Doctorate in Counseling Psychology

Program Philosophy

The philosophical orientation of our program is consistent both with the historical development of counseling psychology and with the current roles and functions of counseling psychologists. We give major emphasis to preventive/developmental/educational interventions, and to remediation of problems that arise in the normal development of relatively well functioning people.

• Prevention, developmental change and education
• Skills related to facilitation of growth
• Training in education, consultation, environmental change and self-help
• Focus on assets, skills, strengths and possibilities rather than psychopathology
• Skills in psychotherapy as applied to individuals, groups, families and communities

  
  Cross-Cultural Training

  Counseling Psychology as a discipline of psychology is committed to issues impacting access and opportunity for different communities who confront systemic disparities in society. As counseling psychologists, we serve and advocate for underrepresented groups who encounter adverse circumstances, requiring support. Counseling psychologists conceptualize peoples' experiences within the context of their history, their culture and communities, and their development (lifespan). We emphasize the strengths and resilience of individuals, groups, families and communities in their efforts to live meaningful and satisfactory lives.
  
  

  Coursework

  Students take numerous classes related to cross cultural competency and professional psychology and discuss different issues in most of their classes (e.g.,  group work, with different cultures and communities, marriage and family work, career counseling, personal counseling, etc.). Students are encouraged to present  clients from different constituency groups in their case presentations in practicum classes. As part of the experience in our training program, students actively explore their educational gaps related to working with clients from different backgrounds.
  
  

  Safe Zone Training

  Our faculty members all have advanced Safe Zone training and we encourage our students to complete the training. Safe Zone stickers and other signs of belonging for counseling psychology faculty students and staff workspaces help create a safe atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I complete the program as a full-time or part-time student?

  Students completing the doctoral program must enroll full time. Students who are admitted at the post-bachelor's level begin in the summer semester and students who are admitted at the postmasters' level begin their studies in the fall.

• How long will it take to complete the Counseling Psychology doctoral program?

  Students who enter the program at the post-bachelor’s level typically complete the program in 5 years, while students who enter the program at the post-master’s level typically complete the program in 4 years.

• Is there financial aid available to help me pay for this program?

  Students in the Counseling Psychology doctoral program in their first year are guaranteed departmental financial aid in the form of full tuition waivers and paid research or teaching-focused graduate assistantships. Most students completing their second through fifth years in the program are also able to secure these paid assistantships as well. Currently enrolled graduate students are also eligible for College of Education and Human Sciences scholarships.  

• Will I have to take all of my classes on the main (Stillwater) campus?

  Most of the required doctoral program classes are only offered on the Stillwater campus. However, there are a few classes a doctoral student may take online or on the OSU-Tulsa campus. A shuttle bus (BOB) is available to students commuting to the OSU-Tulsa campus for classes. Students are charged a nominal fee to ride the bus.

• What is the admissions application deadline?

  December 1st

• What materials must be included in the admissions application?
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • 2-3 page personal statement
  • Three recommendation letters (from instructors, university advisors, professional supervisors) · Current curriculum vita
  • Writing Sample
• Where do graduates of the doctoral program typically find employment?
  Graduates of our program have found employment as faculty members in colleges and universities and as counseling psychologists in university counseling centers. Graduate also work in public service settings such as Veteran’s Affairs Medical Centers, prisons, child/adolescent guidance centers, community mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, family services, private practice settings, academic settings and medical settings, such as hospitals.