Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in Counseling Psychology presents a broad education in social psychology, psychotherapy, and psychological assessment methods while providing a close look at counseling strategies and practices. Program coursework addresses personality theories, group behavior and perceptions, psychotherapeutic intervention and treatment implementation techniques, psychological testing methods, professional ethics, and human development. You will also participate in an Academic Year in Residencies and four Ph.D. residencies, a practicum, and a full- or part-time internship. The internship will give you the opportunity to assume counseling duties, including evaluations, interventions, and consultations, while working closely with a licensed psychologist.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Most of Walden University's doctoral programs require a master's degree or higher and three years of related academic or professional experience. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. You must complete a total of 160 credits to earn the Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Counseling Psychology from Walden University. This credit total represents 116 credits in core courses, , a 12-credit counseling practicum, a 12-credit internship, and a 20-credit dissertation project. Program requirements also include four 4-day residencies and an Academic Year in Residence.

Core Course Requirements

• Foundations for Graduate Study in Counseling Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Interventions I
• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Social Psychology
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Tests and Measurements
• Psychopathology From a Counseling Perspective
• Psychology of Work
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Ethics and Standards of Psychological Practice
• Cognitive Assessment
• Multicultural Psychology
• Career Assessment and Intervention
• Interventions II
• Writing a Quality Prospectus in Psychology
• Consultation and Supervision in Psychology
• Group Therapy OR Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy (choose one)
• Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Biopsychology
• Psychology and Social Change OR Leadership, Advocacy, and Social Change (choose one)

Practicum and Dissertation Internship Requirements

• Counseling Practicum (four quarters)
• Dissertation (four quarters)
• Counseling Psychology Internship (four quarters)

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of Walden University's Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in Counseling Psychology, you could be prepared to pursue licensure and work in a variety of mental health settings. In addition to clinical environments or private practice, you might choose to pursue a career in academics or research. Positions graduates could pursue include:

• Crisis intervention counselor
• Vocational counselor
• Mental health coordinator
• College or university instructor

Note on licensure:

The Clinical and Counseling Psychology specializations in the Psychology Ph.D. program are designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for psychology licensing exams. This specialization is designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state psychology boards. However, Walden University's specializations in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology are not accredited by the American Psychological Association and have not received designation by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register, which are requirements for licensure in some states. Because Walden cannot guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements and visit the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Web site. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body.