phd in counselling psychology online

• Best Online Ph.D.s In Counseling

Best Online Ph.D.s In Counseling Of 2024

Updated: Mar 21, 2024, 1:45pm

For aspiring counselors, psychologists and therapists, a Ph.D. in counseling is the last rung of the educational ladder—the springboard to an advanced role in the field.

A doctorate in counseling requires specialized understanding and training that can lead to positions in clinical practice, consulting, research and administration. And if you want to teach at a higher learning institution, a Ph.D. can qualify you for prestigious academic roles like tenured professor, department head or dean.

Earning a doctorate is a major commitment that entails years’ worth of classroom study, clinical practice and fieldwork, and researching and writing a dissertation. That’s why an online Ph.D. in counseling can be a practical and attractive option.

Online programs offer learners the flexibility to study at their own pace at their convenience, and they can also be a much more affordable alternative to traditional on-campus learning.

Below, we survey the best online counseling Ph.D. programs as determined by key criteria like affordability, flexibility and student outcomes. We also explain the importance of accreditation and explore factors to consider before earning a Ph.D. in counseling online.

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Our Methodology

We ranked five accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ph.D. in counseling degrees in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed all five schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling Options

Should you enroll in a ph.d. in counseling online, accreditation for online doctorate programs in counseling, how to find the right online ph.d. in counseling for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d.s in counseling, concordia university-irvine, university of the cumberlands, the chicago school at los angeles, colorado christian university, denver seminary.

Graduate Tuition

$795/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

The Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Concordia University Irvine , a private Christian college located in Southern California’s Orange County, is a hybrid program that requires coursework, two in-person residencies and an internship before concluding with a dissertation project that draws on original research.

Noteworthy in CUI’s approach is an “integrated dissertation track” that involves students in research from the outset of the program. Introducing the dissertation process at the start of the program lets students integrate their coursework subject matter with dissertation seminar discussions.

The doctorate is meant for licensed professional counselors and does not lead to licensure. Applicants need a master’s in counseling or a related field, preferably from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced multicultural issues in counselor education and supervision, models and application of trauma-informed practice
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for in-person residencies and campus-based courses

$415/credit (in-state)

The University of the Cumberlands ’ Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision is a three-year program designed to accommodate students who work full time. A private Christian institution, the University of the Cumberlands demonstrates its commitment to affordability through a “One Price Promise” pledge, which makes all textbooks free.

The curriculum encompasses advanced clinical work, leadership and advocacy, research and scholarship, supervision and teaching. All students enroll in the same core courses before choosing a specialization such as leadership, addiction counseling or advanced counseling.

Applicants to this program must have a valid professional certificate or license in their home state.

• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 66 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Theories and techniques of clinical supervision, online teaching and learning in counselor education
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,703/credit (in-state)

Designed for students who are already licensed counselors or are eligible for licensure, the Chicago School ’s online Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision is a full-time program that usually takes three years to complete.

Touted as “sensitive to difference,” the program trains students to apply best practices and principles toward specific populations, with the goal of being able to serve those communities more effectively.

Doctorates require 60 credits of coursework, a 600-hour internship and a dissertation. Two in-person residencies at the school’s Los Angeles campus are also mandatory. California residents are eligible for financial aid through the state’s Cal Grant.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced multicultural/diversity issues in counselor education and supervision, telebehavioral approaches in counseling and supervision
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an internship

$698/credit (in-state)

A fully accredited, non-licensure program rooted in biblical teaching, Colorado Christian University ’s Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision prepares students for various leadership roles in the counseling profession.

Degrees are contingent on completing a 600-hour internship, two in-person residencies at the school’s Lakewood, Colorado, campus, and a dissertation. Students usually take two courses at a time, in seven- or 14-week blocks, and the program can be completed in nine semesters of consecutive coursework.

On top of tuition, all students pay a resource fee that covers technology resources, course materials and textbooks.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements:60 credit hours
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership, ethics, and advocacy in CES, research skills I and II
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an internship and two residencies

$870/credit (in-state)

Rooted in Christian precepts, Denver Seminary ’s Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision promotes a “cohort” learning model wherein students bond in a close-knit group that studies and ultimately graduates together.

Faculty mentoring is also a program priority. Faculty mentor students primarily virtually but also in person during three required residencies on Denver Seminary’s campus, located in the foothills of the Rockies.

Coursework for the four-year, full-time program centers around two live online evening sessions plus two hours of asynchronous learning activities and assigned reading and writing every week. In addition to the core coursework, requirements include a 600-hour internship, a clinical practicum and a fourth-year dissertation.

• Application Fee: $45
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced cultural foundations in counseling, advanced marriage and family counseling
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for three in-person residencies and an internship

Several factors will determine whether enrolling in a Ph.D. in counseling online makes sense for you. Important points to consider include:

• Career goals. Weigh whether a Ph.D. in counseling matches your career aspirations. For instance, if you’ve set your sights on academia, clinical practice, research or some other goal in the counseling field, talk to a program representative about how their program will help you get there.
• Accreditation. Confirm that an accrediting body vetted by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education has accredited the online program you’re considering. This ensures the program meets certain quality standards and that your degree will be recognized by licensing boards and potential employers.
• Licensing. If your goal is to become a licensed counselor, make sure the program fulfills the education requirements for licensure in the state where you plan to practice.
• Flexibility. Online college offers flexibility, but not everyone has the self-discipline and time management skills needed to succeed in a distance program. Conduct an objective assessment of whether your learning style would suit online learning. Then research whether your prospective program offers support services like academic advising and counseling.
• Financial considerations. Evaluate the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees and all additional expenses. Explore whether you’re eligible for funding options like grants, scholarships, assistantships or employer tuition reimbursement programs.
• Admissions requirements. Many counseling doctoral programs require applicants to hold a master’s in counseling or a related field. Make sure you meet the admissions criteria for any program you apply to.

Institutional accreditation verifies the overall quality and effectiveness of an entire college or university. This accreditation status depends on a rigorous third-party assessment of an institution’s mission, educational programs, faculty qualifications, student services and financial governance, among other factors.

To qualify for federal student aid, you must attend an institutionally accredited university. Employers, credentialing bodies and other higher learning institutions may not recognize your degree if it comes from an unaccredited school. You can confirm a college’s accreditation status by looking for the accreditation page on its website or searching the directories on CHEA’s website .

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs and departments within broader educational institutions. Any program receiving programmatic accreditation must be part of an institutionally accredited college or university.

CACREP accredits counseling programs in the United States. Check whether your prospective online Ph.D. in counseling program is accredited by using CACREP’s online directory. Some states require counselors to hold a CACREP-accredited degree to qualify for licensure.

Ready to start your search for an online counseling doctorate? Let’s narrow down your options.

Consider Your Future Goals

Several factors will influence your choice of an online Ph.D. in counseling program. Of these, arguably the most important are your career expectations and how they align with what the program provides.

If you intend to pursue counseling licensure after earning your doctorate, make sure the program meets your state’s educational requirements to become a licensed clinical professional counselor .

Do you want to specialize in a particular area of counseling? Prioritize programs that offer coursework focused on your area of interest or whose faculty have similar specialties. Also, consider whether each program helps students find local practicum and internship opportunities in your desired counseling field.

At a more general level, look for facts and figures on student outcomes from your program. Graduation rates, job placement rates and citations in academic research can all indicate a program’s quality and the potential career opportunities it offers.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Total tuition for the online Ph.D. in counseling programs ranked on this page ranges from approximately $27,000 to more than $100,000. Financing possibilities for these programs vary from school to school—and your personal financial situation will determine your eligibility for financial aid. To find out what you may qualify for, you’ll need to do some research.

Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine your eligibility for federal student aid programs, such as direct PLUS loans , direct unsubsidized loans and federal work-study programs . Online students are usually eligible for federal aid, but some programs may have specific eligibility requirements, so check with your school’s financial aid office. (It’s a good idea in general to consult with your school’s financial aid office for personalized guidance.)

Other financing options to consider include:

• Scholarships. Some schools offer scholarships and grants specifically for doctoral students, including those enrolled in online programs. They can be merit-based, need-based or specific to certain disciplines.
• Fellowships. Some Ph.D. programs offer fellowships—financial support in the form of a stipend or tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
• Employer sponsorship. If you currently have a job, check with your employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorships. If your Ph.D. program is relevant to your present role or a potential future role at the company, some employers may be willing to cover part of its cost.
• Private student loans. Private student loans from banks, credit unions and online lenders are available if you need additional funding beyond federal and institutional aid.

Before you commit to any financing option, carefully review all terms and conditions, including interest rates and repayment terms. Stay on the lookout for any potential impact on your financial situation after you graduate.

Is getting a Ph.D. in counseling worth it?

A Ph.D. can lead to more and better career options. It’s usually necessary, for instance, if you aspire to become a licensed psychologist, counselor educator or leading researcher. If tuition costs seem like an insurmountable hurdle, explore whether you can get funding through research grants, scholarships or an assistant position. Ultimately, only you can decide whether a Ph.D. program’s potential benefits justify the time and money you’ll commit.

Can you do a Ph.D. completely online?

It’s possible to earn a Ph.D. in counseling entirely online through accredited institutions that offer distance learning programs. Programs like those above feature the same rigorous curriculum and academic standards as in-person programs along with the flexibility of distance learning.

What is a Ph.D. in counseling called?

A Ph.D. in counseling is commonly known as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in counseling psychology , general counseling, or counselor education and supervision. The exact degree title depends on its specialization.

How hard is a Ph.D. in counseling?

Earning a Ph.D. in counseling requires a major investment of time and intellectual effort. In advanced coursework, students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of challenging subject material. Many doctoral programs also incorporate clinical training, in which students work directly with clients under the supervision of licensed professionals. Additionally, Ph.D. programs usually require you to complete a dissertation and defend it in front of a committee.

How long does it take to get your Ph.D. in counseling?

Ph.D. programs usually require four to six years to complete, if you enroll full time. Part-time students may need longer. The time needed to research, write and defend a dissertation varies and can impact program length.

Jeff Tompkins is a writer and teacher of English as a Second Language living in New York City. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1967 and was educated at Brown University and University College London. His articles and reviews have appeared in CHA Review of Books and Films, the Brooklyn Rail, the Chicago Review of Books, PopMatters, Words Without Borders, and other outlets.

School Finder

Best online counseling psychology phd programs: students before profits 2021.

An online counseling psychology PhD program trains students with the skills needed for a career in counseling and prepares them for licensure. Students who graduate from an online counseling psychology PhD will be on their way to working with people to overcome their issues through counseling. By pursuing this program online, working professionals are able to prepare for a career pivot without interrupting their day-to-day work.

Top Affordable Online Counseling Psychology PhD: Methodology

We have compiled a list of the top programs available for students who want to pursue an online counseling psychology PhD degree. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that considers the tuition cost, the program’s length, and program quality–weighted equally. These programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.

Ranking the Top PhD Counseling Psychology Online Programs

#1. university of west georgia, phd counseling psychology online, carrollton, georgia.

Students interesting in learning at the University of West Georgia can enroll in the school’s Online Doctor of Education in Professional Counseling & Supervision degree. This study program is one of the best ways for students to advance their understanding of mental health counseling techniques to prepare themselves for their own practice. Offered in an asynchronous format, the University of West Georgia’s program provides a great deal of flexibility to those enrolled. The University of West Georgia has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. University of West Georgia has earned the top spot among our best counseling psychology PhD programs.

Tuition:  $ 20,163

#2. University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, kentucky.

University of the Cumberlands students can enroll in this Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision degree. This program of study teaches students to hone their expertise in counseling. Those who have completed this degree program have become counseling psychologists, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, and more. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program. The University of the Cumberlands has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Through this curriculum, students will learn how to work in clinical settings to help provide counseling and supervise other counselors. This program is one of the best counseling psychology PhD programs.

Tuition: $24,000

Score: 99.75

#3. Adams State University

Online phd in counselor education & supervision, alamosa, colorado.

This Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision degree is offered to students by Adams State University. Students in this program will work to gain a stronger understanding of the skills needed to work in counseling and to work with other counselors to educate them or supervise them. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program. Adams State University has designed this program to be completed in about two years. This program has ranked among the top online PhD programs in counseling psychology. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Adams State University with accreditation for this program. Adams State’s strong program has earned it a top-five spot among our best counseling psychology PhD programs.

Tuition:  $ 29,380

Score: 99.5

#4. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Online doctor of philosophy in systemic studies, monroe, louisiana.

This Online Doctor of Philosophy in System Studies degree is made available by the University of Louisiana Monroe. Through this program, students will develop a greater understanding of systemic family therapy. They will work to understand this concept and apply it in a broader counseling context. This program requires a total of 60 credit hours and is designed to be completed in two years. This program is one of the top online PhD programs in counseling psychology. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of Louisiana at Monroe with accreditation for this program.

Tuition:  $ 30,000

#5. Regent University

Online phd in counseling & psychological studies, virginia beach, virginia.

Upcoming Regent University students can enroll in this Online PhD in Counseling & Psychological Studies degree. This online PhD in counseling degree is designed to prepare students for a career in psychology or counseling. Regent University offers this program in several concentrations, including Addictions Counseling, Grief Counseling, Human Services Counseling, Life Coaching, and many others. A total of 51 credit hours are required to complete this degree. Regent University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Courses in this program include Addictive Behaviors, Appraisal & Psychometrics, Disaster Trauma & Psychological First Aid, and more.

Tuition: $34,425

Score: 99.25

#6. Liberty University

Online phd in counselor education and supervision, lynchburg, virginia.

Students can choose to enroll in this Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree. This study program is designed to be mostly online with a few required intensives throughout the course of the program. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Liberty University forecasts that students should be able to complete this degree in about four years. This degree is one of the best online counseling psychology PhD programs. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will learn about counseling techniques, counselor education, scholarship in counseling, and more. This program has received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Tuition:  $ 35,700

#7. Grand Canyon University

Online phd in psychology – cognition and instruction – qualitative, phoenix, arizona.

Grand Canyon University currently offers students an Online PhD in Psychology – Cognition and Instruction degree. This program focuses heavily on teaching students cognitive psychology, as well as several counseling topics. Students will learn how to assess cognitive development, apply cognitive psychology to learning and instruction, and use cognitive processes in practice. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Grand Canyon University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Some of the courses in this program include History and the Systems of Psychology, Behaviorism, Cognitive Science, and many others.

Tuition: $41,700

Score: 98.75

#8. Hampton University

Online doctor of philosophy in counselor education & supervision, hampton, virginia.

Students who want to study at Hampton University can enroll in this Online Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision degree. This program focuses primarily on training students in the skills needed to work in counseling as well as the skills required for training other counselors. Those who complete this degree will be prepared for careers managing other counselors. A total of 65 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Hampton University expects students to be able to complete this program in 3.5 years. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Hampton University with accreditation for this online counseling degree.

Tuition: $45,175

#9. Touro University Worldwide

Online doctor of philosophy in human and organizational psychology.

Offered to students online, Touro University Worldwide’s Online Doctor of Philosophy in Human and Organizational Psychology degree is a great option for students looking for one of the top online counseling PhD programs. This program is designed to teach students the discipline of organizational psychology. A total of 66 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Touro University Worldwide estimates that it will take three years to earn this degree. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has provided Touro University Worldwide with accreditation for this program. Students who complete this degree will have developed expertise in organizational psychology and other counseling disciplines.

Tuition:  $ 46,200

Score: 98.5

#10. Amridge University

Online phd in marriage and family therapy, montgomery, alabama.

Offered at Amridge University, this Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy degree trains students with the skills needed for a career in marriage and family counseling. This online PhD in counseling degree program is a great option for those who want to develop skills applicable to a career that involves hands-on counseling with clients. This degree is one of the best online doctoral programs in counseling psychology. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Amridge University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It is estimated that this program can be completed in four years if pursued full-time.

Tuition: $46,800

Score: 98.25

#11. Eastern University

St. davids, pennsylvania.

Students who want to learn at Eastern University can enroll in this Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy degree. This study program is designed to teach the latest in counseling techniques as they can be applied to marriage and family counseling. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Eastern University students will complete this degree mostly online save for a few on-campus residencies during the program. Eastern University forecasts that this program can be completed in four years if taken full-time. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has provided Eastern University with accreditation for this degree.

Tuition:  $55,920

Score:  98

#12. Lesley University

Online phd in expressive therapies, cambridge, massachusetts.

This Online PhD in Expressive Therapies is made available to students by Lesley University. Designed to be completed mostly online, Lesley University does require students to attend some residencies throughout the duration of the program. These residencies are typically held in the summer for just three weeks. A total of 45 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Lesley University has received accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education. Those who have completed this program have gone on to have careers as creative therapists, mental health therapists, art therapists, and more.

Tuition: $59,725

Score: 97.5

#13. Keiser University

Online phd in psychology, fort lauderdale, florida.

Keiser University currently offers students this Online PhD in Psychology degree. This study program is a great option for those students interested in pursuing a career in psychology or counseling. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Students are required to attend a residency at certain points throughout their studies. Through this degree, students will develop a general understanding of psychological principles and theories. They will learn how to apply these understandings in a variety of settings and contexts. Keiser University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition: $67,680

#14. Sofia University

Online doctor of philosophy in transpersonal psychology, costa mesa, california.

This Online Doctor of Philosophy in Transpersonal Psychology degree is offered to students by Sofia University. Through the pursuit of this online counseling PhD, students at Sofia University will learn about various transpersonal psychology topics, including human behavior analysis, psychological research, and more. A total of 75 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Sofia University estimates that students can complete this degree in three years. This program is offered in a low-residency online format. Students will need to attend short residencies on the Sofia University campus at certain points during the program.

Tuition: $71,250

Score: 96.75

#15. Northcentral University

Online doctor of philosophy in psychology, san diego, california.

Northcentral University offers this Online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. This program is designed to provide students with the training needed for a career in counseling or psychology. Students can expect to complete this program in 46 months. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to earn this degree. Those who have graduated from this program have had gone on to have carers as behavior analysts, clinical case managers, mental health counselors, and more. Students in this program can choose from various specializations, including Health Psychology, Addictions, Trauma & Disaster Relief, and many others.

Tuition: $71,530

Score: 96.5

#16. Michigan State University

Online phd in educational psychology and educational technology, east lansing, michigan.

Michigan State University offers this Online PhD in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology to their students online. Through this program, students will learn about the various technologies that can help in education and how those technologies can affect learning and cognition. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Michigan State University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. This program is offered in a hybrid format.

Tuition: $74,100

#17. Felician University

Online phd counseling psychology online, rutherford, new jersey.

Those who wish to study at Felician University can enroll in this Online Doctorate in Counseling Psychology degree. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 73 credits. This program is designed to be completed in about 4-5 years. Through this program, students will develop an understanding of key principles and concepts in psychology. They will learn how to execute these concepts in a clinical setting to provide counseling services to their clients. Courses in this program include Multicultural Counseling, History, and Systems of Psychology, Development Across the Lifespan, and more.

Tuition: $74,825

Score: 95.75

#18. Saybrook University

Online phd in clinical psychology, pasadena, california.

Students who want to study at Saybrook University can enroll in this Online PhD in Clinical Psychology degree. This program is provides training in topics including psychotherapy, developmental psychology, multi-cultural psychology, and more. This program is a great option for students who want to develop the skills needed for counseling psychology without spending time in physical classes. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Saybrook University has received accreditation for this degree from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition:  $76,500

Score: 95.5

#19. Mount Mary University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mount Mary University offers students this Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision degree. This online counseling PhD teaches students the skills needed to become a mental health professional. Offered in a hybrid format, students can enjoy most of their classes online, while certain classes require an in-person component. A total of 78 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Mount Mary University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Supervision in Counselor Education, Instructional Strategies in Counselor Education & Supervision, and more.

Tuition: $80,340

Score: 95.25

#20. Fielding Graduate University

Santa barbara, california.

This Online PhD in Clinical Psychology degree is available at Fielding Graduate University. Accredited by the American Psychological Association, this degree is designed to provide students with the training and expertise needed for careers in mental health counseling or psychology. This degree is designed to be completed in about 5-6 years; it cannot be completed in less than five because of the way the course sequence falls. Students enrolled in this program can choose from many different concentrations, including forensic psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, social justice & diversity.

Tuition: $87,300

#21. Oregon State University

Online phd in counseling, corvallis, oregon.

Those who would like to study at Oregon State University can enroll in this Online PhD in Counseling degree program. This program is offered to students in a hybrid format. Many of the classes are offered to students online, but certain courses must be taken in-person. Oregon State University has received accreditation for this program from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Students in this program will develop skills in various counseling topics such as group counseling, counselor education, diversity, and more. A total of 150 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program.

Tuition: $88,500

Score: 94.75

#22. Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Chicago, illinois.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers this Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Through this study program, students will learn the skills needed to become counselors and the skills needed to manage and supervise counseling practices. A total of 60 credit hours and about four years are needed to complete this program of study. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This program is a great option for those looking for an affordable PhD in counseling online.

Tuition:  $ 92,220

Score: 94.5

#23. Loyola University – Chicago

Online doctorate of education in school psychology.

This Online Doctorate of Education in School Psychology degree is offered to students by Loyola University Chicago. Students in this program of study will be trained with the skills needed to work in professional counseling and psychology. This program is designed to be completed in two years and taken part time. A total of 72 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. A Licensed Professional Counselor credential is also offered alongside this program. Loyola University Chicago has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition:  $ 97,200

Score: 94.25

#24. Duquesne University

Online doctorate in psychology, pittsburgh, pennsylvania.

Students enrolled at Duquesne University can enroll in this Online Doctorate in Psychology degree. This study program provides students with the training needed for a career as a clinical psychologist or counselor. This program of study requires 91 credit hours to complete. Duquesne University has received accreditation for this degree from the American Psychological Association. Courses in this study include Child Neuropsychology, History and Systems of Psychology, and Single Subject Methods for School Psychologists. This program is a great option for those looking for an affordable online PhD in psychology.

Tuition:  $ 124,033

#25. William James College

Online doctorate in leadership psychology, newton, massachusetts.

William James College offers this Online Doctorate in Leadership Psychology degree online. The New England Commission on Higher Education has provided William James College with accreditation for this degree program. A total of 98 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Students can expect to finish this degree in its entirety in around 3-4 years. While most of the program is online, students are required to attend some on-campus residencies throughout. Courses in this program include Adult Development, The Neurobiology of Leadership, Advanced Dialogic Interventions, and more.

Tuition:  $ 148,470

Score:  93.5

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This concludes our ranking of the best online PhD psychology/online PhD counseling.

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20 Best PhD in Counseling Online Programs [2024 Guide]

Explore accredited PhD in Counseling Online Programs for 2024. Compare doctoral counseling programs & schools. Accelerated courses are also available.

After acquiring your traditional or online masters degree in counseling , one of the best options for advancing your future professional goals comes in the form of pursuing a PhD in this field. Those with a doctorate in counseling will likely benefit from a growing job market as projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Most prospective students embark on the PhD journey with hopes of breaking into the academic field or gaining a similar well-payed stable job. In the field of Counselling, on the other hand, there is an additional reward at the end of the road: the opportunity to help people heal, improve, and transform their own lives.

List of Schools Offering an Online PhD Degree in Counseling

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Adler University

Adler University was established in 1952 and can be found in Chicago, Illinois. They offer a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision which can be completed with 3 years.

Classes are offered online and in the classroom. Physical classes are held evenings and weekends to accommodate the working professional.

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Adams State University

Adams State University was founded as a teacher’s college in 1921. It can be found on a 90-acre campus in the San Luis Valley. Their Counselor Education and Supervision Doctorate of Philosophy is delivered online.

There is the additional in-person requirement of a total of four separate one-week residences, which are completed in the summer.

• PhD in Counselor Education

ASU is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

3. Alliant International University

Alliant International University has its main campus in San Diego but also has campuses located in California and Mexico. Founded in 2001, the University came about from the combination of two institutes.

They currently offer a PsyD in Educational Psychology, which is completely delivered online. Created for professionals, you can attain this PsyD degree in 3 years.

• PsyD in Educational Psychology – School Counseling

Alliant International University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

4. Antioch University

Antioch University was established in 1852 as Antioch College. They offer an MFT Doctor of Philosophy. This degree is designed to prepare graduates for working in marriage and family therapy in Social Justice.

These include jobs in research careers, supervision, leadership, and academics. The doctoral degree has a considerable amount of focus on research training.

• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Higher Learning Commission.

5. California Southern University

California Southern University was established in 1978. The doctoral degree is offered 100% online and is clinically focused. This program is designed to prepare students for clinical psychologist licensure upon successful completion.

The program is a 66-credit program, and students can transfer up to 30 credits to the program. The program can be completed in 4 years, and a practicum must be done at locally approved sites.

• Doctor in Psychology

California Southern University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

6. Capella University

Capella University was established in 1993 and has headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their PhD is in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior.

The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge they need to step up the career ladder in social, behavioral, and higher education settings. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary leadership theory and research, it offers a large theory base.

• PhD in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Felician University

Felician University has two campuses, one in Rutherford and one in Lodi. The university was founded by the Felician Sisters.

The Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from Felician University is a 73-credit program with a length of 4 to 5 years. The program is offered with a mix of classroom and online instruction.

• Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (Hybrid)

Felician University is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

8. Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Graduate University was established in 1974 and is located in Santa Barbara, California. I offer a General PhD in Clinical psychology that can be completed in 5 or 6 years.

The program is designed with a sequential curriculum, making the minimum time to complete the degree is 5 years.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology – Social Justice and Diversity

Fielding Graduate University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

9. Hampton University

Hampton University was established in April of 1868. It is home to the oldest museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the oldest of the African diaspora in the US.

This program is geared toward licensed counselors who want to expand their careers into clinical and supervisory roles. The PhD is an accelerated degree in Counselor Education and Supervision, which is delivered online.

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

10. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a non-denominational Christian university that offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. It takes a practical and theoretical approach and includes research studies to test new theories and ideas.

The degree is designed to ensure that graduates will be able to support clinical counselors and counseling students.

Grand Canyon University  is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

11. Liberty University

Liberty University is an evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It offers a PhD in Counseling that is delivered entirely online.

The program’s emphasis is in Counselor Education and Supervision, and it is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed in 4 years, and students can transfer up to 15 credits.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

12. Mississippi College

Mississippi College can be found in Clinton and is a Baptist institution that was established in 1826.

They offer several graduate programs, including the Doctor of Professional Counseling, which is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they will need to be extremely effective in their roles as counselors.

• Doctor of Professional Counseling

Mississippi College  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. National University

Founded in 1971, National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions headquartered in San Diego, California. It has scholarships available for more exemplary students.

NU offers a variety of programs that can be beneficial for those interested in counseling, including:

• PhD in Psychology – Addictions
• PhD in Psychology – Counseling Psychology

National University  is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

14. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a flagship research university. It was established in 1868 and is located in Corvallis, Oregon. It offers a PhD in counseling, which is designed to prepare graduates for becoming counselor educations, clinical supervisors, advanced practitioners, etc.

The degree has a major focus on research and how it can be used to understand and address the societal changes of today.

• PhD in Counseling

Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

15. Regent University

Regent University is a Christian university established in 1977 and is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They offer international doctorate programs that are affordable and highly applicable.

Their programs and all their faculty and administrators have biblical principles at their foundation. The program is offered as a dual program with classes online and on-campus.

• PhD in Counseling & Psychological Studies
• PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

16. Saybrook University

Saybrook University was established in 1971 and offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. The degree is designed for those students who are looking for a program that will equip them with the practical skills necessary to start their professional practice.

The program covers multi-cultural psychology, psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychology, and more.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology

Saybrook University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

17. University of Louisiana – Monroe

The University of Louisiana in Monroe offers a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. They have been offering this program since June of 1995. The program is delivered entirely online, and students require a Master’s degree.

This degree can help students increase their earning potential as they open up doors for career advancement.

The  University of Louisiana at Monroe  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands can be found in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It is a Christian university that was founded in 1888 and later had a name change in 2005. It offers a fully online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.

This program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to work as counselors, teachers, and to build a career in research.

The University of the Cumberlands  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

19. University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia can be found in Carrollton, Georgia. It offers an EdD in Professional Counseling and Supervision. This program aims to provide graduates with the skills needed to effectively practice in advocacy and leadership roles in their communities.

The program features a dissertation to defend a selected professional practice to evaluate and improve programs for a positive impact on clients and their communities.

• EdD in Professional Counseling and Supervision

The  University of West Georgia  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. Walden University

Walden University offers many doctoral programs in Counselling completely online and is the # 1 conferrer of online doctoral degrees in the United States.

Their programs are geared towards the working professional who needs to tailor their studies to their lifestyle, where full-time studies are simply just not an option. Students entering the program have 4 different specializations to choose from.

• PhD in Developmental Psychology
• PhD in Psychology
• PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Types of PhD in Counseling Online Degrees

The expansion of online learning opportunities has opened many avenues for prospective counselors. The following programs are all available now. Click on one you’re interested in to jump to that part of the page.

PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – Child & Adolescent Therapy

Phd in marriage & family therapy – couple therapy, phd in marriage & family therapy – general family therapy, phd in marriage & family therapy – medical family therapy, phd in marriage & family therapy – therapy with military families, phd in pastoral care and counseling, phd in psychology – counseling psychology.

Though related, each of these degrees and concentrations can help prepare you to work with patients in different life situations.

At the PhD level, specialists in Child and Adolescent Therapy primarily work with children between the ages of 6 of 16.

Their day-to-day practice typically consists of conducting intelligence and learning assessments, addressing learning disabilities, and helping young people affected by a mood disorder.

Many child or adolescent specialists often focus on children on the autism spectrum, from at-risk populations, or who need to be safely involved in family therapy.

This specialization focuses heavily on child development, family dynamics, and play-based therapy. Most programs now place a special emphasis on non-traditional family systems to ensure all their graduates can provide inclusive care.

Those who wish to focus on research rather than on a private practice may find new opportunities to test and design therapies that can affect a troublesome child’s outcomes for decades to come.

Counselors with a PhD in Couple Therapy focus on harmonizing the needs and dynamics of two different people. At the same time, they have an opportunity to affect the quality of life of society from its smallest level.

Up until very recently, Couple-focused therapy was largely seen as a private matter or the last resort for failing marriages. However, in a world with changing gender dynamics and a larger number of non-traditional families, this field has rapidly become much more complex and specialized.

This course of studies usually includes specialized coursework in couple therapy practice, the historical and sociological forces shaping families, and emotional management. Special emphasis is typically placed on the interpersonal dynamics within the couple, and on sexual health.

A PhD with a focus on General Family Therapy is not a generalist degree. The main goal of such a program is to provide the clinical and sociological competencies required to tackle family dynamics and to provide group therapy on a daily basis.

Because of the importance of families as a microcosm of general society, the coursework usually places a strong focus on sociology and social justice. In addition to building upon general clinical counseling, the ability to diagnose may be cultivated in a practical setting.

Further theoretical analysis will allow examining the effects of a traditional diagnosis on family systems and dynamics.

A doctorate in General Family Therapy can help counselors collaborate with occupational therapists, domestic violence units, or to open their own private practice. It may be a great value program for anyone who wants to keep their clientele diverse and still provide expert-level help.

The goal of Medical Family Therapy is to efficiently combine family counseling theory with more specialized knowledge on the clinical aspects of mental health.

These programs produce counselors who are uniquely qualified to examine the effects of a major mental diagnosis (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or autism) on the family at large.

Psychiatry and clinical psychology now see community-based mental health care as the goal standard. As part of this trend, a medical family therapist can enlist the family in aiding a patient’s recovery.

They work hand in hand with caretakers and help them identify the signs of an impending episode. They can also analyze and predicts the ways in which a catastrophic diagnosis will affect the rest of the family. In turn, this can be used to provide preventative care.

A military environment is often seen as a highly-structured, hierarchical one where weakness is rarely allowed.

However, it is also comprised of people who have been exposed to extreme situations, or who may be temporarily missing an important family member. This poses its own mental health issues and disruptions.

A specialist in Therapy with Military Families will acquire specific experience with the issues that are typical in this population. This includes adaptation disorder and PTSD for those returning from the battlefield.

They also learn how to better navigate the resources available for recently-relocated families, who may be lacking the support of their extended relations. Likewise, they can work with the children of military bases, who often require extra help settling down.

This may be a great specialty for anyone who wants to contribute to the country’s defense while still remaining in the counseling field.

A Doctor in Pastoral Care is a fully-qualified counseling professional who specializes in religious communities, or in providing mental health assistance with a spiritual background. A program devoted to educating a pastoral counselor focuses both on mental health theory and on specific ministry-related tasks.

This is a very advanced program meant to help ministers, priests, and divinity majors bridge the abyss between mental or psychological care and spiritual care.

It may be ideal for experienced, practicing ministers who also wish to take an active role in their communities, by intervening in their potential family conflicts or behavioral issues.

It can also provide a scientific background for anyone who wants to start a gospel-based addictions program, rehabilitation, or eating disorder therapy group.

Although they appear synonymous in the general vocabulary, there is a significant difference between a counselor and a psychologist. This encompasses both the certification and the specific curriculum necessary for each one.

Nevertheless, many psychologists and clinicians often choose to pursue a Counseling degree online , especially at the doctorate level.

A doctor in Counseling Psychology is uniquely qualified to provide evidence-based mental health care, including behavioral interventions, rehabilitation, and other types of structured psychological therapy.

On a daily basis, they deal with a variety of mental health diagnoses. They can also provide preventative care for those who are at risk of developing mental health issues, dealing with bereavement, or undergoing major life changes.

They often work hand in hand with psychiatrists and occupational therapists.

PhD in Counseling Curriculum

In programs such as this, the core curriculum typically covers a multitude of areas of study in order to ensure that students develop the skill sets needed for careers in the field. If you sign up for this kind of program, you can likely expect classes related to:

• Advanced Appraisal Techniques
• Qualitative Methodology
• Practice of Counseling Supervision
• Methods of Counseling Research
• Theories of Counselor Supervision
• Advanced Counselor Practicum and Techniques
• Statistical Methods for Counselor Education Research
• Advanced Counselor Theories
• Multivariate Methods for Counselor Education Research
• Applications of Counseling Research

Most doctorate degrees require a dissertation, but more and more colleges are offering PhD programs without a dissertation . Instead, students work on a capstone project.

PhD in Counseling Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the counseling field include:

Your salary may be higher or lower based on your years of experience, the type of practice for which you work, and the region of the country in which you live.

Professional Organizations for those with a Counseling PhD

A family or marriage counselor has access to confidential information on a daily basis. Their interventions have the ability to enact deep change in the happiness of people. Handling this amount of power requires a responsible, well-rounded professional.

To ensure a minimum standard of quality of care and to regulate the potential ethical dilemmas that may arise, there are different professional organizations that group counselors. These include:

• The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy : This organization represents more than 50,000 family therapists across the United States and Canada. Their main goals are to facilitate research in their field and to establish clinical standards for ethical practice.
• The American Counseling Association : The ACA is the world’s largest network of counselors. They are based in Alexandria, Virginia, and their nearly 60,000 members encompass almost all practice settings and subtypes. They are well-renowned for their code of ethics.
• The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) : Unlike the other two organizations mentioned above, the CACREP focuses on counseling programs and training seminaries rather than on existing practitioners. Their main role is to set the minimum standards that all counselor training programs must follow.

Consider joining one of these organizations as a student to take advantage of industry publications, conferences, and job and internship opportunities.

Accreditation for an Online PhD Counseling Degree

There is now a wide variety of opportunities were a prospective student can train to become a certified counselor. This has led to the onset of many new names in the industry, which can generate confusion for students and employers alike.

A program’s accreditation can help potential employers or fellow researchers check that the training you have received was thorough and evidence-based.

This can also help you ensure that the education you will receive covers all the basic areas needed to perform as a professional and that the organization is financially stable and will continue running by the time you finish your degree.

Across the United States, most universities are accredited by regional conferences and accreditation bodies. Counseling programs, in particular, should be certified by the above-mentioned CACREP.

PhD in Counseling Admission Requirements

In terms of the admissions requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling degree  program, you’ll typically need to have a master’s degree that is nationally or regionally accredited.

Most schools also request a GRE score report with a total quantitative and verbal score of 4.0 and 300 on the section that pertains to analytic writing. If you’re taking the GMAT, expect to score a 400 or higher to meet the minimum admissions requirements of many schools.

Written commendations from professors, a letter of intent, or a personal interview with the core members of the institute’s PhD faculty can also pop up in the admissions process from time to time, so keep an eye for these more specialized metrics and requirements.

Financial Aid for a PhD in Counseling Online

A PhD is a significant financial investment that is meant to produce higher earnings for years to come. However, funding is a significant barrier for young professionals seeking to enter the counseling profession, especially if they are enrolling in a full-time program.

Some financial aid options to explore include:

• Scholarships: These are merit-based bursaries, grants, and internships meant to assist high-performing students access a specific program. Many target specific populations, such as minorities or people with specific experience in a niche field.
• Federal Grants: The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) offers need-based financial aid for certain underprivileged students. These grants do not need to be repaid but are hard to qualify for.
• Federal Loans: Federal student loans are one of the most widely available forms of financial aid for American graduate students. These loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized, depending on the student’s financial background.
• State and University Financial Aid: Each state, its university system, and many individual private universities have their own financial aid programs, and access to specially-tailored scholarships or bursaries.

The place to start is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

Questions Related to Earning an Online Counseling PhD

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.

Can You Get a PhD in Counseling?

Yes, you can get a PhD in Counseling. Admission requirements will vary depending on the institution and its focus. In general, they will require a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field.

You will most likely need some experience in the field (usually between 1 to 3 years) before presenting an admissions essay.

How Much Does a PhD in Counseling Cost?

The cost of a PhD will depend on the institution and the number of credits that need to be completed. In general, state universities are more affordable than private ones, especially for in-state students.

The total cost of a PhD typically ranges between $27,000 (for an in-state student at a publicly funded university) to $47,000 (at a private university). This is before you deduct financial aid.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a PhD in Counseling?

Most PhD programs encompass between 50 and 72 credit hours, along with the completion of a doctoral thesis. This is usually designed to take between 3 and 5 years of full-time study. If you take a non-thesis program, you might be able to finish in 3 years.

Is a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Worth It?

Yes, a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 12% job growth in community and social service occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include school counselor, marriage therapist, and substance abuse counselor.

As part of planning for your future, you’ll want to compare the various career paths that come with obtaining a PhD or a master’s degree. Typically, a master’s degree can lead to a teaching career educating people on the different aspects of counseling.

Having a PhD, on the other hand, can open up the possibility of providing clinical counseling, as well as the opportunity to reach a supervisor position.

Of course, the type of jobs available to you is only part of the discussion when it comes to determining the worth of this process. Some people may choose to stop their education at a master’s degree because they’re satisfied with completing this challenge. Others are driven to pursue their education to the highest level, and as such, will want to earn their PhD.

When weighing the decision about whether to stay with a master’s degree or go for a doctorate, ultimately the choice will hinge on what you feel will give you the most satisfaction as you take this next major step in your life.

Home / Discover Counseling Degree Programs / Online Ph.D. Doctorate Degree in Counseling

Online Ph.D. Doctorate Degree in Counseling

A doctorate degree is known as a “terminal” qualification. That is, you cannot go higher than this – it’s the top qualification for experts in any field. It can take many years to complete, is research heavy (though there will be some degree of seminar discussions and teaching), and is student-led. Doctorate degrees are typically taken after a master’s degree, though some exceptional students can jump straight to a doctorate from a bachelor’s degree. To enter into the most prestigious counseling careers, completing a doctorate degree such as a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology is an excellent pathway.

2024 - Best Ph.D. Doctorate Degree in Counseling Programs

What are the various doctorate degree in counseling specialties, can i get a ph.d. doctorate degree in counseling online, counseling degrees at every level, what can i expect in an online doctorate degree in counseling program, how much does a ph.d. doctorate degree in counseling cost, popular counseling specialties, list of counseling doctorate degree programs.

Researching and applying to online psychology doctorate degree programs can get pretty exhausting pretty fast. College websites aren’t always the easiest to scan for information, and even after reading about a particular program, you may still be left with many questions. Luckily, we’ve been doing this for a while and we’ve developed a few methods along the way that make researching programs a little easier. If you’re interested in the ways we accomplish our research, feel free to take a look at our Rankings Methodology page for more information.

Georgia State University

Learners seeking to teach in the counseling profession can obtain their Counselor Education and Practice Ph.D. from Georgia State University. The on-campus offering includes experiences in human growth and development, psychological assessment, and multicultural counseling.

University of the Cumberlands

Practicing counselors looking to teach or lead can transition careers with an Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands. The research-heavy doctorate program includes clinical supervision and leadership components.

Florida Atlantic University

Experienced, licensed counselors seeking to advance to leadership roles within their larger profession can attain their PhD in Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. The degree has specialties in Leadership and Supervision, School Counseling, Children and Family, and more.

Ph.D. doctorate degrees in counseling come in several specialty areas. These include:

• Doctorate in Addiction Counseling
• Doctorate in Biblical Counseling
• Doctorate in Genetic Counseling
• Doctorate in Marriage & Family Therapy

You can complete a doctorate via distance learning. In fact, it's highly suited to attaining a terminal degree due to the level of self-guidance and research. Seminars and contact time with professors can be accomplished via the internet.

If you've worked in the field for many years and now have a family or full-time job that you wish to work the doctorate around, it's entirely possible. Again, with the flexibility of a counseling Ph.D. program, you can spread this over eight or many more years.

The main disadvantage, as with any other type of qualification, is the lack of contact time with peers and other doctorate students.

From entry-level to advanced, there's a counseling degree for your needs.

Learn more about the different online and campus-based counseling degrees available to you.

All Counseling Degrees

Doctorates (or doctoral degrees) are targeted to specific niche areas. They go even deeper than a master's degree to develop expert-level knowledge of niches. Doctorate research subjects are chosen by the student who has identified either a gap in the knowledge or a problem that they think they can research and answer.

Counseling Ph.D. programs don't follow the typical pattern of study through coursework – most of the work is self-guided with professors on hand. However, most will have group seminars and one-on-one guidance.

What Are the Doctorate Degree in Counseling Admission Requirements?

Doctoral programs expect applicants to have minimum entry requirements which differ slightly from other degree types:

• A master's degree ( bachelor’s degree in exceptional circumstances) in a relevant subject – counseling, psychology etc.
• Academic transcripts
• A GRE may be required in some cases
• Letter of recommendation for a Ph.D. from a university professor
• A statement of purpose detailing what you intend to research (and how) to obtain your doctorate
• You may be required to submit your MA dissertation and any other project work
• Applicants from outside the US will be required to provide proof of English proficiency ( TOEFL , IELTS , etc.) unless they come from an exempt country
• International students may also be asked to formally translate their qualifications to equivalents relevant to the U.S. education system

What Is the Length of a Doctorate Degree in Counseling?

A Ph.D. in counseling can take many years, though five or six years is fairly typical for doctoral candidates working at a regular pace. The most commonly cited term is seven to eight years. Due to its flexible nature, you may work around full-time employment and family commitments while your thesis progresses.

Doctorate programs are the highest level of qualification in any field. Due to their intensity and earning capability, they are therefore the most expensive programs you can study. Typically students pay per year, or a total amount spread out over the duration of the program.

Students can expect to pay anywhere from $35,000 to upwards of $100,000 for a counseling Ph.D. program, with most falling in the $50,000 range. Tuition costs fluctuate based on school, location, in-state or out-of-state residency, specialty/concentration, and many other factors. Military veterans may be eligible for discounted tuition rates.

There are many ways for doctoral students to pay for their counseling Ph.D. program. Most of the funding will come in the form of research grants and funding from the university. The figures are high, but you will rarely pay the total cost yourself – you may also "pay" in the form of your labor, working for the university in teaching support or as a research assistant.

There are also full scholarships that will essentially cover everything – living costs, research funding, and other necessary expenses for those who are eligible. Check your school of choice for scholarship and financial aid information.

Counseling careers are available in a range of specializations, whether you are interested in working with groups, individuals, couples, and more. The following are some popular specialties - visit our Counseling Careers page for more.

School Counselor

School Counselors provide academic, career, and personal counseling services to students in elementary, middle, and high schools. They also collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to promote student success and support their emotional and social well-being.

Couples Counselor

Couples Counselors help partners through difficult life periods such as infidelity, separation, divorce, and other relationship strains.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Those needing help with addictions to alcohol, drugs, and more can find help and support by working with a Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor .

Find an online or campus-based Ph.D. doctorate degree program in Counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

Amridge university.

• Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy II Online
• PhD in Professional Counseling Online
• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Online
• Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I Online

Huntingdon College

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy Campus

University of West Alabama

• Education Specialist (Non-Certification) Counseling Online

Fuller Theological Seminary

• Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy Campus

Loma Linda University

• Systems, Families, and Couples (PhD) Campus

Atlantic Coast Seminary

• Doctor of Pastoral Counseling Campus

Colorado Theological Seminary

• PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling Online

Nova Southeastern University

• Serious Mental Illness Concentration Campus

University of Georgia

• Behavioral and Brain Sciences Doctoral Program-Health Psychology Concentration Campus

Atlantic International University

• Doctorate in Addiction Counseling Online

Chaminade University of Honolulu

• Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology - Mental Health Counseling Online

Boise State University

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Campus

Northern Illinois University

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision Campus

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision Online

Indiana State University

• Counselor Education & Supervision (Ph.D.) Campus

Iowa State University

• Counseling Psychology Campus

University of Iowa

• Couple and Family Therapy Campus

Murray State University

• EdD in P-20 and Community Leadership Online

University of Kentucky

University of louisville.

• Ph.D. in Counseling & Personnel Services (Educational Psychology, Measurement, and Evaluation) Campus
• Ph.D. in Counseling and Personnel Services: specialization Counselor Education and Supervision Campus
• Ph.D. in Counseling & Personnel Services (College Student Personnel) Campus
• Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision Online

University of Louisiana at Monroe

• Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Systemic Studies Online

Loyola University Maryland

• Pastoral Counseling, PhD Online Campus

Massachusetts

Lesley university.

• Counseling & Psychology: Transformative Leadership, Education, & Applied Research Campus

Capella University

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Online

The University of Montana

• Counselor Education & Counseling PhD Campus

Kean University

• Counseling and Supervision (Ph.D.) Campus

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

• Counselor Education, Ph.D. Campus

North Carolina

Gardner-webb university.

• Doctorate of Pastoral Care and Counseling Campus

North Carolina A & T State University

• Rehabilitation Counseling and Counselor Education Campus

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

• Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy and Human Development with a-Concentration in Counseling and Counselor Education Campus

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision i Campus

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Counseling and Counselor Education, Ph.D. Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus

• Counselor Education, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies Campus

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

• Counselor Education PhD Campus

University of Toledo

• Counselor Education Program Campus

Oregon State University

• PhD in Counseling Campus

Pennsylvania

Indiana university of pennsylvania-main campus.

• Counselor Education and Supervision, PhD Campus

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

• Counselor Education and Supervision, EdD Campus

University of Pittsburgh

• PhD in Human Genetics with a focus in genetic counselingU Campus

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

• Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Campus

South Carolina

University of south carolina-columbia, belmont university.

• Mental Health Counseling, Ph.D. Campus

Lee University

• Doctor of Philosophy, Marriage and Family Therapy Campus

Tennessee Technological University

• Counseling & Supervision Ph.D. Campus

Trevecca Nazarene University

• Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision Online

University of Memphis

• Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Campus

Christian Bible Institute and Seminary

Sam houston state university.

• Ph.D. program in Counselor Education Campus

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

• Counselor Education, PhD Campus

Texas Christian University

• Educational Studies: Counseling and Counselor Education Ph.D. Campus
• Ph.D. in Counseling & Counselor Education Campus

Texas Woman's University

• Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy Campus

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

• Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Counseling Campus

The University of Texas at San Antonio

University of houston, brigham young university.

• Marriage, Family, & Human Development Campus
• Marriage & Family Therapy Campus

Hampton University

Liberty university.

• Counselor Education and Supervision Campus

Old Dominion University

• Ph.D. in Education - Counseling Concentration Campus

Regent University

• Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Biblical Counseling Online
• Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Marriage & Family Ministry Online
• Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Addictions Counseling Online
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision Campus
• Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Pastoral Counseling Online

University of Virginia-Main Campus

• Community Psychology Campus

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral Program Campus

William & Mary

• Ph.D. - Counselor Education Campus

Antioch University-Seattle

• PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision Campus

Mount Mary University

University of wyoming.

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• PsyD vs PhD

5+ Online PhD in Counseling Psychology Programs

If you have a professional and academic background in psychology, then you may want to consider advancing your career and education by completing a doctorate degree, which can either be a Ph.D. (research) or a Psy.D. (clinical practice). More and more students are interested in completing these types of degrees online, as it allows them to work and study at the same time.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that the field of counseling psychology is set to grow significantly over the next ten years. Indeed, a projected growth of around 29%, which is well above the national average, is expected. This is particularly true for those wishing to offer counseling to families and couples.

An online doctorate degree in counseling psychology will provide graduates with a comprehensive and advanced understanding of the field of psychology in general and counseling in particular, as well as focus on research methods. Often, the programs only accept those students who already hold a master’s degree, although there are some exceptions. Furthermore, some professional experience is also required to become a counseling psychologist .

In most cases, the school will also have a number of on campus requirements. Some will want their students to complete a residency or an internship, for instance. The online coursework is delivered through online faculty mentoring and virtual classrooms. Additionally, various online learning tools will be provided, which students must use independently.

Below are what we believe to be the top 6 online doctorates in counseling psychology programs.

#1 Capella University

Capella University offers an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision that will help you to advance as an educator, leader, and researcher. This doctoral program offers students a way to practice real-world application of counseling theories with hands-on experience during internship and practicum courses. Students build vital skills in counseling, teaching, research, leadership and advocacy, and supervision.

*Visit Capella University

The Ph.D. program is accredited by CACREP and consists of 11 courses that you can complete in four years.

Courses include:

• Leadership and Advocacy in Counseling
• Research Theory and Philosophy
• Program Evaluation in Counselor Education and Supervision
• Advanced Counseling Practice

To be considered for admission into the Ph.D. program, students need the following:

• Master’s degree from a university accredited by the US Department of Education
• Submission of official college transcripts from undergraduate and graduate programs
• Minimum GPA of 3.25
• GRE and GMAT scores not required
• Application fees have been waived until further notice

#2 Walden University

Walden University offers an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision where students gain the experience and knowledge to assume a leadership position in a community, academic, clinical, or research setting. They also can work as a counselor educator.

This four-year Ph.D. program equips you with advanced supervision, teaching, and counseling skills that can improve your ability to advocate for your clients and the profession.

Concentrations available are General Track, Advanced Research Methods, Consultation, Counseling and Social Change, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, Leadership and Program Evaluation, and Trauma and Crisis.

The program includes the following courses:

• Professional Orientation, Ethics, and Identity
• Teaching in Counselor Education
• Clinical Supervision
• Advanced Counseling Theories
• Survey Research Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis

To be considered for this Ph.D. program, you need the following:

• Master’s degree from a university accredited by an organization recognized the U.S. Department of Education
• Official transcripts submitted from your undergraduate and graduate programs
• Master’s in counseling and license recommended or demonstrated curricular experience in counseling.
• 3.0 GPA or higher

Visit Walden University

#3 Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision that provides students the practical and theoretical background knowledge needed to teach counseling students and supervise clinical mental health professionals.

Before graduating with this degree, students need to perform psychological research to test and develop new ideas and theories in the field. The research assures you that you will be an expert practitioner who can provide full support to clinical counselors and students.

During this four-year, online Ph.D. program, students will grow their expertise in these areas:

• Counselor supervision
• Leadership and advocacy
• Scholarship
• Statistics and research

Required courses are:

• Ethics, Laws, and Multicultural Issues
• Theories of Inquiry
• Leadership and Social Justice
• Special Topics in Counseling Education and Supervision
• Advanced Family Dynamics and Systems
• Advanced Integrated Theories and Practices

To apply for this Ph.D. program, the following are required:

• Master’s degree from a university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education
• Official transcripts submitted from your bachelor’s and master’s programs
• 75 GPA or higher
• Writing samples

Visit Grand Canyon University

#4 Northcentral University

Northcentral University offers an online Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology that is designed for mental health professionals to learn how to integrate practical application, theory, research and scholarship, resulting in the dissertation at the end of the four-year program.

Students enrolled in this accredited Ph.D. program will learn about psychopharmacology, clinical supervision, program evaluation, research, personality and cognitive assessments, and more.

Required courses include:

• Research Methods
• Tests and Measurements
• Advanced Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis and Design
• Research Design Planning
• Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

To be admitted, you must have the following:

• Master’s degree from an accredited university. If you have a degree in psychology, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy or social work, you can enter the Ph.D. program immediately. If you have another master’s degree, you must have your transcripts reviewed to determine if you need to take additional coursework.
• 3.0 GPA in master’s work
• Current resume
• Official transcripts

Visit Northcentral University

#5 University of The Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a career in higher education teaching and research in counseling programs all over the US.

In this CACREP-accredited, four-year Ph.D. program, you will gain:

• Mastery of skills that will ready you for a teaching career in higher education
• Administrative skills that will equip you for leadership roles in educational and clinical settings
• Advanced clinical skills that will improve your proficiency in independent counseling practice

Specializations are available in Addiction, Advanced Counseling, and Leadership.

• Online Counseling and Supervision
• Andragogy in Counselor Education and Supervision
• Multicultural Issues in Counselor Education and Supervision
• Advanced Counseling Theories and Skills
• Theories and Techniques of Clinical Supervision
• Leadership & Advocacy in Professional Counseling]

Admission requirements are:

• CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling. If you do not have this degree, additional coursework could be required.
• Minimum GPA of 3.5 in all graduate work.
• NCE or NCMHCE test scores
• Two letters of recommendation

Visit University of the Cumberlands

Prerequisites:

Ph.D. applicants must:

• Hold a regionally accredited 30 hour master’s degree in a mental health field, such as counseling, psychology, social work or pastoral ministry. Completed coursework should include, but is not limited, to the following: research or statistics, counseling skills, ethics and group counseling, or family systems.
• Have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA in your graduate level coursework.
• Have at least one year of experience in a mental health field (highly desirable).
• International Applicants who have studied at institutions outside of the United States, will need to submit a course by course evaluation showing the completion of a regionally accredited graduate degree.

Regent University prepares students with the knowledge to excel and the faith to live with purpose. Our 20,000 alumni, from more than 110 countries, are changing the world as accomplished professionals. Named a top-15 school nationally for online bachelor’s programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2015), Regent is among the most affordable undergraduate Christian colleges (CCCU 2015). Fully accredited, challenging programs are available online and on campus. New classes begin every eight weeks.

#6 Oregon State University

At Oregon State University , students can take part in a hybrid Ph.D. in Counseling course. This aims to prepare graduates who are advanced practitioners, counselor educators or clinical supervisors in academic and clinical settings. Students are expected to contribute to the profession of counseling through research, while also being aware of and addressing the way today’s communities have changed. As such, graduates are not just leaders but change advocates as well.

The program is accredited through CACREP.

The course is offered in an online and face to face hybrid format. This means that there are only two classes during each quarter, always on a Friday through Saturday block. These classes take place at the Wilsonville, OR campus, which is easily accessible for students from all over the country.

The course requires 150 credits to graduate, at a cost of $541 per credit. Some of the courses included in the program are:

• Advanced theory and practice
• Diversity and social justice
• Counselor education

To be admitted to the program, students must:

• Hold a master’s degree in a counseling related field.
• Have professional, personal and/or academic experience in counseling.
• Have a GPA of 3.0 minimum.
• Supply 3 letters of recommendation.
• Submit a writing sample.
• Successfully complete an interview.

#7 Keiser University

Keiser University offers a highly specialized counseling psychology degree, which is the Counselor Education and Supervision, PhD. The program has been designed to provide challenges to students through experiential activities and rigorous coursework. Students will learn about clinical treatment and intervention, clinical supervision and research. Graduates are ready to take on positions of leadership in counseling, modeling the highest ethics and standards of the profession.

The program is accredited through CACREP and consists of 60 post master’s semester credit hours. These include such topics as:

• Counseling supervision
• Psychometrics
• Multicultural counseling and advocacy

To be admitted to the Ph.D., students must:

• Submit GMAT/GRE scores.
• Send transcripts.
• Provide two letters of recommendation.
• Write a formal resume.

#8 Amridge University

Like Keiser University, Amridge University offers a more specialized degree program, which is the PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program focuses strongly on research and less on clinical practice, although that is certainly also an element.

This is a 60 semester hour program. It consists of courses that focus on the theories of family and marriage therapy , problems with abuse and addiction, human development, cultural diversity and a strong emphasis on research. The course is delivered in hybrid format, meaning that some on campus attendance will be required. However, much of the curriculum is delivered online.

• Provide transcripts.
• Hold a master’s degree.
• Complete an interview.

*Indicates school is a Featured Partner.  Click here  for disclosure on Featured Partners. 

• 8+ Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs 2020. (2019). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/most-affordable-online-psychology-phd-programs/

Online PhD & PsyD Programs in Counseling and Psychology – Doctoral Programs

Counseling schools search.

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“Knowing my long-term goal helped me sift through the various programs to find the one with coursework that was a great match for me. It’s well worth your time to find a program where you’ll be engaged in learning what truly interests you, as this will pave the way for your career contribution.”

Sarah Budd, PsyD, Gambit Coaching & Consulting

Mental health issues are at an all-time high in the United States. Statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Health show that one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness. These numbers increased substantially due to isolation and job loss during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In the wake of the global pandemic, the counseling field has seen an unprecedented surge in demand, highlighting the critical need for highly skilled practitioners. According to a report by the American Psychological Association (APA), psychologists have experienced a significant increase in workload since the onset of COVID-19, underscoring the urgent requirement for advanced expertise in mental health care. This data presents a compelling case for pursuing a PhD in counseling, as the current landscape not only offers an opportunity to impact society’s well-being profoundly but also promises a dynamic and rewarding career path for those equipped with the highest level of academic and practical proficiency in psychology.

While many mental health positions in counseling, social work, or other related fields require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, earning a doctoral degree in counseling or psychology can position someone to deepen their clinical and research experience or lead teams of mental health professionals to treat more patients.

A commonly asked question is: what is the difference between counseling and psychology? While the two fields share the purpose of helping individuals and families navigate difficult emotional situations or disorders, two significant differences between the two careers are the types of research performed and the types of patients seen. 

Psychologists with doctoral degrees are often trained in quantitative (objective and countable) research methods and are positioned to help people with serious mental illnesses. On the other hand, counselors with doctoral degrees are trained in qualitative (subjective and observable) research methods and often see patients with short- to long-term adjustment disorders. With a doctoral degree, both psychologists and counselors are positioned to teach in universities, lead cutting-edge research teams, and lead teams of mental health professionals. 

So what is required to apply for a doctoral degree in counseling or psychology? Master’s degree holders in two-year counseling or psychology can continue their studies through a doctoral program which typically takes three to seven years and requires extensive research, clinical work, and writing a dissertation. While there are several online doctoral degree programs available in counseling, a few online doctoral programs in psychology are available to serve the education needs of those who want to earn a degree while working full-time or attending to family responsibilities. 

To match pace with national mental health needs, the occupational outlook for doctoral degree holders in counseling and psychology is trending upward. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023), between 2022 and 2032, openings for psychologists are projected to grow by 6 percent nationally, a rate that is as fast as the national average for all occupations. In addition, the BLS shows the median annual salary for psychologists is $85,330 in 2023, which includes professionals with master’s and doctoral degrees.

Read on to learn more about online doctoral degree programs in counseling and psychology.

Meet the Expert: Sarah Budd, PsyD

Dr. Sarah Budd is an organizational psychologist specializing in helping teams and organizations increase their effectiveness. She is an executive and leadership coach (ICF PCC), certified in CliftonStrengths, Hogan Assessments, Kantor Structural Dynamics, and Whole Person Coaching. 

Dr. Budd holds a master’s in organizational psychology and a PsyD in leadership psychology. Her background is in management operations. She is a coach, facilitator, and principal for Gambit Coaching & Consulting and adjunct faculty for William James College. She has created and led numerous workshops from one hour to three days, emphasizing a collaborative, customized, action-oriented approach. She serves on the board of Oregon’s Organization Development Network. In the evenings and weekends, she enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, two chickens, and one dog.

CounselingSchools.com: How has earning a doctoral degree in counseling or psychology enhanced your career?

Dr. Budd: Earning a PsyD allowed me to expand the ways I help my clients. The degree significantly enhanced my ability to navigate the complex challenges that our leaders face in today’s world, equipped me with a wealth of practical tools, and fostered my personal growth. It’s given me a deep referral network in fellow students, supervisors, and professors. In short, earning this degree not only gave me the necessary knowledge but it also gave me the building blocks for my career.

CounselingSchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective doctoral student in counseling or psychology?

Dr. Budd: First, it’s important to find a program that aligns with your long-term goals. As a leadership psychologist, we spend time helping leaders identify their goals and chart out their course toward them. Your doctoral program is no different. Knowing my long-term goal helped me sift through the various programs to find the one with coursework that was a great match for me. It’s well worth your time to find a program where you’ll be engaged in learning what truly interests you, as this will pave the way for your career contribution.

Second, set yourself up for success. These programs are a major, major commitment. If you’re like me and completed your doctorate while working and raising a family, your time will be stretched very thin. Plan accordingly. For some of us, that means waiting for the timing to be right (whether that’s kids growing a little older or saving money first); for others, that means identifying what you need to keep in your life because it makes you feel like a balanced person, and what can wait for your degree to be complete before you pick it up again. These programs will require sacrifice on our part—allow yourself to be the one who chooses what the sacrifice will look like because you’ve planned for it.

Types of Doctoral Programs in Counseling and Psychology

When it comes to doctoral degrees, there are several programs in counseling. Aspiring psychologists searching for PhD programs should know there are two accrediting organizations. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits master’s and doctoral degrees in counseling, and the American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral residency programs in psychology. 

To choose the best program, applicants are advised to consider their future career goals and interests. In general, PhD programs in counseling prepare graduates to focus on patient adjustment issues such as anxiety, depression, couples counseling, behavior disorders, and substance abuse. By comparison, PhD programs in psychology may also see patients or specialize in clinical research and administer psychological assessments measuring intelligence, emotional relation, or neurological capabilities.  

Here are two lists of PhD programs in counseling and psychology included in CACREP- and APA-accredited programs.

CACREP-accredited PhD Programs in Counseling

• EdD in Counselor Education and Supervision : This is a practical degree program focusing on applying solutions to mental health problems from an administrative or teaching role; a clinical internship may not be required.
• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision : This is designed for those who want to work in theoretical, clinical, teaching, and leadership roles; a clinical internship is typically required.

It is worth noting that as of 2013, new university teaching faculty members in CACREP-accredited programs must have a doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program to be eligible for employment. Additionally, licensure requirements vary by position and state requirements, and earning a doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program prepares candidates for the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) to become a licensed counselor. 

APA-accredited PhD Programs in Psychology

• PhD in Counseling Psychology : This is a foundational degree that leads to various positions seeing patients in clinical practices, research, teaching, and supervisory roles in private or public healthcare facilities.
• PhD in Psychology : This is a general degree program that can be broad or specific in its focus and includes clinical and research components; a one-year internship may be required.
• PhD in School Psychology : This school counseling degree program prepares future school psychologists to work with youth and behavioral issues that interfere with learning and socialization.
• PsyD in Counseling Psychology : Students in PsyD programs focus on client interaction, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment and learn practical applications of research-based psychology practices; a one-year internship may be required.

Online Counseling and Psychology Doctoral Program Accreditation

As mentioned above, master’s and doctoral counseling degree programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). There are more than 900 CACREP-accredited programs in the United States. Programs demonstrate their academic rigor through a two-part process of self and peer assessment and must prove that their mission, curriculum, and teaching meet high standards of excellence. 

In addition, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes CACREP as an accrediting body, and nine of the 86 CACREP-accredited PhD programs in counseling are offered through online programs. 

As for psychology, the American Psychological Association (APA) currently does not accredit any online doctoral programs. Therefore, the APA urges students wishing to pursue an online doctoral degree in psychology to seek online PhD programs in psychology that hold regional or national accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education or an accrediting body approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 

Typical Admissions Requirements for Doctoral Programs in Counseling and Psychology

Each doctoral program has its own unique admissions requirements. Here are some standard admissions requirements for online doctoral degree programs in counseling and psychology: 

• A master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited counseling program or a master’s degree from an accredited psychology program 
• Criminal background check
• Current license or be eligible to apply for licensure in the state of residence 
• GPA of 3.0 or higher from master’s degree program
• GRE scores 
• Interview with an admissions committee
• Letters of reference
• Official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Previous clinical experience in counseling or psychology 
• Statement of career or research goals

Supervised Clinical Hour Requirements – Doctoral Programs in Counseling and Psychology

Counseling programs accredited by CACREP include a supervised clinical hours component to prepare students to work one-on-one with patients. CACREP requires students to complete skill development preparation before being eligible for supervised clinical experience. 

A minimum of 700 hours of supervised experience is required, and hours are divided into two categories: practicum and internship. Practicum hours must total 100, and at least 40 of those hours must be in direct service with clients. 

As for internship hours, the minimum requirement is 600 hours, of which students must spend 240 in direct service with clients. CACREP defines direct service hours as ”the supervised use of counseling, consultation, or related professional skills with actual clients (can be individuals, couples, families, or groups) to foster social, cognitive, behavioral, and affective change.” The organization does not count tasks in administration and observation as direct service hours.

As for APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology, students are encouraged to keep well-documented records of their supervised clinical hours. Depending on the state where licensure is sought, a psychologist must earn 1,500 to 6,000 supervised clinical hours. 

Licensure requirements vary by state, and students are advised to carefully research the number of supervised hours required for each state listed on the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) website.

Here are some examples of accredited online PhD programs in counseling and psychology.

Online Doctoral Programs in Counseling

Adams State University

Adams State University offers an online PhD in counselor education and supervision program. Accredited by CACREP in 2017, this program requires four one-week summer residencies. This program’s mission is to position counseling professionals in a diverse range of counseling positions and advance the knowledge base through scholarly inquiry. 

With a PhD in this field, graduates can find work as counselor educators, supervisors, researchers in academic settings. Students must write a dissertation or a comparable research project related to counseling or counselor education and supervision to complete the doctoral program. 

• Location : Alamosa, CO
• Duration : 66 semester hours; approximately four years
• Accreditation : CACREP

Amridge University (Hybrid) 

Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Amridge University offers a hybrid PhD program in professional counseling. This research-oriented program requires 60 semester-hours beyond the master’s degree, and additional courses may be necessary if a counselor wants to seek professional licensure. Students enrolled full-time can complete the program in four years, depending on the completion of dissertation requirements. 

Courses focus on counseling theories, human development, problems with abuse and addiction, cultural diversity, and research. Graduates from this program are experienced in qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistical skills, and theoretical and practical counseling knowledge. 

• Location : Montgomery, AL
• Duration : 60 semester hours; approximately four years
• Accreditation : Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a fully online EdD in pastoral care and counseling. With rotating start dates, students can complete this 57-credit program in just three years and transfer up to 50 percent of the total degree credits. Students in this program take courses offered in eight-week terms. This program isn’t designed to meet state counseling licensure requirements but is open for licensed counselors and non-licensed counselors to pursue. 

This doctoral program is designed for pastors, licensed counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers who want to incorporate biblical counseling skills into their work. Graduates from this program complete a dissertation and benefit from a practice-focused degree program solving real-world problems with advanced research. 

• Location : Lynchburg, VA
• Duration : 57 credit hours; approximately 2.5 years

Oregon State University (Hybrid) 

Located in Corvallis, Oregon, the College of Education at Oregon State University offers a hybrid PhD program in counseling. Students in this program are members of a multi-state cohort that has included participants from western states Oregon, Washington, California, Hawaii, and Alaska. The in-person classes take place on weekends twice each quarter in Portland, Oregon, making the courses accessible for students traveling from outside the area to attend these courses. 

This part-time program aims to develop a specialized area of professional counseling and requires a dissertation and an internship. Applicants must submit transcripts and be screened for personal and emotional suitability to apply for admission. Prior experience in counseling is encouraged, and a 3.0 GPA in the final 90 credits of undergraduate and graduate work count as favorable qualifications. New cohorts begin every summer quarter.

• Location : Corvallis, OR
• Duration : 94 quarter-credits; approximately three to five years

Shippensburg University  

For more than 50 years, Shippensburg University has offered master’s-level counseling programs and currently provides a part-time EdD in counselor education and supervision. The mission of this hybrid program is to develop students’ expertise in advanced practice and clinical supervision. Students can complete this program part-time or full-time and take their courses in a cohort model over three years. 

Graduates from this program are prepared for a full range of leadership roles, including educational, clinical, and administrative roles managing crisis and disaster response teams and trauma-informed care. 

Building upon theoretical and clinical concepts covered in the 60-credit master’s degree, EdD courses are offered online and on-campus on evenings and weekends. Students move through this cohort model for the first three years and require additional semesters to complete their dissertation defense requirements. 

• Location : Shippensburg, PA
• Duration : 60 credit hours; approximately three years

University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online 66-credit PhD program in counselor education and supervision. With an emphasis on preparing students for careers in research and higher education, students in this program benefit from the convenience of pursuing an advanced degree without giving up full- or part-time work. Courses include advanced counseling theories and skills, leadership & advocacy in professional counseling, and neuroanatomy & behavioral medicine for professional counseling. 

This interdisciplinary program comprises faculty from the Department of Education and School of Counseling. Faculty from education teach students leadership courses, while the school of counseling education coursework, advising, clinical experiences, and dissertation research and writing. Graduates from this program pursue specialized careers as research and counseling psychologists specializing in addiction, advanced counseling, and leadership. 

• Location : Williamsburg, KY
• Duration : 66 credit hours; approximately three years

Online Doctoral Programs in Psychology

Northcentral University

Northcentral University in La Jolla, California, offers one of the few online PhD programs in psychology. Designed to meet the growing interest in and need for advanced educational opportunities in psychology, this program emphasizes critical thinking, theoretical, and practical skills. 

This program does not prepare students to become licensed psychologists. However, ten specializations are available, including industrial/organizational psychology, in which students can choose a non-clinical internship practicum experience. 

Graduates are prepared for many careers such as behavior analyst, clinical case manager, college professor, health information manager, behavioral counselor, and researcher. Courses begin every Monday, and students can choose from ten specializations: addictions, the psychology of gender and sexual fluidity, general psychology, gerontology, health psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, mental health policy and practice, trauma and disaster relief, and counseling psychology, with or without a California state licensure track. 

Northcentral University also offers an online doctorate of marriage and family therapy (DMFT) program.

• Location : La Jolla, CA
• Duration : 60 credits; approximately three years
• Accreditation : Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)

Walden University  

Walden University offers an online PhD in psychology with a non-clinical/non-licensure focus. This program aims to prepare students for teaching, research, and consulting positions. Applicants to this program can transfer up to 55 credits. 

In addition, students can choose from six specializations to tailor their studies to future careers in educational psychology, health psychology, research in psychology, social psychology, teaching in psychology, or design a unique specialization.

To apply, students must have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in a related field from an accredited school and meet general admission requirements. Once admitted, students can pursue a fast-track option, increasing their course load from two to three credits per term so long as they maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students in this program are supported with online resources, faculty, and academic coaching services. 

• Location : Columbia, MD
• Duration : 65 quarter-credits; approximately three to eight years
• Accreditation : Higher Learning Commission

Jobs for PhDs & PsyDs in Counseling or Psychology 

With a PhD in counseling or psychology, graduates have expanded access to career opportunities in teaching, administration, and clinical settings. Here are three jobs for graduates of counseling and psychology doctoral programs. 

Become a Community Mental Health Counselor

After a community is impacted by trauma such as a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or war, a community mental health counselor steps in to help communities process their losses. 

Through speaking with individuals and groups after a disaster, community mental health counselors, also known as crisis counselors , serve as outreach personnel in community and civic organizations. In addition, a community mental health counselor can be a pivotal part of the reunification and future development of neighborhoods, families, and organizations by providing mental and emotional support to community members after a community disaster. 

Become a Forensic Psychologist

When a crime is committed, much attention is given to the perpetrator. The role of a forensic psychologist is to determine the motive of a specific or often-occurring crime. 

Forensic psychologists perform interdisciplinary work that spans criminal justice, law, and psychology. For example, forensic psychologists can be pivotal in crime prevention by analyzing criminal risk factors and serving in court-appointed rehabilitation roles for convicted criminals by questioning alleged criminals, interviewing crime-scene witnesses, and investigating actual crime scenes. 

Become a Military, Army, or Veteran Counselor

Returning military veterans often find reentry to civilian life difficult for various reasons. Veterans’ counselors help military vets mentally process their experiences, and services are available to veterans who have been honorably or generally discharged. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI 2020) estimates that one in four active-duty members experiences signs of mental illness, with the top three afflictions being post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury. Veterans’ counselors can help military veterans develop coping skills at one of the 170 veteran affairs (VA) medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the United States. 

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Rachel Drummond has used her expertise in education and mindfulness to guide aspiring counselors since 2020. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating reflective mindfulness into counseling techniques, helping readers understand how mental and physical well-being can enhance their professional practice and personal development in counseling.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog , inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

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Search NYU Steinhardt

How to apply phd, clinical/counseling psychology.

This American Psychological Association–accredited doctoral program prepares you to work as a psychologist in colleges, community agencies, clinics, and hospitals. Graduates of this license-qualifying doctoral program are eligible to take the New York State Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.

Official Degree Title

Application Deadline

Program Information

Admissions Information

Primary Research Mentors

The doctoral program in Clinical/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 one or more 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 2025 admission are:

• Anil Chacko
• Shabnam Javdani
• William Tsai
• A. Jordan Wright

Other faculty are pote ntially 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.

Admissions Requirements

Candidates to this doctoral program require 18 prior credits (or 6 courses) in psychology, including at least one course in statistics.

How to Apply

These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the  special instructions for international applicants .

Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.

1. Prepare Your Application

You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.

Statement of Purpose

We are looking for students who appreciate and desire a career that includes research and practice, integrating social justice and diversity in both areas. Please speak to this for your career trajectory in a typed - double spaced three to four page statement of purpose which you upload to your application.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit  three  letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read  detailed instructions .

Transcripts

Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary school you have attended or are attending. Make sure to request them in advance of the deadline.

If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.

See  detailed instructions on submitting transcripts .

Not required.

The GRE (both the general test and the GRE subject test) is not a requirement for applications to the Clinical/Counseling Psychology PhD program. Even if GREs are submitted, they will not be considered.

Proficiency in English

See  testing requirements .

Interview Date

The interview date for the 2025 cycle is TBD.

Application

Start your application now

After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application.  Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.

Application Fee

You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our  fee waiver policy .

Mailing Additional Items

If any application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials to NYU Steinhardt, Office of Graduate Admissions, 82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003-6680.  Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be  received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline . Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.

Application Policies

Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines.  It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.

Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application.  Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.

Deferral policy:  NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.

3. Receive Your Admission Decision

You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late March or early April for fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.

PhD in Counseling Psychology

Our Counseling Psychology PhD Program utilizes a multiple mentor model in which doctoral students are assigned to a primary advisor and encouraged to work with all faculty members throughout their time in the department through involvement on research teams, clinical training opportunities, outreach, and teaching. This year, the faculty members who will be assigned as primary advisor include Simon Goldberg, Shinye Kim, Mindi Thompson, and Travis Wright.

The APA-accredited doctoral program in counseling psychology is based on the scientist/practitioner model of professional psychology and integrates counseling and psychological theory, scientific inquiry, and supervised practice. Counseling psychology is a psycho-educational specialty in which practitioners help others to improve their well-being, alleviate their distress, resolve their crises, and increase their ability to solve problems and make decisions. Counseling psychologists apply systematic, research-based approaches to help themselves and others understand and develop solutions to problems that are educational, vocational, emotional, social, cultural, health-related, or developmental in nature.

The UW–Madison program places special emphasis on multicultural competence and social justice, integration of research and practice, and preparation for ethical and professional conduct as either a researcher, teacher, or practitioner. The theoretical orientation of the program is best described as eclectic. Coursework emphasizes the research base of counseling psychology and students are expected to involve themselves in faculty research. All students complete a one-year, full-time pre-doctoral internship as a culminating training experience. The planned length of the program for students entering with a master's degree (post-MA track) is five years, although students may opt to take additional time depending on academic background and career objectives.

The department also admits a small number of students to a post–BA track. These students apply to the PhD program at the completion of their undergraduate degree and are required to integrate coursework and professional practice training at the master's level, as well as introductory doctoral coursework, during the first two years of study. Students admitted to the post–BA track typically have excellent academic records and experiences that demonstrate high levels of both helping skills and research skills prior to admissions. The planned length of the post–BA track is six years, although actual completion times will vary depending on student needs and career goals.

The mission of the counseling psychology PhD program is to train health service psychologists who are skillful in research and intervention with diverse populations, who integrate science and practice into their professional roles, and who uphold high ethical and professional standards as psychologists. Program graduates are broadly prepared for a number of professional roles, including direct service, research, teaching, clinical supervision, and program design and evaluation. 

The PhD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. For further information on accreditation, contact APA's Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; 202-336-5979; [email protected] .

Licensure as a Psychologist

Graduates of the PhD program are eligible for licensure to practice psychology. Licensure requirements differ by state, and currently most states require additional supervised practice post-PhD. All states require passage of the national licensure examination (the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology or EPPP), and most states also have state-specific written and oral examinations. Links to descriptions of licensure requirements by state may be obtained from the website of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards .

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Many students who apply to and are enrolled in the PhD program have earned a master's degree (post-MA in counseling or a related field).  However, we also offer a “Post-BA” track within our PhD program for highly qualified students who have not yet earned a master's degree in a counseling-related field and wish to apply directly to a PhD program. Having a "Post-BA" track allows us to accept qualified applicants to the PhD program who may have work, volunteer, or research experience in counseling or a related profession, have exhibited a passion for helping others, and/or possess a master's degree in a non-counseling field. Admission to the program is highly competitive.  Applicants are responsible for collecting, assembling, and submitting all the pieces of the application by the deadline. Applicants must upload materials to the online application.  

Several informational meetings are hosted each fall by the department.  A schedule of meetings and other information can be found on the Information for Prospective PhD Applicants page.

Questions can be directed to the Student Services Coordinator. See the People tab for contact information.

Applicants without a Master's Degree in Counseling or Related Field

The program accepts applications from applicants without a master's degree in counseling. An undergraduate degree in Psychology is recommended. Applicants without a Psychology degree but with substantial undergraduate coursework in introductory psychology and statistics may be considered.

Information and application instructions are found on the program website .

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Incoming PhD students will be guaranteed five years of funding. For post-MA students, the fifth year may be covered by the funding students receive through their predoctoral internship, which is administered by a different institution. Funding is through a combination of fellowships and graduate assistantships, usually either teaching or research (usually termed "project" assistantships) -- either in the Department of Counseling Psychology or in other university departments. Assistantship appointments are at the 50% level (equating to 20 hours per week) for the 9-month academic year. Summer funding is available but not guaranteed.

Department assistantships are assigned through a competitive application process each spring. Admitted students (non-fellows) are included in the process the spring before they start in the program. Students are encouraged to also apply for graduate assistantships outside the department, and most obtain at least some of their support in other departments or units on campus during their time in the program.

Currently, all graduate assistantships and fellowships include tuition remission and health benefits. 

Fellowships

• Students may be eligible for an Ed-GRS fellowship.  Ed-GRS is a community of first-generation students and ethnically underrepresented students who are receiving an Advanced Opportunity Fellowship (AOF) in the School of Education. In addition to tuition remission, monthly stipend, and health care benefits, the program strives to assist our fellows with first-year transition, community building, and professional development opportunities. The department nominates top eligible candidates for Ed-GRS automatically—no additional application materials are needed from the applicant. More information about AOFs can be found on their website .
• Racial and ethnic minority students are encouraged to apply for the American Psychological Association Minority Fellowship Program. Information is available on their website .

Financial Aid

Information and application materials for financial aid, loans, scholarships, and student employment may be obtained by contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid at 333 East Campus Mall, Room 9701, Madison, WI 53706, 608-262-3060. International applicants are encouraged to seek other forms of financial assistance as international students are not eligible for loans and scholarships.

Additional information about funding is available on the Counseling Psychology website . Questions can be directed to the Student Services Coordinator. See the People tab for contact information.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required Courses

There are two primary curriculum domains of the doctoral program. Required coursework and practicum experiences contribute to each student’s competency in these areas. The core curriculum areas are:

• History and Systems of Psychology
• Basic Psychology Content Areas (i.e., Affective Aspects of Behavior, Biological Aspects of Behavior, Cognitive Aspects of Behavior, Developmental Aspects of Behavior, and Social Aspects of Behavior)
• Research, Quantitative Methods, and Psychometrics
• Advanced Integrative Knowledge in Scientific Psychology
• Integration of Science and Practice
• Ethical and Legal Standards
• Individual and Cultural Diversity
• Professional Values and Attitudes
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Intervention
• Supervision
• Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills Required coursework (i.e., major core coursework) includes courses in each of these areas.

In accordance with the Standards of Accreditation (SoA) for Health Service Psychology, all students are required to document mastery of broad and general content knowledge in each of these psychological foundations areas during their doctoral studies.

Post–MA Pathway 1 :

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

Students must take at least 1 semester of COUN PSY 810 Professional Development and Clinical Practice for 2 credits.

Students may take 2 semesters of COUN PSY 904 Counseling Psychology Externship for a total of 2-6 credits.

Post–BA Pathway 1 :

Post-BA track students start the program alongside the incoming master's student cohort. In their first academic year, post-BA track students will complete a course load similar to their master's student counterparts. In their second academic year, students will complete their "first Year Experience" while beginning their PhD coursework. Post-BA track students are not currently required to complete a master's thesis or the Professional Integration Exercise but will also not receive a master's degree unless they choose to meet all requirements for our master's program.

Must complete all courses listed for the Post–MA pathway  and

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 21 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned four or more years prior to admission to the doctoral program is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison

No credits from an other institution or UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer toward the degree.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison

With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 9 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW–Madison University Special student. Coursework earned four or more years prior to admission to the doctoral program is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Placement on probation indicates a very serious faculty concern about a student's performance. Students are placed on probation, as opposed to being dismissed from the program, when the faculty determines that the student likely will be able to address the difficulty that led to the probation if appropriate remediation is provided. If a recommendation for probation and remediation is adopted by the faculty, the student and advisor work with the Doctoral Training Committee (or a subset of this committee) to formulate a remediation plan including explicit goals and deadlines for evaluation of their attainment.

Students on probation cannot be approved as ready for the next level of clinical training (i.e., for foundational practicum; for internship) until they have successfully remediated the identified concern(s). This can have a substantial impact on time to degree, as practicum applications begin in the fall semester for the following academic year.

Advisor / Committee

Upon admission to the doctoral program, all students are assigned a faculty advisor. The doctoral student may select a major professor from the Department of Counseling Psychology who is not the original faculty advisor. In view of the important role that the major professor plays in the student's dissertation research, students are advised to allow themselves sufficient time to get acquainted with all faculty, so that they can select a major professor with whom they share similar research interests, career goals, or other interests. The doctoral student's faculty advisor plays an important role in monitoring and assisting the student with program planning.

Reviews of student progress are an agenda item for departmental faculty meeting in November (1st-year students only) and in April or May (all active PhD students). All students are required to conduct a yearly progress report meeting with their advisor. Student perspectives are taken into account in these reviews, and all students complete the Doctoral Student Report on Progress, in conjunction with their advisors.

Credits Per Term Allowed

Time limits.

Students have eight years from the date of admission to complete all of the necessary courses. Courses that are more than eight years old will not fulfill program completion requirements for admission to candidacy. Admission to candidacy occurs when students successfully complete all required coursework and pass their doctoral preliminary examinations. Students must be admitted to candidacy within ten years of admission to the department. Once admitted to candidacy (dissertator status) the student has five years to complete the dissertation and pass the final oral examination.

Once students are admitted they are expected to maintain continuous enrollment and make satisfactory progress toward their degree. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment may result in lengthy reentry process or possible termination from the program.

Prior to reentry into the program, the student should contact the department and petition the faculty for reentry. The full faculty will determine whether the student is granted reentry without conditions, granted reentry conditionally (e.g., require additional coursework or adherence to timelines for completion of degree requirements) or denied reentry.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)  (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

School of Education Grievance Policy and Procedures

The following School of Education Student Grievance Policy and associated procedures are designed for use in response to individual student grievances regarding faculty or staff in the School of Education.

Any individual student who feels they have been treated unfairly by a School of Education faculty or staff member has the right to file a grievance about the treatment and receive a timely response addressing their concerns. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these grievance procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies. The grievance may concern classroom treatment, mentoring or advising, program admission or continuation, course grades (study abroad grade complaints are handled through International Academic Programs ), or issues not covered by other campus policies or grievance procedures. 

For grievances regarding discrimination based on protected bases (i.e., race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, etc.), contact the Office of Compliance ( https://compliance.wisc.edu/eo-complaint/ ).

For grievances or concerns regarding sexual harassment or sexual violence (including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation), contact the Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program within the Office of Compliance.

For grievances that involve the behavior of a student, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards in the Dean of Students Office at https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/ ).

For grievances about, or directed at, faculty or staff in a School of Education department, unit, or program, students should follow these steps:

• Students are strongly encouraged to first talk with the person against whom the concern is directed. Many issues can be settled informally at this level. If students are unable to resolve concerns directly or without additional support, step 2 or 3 should be pursued.
• If the concern is directed against a teaching assistant (TA), and the student is not satisfied, the student should contact the TA's supervisor, who is usually the course professor. The course professor will attempt to resolve the concern informally.
• If the concern involves a non-TA instructor, staff member, professor, academic department, or School of Education office or unit, the student should contact the chair of the department or the director of the office or unit, or their designee. The chair or director, or their designee, will attempt to resolve the concern informally. If the concern is about the department chair or office/unit director, the student should consult the School of Education Senior Associate Dean for guidance.
• If the concern remains unresolved after step 2, the student may submit a formal grievance to the chair or director in writing within 30 business days 1 of the alleged unfair treatment. To the fullest extent possible, a formal written grievance shall contain a clear and concise statement of the issue(s) involved and the relief sought.  
• On receipt of a written grievance, the chair or director will notify the person at whom the grievance is directed with a copy of the written grievance. The person at whom the complaint is directed may submit a written response, which would be shared with the student.
• On receipt of a written grievance, the chair or director will refer the matter to a department, office, or unit committee comprised of at least two members. The committee may be an existing committee or one constituted for this purpose. The committee, or delegates from the committee, may meet with the parties involved and/or review any material either party shares with the committee.  
• The committee will provide a written description of the facts of the grievance and communicate recommendations to the department chair or office/unit head regarding how the grievance should be handled.

For the purpose of this policy, business days refers to those days when the University Offices are open and shall not include weekends, university holidays, spring recess, or the period from the last day of exams of fall semester instruction to the first day of spring semester instruction. All time limits may be modified by mutual consent of the parties involved.

If the grievance concerns an undergraduate course grade, the decision of the department chair after reviewing the committee’s recommendations is final. 

Other types of grievances may be appealed using the following procedures:

• Both the student who filed the grievance or the person at whom the grievance was directed, if unsatisfied with the decision of the department, office or unit, have five (5) business days from receipt of the decision to contact the Senior Associate Dean, indicating the intention to appeal.   
• A written appeal must be filed with the Senior Associate Dean within 10 business days of the time the appealing party was notified of the initial resolution of the complaint.
• On receipt of a written appeal, the Senior Associate Dean will convene a sub-committee of the School of Education’s Academic Planning Council. This subcommittee may ask for additional information from the parties involved and/or may hold a meeting at which both parties will be asked to speak separately (i.e., not in the room at the same time).
• The subcommittee will then make a written recommendation to the Dean of the School of Education, or their designee, who will render a decision. The dean or designee’s written decision shall be made within 30 business days from the date when the written appeal was filed with the Senior Associate Dean.  For undergraduate students, the dean or designee’s decision is final.

Further appealing a School of Education decision – graduate students only

Graduate students have the option to appeal decisions by the School of Education dean or designee by using the process detailed on the Graduate School’s website .

Questions about these procedures can be directed to the School of Education Dean's Office, 377 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, 608-262-1763.

• Office of Compliance (for discrimination based on protected classes, including misconduct) 179A Bascom Hall, 608-262-2378
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts between students, or academic integrity violations) 70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• Bias or Hate Reporting (for students who experience or observe bias or hate incidents)  70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• Graduate School (for graduate students who need informal advice at any level of review; for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions, see Graduate Assistant Policies and Procedures ) 217 Bascom Hall, 608-262-2433
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for UW–Madison employees, including graduate students) 523-524 Lowell Center, 608-265-9992
• Employee Assistance (for conflicts involving graduate assistants and other employees) 256 Lowell Hall, 608-263-2987
• Office of Human Resources for policies and procedures to address workplace conflict) 21 N Park Street Suite 5101, 608-265-2257
• Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for any students needing advice or support) 70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• School of Education, Office of Student Services (for students, particularly undergraduates, in the School of Education) 139 Education Building, 608-262-1651
• School of Education, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) 145 Education Building, 608-262-8427

Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

Learning Outcomes

• Prepare for role as professional psychologist.
• Apply professional standards and conduct.
• Demonstrate scientific foundations.
• Acquire knowledge and skill in psychological practice.
• Acquire knowledge and skills in clinical supervision.
• Develop relational skills.
• Gain an understanding of the scientific basis for practice.
• Acquire knowledge of research methods.
• Apply research findings to psychological practice.
• Apply scientific thinking to practice.
• Develop a multicultural competence and social justice orientation.
• Acquire cultural and scientific knowledge relevant to diverse and underrepresented groups.
• Develop awareness of self as a cultural being.
• Develop skill in application of knowledge of self, culture, and context to clinical work.

Faculty:  Professors Thompson (Chair), Gloria, and Quintana; Associate Professors Budge, Goldberg, and Wright; Assistant Professors Frost and Kim; Faculty Associate Lotta; Clinical Associate Professor Graham; Clinical Assistant Professors Ramirez Stege and Her.

Graduate Program Manager: Andrea Burdick. Department Administrator: Nancy Jaeckle

Accreditation

American Psychological Association

Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2029.

Certification/Licensure

Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology

Note: Because of the relatively small size of many doctoral programs, EPPP pass rates are reported only in terms of the three-year moving average.

Professional Certification/Licensure Disclosure (NC-SARA)

The United States Department of Education (via 34 CFR Part 668 ) requires institutions that provide distance education to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure. The expectation is that institutions will determine whether each applicable academic program meets state professional licensure requirements and provide a general disclosure of such on an official university website.

Professional licensure requirements vary from state-to-state and can change year-to-year; they are established in a variety of state statutes, regulations, rules, and policies; and they center on a range of educational requirements, including degree type, specialized accreditation, total credits, specific courses, and examinations.  

UW-Madison has taken reasonable efforts to determine whether this program satisfies the educational requirements for certification/licensure in states where prospective and enrolled students are located and is disclosing that information as follows.

Disclaimer: This information is based on the most recent annual review of state agency certification/licensure data and is subject to change. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with the individual/office listed in the Contact Information box on this page and with the applicable state agency for specific information.

The requirements of this program meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:

The requirements of this program do not meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:.

Not applicable

Updated: 1 June 2024

APA Accreditation

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology DPsych

Postgraduate taught degree

This course is for 2024/25 entry.

Discover Lucy's motivations and drivers behind her decision to undertake a master’s degree, her student experience at City, and her hopes and professional aspirations.

Key information

Develop doctoral level research skills and take rigorous training in clinical practice with our Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. You will study at doctoral level, gaining the relevant practical skills and knowledge to become an effective and ethical practitioner psychologist.

• September 2024

City, University of London

Northampton Square

• Online sessions
• Open evening
• Register interest

One of the longest established providers of accredited counselling psychology training in the UK

Learn directly from practising clinicians with major experience in the field

• Course overview

Teaching and assessment

Fees and funding, how to apply, professional doctorate in counselling psychology dpsych course overview.

If you want to become an ethical, reflective and professional practitioner of counselling psychology, our doctorate degree is ideal.

You will want to provide psychological services that draw on evidence-based psychological practice.

You will be motivated to work on complex issues with individual adults and children, couples, families, groups and organisations.

Accreditation

The Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is a three year full time programme of study. The programme is approved by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), the statutory regulator for Practitioner Psychologists in the UK, and is also accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.

Doctor of Psychology (DPsych)

• Full-time: 3 years
• 25 in total
• Core modules: 25

Throughout the programme, trainees are exposed to a range of approaches and their application to practice, so they can conceptualise human psychological processes from different perspectives.

This sensitises them to clients’ needs and the choices they may make, enabling an understanding of how other psychologists work and fostering respect for both clients and professionals who operate from a range of conceptual world views.

The programme teaches humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, systemic and integrative therapy approaches, as well as contemporary developments.

Trainees are required to demonstrate professional competence in at least one model of psychological therapy, as well as a working knowledge of at least one further model, in order to successfully complete their programme of training.

Core modules year 1

Context, Diversity and Standards in Professional Practice (Year 1) (15 credits)

This module provides the opportunity to learn about difference and diversity and issues of equality and discrimination / adverse impact. It provides you with knowledge of and insight into the issues that arise when working clinically across the lifespan.

Research Design and Analysis 1 (Year 1) (15 credits)

This is one of six research modules taught during the programme. They have been designed to support you along your research journey, from the conception of ideas, planning, getting approval for and conducting your study, to writing up and presenting your work.

Research Design and Analysis 2 (Year 1) (30 credits)

Professional Components of Counselling Psychology (Year 1) (45 credits)

This module provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate competence in supervised counselling psychology practice, and to develop self-reflective skills. It aims to enable you to develop your skills in face-to-face clinical practice within supervised placements.

Personal and Professional Development: Individual and Group Processes (Year 1) (15 credits)

The aim of the module is to enhance trainees’ self-awareness, interpersonal skills and ability to process group dynamics individually and as a group. Through this module trainees will have the opportunity to understand how they present themselves in a group.

Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches to Counselling Psychology (Year 1) (15 credits)

This module aims to teach trainees the core theoretical concepts of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches to counselling psychology and to introduce the application of CBT frameworks to working with specific psychological presentations.

Person-Centred Approaches to Counselling Psychology (Year 1) (15 credits)

The overall aims of this module include building knowledge of Person-Centred Counselling Psychology theory and practice; developing competent Person-Centred and transferable professional practice skills and understanding the diverse philosophical bases which underpin the psychological theories that are relevant to counselling psychology.

Psychodynamic Approaches to Counselling Psychology (Year 1) (15 credits)

This module provides the opportunity for you to understand the theoretical basis which underpins psychodynamic practice and the therapeutic skills of psychodynamic practice as relevant to counselling psychology.

Professional Development and Supervision (Year 1) (15 credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate competence in presenting and discussing clinical work.

Core modules year 2

Professional Components of Counselling Psychology (Year 2) (45 credits)

This module provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate competence in supervised counselling psychology practice, and to develop self-reflective skills including in face-to-face clinical practice within supervised placements.

Systems and Systemic Psychological Therapies in Counselling Psychology (Year 2) (15 credits)

This module has been designed for trainees to learn about the theory and practice of working with systems and the components within them, including families, couples, groups, children, adolescents and older adults along with issues of diversity

Psychopathology: Clinical Skills and Critical Approaches (Year 2) (15 credits)

This module aims to provide you with knowledge of psychological, social, and relational distress and knowledge of a range of explanatory frameworks used to understand these presentations (e.g., distress as meaningful, distress as psychopathology etc.).

DPsych Counselling Psychology Thesis 1 (Year 2) (30 credits)

This is one of six research modules in the programme. With guidance from your research supervisor you will progress through the stages of ethical approval, recruitment and data collection, and potentially data analysis. You will also give a presentation on your research in progress.

Developing Research Skills in Counselling Psychology (Year 2) (15 credits)

Neuropsychology, neurodiversity and Psychometrics (Year 2) (15 credits)

This module provides you with an introduction to working therapeutically with neuropsychological presentations and neurodiverse clients. You will develop your clinical skills in assessment, formulation, and treatment. You will also develop skills and competency in delivering, scoring, interpreting and critically evaluating a psychometric cognitive ability test for use in clinical practice.

Specialist Group Supervision (Year 2) (15 credits)

This module provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate competence in presenting and discussing clinical work within your chosen specialist model and to develop your knowledge of the theory and application of the model you have chosen to specialise in.

Personal and Professional Development: Individual and Group Processes (Year 2) (15 credits)

The aim of this module is to further develop your self-awareness, interpersonal skills and ability to work with group dynamics. You will have opportunities to understand how you present yourselves in a group and your ways of communicating with others. This will enable you to take responsibility for the impact of your communications, boundaries, limitations, and strengths.

Cross Cultural and Anti-Discriminatory Practice (15 credits)

This module provides the opportunity for you to expand your learning about anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice, social justice, difference and diversity. It will provide an opportunity for you to develop your clinical skills and knowledge about cross cultural engagement and cultural sensitivity.

Core modules year 3

Professional Components of Counselling Psychology (Year 3) (60 credits)

Negotiating Relationships: Advanced Skills (Year 3) (15 credits)

This module seeks to support you in advancing the development of your professional skills as counselling psychologists in your final year of training, and to facilitate your transition to work in professional contexts post-qualification.

DPsych Counselling Psychology Thesis 2 (Year 3) (45 credits)

Integrating Approaches in Clinical Practice

This module supports and challenges students to appropriately situate, develop, evaluate and give a robust account of their own practice in relation to theories of integration, eclecticism and pluralism.

Developing Research Skills in Counselling Psychology (Year 3) (15 credits)

Specialist Group Supervision (Year 3) (15 credits)

Supervising, Consulting and Leading in Counselling Psychology (Year 3) (15 credits)

This core module has been designed to introduce you to the unique roles and responsibilities of supervisor, consultant, leader and trainer in the field of counselling psychology. The module introduces you to the skills and knowledge required in these areas, as well as to some of the key tools you will need.

Programme specification

The programme specification contains more information on how the course is organised, the requirements for progression for each part and credits required for awards.

Download course specification:

• DSDCPS DPsych Counselling Psychology

You will learn through lectures, seminars and workshops led by our experienced staff and external experts.

We also deliver problem-based learning in small groups, individual and group tutorials, role play exercises, personal therapy work and directed reading. You are expected to take responsibility for your own relevant reading, reflection and development as the programme progresses.

Your assessment covers clinical case studies and process, practice placement competency evaluations, a critical literature review, research proposal and a research thesis.

As part of our dedication to your experience here, we aim for you to be well supported throughout your studies. We offer you continued support through personal tutors, student-staff liaison committees and the placements team.

Fees for academic year 2024/25

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

This is a three-year programme, however a discretionary extension into a fourth year can be granted in order to complete any outstanding research on the final thesis, with additional research fees added proportionally.

Graduate Loyalty Discount

We offer City students a loyalty discount upon enrolling on a second course at The City Law School. All you need to do is meet the entry requirements for your second course (postgraduate level) and we will automatically take 10% off of your tuition fees.

This can be received in addition to receiving a scholarship and will be applied to the second round of payments due.

Additional costs

In addition to programme fees, there are some other costs that trainees would need to cover. These include:

• Cost for personal therapy
• The purchase of an encrypted recording device for clinical work
• External clinical supervision, if required
• Reading materials, if required

Encrypted recording devices for clinical work

In order to comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policies it is an essential requirement for all students who join the DPsych programme in Counselling Psychology to purchase a City University of London approved encrypted audio recording device.

The device costs approximately £300 and is used to record client sessions (with the client’s consent). Recording is an essential part of the DPsych programme as it helps to facilitate clinical learning, supervisors’ evaluations and yearly clinical academic assignments. Information regarding the specific make and model of the device will be provided to you after you have enrolled on the programme.

External clinical supervision

If clinical supervision is not to be provided at placement by an Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)-registered Practitioner Psychologist, then external supervision would need to be sought at trainees' expense. The majority of placements that our trainees select, however, do meet this supervision requirement in-house.

Reading materials

Many assigned readings are available online and are also available in our library. However, trainees may want to purchase some of the key reading materials assigned.

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees.  Find out more about additional expenses .

The Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology gives you a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in modern counselling psychology.

You will receive personalised career guidance from staff involved in reviewing your practice placement work and professional development.

Our clinical practice graduates have progressed to lead services, with many providing placements and supervision. Others have gone into teaching and academia.

Recent graduates from this programme have secured work in:

• the National Health Service (NHS)
• the independent hospital sector
• Her Majesty’s Prison Service (HMPS)
• occupational health organisations
• private practice and consultancy.

Clinical placements

You will have different clinical placements during your time on the programme. This is usually a minimum of two days per week.

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept. If your country is not listed please email [email protected] .

There are two stages to the selection process for the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at City: 1) a written application, which is used by the programme team to short list candidates, and 2) an interview process, which is used to select the strongest candidates from the short list. The programme receives a high volume of applications each year. This inevitably means that selection is competitive and applicants who can demonstrate the strongest applications are most likely to be short listed for interview and offered a place. The team makes its decisions on the basis of evidence gathered throughout the application process.

All applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility criteria before applying, as listed below. Those who meet these criteria should submit a written application using the University’s standard application for postgraduate courses. The written application should clearly demonstrate that applicants meet the criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Degree and gbc.

A 2:1 honours degree or above which confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) (see below) or other first degree with relevant conversion course. The evidence would normally be in the form of a letter from the BPS confirming that you are a Graduate Member and that you have been granted GBC. If you are unsure whether your undergraduate degree confers GBC then please contact the BPS for clarification. If you are currently completing a relevant BPS accredited course you will need to have applied for and been granted Graduate Membership conferring GBC with the BPS, by the commencement of the programme.

International Equivalences

If you are applying with an overseas degree, the following is an indication of international equivalents of an upper second class degree from a UK institution. Please note these figures are intended as a guide only and individual applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

• China: Bachelor degree (Xueshi) in a suitable subject with an overall grade of 75 – 85% (depending on the standing of the awarding institution)
• USA: Bachelor degree in a suitable subject with CGPA 3.2
• India: Bachelor degree in a suitable subject with CGPA 6.5 / overall 65% / 1 st Division classification
• Turkey: Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi with a minimum CGPA 3.0 or 65%
• Italy: Diploma di Laurea in a suitable subject with a minimum score of 104.

Mental health experience and therapeutic skills training

Successful completion of introductory training in therapeutic/counselling skills, other appropriate mental health training undertaken for example as a health or social care worker, or equivalent substantial relevant clinical experience. We are looking for training such as certificate-level counselling skills courses (i.e. a course which awards you a certificate on completion); other relevant therapeutic training, e.g. that offered by various levels of the NHS IAPT programme such as for psychological well-being practitioners; or other appropriate mental health training undertaken as a health or social care worker. Equivalent substantial relevant clinical experience will also be accepted.

We run a five-day workshop at City, University of London which equips you with relevant skills for application to the Professional Doctorate course, although other courses are also available on the market.

Find out more and obtain a place on the City run Counselling Skills Workshop .

Substantial experience with face-to-face mental health / counselling work (usually one year minimum). This could include working (paid or unpaid) as a mental health or social care support worker / healthcare assistant in a ward or community setting; a mental health charity; a victim support unit; bereavement counselling; or relationship counselling. The experience we are looking for is more than 'befriending', and is different from having worked for example in healthcare roles other than mental health. You need to show you can talk about a patient / client case, conceptualise the person's problems, and put this within the context of the person's life history and environmental system.

The capacity to undertake research to doctoral level will be evidenced through the submission of an original research proposal as part of your application, and through consideration of your prior research learning and experience. The research proposal should be no more than 1000 words and should not be one that has already been submitted as part of another programme of study.

Submission of this proposal would not necessarily be considered a final choice of research topic if you are successful in your application. In addition to the research proposal, you are required to include a 300-word ‘Service User Involvement Strategy’.

Further guidance on the research proposal and service user involvement strategy is available in the ‘ Guidelines for Prospective Students ’ document.

APL/AEC (Accreditation of prior learning / existing competence) Requirements

It may be possible to receive APL for certain modules in Year 1 of the programme. A common request is for APL for our module Cognitive Behavioural Approaches in Counselling Psychology. Module APL will only be granted for study at Level 7 (typically High Intensity diploma).

Any exemptions against practice requirements will only be granted on the basis of competence gained following achievement of eligibility for the GBC.

DBS Check/Occupational Health

All students commencing the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology are required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (previously known as an enhanced CRB Disclosure). You are advised to visit the DBS website for further information . The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website.

Students are also required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire prior to admission and to attend an Occupational Health appointment in the first weeks of the course to ensure you have health clearance to practice. Immunisations are required in order to protect both potentially vulnerable service users and the student on clinical placement. Successful applicants will be given specific details of your mandatory appointment during your induction.

The DBS check and occupational health procedures are designed to check whether you are suitable to do our programme. The costs of them are borne by the programme. They do not assess or give any guarantees about whether someone completing our programme will be registered by the HCPC.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Zimbabwean equivalent required.

The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwean Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (60%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

If you don't meet the entry requirements please check to see if there is a suitable preparatory programme available for your course at INTO City, University of London or Kaplan International College London .

Visa requirements

International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

• Students on courses of more than six months
• Students on courses of less than six months

For more information see our main Visa page .

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Zambian equivalent required.

Zambian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Vietnamese equivalent required.

Vietnamese Bachelor degrees (Bang Tot Nghiep Dai Hoc or Bang Cu Nhan) from selected institutions are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Uzbekistani equivalent required.

Uzbekistani Bachelor / Bakalavr degrees are typically accepted with 71% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 55% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ukrainian equivalent required.

Ukrainian Bachelor / Specialist Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a GPA 4.3 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ugandan equivalent required.

Ugandan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.0/5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0/5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the US equivalent required.

US Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Emirati equivalent required.

Emirati Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Turkish equivalent required.

Turkish Bachelor / Lisans Diplomasi degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Tunisian equivalent required.

Tunisian Bachelor / Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Trinidad and Tobago

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Trinidadian and Tobagonian equivalent required.

University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (grade B+) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (grade B) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Thai equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Thai 4 year Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 to 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 to 2.8 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Tanzanian equivalent required.

Tanzanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 50% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Taiwanese equivalent required.

Taiwanese Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 75% or grade B equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70% or grade C equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Syrian equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Syrian Bachelor degrees or Licence are typically accepted with 70-80% or 'very good' equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60-70% or 'good' equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Switzerland

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Swiss equivalent required.

Swiss Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 4.75 out of 6.0, 8 out of 10 or 2 out of 5 (5 to 1 scale) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 4.0 out of 6.0, 6 out of 10 or 3 out of 5 (5 to 1 scale equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

• Students on courses of less than six months.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Swedish equivalent required.

Swedish Bachelor degrees or Kandidatexamen are typically accepted with B- 180 ECTS minimum overall or at least 50% of credits graded at VG overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and C- (180 ECTS minimum overall) or at least 20% of credits graded at VG overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Sri Lankan equivalent required.

Sri Lankan 4 year Bachelor Special Degrees or Professional Degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1, grade B+ or GPA 3.3 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2, grade B or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Spanish equivalent required.

Spanish Título de Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero and Título de Arquitecto are typically accepted with 7 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

South Korea

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the South Korean equivalent required.

South Korean Bachelor degrees (Haksa) are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 out of 4.5 or grade B equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.6 or grade C equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

South Africa

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the South African equivalent required.

South African Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Slovenian equivalent required.

Slovenian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Slovakian equivalent required.

Slovakian Bakalar degrees are typically accepted with GPA 1.5 - 2.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2.0 - 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Singaporean equivalent required.

Singaporean Bachelor and Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 3.8 out of 5.0 or II (upper) - Second Class (Upper) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0 or 3.3 out of 5.0 or II (lower) - Second Class (lower) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Serbian equivalent required.

Advanced Diploma of Higher Education and Diplomirani are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Saudi Arabia

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Saudi Arabian equivalent required.

Saudi Arabian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 or GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Rwandan equivalent required.

Rwandan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 16 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Russian equivalent required.

Russian Bachelor or Specialist Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.3 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Romanian equivalent required.

Romanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 8 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Qatari equivalent required.

Qatari Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.6 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Portuguese equivalent required.

Portuguese Licenciado are typically accepted with 14 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Polish equivalent required.

Polish Bachelor / Licencjat or Magister degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Philippines

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Filipino equivalent required.

Filipino Masters degree from any recognised institution and Bachelor degrees from selected institutions (i.e. Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University Manila, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Diliman) are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0, GPA 1.75 out of 5 or 86% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0, GPA 2.5 out of 5 or 80% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Peruvian equivalent required.

Peruvian Grado Académico de Bachiller or Título de Licenciado or Título (Profesional) degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Palestinian equivalent required.

Palestinian Bachelor or Bakalorius degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Pakistani equivalent required.

Pakistani 4 year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Omani equivalent required.

Omani Bachelor or Licence degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Norwegian equivalent required.

Norwegian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a B grade typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a C grade equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Nigerian equivalent required.

Nigerian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or GPA 3.5 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or GPA 2.7 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

New Zealand

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the New Zealand equivalent required.

New Zealand 4-year Bachelor degrees with Honours are typically accepted with Second Class (Division 1) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and Second Class (Division 2) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

New Zealand 3-year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with B+ overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and C+ overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Netherlands

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Dutch equivalent required.

Dutch Bachelor degrees or Doctoraal are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honour Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Nepali equivalent required.

Nepali 4-year Bachelor degrees (post 2017) are typically accepted with GPA 3.3 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Burmese equivalent required.

Burmese Masters degrees are typically accepted with 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Moroccan equivalent required.

Moroccan Bachelors, Licence or Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Mexican equivalent required.

Mexican Titulo de Licenciado are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Mauritian equivalent required.

Mauritian Bachelor degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Maltese equivalent required.

Maltese Bachelor Honours degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

• EEA nationals joining the programme in 2021 and EEA nationals joining from January 2022

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Malaysian equivalent required.

Malaysian Bachelor degrees from Berdaya Saing (Competitive) institutions are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Malaysian Bachelor degrees from Berdaya Maju (Viable) institutions are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and GPA 2.8 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Macanese equivalent required.

Macanese Bachelor degrees or Grau de Licenciatura are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 or B+ equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 or B- equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

For more information  see our main Visa page .

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Luxembourgian equivalent required.

Luxembourgian Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Lithuanian equivalent required.

Lithuanian Bakalauras or Magistras are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Lebanese equivalent required.

The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case by case basis.

Lebanese License or Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 or 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 or 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Latvian equivalent required.

Latvian Bakaluara Diploms are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Laotian equivalent required.

Laotian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kuwaiti equivalent required.

Kuwaiti Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kenyan equivalent required.

Kenyan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2:1 (60%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2:2 (50%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kazakhstani equivalent required.

Kazakhstani Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.3/ 5.0 or GPA 3.3 / 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 / 5.0 or 3.0 /4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Jordanian equivalent required.

Jordanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Japanese equivalent required.

Japanese Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0, grade B or 80% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5, grade C or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Jamaican equivalent required.

University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (55%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Italian equivalent required.

Italian Diploma di Laurea degrees are typically accepted with 104 (out of 110) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 94 (out of 110) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Israeli equivalent required.

Israeli Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 80% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 65% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Irish equivalent required.

Irish Bachelor Honours degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Iraqi equivalent required.

Iraqi Bachelor degrees from selected institutions are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Iranian equivalent required.

Iranian Bachelor degrees (Licence Kharshenasi) are typically accepted with 15 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Indonesian equivalent required.

Depending on their accreditation Indonesian S1 / Sarjana and Dip IV (Sarjana Terapa) are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 to 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 to 2.9 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Indian equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Indian 3 year Bachelor (Honours) or Bachelor (Special) degrees are typically accepted with 60 to 70% (7/10 to 8/10) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 50 to 60% (6/10 to 7/10) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Icelandic equivalent required.

Icelandic Baccalaurreatus degrees are typically accepted with 7.25 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Hungarian equivalent required.

Hungarian Bachelors degrees or University Diplomas are typically accepted with GPA 4 out of 5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3 out of 5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Hong Kong equivalent required.

Hong Kong Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 (or second class honours upper division) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 (or second class honours lower) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Greek equivalent required.

Greek Bachelor degrees or Ptychion are typically accepted with 7.0 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ghanaian equivalent required.

Ghanaian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2:1 (GPA 3.2/4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2:2 (GPA 2.5/4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the German equivalent required.

German Magister Artium / Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the French equivalent required.

French License are typically accepted with 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 11 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Finnish equivalent required.

Finnish Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 out of 5 or 2.0 out of 3.0 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 5 or 1.4 out of 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ethiopian equivalent required.

Ethiopian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Estonian equivalent required.

Estonian Bakalaurusekraad degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Egyptian equivalent required.

Egyptian Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 65% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ecuadorian equivalent required.

Ecuadorian 4 year Título de Licenciado or Título de [subject area] are typically accepted with 80%, 8.0/10 or 18/20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70%, 7.0/10 or 14/20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Danish equivalent required.

Danish Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with grade 6 - 7 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 4 - 5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Czech Republic

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Czech equivalent required.

Czech Bachelor degrees or Bakalar are typically accepted with 2+ equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2 or 2- equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cypriot equivalent required.

Cypriot Bachelor degree or Ptychio are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 (7.0 out of 10) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 / 4.0 (6 out of 10) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Croatian equivalent required.

Croatian Bachelor degree or Baccalaureus or Baccalaurea are typically accepted with GPA 4.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Colombian equivalent required.

Colombian 4 year Licenciado en [subject area] or Título de [subject area] or Profesional en [subject area] or Maestro en [subject area] degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Chinese equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Chinese 4 year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 75 to 80% (GPA 3.0 to 3.3 out of 4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70 to 75% (GPA 2.8 to 3.0 out of 4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Chilean equivalent required.

Chilean 4 year Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] degrees are typically accepted with GPA 5.5 / 7.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 5.0 / 7.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Canadian equivalent required.

Canadian Bachelor degrees / Baccalauréat degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cameroonian equivalent required.

Cameroonian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 18/20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 16/20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cambodian equivalent required.

Cambodian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bulgarian equivalent required.

Bulgarian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.75 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bruneian equivalent required.

Bruneian Bachelor (Honours) degrees are typically accepted with an Upper Second Class Honours classification equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a Lower Secind Class Honours classification equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Brazilian equivalent required.

Brazilian 4 year Título de Bacharel or Título de [subject area] or Título de Licenciado are typically accepted with 7.5/10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5/10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Botswanan equivalent required.

Botswanan Masters degrees are typically accepted with 80% (A grade) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70% (B grade) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bolivian equivalent required.

Bolivian 4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 64% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Belgian equivalent required.

Belgian Bachelor degrees (Bachelier) are typically accepted with 70% (14/20) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (12/20) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Barbadian equivalent required.

The University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (55%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bangladeshi equivalent required.

Bangladeshi Bachelor degrees (from selected universities) and Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.25 out of 4.0 or 65% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bahraini equivalent required.

Bahraini Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.3 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Azerbaijani equivalent required.

Azerbaijani Bachelors / Bakalavr Diplomu degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.5 out of 5.0 (80%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 (70%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Austrian equivalent required.

Austrian Bachelor degrees are accepted with GPA 2.5 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 typically equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Australian equivalent required.

Australian Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted with 70% (Second Class Division A) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (Second Class Division B) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Australian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 70% (Distinction) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (Credit) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Argentine equivalent required.

Argentine 4 year Titulo / Grado de Licenciado or Titulo de [subject area] are typically accepted with 7.5 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.0 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Algerian equivalent required.

Algerian Bachelors, Licence and Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 15 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Albanian equivalent required.

Second Level Integrated Diploma (5 years) and First Level University Diploma are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Afghanistan

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Afghan equivalent required.

Afghan Master's degrees from any recognised institution and Bachelor of Science (Engineering) from Kabul University are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 80% overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or 70% overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

If you are unable to find your country equivalents in the above list, City will consider other international qualifications on a case by case basis.

For further details, please contact us using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to provide evidence of English proficiency.

We only accept the following English language qualifications:

• A first degree from a UK university or from the CNAA.
• A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by City as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions in Australia, Canada or the USA.
• GCE O-level/GCSE - grade C or above
• CSE - grade C or above
• SEB - grade C or above
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English - Pass
• IELTS – Overall score of 7 or above and at least 6.5 in each subtest

Overseas Qualifications

Equivalent qualifications from an overseas university will be considered.

All students are expected to be computer literate.

English language programmes

Don't meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

Application process

Applications for September 2024 entry have now closed.

This course is not currently open for applications.

There are two stages to the selection process for the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at City:

• a written application, which is used by the programme team to short list candidates, and
• an interview process, which is used to select the strongest candidates from the short list.

Please download the DPsych guidance for prospective applicants 2024.

The programme receives a high volume of applications each year. Applicants who can demonstrate the strongest applications are most likely to be short listed for interview and offered a place.

Conditional offers can be considered for applicants who still have to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, and/or submit an English language test, but all other documents must be included in your application before it can be considered.

Receipt of applications will normally be confirmed within one week.

Interviews are expected to take place from late April to early May 2024.

All applicants will be notified as to whether or not they are shortlisted for interview after their applications are complete.

September 2024 entry

• Apply online for DPsych Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology with full-time study in

Contact the postgraduate team

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7040 5000

Email: [email protected]

Our academics

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Dr Julianna Challenor

Senior Lecturer

• Department of Psychology

Dr Holly Kahya

Lecturer in Counselling Psychology

Dr Ohemaa Nkansa-Dwamena

Associate Professor

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What's happening

Nov  06

Postgraduate Open Evening

Join us at our Postgraduate Open Evening to learn more about our postgraduate courses and discover all the benefits of studying at City, University of London.

Wednesday, 6 th November 2024 , 17:00 – 19:00

Location: Northampton Square

Audience: Prospective students

Monday, 10 th June 2024

Unravelling the gendered undertones of narcissism

New research from City, University of London and the University of Southampton uncovered significant gender differences in narcissism and its influence on partner violence and bullying behaviour

Wednesday, 5 th June 2024

Why Nigel Farage spent his first campaign speech complaining that young people don’t know about D-Day

Dr Francesco Rigoli writes in The Conversation about Nigel Farage's speech and how the theme of national decline appeals to those on the right

Useful links

• School of Health & Psychological Sciences
• Psychology at City, University of London

Contact details

Contact the team.

+44 (0)20 7040 5000

[email protected]

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

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PhD in Counseling Psychology

Join our nationally recognized, social justice oriented, apa-approved program in counseling psychology.

Earn your doctoral degree and license to practice as a professional psychologist in a program focused on breaking down barriers to equity in health and education.

Our commitment to you

Upon graduation with a PhD in counseling psychology from Loyola, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to work as a licensed psychologist, conducting research, teaching, and/or counseling in a variety of settings.

You'll gain discipline-specific knowledge in counseling psychology (including vocational psychology, prevention and outreach, and multicultural and international psychology), the psychological sciences, measurement, research methods, and statistics, as well as foundational knowledge in the history and philosophy of counseling psychology, current professional issues and trends, theories and research on normal human development, and major theories and research in vocational psychology, prevention and outreach, and multicultural and international psychology. Throughout all this, there will be an emphasis on how social injustice affects human functioning.

You will   engage in independent scholarship on questions important to counseling psychology, and develop and evaluate interventions to promote positive human development. You'll be equipped to practice as a health service psychologist with competencies in research, ethical and legal standards, individual and cultural diversity, professional values and attitudes, communication and interpersonal skills, assessment, intervention, supervision, consultation and inter-professional/interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

Professional Values

You'll be educated in the scientist-practitioner model, committed to both research and its practical applications, all with social justice and equality in mind. You will display effective communication and interpersonal skills, as well as professional behaviors, and apply the knowledge base of the discipline in a scientifically-based, theoretically-driven, ethical, and culturally-responsive manner.

Program Faculty

Our dedicated  Counseling Faculty  are experts in their fields who will support students throughout each stage of the program.

APA Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Click here to access the  APA Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data (2023)  related to this program.

Accreditation

Loyola's PhD in counseling psychology has been accredited by the  American Psychologist Association (APA)  since 1984.

2023 Current Students

Aaron Graham, M.S. (enrolled 2022)

• Hometown: Matteson, IL • Ethnicity: Black • Clinical Interests: My clinical interests reside in mindfulness-based therapies and counseling practices, vocational counseling, psychoeducation, mind & body integrative therapy, and general mental health wellness. • Research interests: My current research interests are in the stigma against mental health in underrepresented communities, community-based participatory research, workplace mental health, and counseling training. • Contact info:  [email protected]

Jiwon Lee, M.Ed. (enrolled 2022)

• Hometown: Seoul, South Korea • Ethnicity: Asian • Clinical Interests: Trauma-informed therapy, cross-cultural counseling (working with racial/ethnic minorities, LGBT+ population), self-acceptance/self-compassion, social anxiety • Research interests: Experiences of racism and microaggressions among Asians/Asian Americans, systemic interventions that target racism • Contact info:  [email protected]

Claude Louis, M.S. (enrolled 2022)

• Hometown: Norwalk, CT • Ethnicity: Black/Haitian American • Clinical Interests: Community based counseling, integration of social justice in counseling for marginalized populations, LGBTQ focused counseling existential, humanistic, and person-centered counseling interventions. • Research interests: LGBTQ, minority and urban populations; development of humanistic, social justice interventions in community counseling settings to address retention, quality of mental health treatment and other disparities among urban vulnerable populations; counselor education, with a focus on counselor competency working with multicultural, immigrant, and other underserved populations. Counselor identity development and internalized racism. • Contact info:  [email protected]

Trayvon Truss, M.A. (enrolled 2022)

• Hometown: Chicago, IL • Ethnicity: African American • Clinical and Research Interests: Stigma among mental health in African American men. • Contact info:  [email protected]

Kayla Horne, M.A.

• Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
• Ethnicity: African American/ Black
• Clinical Interests: Trauma-informed care, addictions counseling, person-centered interventions, and social justice and multiculturally competent counseling.
• Research Interests: I am excited to research identity development in people who have become bilingual or multilingual after attending an International School. I am interested in understanding how the language(s) have shaped the graduates and how they have integrated the new language and culture into their identity.
• Contact info: [email protected]

Katharina Lippert, B.S.

• Hometown: Miami, FL
• Ethnicity: White
• Clinical Interests: My clinical interests focus on mindfulness/ positive psychology intervention techniques, as well as focusing on self-identity and purpose in life.
• Research Interests: My current research interest focuses on how well-being and positive psychology methods can help identity development in youths and adults across cultures. Especially the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions across cultures and social classes.
• Contact info: [email protected]

Kristin Woodlen, M.A.

• Hometown: Harrisburg, PA
• Ethnicity: Asian, Chinese American
• Clinical Interests: Person-Centered therapy, Cross-cultural counseling (working with racial/ethnic minorities and diverse families), Racial/Ethnic Identity Development.
• Research Interests: Racial/Ethnic identity development and mental health of transracial adoptees.
• Contact info: [email protected]

Length of Program

The program typically takes four to five years of study, including a full-time pre-doctoral internship. Time for degree completion, including the dissertation is six years.

Continuous Enrollments Doctoral students in counseling psychology are required to maintain continuous enrollment during their program of studies. This means that during each semester of each academic year (excluding Summer Sessions), each student must enroll in at least one course. A formal  leave of absence  may be granted upon request and with the approval of the Graduate School’s Associate Dean.

Comprehensive Assessment

Comprehensive take-home exam is required. Refer to the  2023 CPSY Doctoral Handbook  for more information.

Admission Requirements

Interested in applying? Check out the  PhD Counseling Psychology application requirements .

• For  application  related questions,  contact Graduate Enrollment Management . 
• For  program structure and academics  related questions, contact:  Matthew Miller and Elizabeth Vera , Program Chairs

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

The School of Education and Loyola's Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable. You can learn more on the  Financial Assistance  page.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Psychology

Graduate Programs

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

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

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

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

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Program requirements.

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

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

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

Requirements

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

Student Handbook

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

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

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

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

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

Tentative Plan of Study

Supplemental Program Information

Practicum placements.

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

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

University Counseling Centers

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

Veteran’s Hospitals

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

Community Mental Health Centers

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

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

Funding Opportunities

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

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

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

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

Tuition and Fees

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

Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement

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

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

State by state psychology licensure requirements.

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

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

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Emily Boswell

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

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

Land Acknowledgement

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

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