Counseling Psychology

The doctoral program in Counseling Psychology is based on a traditional scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing psychological theory and knowledge, as well as the development of counseling practitioner skills.

The curriculum is grounded in an educational/developmental model with intervention methods appropriate to the stage and phase of life of the individual and/or group. Personal trans­formations, whether positive or negative, are understood as the outcome of maturation, educa­tion, and experience.

The Counseling Psychology’s core program is based on research and theory in the foundational areas of psychology and counseling psychology with specific emphasis on the contributions and practices of sport/performance psychology. In addition, it draws upon positive psychology, reflecting consideration of good character habits and strengths with the goal of contributing to the wellness and flourishing of the indi­vidual, group, and or community.

The program prepares you to work primarily in educational settings (such as college counseling centers and public and private schools) and with those whose goal is optimal perfor­mance (such as elite athletes, performing artists, teams, and sports organizations). You may choose the licensure track or the non-licensure track. The licensure track is for doctoral students who intend to seek state licensure as a psychologist. The licensure program received designation status by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Registrar Joint Designation Project in May 2008. Designation qualifies graduates of the program to apply for licensure in Massachusetts and many other states. Requirements for licensure vary from state to state and students should check the requirements of states in which they seek licensure.

Program Fast Facts

  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 60 credits,program requirements and coursework information for the licensure track, view program requirements and coursework information for the non-licensure track.
  • Program Duration: Five academic years (average). Duration for part-time students vary.
  • Start Term: Fall semester only
  • Licensure: The licensure track is for the doctoral student who intends to seek state licensure as a psychologist. The licensure program received designation status by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Registrar Joint Designation Project in May 2008. Designation qualifies graduates of the program to apply for licensure in Massachusetts and many other states. The licensure track does not accept part-time study.
  • Prerequisites: This program requires a masters degree or an international equivalent.
  • Counseling Program Information: counpsy@bu.edu, 617-353-3586

    • Graduate Admissions Contact Information: sedgrad@bu.edu, 617-353-4237

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students at the School of Education benefit from the community feel of a small school along with the resources of a large university. Our students are in the field in both urban and suburban schools as early as their first year at SED.

Graduate Students

Talented graduate students from around the world prepare to become teachers, counselors, administrators, and more in as little as one year at the School of Education. Our students engage in diverse aspects of education both in the classroom and the field.