The PhD in counseling psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (Committee on Accreditation), 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002; phone: (202) 336-5979; fax: (202) 336-5978. It is psychological in nature and is based on the scientist-practitioner model of training. The scientist-practitioner model is an integrated approach to training that acknowledges the interdependence of theory, research, and practice.

The counseling psychology program at BYU emphasizes the educational, developmental, and preventive functions of counseling psychologists. Students are primarily prepared to work as counseling psychologists in counseling centers and in academic departments in university and college settings. Students are also prepared to make remedial interventions. Graduates typically accept positions as counselors or psychologists in college or university counseling centers or as scholars/faculty members in counseling psychology or counselor education programs. Others serve in agencies or private practice as licensed psychologists.


Requirements for Degree

• Credit hours: 111 (not including prerequisite or skill classes).
• Required courses: consult department program documents.
• Residence: minimum two consecutive full-time semesters while matriculated in the doctoral program (minimum 6 credit hours each semester) on the BYU Provo campus.
• Skill requirement: consult department.
• Pre-doctoral internship (2,000 hours).
• Dissertation.
• Examinations: (A) counseling performance evaluations; (B) written comprehensive examination at completion of course work; (C) oral defense of dissertation.