Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Programs
Discover the best counseling psychology Ph.D. programs and what the application process looks like.
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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.
A Ph.D. in counseling can open doors to careers in academia, organizational leadership, and clinical practice. To find the best program, it’s helpful to understand the typical admission requirements, application process, and program differences/
Explore our list of the best counseling psychology Ph.D. programs below, along with some tips on finding the right school for you.
Top Online Programs in Counseling Psychology
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
How To Choose a Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Program
Consider factors like accreditation, admission requirements, and financial aid when selecting a counseling psychology Ph.D. program. These components can help you compare programs and determine if they meet your unique needs.
Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation assures you and future employers that the program meets industry standards. In some states, accreditation from organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) may even be required for professional licensure and employment. CACREP accreditation is more typical for counseling programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary, but they often include a master’s degree in a relevant discipline — or at least a bachelor’s or master’s with the appropriate psychology and/or counseling prerequisite courses. Other typical requirements include letters of recommendation, resumes, and a statement of purpose.
Some competitive programs have additional requirements, including a 3.0+ minimum GPA and/or GRE scores.
Career Relevance
Make sure your program helps you meet your career goals. For example, if you have a specialty in mind, look for programs that offer a concentration, electives, or even faculty members with experience in that area. Additionally, consider how the program’s accreditation could affect your career path or what type of professional support the school offers.
Flexibility
Look for a program that fits with your ideal schedule, whether that means an accelerated, full-time program that lets you graduate sooner or a part-time program that allows you to work while you study. An online program also gives you the flexibility to have a job while you’re enrolled. Pay attention to the schedule for any practicum or assistantship requirements as well.
Cost and Financial Aid
While graduate degrees can be costly in general, some schools typically charge more, including private, out-of-state, and prestigious colleges and universities. Many Ph.D. in counseling psychology programs provide financial support through fellowships or research and teaching assistantships. You can also explore other forms of financial aid, such as loans, grants, and scholarships.
How To Apply to a Counseling Psychology Ph.D. Program
Applying to a counseling psychology Ph.D. program requires careful planning. Give yourself enough time to gather the required materials and submit the strongest application possible before the deadline.
Here’s a step-by-step look at what that process might look like.
- 1
Create a shortlist of programs
Narrow down your list of potential programs to include your top choices, a dream school, and a fall-back option. It’s important to also keep the application timelines and costs in mind. When prioritizing programs, consider your travel, schedule, and career goals, among other factors.
- 2
Secure your reference letters
Graduate applications usually require about three recommendation letters from professors, employers, and supervisors. Give your references as much notice and information as possible, letting them know about your program goals and your professional direction. This should help them create more strategic and personalized letters.
- 3
Write your personal statements
Personal statement letters typically require you to discuss your professional goals, research interests, and relevant experiences. You may include answers to specific questions, such as why you want to enroll in the program or learn from a certain faculty member.
- 4
Get your GRE scores (if required)
While many schools have moved away from the GRE, some require it as part of the application and many still accept it. If one of your applications requires it, or you think it will improve your chances, aim to take the exam at least one month before the deadline.
- 5
Prepare for your interviews
The admissions interview has a significant role in the decision process. It’s important to review your application and think about how your experiences and goals align with the program before your meeting.
Research the program and the faculty, taking note of the work being done at the school and preparing questions for your interviewer. Finally, brainstorm potential questions and practice your answers to help strengthen your responses and avoid surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Counseling Psychologist
Counseling psychologists help clients address various emotional, social, and behavioral challenges throughout their lives. In contrast, clinical psychologists emphasize diagnosing and assessing pathological conditions and working with clients who have severe mental health concerns.
