Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctoral Degree in Education and Counseling Psychology - Counseling Psychology is a program designed for students who aim to become experts in applied mental health care. It is well-suited for those pursuing careers in counseling, psychotherapy, assessment, or consultation, whether in private practice or in settings such as healthcare facilities, community mental health centers, veterans services, rehabilitation agencies, or corporate and organizational consulting, as well as careers in academia.

Who is this Program For?

This program is ideal for students who want to become experts in applied mental health care. It’s well suited for those pursuing careers in counseling, psychotherapy, assessment, or consultation—whether in private practice or in settings such as healthcare facilities, community mental health centers, veterans services, rehabilitation agencies, or corporate and organizational consulting, as well as careers in academia.

Program Details

• The program requires 5 to 7 years of full-time study (9-12 credits per fall/spring semester) and completion of a dissertation plus a full-time yearlong internship.
• The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation.
• The accreditation confirms that the curriculum prepares graduates to provide ethical, skillful, and effective psychological services, supporting their readiness for licensure and professional practice.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). This accreditation confirms that the curriculum prepares graduates to provide ethical, skillful, and effective psychological services, supporting their readiness for licensure and professional practice.

Credential

• PhD

Tuition/Credit Hour

• Resident: $825.50
• Non-Resident: $2,060.50

Cost of Attendance

Refer to the University Catalog for detailed information on the cost of attendance.

Admission Requirements

Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed, those will also apply.

Application Requirements

Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed, those will also apply.

Program Specific Requirements

For information about program-specific admissions requirements, view the program and apply webpages.

Application Deadlines

• Domestic & International Students:
  • Fall: 12/01/2025

Funding Options

As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program.

Related Programs

• PhD in Studies in Higher Education
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology - School Psychology
• PhD in Nursing

Program Offering

The program is offered by the College of Education.