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.
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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
46%
Yes
44%
N/A
$10,386
$31,158
92%
31,764
Public
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
15%
Yes
14%
N/A
$58,560
$58,560
94%
36,714
Private
Howard University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
82%
Yes
35%
N/A
$33,860
$33,860
91%
12,065
Private
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
38%
Yes
62%
N/A
$6,885
$19,593
95%
74,014
Public
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
20%
Yes
43%
N/A
$8,878
$25,186
94%
40,607
Public
University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
55%
Yes
86%
N/A
$10,432
$29,379
88%
29,909
Public
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
47%
Yes
19%
N/A
$39,834
$39,834
92%
19,401
Private
University of Oregon
- Eugene, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
42%
Yes
86%
N/A
$16,011
$28,971
86%
23,163
Public
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
