Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Counseling Psychology Degree Programs
In most states, becoming a licensed clinical psychologist requires having a doctorate in a relevant psychological field, such as counseling psychology. This field is an excellent choice because its doctorate prepares you to provide counseling in various situations. Someone with a good education in counseling psychology can provide personal counseling or therapy, couples therapy, educational counseling, problem-specific counseling, and more.
2025 Best Doctorate in Counseling Psychology Programs
Looking for the best doctorate in counseling psychology programs? counselingpsychology.org ranks top schools to help you find the right fit. Our list highlights programs known for their quality, faculty, and student support. We focus on what matters to you, like accreditation and career outcomes. Start your journey toward a rewarding career in counseling psychology with our trusted rankings. Learn more about how we rank programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Doctorate - Combined Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Combined Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology is an APA-accredited program designed to produce versatile health service psychologists. It offers an integrated curriculum that allows students to focus on either counseling or school psychology, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and clinical training under the guidance of renowned faculty. The program prepares graduates for a competitive job market, with a projected growth of 14.3% and median salaries around $76,990. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, strong GRE scores, and relevant research or clinical experience.
- APA-accredited doctoral program
- Combined counseling and school psychology focus
- 4-7 year program duration
- Mentorship from acclaimed faculty
- Eligible for Florida psychology licensure
- Multiple research team opportunities
- Competitive job market outlook
Doctorate - Combined Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology
Concentration: Counseling Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Counseling Psychology, Florida State University's Combined Doctoral Program provides a rigorous, APA-accredited education for future psychologists. The program's integrated curriculum offers extensive research and clinical training, with faculty expertise in areas such as addiction, ADHD, and career counseling. Graduates are well-prepared for licensure in Florida and enter a field with a 14.3% job growth projection and median salaries of $76,990. The program requires a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, strong GRE scores, and demonstrated research or clinical experience for admission.
- APA-accredited doctoral program
- 4-7 year combined Ph.D.
- Counseling and school psychology focus
- Multiple concentration options
- Licensure preparation in Florida
- Mentorship from renowned faculty
- Research and clinical training
- 14.3% job growth projection
Doctorate - Combined Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology
Concentration: School Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University offers a unique APA-accredited Combined Doctoral Program with a concentration in School Psychology. This program equips students with the skills to become health service professionals through comprehensive training in research and clinical practice. With a duration of 4-7 years, students benefit from mentorship by specialized faculty and are eligible for psychology licensure in Florida upon graduation. The field boasts strong job prospects, including a 14.3% growth rate and a median salary of $76,990 for educational and school psychologists. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, and strong GRE scores.
- Only APA-accredited combined Ph.D. in Florida
- Dual concentration option available
- Mentorship from specialized faculty
- Licensing eligible upon graduation
- Strong job market projections
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program is a rigorous, APA-accredited program designed to prepare students for a variety of professional psychology careers. Emphasizing a scientist-practitioner model, the program spans over 5 years, offering extensive training in research, clinical practice, and professional development. Students benefit from multiple clinical practicum experiences and are required to complete a dissertation research project. Graduates are well-prepared for licensure as psychologists, with career opportunities in higher education, healthcare, and community mental health settings. The program, continuously accredited by the APA since 1957, does not explicitly mention an entrance exam requirement.
- 5+ years doctoral program
- APA continuously accredited
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- Multiple clinical practicum experiences
- Comprehensive research requirements
- Prepares for psychology licensure
- Diverse career placement opportunities
Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Concentration: Multicultural Psychology and Human Diversity - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Multicultural Psychology and Human Diversity, the University of Utah's Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program offers an APA-accredited curriculum that blends scientific research with clinical practice. Over 5 years, students engage in comprehensive training, including a pre-doctoral internship, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. The program prepares graduates for licensure and diverse career paths, with a strong emphasis on understanding human diversity and psychological wellness. While the program highlights its scientist-practitioner training model, it does not specify an entrance exam requirement, suggesting a holistic review process for admissions.
- APA-accredited doctoral program
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- 5+ years doctoral study
- Pre-doctoral internship included
- Multiple career pathway options
- Conference presentation requirement
- Peer-reviewed publication expected
- University counseling center practicum
- Advanced field practicum opportunities
- Comprehensive licensure preparation
Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Concentration: Health Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
With a concentration in Health Psychology, the University of Utah's Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program provides an APA-accredited education that prepares students for careers at the intersection of psychology and health. The 5+ year program includes coursework, practicum experiences, and a pre-doctoral internship, alongside requirements for research presentations and scholarly publications. Graduates are equipped for licensure and diverse professional opportunities. The program, accredited since 1957, offers financial assistance to qualified students. Admission details, including any entrance exam requirements, are available on the program's website, indicating a potential need for applicants to consult directly for specifics.
- 5+ years program length
- Health Psychology concentration
- Scientist-practitioner model
- APA accredited since 1957
- Includes pre-doctoral internship
- Research and presentation required
- Licensure preparation
- Financial assistance available
- Diverse career opportunities
- Comprehensive coursework
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE - Public 4-Year - unl.edu
Doctorate - Counseling Psychology Specialization
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology that adheres to the scientist-practitioner model, blending rigorous research with clinical practice. This program is designed for full-time students, requiring a minimum 3-year campus residency and a pre-doctoral internship. With a curriculum focused on advanced psychological research, statistics, and doctoral seminars, graduates are prepared for leadership roles in mental health and academia. The program is APA accredited, emphasizing a research-focused approach to counseling psychology. Entrance exams such as the GRE are required for admission.
- Full-time doctoral program
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- Research-focused curriculum
- APA accreditation standards
- Doctoral research seminars
- Comprehensive research training
- Minimum 3-year campus residence
- Pre-doctoral internship required
Doctorate - Counseling Psychology Specialization
Concentration: Career Development - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Career Development, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program follows a scientist-practitioner model, offering a blend of psychological research and practical application. This full-time program spans 5-6 years, catering to students with either bachelor's or master's degrees. It features a curriculum rich in psychological science and research methods, alongside collaborative seminars. APA accredited, the program prepares graduates for impactful careers in counseling psychology, with a focus on career development. Admission requires GRE scores.
- Full-time doctoral program
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- Research-focused curriculum
- APA accreditation standards
- Doctoral research seminars
- 5-6 year completion timeline
Doctorate - Counseling Psychology Specialization
Concentration: Social Justice - Campus Based - Visit Website
With a concentration on Social Justice, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program equips students to address mental health disparities through a social justice lens. This full-time program, adhering to the scientist-practitioner model, includes comprehensive training in research methods, statistics, and core psychological disciplines. A 3-year campus residency and pre-doctoral internship are mandatory. APA accredited, the program fosters mentored research opportunities, preparing graduates for clinical, research, and leadership roles. GRE scores are necessary for application.
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- Full-time doctoral program
- Comprehensive research preparation
- APA accreditation standards
- Social justice concentration
- Three-year campus residency
- Pre-doctoral internship required
- Doctoral research seminars
- Mentored research opportunities
What Will I Learn in an Online Counseling Psychology Doctorate Program?
The curriculum can focus on advanced studies in human behavior or counselor education and supervision. The former is better for those who intend to remain in or enter clinical practice as counselors. Meanwhile, the emphasis on supervision is the best pick if you want to become a department head, clinic leader, or a teacher of other counselors. Note that schools with fine-grained degree tracks may use different names for their degrees than simply calling them “counseling psychology.”
Standard online counseling psychology programs have a predictable curriculum, though the names of the specific courses vary by school. You should expect classes along these lines:
- Performing Mental Assessments
- Helping with Relationships
- Conducting Group Therapy
- Assisting with Lifestyle and Career Development
- Program Research and Evaluation
- Individual Behavior and its Motivating Factors
- Changing Individual Behavior
- Counseling Theories
- Quantitative Analysis
You will also need to complete a dissertation or other capstone experience and obtain a set amount of practicum hours or internship time. The number of in-person practice hours will depend on the university and can vary widely.
In all cases, it’s essential to be sure that your doctorate program is accredited. Accreditation by bodies like CACREP or the APA ensures that your state’s licensing board will accept the credential for its educational requirements. Employers also want to see diplomas from accredited programs. This helps them be sure that your program has taught you everything you need to know at your level.
The credit hours needed to complete a Counseling Psychology doctorate program will vary depending on whether the student has already completed a master’s degree. Some programs, such as the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. through the University of North Texas, allow students with a bachelor’s degree to apply. The program consists of 42 credit hours for those with a master’s or 72 credit hours for those with a bachelor’s.
Admissions Requirements for a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
The difficulty in getting admitted to an online doctoral program in counseling psychology depends on which university is involved. The best programs have stringent GPA requirements and may require participation in whatever they consider the “right” extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, most schools are not as picky and will accept GPAs in the 3.0 range. One of the strongest predictors of this is the competitiveness of the doctoral program.
Some of the standard requirements for admission include:
- Your application
- A fee, if applicable
- A master’s or similar degree in this or a related subject
- Official transcripts
- A GPA at or greater than the university’s minimum
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Essay on career goals
- Resume
Your application process will be less stressful if you collect these things far in advance of actually applying. Then, you can tailor your application package to meet the documentation requirements of the universities that you apply to.
2025 Affordable PhD in Counseling Psychology Program Options
Finding an affordable PhD in Counseling Psychology is key for students across the USA. The right program balances cost with quality, offering a path to a doctorate without heavy debt. Our table highlights options with low-cost tuition and valuable program features. It lists schools by their price range and what makes their programs stand out. This helps you compare economical choices that fit your budget and goals. Whether you're in California, Texas, or New York, affordable education is within reach. Start your search here to find a cost-effective path to your 2025 degree.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Utah |
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| Ball State University |
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| New Mexico State University-Main Campus |
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2025 Shortest Counseling Psychology PhD Program Options
Finding the shortest counseling psychology PhD programs can help students start their careers faster. These programs are designed for those who want to complete their doctorate quickly without sacrificing quality. The table lists schools across the USA, offering detailed info on program highlights, graduation rates, and retention rates. Opting for a quickest path can be crucial for students eager to enter the workforce or advance in their current roles. With options available in various states and cities, candidates can find a program that fits their needs and timeline for 2025.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Boston College |
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| Fordham University |
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| University of Denver |
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List of Counseling Psychology Doctorate Degree Programs
Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in counseling psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.
California
Irvine, CA
Concordia University-Irvine
- Doctorate - Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision
Online Learning - Website
- Online + 2 In-Person Residencies
- $795 Cost Per Unit
- 3-4 Year Accelerated Program
- WSCUC Accredited
- 700 Total Fieldwork Hours
- 60 Total Units Required
- License Professionals Only
- 2 Face-to-Face Residencies
San Diego, CA
National University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Concentration: Counseling Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- 20 Total Courses
- Designed for Licensed Professionals
- Weekly Course Starts
- No Scheduled Lecture Hours
- Specialization in Counseling Psychology
- Doctoral Faculty Mentorship
Northcentral University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Concentration: Counseling Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- 20 Total Courses
- Weekly Course Start Dates
- No Scheduled Lecture Hours
- One-to-One Faculty Engagement
- Doctoral Faculty Mentorship
- Requires Master's in Mental Health
Stockton, CA
University of the Pacific
- Doctorate - PsyD in Counseling Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- In-person 1-2 days weekly
- Guaranteed internship experience
- 22% job market growth projected
- Comprehensive psychology curriculum
- Stockton, CA campus location
- Practicum in various settings
Florida
Miami, FL
Barry University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling
Concentration: Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP nationally accredited program
- Hybrid learning format available
- Small class sizes
- Evening classes for professionals
- On-campus CARE Center training
- Three specialized internships
- Graduate tuition per credit: $1,195
Massachusetts
Cambridge, MA
Lesley University
- Doctorate - Counseling & Psychology: Transformative Leadership, Education, & Applied Research
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Weekend-intensive doctoral program
- 48 total credit hours
- Requires master's degree
- 3+ years professional experience
- Multidisciplinary leadership focus
- Social justice oriented curriculum
- Cambridge-based program
- Trauma-informed approach
New Jersey
Lodi, NJ
Felician University
- Doctorate - Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 73-88 total credit program
- APA accredited program
- 4-5 year completion time
- Three-year practicum experience
- Full doctoral internship required
- Practitioner-scholar training model
- Meet NJ licensure requirements
- Diverse clinical placement opportunities
Oregon
Corvallis, OR
Oregon State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling
Concentration: Counselor Education - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/face-to-face format
- CACREP-accredited program
- 150 total program credits
- No GRE required
- Master's degree minimum requirement
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Median completion time 48 months
- Focuses on social justice
Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA
Carlow University
- Doctorate - Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology
Concentration: Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Website
- APA-accredited doctoral program
- Social justice-focused curriculum
- Hybrid learning format
- 93 total credit hours
- Practitioner-scholar training model
- Extensive practicum experiences
- International study opportunities
- Dedicated faculty mentorship
South Carolina
Columbia, SC
Columbia International University
- Doctorate - Counselor Education & Supervision, PhD
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time study program
- Online courses with summer residencies
- Minimum 48-hour master's degree required
- 3.5 GPA graduate coursework minimum
- Dissertation research focus
- Biblical worldview integration
- Advanced research methodology training
- Leadership and supervision development
