Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology
The University of Akron offers a doctoral program in Counseling Psychology. The Collaborative Program in Counseling Psychology allows the student a choice of entry points through the Psychology Department of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences or through the Counseling Department of the College of Education. The Collaborative Program in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Students in both departments are expected to attain a level of broad scientific competence in the core areas of psychology; the biological, social, cognitive-affective, and individual bases of human behavior. Practicum and internship experiences are also required of all students and range from skill building in basic psychological assessment and counseling, to actual work with clients, to a year-long, full-time internship in an applied service setting. Pertinent information regarding the emphasis, orientation, and coursework for the Psychology Department entry point is included below. Students receive exposure to both colleges through shared coursework and faculty involvement with exams and dissertations.
The Department of Psychology offers a five-year Counseling Psychology program leading to a doctoral degree and, in general, is geared toward students who hold a B.A. in psychology with cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above and a grade point average of 3.25 or above on all psychology coursework. Program emphasis is strongly placed on a scientist-practitioner model of training. Beyond the basic core areas of psychology, students are expected to establish specific competencies in the areas of theory, research, and practice of Counseling Psychology. Academic preparation includes theories of psychotherapy, supervision, diversity issues in counseling psychology, vocational psychology, testing theory and practice, research and statistics, and professional issues. Research and publication are greatly encouraged. Graduates typically seek out academic teaching, research and training positions, as well as positions in counseling centers and other mental health agencies.
Admission to the Collaborative Program in Counseling Psychology is handled through the department associated with the student’s chosen entry point. Students must fulfill both Departmental and Graduate School admission requirements. The following application materials must be submitted by the December 1 application deadline:
- Graduate School application
- Brief statement of professional goals and reasons for choosing the field of counseling psychology and The University of Akron.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework from each institution attended
- Official reports of the GRE General Test
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation attesting to success in the field and probable academic success at the doctoral level.
Departures from the described program for Psychology Department entry may be made only with the approval of the counseling psychology program faculty.
