Counseling Psychology Doctoral Degree
Many people traditionally, view a person pursing a PhD as synonymous with a person at or nearing the end of their career. However, in today’s rapidly changing society the average age for a person pursuing a doctoral degree is 32yrs. old, as per The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. It also showed ages 25-29 having the highest enrollees for both male and females.
What are the qualifications to pursue a Counseling Psychology (CNPS-PHD)?
Interestingly, having a master’s degree is not a mandatory requirement among most programs in the USA. During the course of study for a PhD, several programs will award a Master’s degree, after completion of a set number of courses, in the PhD program. The most common qualifications are:
- An application plus any required fees,
- A professional Autobiography,
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae,
- 3 Letters of Recommendation,
- Official Copy of all transcripts,
- GRE,
- TOEFL, a requisite for non-US students looking to do PhD here
How much time does it take?
A PhD is a rigorous course of study and can take from four to eight years, with a set ten-year limit for most universities in the US. If you have completed a Master’s Degree program, before enrolling in a doctorate program, you will finish slightly sooner than those starting without. The maximum set-time limit, works as an advantage, to the doctoral discipline, serving to encompass a variety of students with differing learning curves.
What is the Program like?
Programs generally consist of three phases:
- Coursework,
- Exams and/or Clinical Studies, and
- The Dissertation
The dissertation phase takes up the majority of the time spent in receiving the actual PhD; this has led to the formation of the PhD Candidate. A PhD Candidate, has completed two phases of the program and is working on defending his/or thesis. Therefore, getting to the third stage has its advantages; it carries a strong edge in getting a research or teaching post.
Two Options to Consider
One exciting development in the field of Psychology is the addition of the PsyD. Created in the 1970’s Psychology majors have an option to choose a regular PhD with an emphasis on research and development or a PsyD with its emphasis on understanding and applying research.
Both degrees are doctoral level, however, the PsyD, spends more time in actual practice related study and application of research study findings.
Therefore, if you find yourself in love with creating research opportunities and theories, then you may want to pursue the traditional PhD. Alternatively, if you find that you cannot wait to read another research finding, and can see yourself putting it into actual practice, the PsyD is the one for you.
Funding
The interesting thing about doctoral studies is the support the students receive from endowments and fellowships and research agencies. Most doctoral programs discourage external work, and students usually receive a stipend for necessary expenses. They also have access to opportunities to work as a teaching or research assistant at their institution of study.
Rounding it all out
Pursuing a doctoral degree is an exciting journey with tangible results. The opportunities are out there to find a rewarding, enriching and satisfying, program of study. After graduation, your Counseling Psychology PhD or PsyD will allow you to express your real desire to enhance the world thru research and/or practice.
