Counseling Psychology Ph.D.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) through its Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation (750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; Phone: 202-336-5979) since October 22, 1999.
Click here for Disclosure of Education/Training Outcomes

The over-arching goal of the program is to prepare counseling psychologists in the scientist-practitioner model to assume roles as responsible, competent members of the professional psychological community. Such members understand the value of research for the practice of psychology and the value of applied practice for the science of psychology.

The philosophy of training maintains a strong emphasis on the approach to practice that distinguishes counseling psychologists from other professionals, as defined by APA Division 17: a focus on relatively intact, rather than severely disturbed people; a focus on assets, strengths and positive mental health regardless of the degree of disturbance; an emphasis on relatively brief interventions; an emphasis on person-environment interactions rather than an exclusive focus on person or environment; and an emphasis on educational development.

All students follow a defined sequence of training in theory, research and practice with a comprehensive generalist focus and select an individual nine-credit minor concentration area in preparation for more specialized training in their internship and/or post-doctoral experiences.

Past graduates have chosen careers in a variety of settings, including college and university counseling centers, health care and rehabilitation facilities, academic departments in universities, private practice and consultation,, and business and organizational practice.

Consistent with the scientist-practitioner model, students are involved in research projects throughout their training, This begins in the first year, with an assignment as a research assistant to a faculty member, and culminates with the design, data collection and analysis of at least one independent research project in addition to the dissertation.

As members of the professional community, students are encouraged to present their work at national and regional conferences, both during their academic career and after graduation.

Doctoral Student Handbook
Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Program Pamphlet
Doctoral Student Guide to Practicum Training
Doctoral Student Internship Guide

ADMISSION INFORMATION:

The counseling Psychology Ph.D. program admits students at both the post-bachelors and post-masters levels.. Admission to the program is competitive. Students are admitted once a year for the Fall Semester, with an application deadline of January 15. The following must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office by all applicants:

Official copies of all previous undergraduate and graduate transcripts;
Official scores from the graduate record examination;
A complete graduate application form;
Three letters of reference from former teachers, professional colleagues or supervisors at work;
A statement of career goals;
A statement of research interests;
A sample of work that demonstrates applicant's ability to perform at the doctoral level. Applicants who believe their standardized test scores are not representative of their true potential are particularly encouraged to submit work samples.

Admission decisions are based on all of the above, in addition to a personal interview for a small group of applicants. The program also focuses on students who have demonstrated interests in both research and practice. Further, because of the highly interactive nature of the classroom and practicum experiences, students in the program learn from each other as well as from their professors and supervisors. Therefore, the program seeks to admit students who bring both well-developed interpersonal skills and a variety of personal backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences that may serve to enhance the professional and personal development of their peers.