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. Personal counseling or therapy, couples therapy, educational counseling, problem-specific counseling, and more can be done by someone with a good education in counseling psychology.

2024 – Best PhD/PsyD in Counseling Psychology

CounselingPsychology.org is an invaluable resource for those looking to pursue a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology. Our rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology that takes into account numerous factors - such as completion rate, cost of living, program diversity, faculty experience, and competitiveness of the institution - to ensure that students get the best education and experience possible. If you would like to learn more about our methodology, please click here.

1.

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University is a private Christian university located in Virginia Beach, VA. It is an established institution with over 8,000 students, and it offers a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology. Regent is committed to developing leaders who will make an impact in their local communities and the world.

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2.

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit university located in the heart of Chicago. With over 16,000 students, it offers over 80 undergraduate and 140 graduate programs, including a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology. Loyola offers unique opportunities to explore the city and to learn in a diverse and collaborative environment.

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3.

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

The University at Buffalo (UB) is a public research university located in Buffalo, New York. It is the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, with over 29,000 students. UB offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. UB is known for its diverse student population and faculty, and its commitment to excellence in research and teaching.

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4.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. With more than 31,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in Virginia. VCU offers a wide range of degree programs, including a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology. VCU is highly ranked for its academic programs and research initiatives."

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5.

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO

The University of Northern Colorado offers a comprehensive Counseling Psychology PhD/PsyD program through its Department of Counseling and Human Services. Located on a picturesque campus in Greeley, Colorado, this program provides students with opportunities for hands-on clinical experience, rigorous coursework, and research opportunities. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to work as licensed psychologists in a variety of settings.

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What Will I Learn in an Online Counseling Psychology Doctorate Program?

At some schools, there are two or more branches of this degree, while at others, there is a single unified one. Schools with multiple branches, such as Capella University’s online doctorate programs, put a different emphasis on each branch.

For example, at Capella, 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.

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.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.

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