choose to work in private practice , though some other common employers include:

• Colleges and universities
• K–12 schools
• Resource or counseling centers
• Community mental health centers
• Medical facilities
• Health maintenance organizations

By earning a PhD in counseling psychology, you’ll also have the option to teach at the college level or conduct research.

Counseling psychologist salary

According to the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ,  clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median annual wage of $117,750 . Keep in mind that psychologist salaries can be affected by a number of factors, including geographic area, experience level, and employer type.

Licensing requirements

The path to your counseling psychologist license will include earning a bachelor’s, master’s, and then a doctoral degree.  You’ll then need to meet your state’s requirements for licensure, which include supervised experience and testing. Aspiring psychologists in all states are required to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)  administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). This exam consists of 225 multiple-choice questions and, in most states, must be passed with a score of at least 500 out of 800.

Counseling psychologists are  licensed under the same regulations  as other psychology disciplines. You can read more information about psychology licensure requirements, including rules specific to your state.

Financial Aid for Counseling Psychology Students

Earning your PhD can require some financial planning. A  study from the APA  found the cost of all doctoral-level psychology degrees is on the rise. However, there are several options to help counseling psychology PhD students pay for their education. Many universities offer teaching and research assistantship positions that grant partial or full tuition remission. In these positions, students are often also awarded a stipend for working in a research department or helping teach undergraduate or master’s classes.

Scholarships can also be available at many universities, as well as through private foundations and local psychology chapters.  You can also apply for state and federal fellowship research programs . These can be short- or long-term and provide stipends and other additional benefits that help you cover some of your tuition. Spots for these programs are limited, so you’ll need to get your applications in as soon as possible.

Student loans, both private and from the federal government, can also be used to finance your PhD. To get started,  fill out the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  to determine the amount of need-based assistance you qualify for.

Student loan forgiveness

Psychology students can qualify for student loan forgiveness, though you must meet certain requirements. You need to have made at least 120 repayments on direct loans and be working full-time for a nonprofit or government agency. Programs that counseling psychologists might qualify for include:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation Program
• National Health Services Corps Loan Repayment Program
• National Institutes of Health Student Loan Repayment Program

You might also  qualify for loan forgiveness through your state, especially if you work in a high-need area or with an underserved population.  You can contact your state’s Department of Health to find out what options are available.

Professional Organizations for Counseling Psychologists

Professional organizations can boost your career in a number of ways. You can use them to network, attend conferences, find exclusive career opportunities, and keep up on the latest industry news. Some organizations counseling psychologists might find useful include:

• The  American Psychological Association (APA) : The APA offers funding, continuing education, training, and other resources to professional psychologists and is the largest organization for psychology in the country.
• The  American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) : The ABPP provides continuing education resources and serves as the nation’s primary credentialing body for aspiring psychologists.
• The  American Counseling Association (ACA) : The ACA offers members access to a large network of counselors and provides numerous educational and professional resources with a leadership focus.
• The  International Association of Counselors (IAC) : The IAC publishes academic journals, hosts conferences, and allows its members to gain an international network of professional contacts.

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
• Our Programs

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 .)

• Student Housing & Residential Life
• 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/

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

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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

Doctorate in Counseling Programs

Contributing Writer

Editor & Writer

Contributing Reviewer

www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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A doctoral program may be the logical next step for many counselors . Beginning a doctorate in counseling and taking on more debt deserves careful consideration. But for many, the program cost is a worthy investment as graduates can expand their career options and increase their earning potential.

You can build extensive knowledge and clinical expertise to prepare for careers as clinical leaders, counseling researchers, or counseling educators. Learn more about the top doctoral in counseling programs, tuition, and potential careers.

Popular Online Doctorate Counseling Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Accredited Doctorate in Counseling Programs

How we rank schools.

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings. We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies .

Top Three Benefits of a Counseling Degree

Counseling is a growing field, a doctorate in counseling can lead to leadership roles, graduates can expect a wide selection of career options, what can i expect from a doctorate in counseling program.

Students in a doctorate in counseling program can complete their degree in 2-4 years. Degree-seekers encounter advanced counseling theories and clinical techniques in their graduate school coursework. Some common topics covered include advanced theories of counseling, research methods in psychological sciences, and advocacy and leadership in counseling.

In addition to core academic requirements, doctoral students can specialize in substance use, mental health, educational and vocational counseling. Before graduation, counseling students typically complete a dissertation or a degree-culminating research project and fieldwork in a clinical setting.

Read More: The Student's Guide to College Planning

What Programs Are Similar to Counseling?

What can i do with a doctoral degree in counseling, counseling not for you check out these related careers., counseling licensing and certification.

Licensed counselors must complete all the academic and clinical requirements to qualify for licensure. Requirements vary between states, but generally, counselors must:

• Hold a master's degree
• Pass a background check
• Pass the National Counselor Examination
• Complete at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

You can review state-by-state requirements through the National Board for Certified Counselors .

While many individuals enrolling in a doctorate in counseling program already hold professional licensure and certification, you can enhance your skills through academic specializations and additional clinical experiences.

Should I Get a Doctorate in Counseling Online?

When choosing a program and deciding whether to attend online or on campus , prospective students should consider the differences between these two delivery options. Compare some of the pros and cons for each format to determine if an online degree is worth it .

Pros of Online Degrees

• Check Circle Flexibility to learn on your schedule
• Check Circle Learn from anywhere
• Check Circle Network with people around the world
• Check Circle Save time and money on commuting
• Check Circle May be more affordable than on-campus programs
• Check Circle Access to online tutoring and career services

Cons of Online Degrees

• X Circle Requires more self-discipline
• X Circle Not all programs are available online
• X Circle More technical requirements
• X Circle Potential social isolation and loneliness
• X Circle Limited or no access to on-campus resources

Pros of On-Campus Degrees

• Check Circle Access to on-campus and online resources and support services
• Check Circle In-person social interaction and networking
• Check Circle Hands-on learning
• Check Circle Classroom learning environment with fewer distractions
• Check Circle Extracurricular clubs and activities

Cons of On-Campus Degrees

• X Circle May be more expensive than online programs
• X Circle Set class times with less flexibility
• X Circle Time and money commuting

How to Choose an Online Degree Program

• Cost: Comparing the Costs of Online vs. On-Campus Programs
• Program Format: Synchronous Learning vs. Asynchronous Learning
• Accreditation: How Does Online College Accreditation Work?
• Student Support: Your Guide to Online Student Services and Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Counseling Programs

• Collapse All

Is a doctorate in counseling worth it?

Completing a doctorate in counseling can be worth it for graduates who want to lead their field because it offers graduates the academic and clinical skills that they can convert into expanded career options and earning potential. Degree-seekers in these programs complete high-level coursework, research, and hands-on experiences.

What can I do with a doctorate in counseling?

Graduates often tackle managerial and leadership roles because of the experience, higher-level knowledge, and status that come with a doctorate in counseling. These programs prepare graduates for careers in both academic and clinical settings.

Some popular career paths include clinical counseling directors, social and community services managers, postsecondary teachers, and postdoctoral research associates. Graduates can work in higher education, clinical settings, private practice, and nonprofits.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in counseling?

The time it takes to earn a doctorate in counseling can vary between programs. Most students take 2-4 years to earn 60-70 credits to graduate. Degree-seekers in these programs complete traditional coursework, an intensive research project like a dissertation, and supervised clinical experiences.

Some common doctoral courses include the advanced theory of counseling, research methods in psychological sciences, and leadership and advocacy in counseling. Alongside supervised clinical work, doctoral programs require an internship before graduation.

How much money can I make with a doctorate in counseling?

The average salary for a doctorate in counseling is $84,000, according to April 2023 data from Payscale . Several factors, including geographical location, job position, and specialization, affect your salary potential.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a doctorate in counseling?

According to Payscale, the top four of the highest-paying jobs for graduates with a doctorate in counseling psychology are clinical director and organizational development director. Professionals in these roles can earn six figures per year.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 19, 2024.

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