Program Overview
PhD in Counseling Psychology
Overview
Counseling psychologists are committed to serving all of God’s children (see 2 Ne 26:33;Acts 10:28). You will emulate Christ’s example of love, compassion, and empathy in your work as a psychotherapist, teacher, and scholar (Moroni 7:48). Through study and faith, your work will increase hope, healing, and equity across the diversity of humanity and thereby build the kingdom of God (see Alma 1:30).
You will be prepared to work as a licensed psychologist in:
- College counseling centers
- Academic departments
- Independent practice
- Behavioral health clinics
- Research positions
- Psychological assessment
- Administrative roles
In your work, you will develop a lifelong commitment to seeking, finding, and experiencing wonder, astonishment, and peace in the face of God’s works (see D&C 130:18-19).
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Program Requirements
- Discipline-Specific Knowledge--which includes training in the history of psychology and the affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social basis of behavior. This area also includes integration of the bases of behavior and training in research methods, statistical analysis, and psychometrics.
- Profession-Wide Competencies--which include training in research; ethical and legal standards; individual and cultural diversity; professional values, attitudes, and behaviors, communication and interpersonal skills; assessment, intervention, and supervision; and consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills.
- Practicum Training--which includes training at BYU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and other clinical settings under the supervision of on-site supervisors and program faculty.
- Internship--all students must obtain and successfully complete a year-long internship in an APA-accredited internship site.
Graduation Requirements
- 111 credit hours (not including prerequisites or skill classes)
- Residency for a minimum of two consecutive full-time semesters while enrolled (minimum 6 credit hours each semester) on BYU Provo campus.
- Skill requirements (consult department)
- Pre-doctoral internship (2,000 hours)
- Dissertation
- Examinations
- Counseling performance evaluations
- Written comprehensive examination at completion of course work
- Oral defense of dissertation
How to Apply
All students must submit the following materials:
- Complete the online Graduate Studies Application
- Honor Code Commitment and Confidential Report
- 3 letters of recommendation
- A statement of intent
- Unofficial transcript uploaded from each institution attended
- Non-refundable application fee
Additional Recommendations:
- GPA of 3.4 - 4.0
