Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Programs of 2024
Want to become a licensed counseling psychologist? Explore our list of the top counseling psychology Ph.D. programs.
At this site we believe in providing trustworthy and actionable information about degree programs, careers, professional issues, and regional laws concerning the psychology, counseling, and social work professions. Our writers and editors leverage the latest data from primary sources across the site.
We also rely on our freelance Integrity Network, which is comprised of experienced professionals who pull from their first-hand industry experience and expertise to review content for accuracy and completeness. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
Why Psycholology.org?
The Psychology.org team includes writers, editors, and contributing psychology students and professionals dedicated to helping you navigate the field. We follow a strict editorial and review process to ensure our content is up-to-date, factual, and relevant. Learn more aboutour editorial process.
Key Takeaways
- The top counseling psychology Ph.D. programs include Auburn University, Boston University, and Howard University.
- Earning this degree builds advanced skills and broadens career options in clinical practice or research.
With a Ph.D. in counseling psychology, you can embark on a fulfilling journey as a practitioner, researcher, educator, and advocate in the mental health field. The search for the best Ph.D. programs is a critical step in advancing your career.
Our guide to the best counseling psychology Ph.D. programs can help you decide what schools fit your professional goals. Find out about application requirements and the cost of earning your degree.
Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Programs of 2024
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Ph.D. in counseling psychology at AU reserves enrollment for students interested in both research and its application in clinical practice. Trainees develop their competencies as scientist-practitioners by completing coursework and mentoring with faculty on research projects.
The core curriculum provides training in areas, such as cognitive behavior therapy, assessment of cognitive abilities and achievement, and counseling diverse populations. Elective coursework could include a focus on psychological trauma, advanced writing in clinical psychology, and/or other areas.
Students complete a practicum and a 2,000-hour internship that provides relevant clinical experience. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and strong academic performance.
46%
Yes
44%
N/A
$10,386
$31,158
92%
31,764
Public
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
BU's Ph.D. in counseling psychology and applied human development offers concentrations in child/adolescent mental health and sport/performance psychology. Students complete 81-97 credits on campus in Boston, first choosing either the counseling psychology (CP) or applied human development specialization.
CP students complete a core that includes training in effective interventions, intellectual and behavioral assessment, and counseling health psychology. Participants receive research methods and data analysis training and complete concentration-specific courses.
The APA-accredited degree requires a practicum and a two-semester internship. Enrollees can complete one of the best counseling psychology Ph.D. programs in 4-5 years. CP students need a master's for admission.
15%
Yes
14%
N/A
$58,560
$58,560
94%
36,714
Private
Howard University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Established in 1982, Howard's Ph.D. in counseling psychology develops scientist-practitioners able to use evidence-based practices and interventions to help underserved populations. Students complete the full-time program on campus in Washington, D.C.
The APA-accredited curriculum covers topics, such as personality assessment, clinical interviewing/micro-counseling, and cognitive behavioral interventions and evidence-based therapies. Enrollees can collaborate on research projects with faculty in and outside of their department.
Practicum training prepares students for a 2,000-hour, yearlong internship at an approved facility. Participants culminate the degree with a research dissertation and a comprehensive exam. Admission requires a bachelor's or master's degree, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.
82%
Yes
35%
N/A
$33,860
$33,860
91%
12,065
Private
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
OSU's Ph.D. in counseling psychology focuses on preparing students for professional practice. Students complete the degree on the OSU-Stillwater or OSU-Tulsa campus. The department's notable research areas include body image, bullying, and health and wellness promotion.
The 117-credit curriculum is delivered using a scientist-practitioner model that involves academic coursework, research, and outreach. Prospective counseling psychologists have access to a variety of campus training labs with expertise, such as sexual health or trauma recovery and growth research.
All enrollees receive clinical training through practicum and internship experiences. Successful applicants receive full-tuition waivers and funding from research and/or teaching graduate assistantships. Admission requires a bachelor's or master's degree and all college transcripts.
52%
Yes
71%
N/A
$4,208
$15,836
84%
25,359
Public
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Ph.D. in counseling psychology at Texas A & M trains counseling psychologists competent in multiculturalism, interdisciplinary collaborations, and community engagement. Graduates meet the academic requirements for professional licensure or certification in many states.
Enrollees complete 64-96 credits depending on their status as a bachelor's or master's degree-holder. Course topics include counseling techniques, counseling and psychotherapy theories, career counseling, and consultation to organizations.
Participants interested in teaching careers receive mentorship when they give guest lectures and co-teach with advisors. Field practicum training and a yearlong internship provide practical clinical experience. Admission requires transcripts and records, a recommended minimum 3.0 GPA, and no GRE scores.
38%
Yes
62%
N/A
$6,885
$19,593
95%
74,014
Public
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
UGA's Ph.D. in counseling psychology prepares health service psychologists and leads to licensure eligibility in all states. The program uses a scientist-practitioner training model and is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Students complete core psychology courses and choose from concentrations that include supervision, clinical health psychology, assessment, or teaching (preparing future faculty). Enrollees participate in research projects and complete a paper and a dissertation.
Supervised clinical training in psychotherapy and a one-year internship prepare enrollees for clinical practice. Enrollees may qualify for scholarships and graduate assistantships to pay for one of the nation's best counseling psychology Ph.D. programs. Admission requires a master's degree, GRE scores, and relevant professional work experiences (desired).
20%
Yes
43%
N/A
$8,878
$25,186
94%
40,607
Public
University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A leader in psychological research, UI offers a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. Students learn from faculty recognized for research expertise in areas, such as psychotherapy, positive psychology, and rural medicine and behavioral health.
The program's scientist-practitioner model prepares competent researchers and practitioners. Key topics include intelligence assessment, theories of psychotherapy, and multicultural counseling. Enrollees receive additional training through their work on research teams and by completing a dissertation.
Participants complete a 450-hour practicum and a one-year internship that typically involves relocation. About 70% of recent students admitted to the program received financial support. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum undergraduate 3.0 GPA.
55%
Yes
86%
N/A
$10,432
$29,379
88%
29,909
Public
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
UM's Ph.D. in counseling psychology is open to students with either a bachelor's or a master's degree. The program uses a scientist-practitioner model to train scholars and clinicians. About 90% of graduates go on to earn state licensure.
Key courses include psychological appraisal, supervision in counseling psychology, and faculty preparation. Participants develop research expertise in using quantitative methods and techniques for testing and measurement. Enrollees complete 2-3 years of practicum training at UM counseling centers, local hospitals, and other locations.
Full-time students receive a tuition waiver for required coursework and additional funding through fellowships and graduate assistantships. Admission to one of the best counseling psychology Ph.D. programs requires competitive grades and GRE scores.
47%
Yes
19%
N/A
$39,834
$39,834
92%
19,401
Private
University of Oregon
- Eugene, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Oregon's Ph.D. in counseling psychology offers an optional Spanish language specialization. Students can enter the doctoral program with a bachelor's or master's degree. Foundational coursework provides training in mental health diagnosis, counseling diverse populations, and microcounseling skills.
Participants learn how to address the needs of individuals, children and families, and diverse populations through advanced didactic and practicum experiences. The bilingual specialization requires 16 credits and includes a bilingual practicum focused on child and family.
An internship component solidifies students' preparation for state licensure and careers. Admission requires school transcripts and no GRE scores for all applicants; Spanish language competencies are required for those pursuing the specialization.
42%
Yes
86%
N/A
$16,011
$28,971
86%
23,163
Public
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
UW-Madison's Ph.D. in counseling psychology encourages students to work with faculty as they engage in research, clinical training, and teaching. One of the nation's best counseling psychology Ph.D. programs, the APA-accredited degree enrolls bachelor's and master's degree-holders.
The 77-89-credit curriculum provides advanced training in areas, such as abnormal behavior and psychopathology, counseling psychology research, and assessment techniques. Students receive hands-on training and culminate the degree with a one-year internship.
Post-BA applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and a major in psychology is strongly recommended. Post-MA applicants must have a master's or Ph.D. in counseling or a related field that includes a counseling internship.
27%
Yes
49%
N/A
$10,728
$24,054
94%
49,886
Public
What to Look For in a Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Program
Choosing a counseling psychology doctorate program is one of the biggest decisions you can make. While a doctorate is a big investment of time and money, you need this credential to obtain a counseling psychologist license.
The graduate application for psychology students and admission requirements can help you identify the right school. It can also show you how likely you are to be accepted. Staff-to-student ratios and program logistics are also important criteria.
Accreditation is key in choosing a program. Because state boards require a Ph.D. from an APA-accredited psychology program, this guide does not list unaccredited programs.
Cost and financial aid are also vital considerations. However, if you commit to work in a medically underserved area, you may be eligible for federal or state scholarships or loan forgiveness for psychologists.
Supervised Experience Requirements
In addition to a thesis, counseling psychology Ph.D. programs require psychology practicums and internships. Practicums emphasize observing and discussing observations with a practicing psychologist. Most take place on campus or in a setting near the campus.
During an internship, students work directly with patients under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, but with an increasing level of independence. Students apply for internships, and the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers arranges matches between doctoral interns and vacancies.
Internships are one of the most stressful parts of psychology Ph.D. programs, as applicants often outnumber vacancies, and demand is high for the most prestigious vacancies.
The Benefits of Earning a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
As more individuals seek help for emotional and behavioral conditions, the demand for mental health professionals continues to increase. Earning a Ph.D. can set you on a pathway to professional advancement and personal fulfillment, preparing you for licensure, specialized practice, and various career possibilities.
Employment opportunities: Although a bachelor’s or master’s degree in counseling psychology may qualify you for entry-level positions, a doctorate opens the door to higher-paid and broader career options, including becoming a licensed psychologist.- Licensure: A Ph.D. in counseling psychology meets most state licensing boards’ educational and internship requirements and prepares you for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
- Advanced knowledge and skills: A Ph.D. is the highest degree in counseling psychology, training you in specializations and a wider scope of practice and therapy techniques than a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Research expertise: A doctoral degree teaches you to conduct research, analyze data, and present new findings that advance the field of psychology, leading to career opportunities in higher education, government agencies, and private organizations.
- Personal and professional fulfillment: Counseling psychologists experience considerable satisfaction in helping people achieve a better quality of life through in-person counseling or research that advances the field.
How to Apply to a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology Program
A counseling psychology Ph.D. takes between 4-6 years to complete. While requirements vary by program, students typically complete courses in counseling theories, research methods, therapy techniques, assessment, and electives or concentrations in specific populations or areas of study.
Some programs admit students with only a bachelor’s degree allowing them to complete their master’s along with the Ph.D. Admission to most programs requires a bachelor’s or master’s in psychology or a related field, official transcripts, a 3.0 GPA, a written statement of purpose, and letters of reference.
How to Pay for a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology Program
Determining how to pay for your studies is one of the most important considerations in deciding whether to earn a counseling psychology Ph.D. According to the National Center for Education Statistics Postsecondary Student Aid Study, the median annual tuition and fees for a psychology doctorate in 2020 was $13,440. When you include all other personal expenses, the median cost rises to $34,590 a year.
Fortunately, many Ph.D. students qualify for financial aid through scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Many universities offer research and teaching assistantships that cover tuition and provide stipends for living expenses.
The NCES survey reports that 74% of graduate students received financial aid in 2019-20, each receiving an average amount of $25,300. Before enrolling in a Ph.D. program, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine whether you qualify for need-based assistance and check with your intended programs about available financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Programs
Counseling psychologists help clients address various emotional, social, and behavioral challenges throughout their lives. Clinical psychologists place more emphasis on diagnosing and treating pathological conditions and working with clients who have severe mental health concerns.
Page last reviewed on June 10, 2024
