Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.)

Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) | Graduate

We train counseling psychologists based on the scientist/practitioner model of psychology. We integrate counseling and psychological theory, scientific inquiry, and supervised practice to facilitate the optimal development of individuals and groups in diverse settings, including counseling centers, school-based mental health, state and federal agencies, and universities.

The Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology at Howard prepares students for careers as counseling psychologists who facilitate the optimal development of individuals and groups in a variety of settings, including but not limited to counseling centers, school-based mental health, state and federal agencies, community mental health centers, and universities. Our program is based on the scientist/practitioner model of professional psychology and integrates counseling and psychological theory, scientific inquiry, and supervised practice. A major emphasis of the program is the biological, affective, cognitive, racial-cultural, and social bases of behavior and training in diagnoses, assessment, and evidence-based clinical intervention. The program also emphasizes the prevention of psychological problems, teaching practical coping skills (to prevent problems), and developing effective problem-solving skills to remediate negative coping behaviors. You will benefit from the close mentorship of graduate faculty whose research work on mental health disparities, cross-cultural resilience factors in the process of recovery from traumatic injury; counseling and therapy with youth; multicultural counseling; co-occurring disorders; and psychometric assessment, has shaped the counseling profession. Our students have numerous opportunities to present their research findings at key meetings in and outside of the Washington, D.C. area including at meetings of the American Psychological Association, the Association of Black Psychologists.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  108 credit hours 
      ❱  Full-time
      ❱  On-campus format
      ❱  Degree: Ph.D.
      ❱  Advanced certification: Graduates are eligible for licensure to practice psychology.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  No spring entry 

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Nov. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Dec. 1, 2024 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Application for Admission 

• Online PSYCAS application
• Research interest statement (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores required
• Official transcripts sent to PSYCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words; May include background information that may be related to your desire to seek a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology)
• Interview (Qualified applicants)

GRE Required?

• Optional

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: N/A
• Undergrad GPA minimum: N/A

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Clergy
• Friend
• Family Member
• Coworker
• Other

Personal Statement Guidance

Statement of purpose/academic interest should highlight why you wish to pursue a career in counseling psychology and address the following:

• Describe your academic and research interests, identifying a specific faculty member with whom you want to work.
• Describe your personal, professional, and educational goals related to the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.
• How will obtaining your Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology enhance you in your current position and/or future career?

Letter of Recommendation Guidance

Provide three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your ability and/or potential for rigorous graduate study, clinical work, and/or research. Whenever possible, Howard University recommends seeking recommendations from faculty members in psychology or practicing professionals in psychology or other mental health disciplines. Letters of recommendation should be submitted through the PSYCAS system. Strong letters of recommendation include the following:

• Discussion of prospective applicants past academic accomplishments with a specific focus on research and scientific endeavors (publications, peer reviewed presentations, supervised research experiences)
• Discussion of prospective applicants' personal strengths that speak to graduate study
• Discussion of professional accolades 
• Prospective applicants' alignment (fit) with prospective program- can include desire to work with a specific faculty member, similar professional focus, etc. 
• Remember that specific examples are also helpful