The doctoral program in counseling psychology is based on a philosophy that theory, research, and practice are interdependent and complementary dimensions of professional education in a scientist-practitioner training model. The educational curriculum and practical experiences of the program are designed to ensure competency in all three dimensions and to facilitate their integration in the development of a professional identity. Consistent with these goals, the curriculum in counseling psychology consists of course work and related experiences in four broad areas: 1) the science of psychology, 2) specialization in counseling psychology, 3) counseling and psychotherapy, and 4) research. The program recognizes that counseling psychologists may be employed in a variety of professional settings such as academic departments, college and university counseling centers, mental health agencies, private practices, and business and industry. Consequently, the program provides broad-based training appropriate to accommodate the potentially diverse career interests of its graduates.
Training typically fulfills expectations for psychologist licensure/certification eligibility. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is designated as a doctoral program in psychology by the Council for the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.