A Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
A doctorate in counseling psychology is appropriate for counselors or professionals who already have professional experience working in the mental health field. Generally, doctoral candidates in counseling programs already have professional backgrounds related to mental health, such as being a licensed counselor or a social worker. Doctoral candidates in educational psychology have master’s degrees and are pursuing a Ph.D. because they want to attain leadership positions in their careers. A doctorate in counseling will make counselors eligible to become administrators, directors, managers, professors, researchers, or trainers.
Requirements to Enter a Doctoral Degree in Counseling Program
In addition the above, students who enter doctoral degree programs in counseling psychology generally must have had a strong GPA as an undergraduate and graduate student, usually at least 3.0. In addition to possessing a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, some doctoral programs also require applicants to submit GRE scores and interview with program admissions staff before being accepted.
Duration of a Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology Program
The duration of an online doctorate in counseling psychology or an on-campus doctorate in counseling psychology can typically range from five to seven years or more. There are online counseling degrees and online psychology courses available if online education is a better option for you. A doctorate, whether acquired online or on campus, requires serious commitment on the student’s part, and you must prepared to spend a lot of time studying and be willing to do an unpaid internship. A doctorate degree can take years because an acceptable internship experience alone may take up to one year, and dissertation research and writing may take a similar amount of time, if not more, to complete.
Choosing a Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology Program
When choosing a doctoral program in counseling, which can be an online degree program or an on-campus degree program, consider enrolling in a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Accredited programs are those that are deemed established and meet the standards approved by the profession. Search the CACREP Directory by state or region for an accredited counseling program.
While it is not required that you attend an accredited school for your doctoral degree in counseling psychology, doing so will raise the status of your Ph.D. in counseling psychology, and thus open up better employment and advancement opportunities. Search the CACREP Directory by state or region for an accredited counseling program.
The Curriculum for a Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology
Generally, a doctorate program in counseling psychology is more research based than training based. The curriculum can include courses such as these:
- Aadministration and organization in counseling
- Advanced counseling theories
- Advanced research design and evaluation
- Advanced statistics
- Internship in counseling
- Leadership in counseling
- Professional publication seminar
Completion of a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
To complete your Ph.D. in counseling psychology, you must demonstrate your research and writing skills and your competence as a counseling service provider. One or both of the following may be required:
- Dissertation
- Internship
This will depend on your program’s specific requirements, so check with your counseling program’s staff and plan your course work, time, and resources accordingly.