Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.)
NYSED 86174
The Ph.D. program in counseling psychology is guided by a reflective, scientist-practitioner model of training and dedicated to the preparation of culturally competent and ethical psychologists. Our doctoral program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the major areas of psychological theory and research, as well as a deep understanding of how these areas relate to and influence counseling practice. Furthermore, our program emphasizes multicultural counseling competencies, professional ethics, and social justice advocacy.
Program graduates will have satisfied the academic and internship requirements for licensing as a psychologist in New York state. Upon completion of all requirements for the Ph.D. degree, students are qualified for practice either independently or in colleges, agencies, clinics, hospitals, or other clinical settings, and are also prepared for research or academic careers.
The program is structured so that it is open both to those who have already completed a master’s degree or professional diploma program in counseling and to those who have had no previous graduate coursework in the field. The number of credits needed to complete the program is based on a student's standing upon entry.
The Ph.D. degree program in counseling psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-336-5979
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
CIP Code
42.2803 - Counseling Psychology.
You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.
The program actively seeks students who have demonstrated an ability to excel academically, are dedicated to developing their research and clinical competence, and whose primary professional goal is to work in an applied clinical, research, or academic setting within the field of psychology. Students gain the expertise to enter professional practice as psychologists and independent researchers through coursework and extensive supervised experience.
Applicants seeking admission to the Ph.D. program in counseling psychology must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate study in the Graduate School of Education and these program-specific admission criteria:
- have an earned baccalaureate from an accredited college or university;
- have academic and professional goals consistent with the objectives and purposes of the program;
- show evidence of professional promise (personal, interpersonal, and intellectual characteristics appropriate to the profession and the ability to communicate effectively). Such evidence may be contained in the student’s application for admission or be sought in an interview with the program faculty;
- have earned a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (B or better) or a minimum graduate grade point average of 3.5 (B+ or better);
- provide a minimum of two reference reports;
- demonstrate satisfactory command of oral and written English; and
- provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, meningitis, and rubella.
Program of Study
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology Core | ||
| Ethics in Professional Practice | ||
| PSGE 8672 | Social and Ethical Responsibilities in Counseling Psychology 1 | 3 |
| Cognitive/Affective Aspects of Behavior | ||
| PSGE 6312 | Psychology of Cognition and Affect | 3 |
| Social Aspects of Behavior | ||
| PSGE 6345 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| Biological Aspects of Behavior | ||
| PSGE 7435 | Neurobiological Bases of Human Behavior | 3 |
| Individual Differences/Human Development | ||
| PSGE 7301 | Advanced Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Historical, Philosophical, and Multicultural Core | ||
| PSGE 6615 | History and Systems of Psychology | 3 |
| Doctoral Research Core | ||
| PSGE 7681 | Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology and Education I | 3 |
| PSGE 7682 | Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology and Education II | 3 |
| PSGE 7683 | Qualitative and Single Case Design Research Methods I | 3 |
| PSGE 7684 | Qualitative and Single Case Design Research Methods II | 3 |
| PSGE 7711 | Psychometric Theory | 3 |
| PSGE 7900 | Proseminar in Psychological and Educational Services (taken twice) | 0 |
| PSGE 8001 & PSGE 8002 | Research Apprenticeship and Research Apprenticeship II 2 | 0 |
| PSGE 7660 | Research: Min Level Achieve | 0 |
| Doctoral Counseling Psychology Requirements | ||
| Career Development | ||
| PSGE 7640 | Psychology of Career Development | 3 |
| Assessment | ||
| PSGE 7612 | Assessment in Personality | 3 |
| PSGE 7613 | Intell Asst: Child/Adult | 3 |
| Intervention Procedures | ||
| PSGE 7654 | Doctoral Practicum in Counseling Psychology I | 3 |
| PSGE 7655 | Doctoral Practicum in Counseling Psychology II | 3 |
| PSGE 7656 | Doctoral Practicum in Counseling Psychology III | 3 |
| PSGE 7658 | Doctoral Practicum in Counseling Psychology IV | 3 |
| Consultation and Supervision | ||
| PSGE 7657 | Supervision and Consultation with Practicum | 3 |
| Comprehensive Assessment | ||
| PSGE 0905 | Doctoral Comprehensive in Counseling Psychology Exam/Assessment (clinical practice) | 0 |
| PSGE 0910 | Doctoral Comprehensive Exam/Assessment in Counseling Psychology (research) | 0 |
| Permanent Matriculation Status | ||
| PSGE 0900 | Permanent Matriculation | 0 |
| Dissertation | ||
| PSGE 8999 | Dissertation Seminar in Psychological and Educational Services 3 | 6 |
| PSGE 0999 | PES Proposal Acceptance | 0 |
| EDGE 0990 | Dissertation Oral Defense | 0 |
| EDGE 0999 | Dissertation Format Review | 0 |
| Full-Time Internship 4 | ||
| PSGE 7667 | Internship in Counseling Psychology I | 0 |
| PSGE 7668 | Internship in Counseling Psychology II | 0 |
| PSGE 7669 | Internship in Counseling Psychology III | 0 |
| Total Credits | 63 | |
- 1
This course must be taken in the student’s first semester of study.
- 2
After taking PSGE 8001 Research Apprenticeship, students take PSGE 8002 Research Apprenticeship II until they complete their apprenticeship by earning a grade of "S" (Satisfactory). A minimum of two consecutive semesters is required.
- 3
A minimum of 6 credits of PSGE 8999 must be completed as part of the degree. Students are required to register for PSGE 8999 each semester (fall and spring) while completing dissertation work, through the semester of their oral defense. Students are assessed three credits of tuition charges for each semester of enrollment in the Dissertation Seminar.
- 4
A one-year, full time APPIC internship must be completed. The internship occurs following completion of all coursework and comprehensive exams. Students must have an approved dissertation proposal prior to applying for their internship. Prior approval must be obtained from the program faculty before internship. Completing an APA-accredited internship is strongly encouraged.
Completion Requirements
Students are admitted into the doctoral program on a provisional basis, and their progress is monitored through the matriculation review process and periodic review by their mentor, adviser, program coordinator, chairperson, and division faculty in dissertation seminar. Students apply for permanent matriculation during the semester after they complete 12 to 15 credits.
Students are held to the Graduate School of Education's school-wide policies and procedures.
Acceptance into the program carries with it the responsibility to uphold the published ethical standards of the American Psychological Association. Violation of ethical standards may result in termination from the program. The program reserves the right to review the progress of students and to terminate students from the program on the basis of inability to meet academic, personal, or professional standards.
To complete a Ph.D. in counseling psychology, students must meet the following requirements:
- complete the prescribed program of study. Additional courses (such as master's-level prerequisite courses—see information in the section below) may be required;
- maintain a minimum overall graduate grade point average of 3.5 (B+ or better);
- complete a one-year doctoral research apprenticeship project (minimum of two consecutive semesters, PSGE 8001 Research Apprenticeship and PSGE 8002 Research Apprenticeship II) under the supervision of a member of the faculty;
- complete an end-of-program comprehensive assessment;
- complete PSGE 8999 Dissertation Seminar in Psychological and Educational Services, including the preparation of an original dissertation under the direction of a mentor and committee of faculty;
- develop and defend in an oral examination an original dissertation in the area of counseling psychology;
- complete a predoctoral internship; and
- complete all the requirements for the degree within eight years of initial registration in the program.
Master's-Level Prerequisites
Students entering with a master's degree will undergo a transcript review to ascertain if there are any additional courses that may be required. Based on an analysis of their prior graduate coursework, prerequisite courses may be required. Students entering with a B.A./B.S. must complete their M.S.E. in mental health counseling en route to the Ph.D. in counseling psychology.
Students entering with a B.A./B.S. must complete prerequisite courses in:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSGE 5621 & PSGE 5623 | Foundation of Professional Counseling and Consultation and Clinical Instr Couns Process | 6 |
| PSGE 5631 & PSGE 5633 | Couns Theory & Practice and Pre-Practicum in Applications of Counseling Theory to Practice | 6 |
| PSGE 6603 | Multicultural Issues in Professional Psychology | 3 |
| or PSGE 6656 | Multicultural Counseling | |
| PSGE 6630 & PSGE 6632 | Group Counseling and Pre-Practicum in Groups | 6 |
| PSGE 6640 & PSGE 6642 | Career Counseling and Practicum in Career Counseling | 6 |
| PSGE 6645 | General Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSGE 6607 | Assessment in Counseling | 3 |
| PSGE 6651 & PSGE 6653 | Field Experience I in Mental Health Counseling and Field Experience II in Mental Health Counseling | 6 |
| PSGE 5625 | Theories Fam Couns: Asst | 3 |
| PSGE 6605 | Counseling Program Development and Evaluation | 3 |