Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to attend a doctoral program at BU Wheelock?

PhD students at Boston University receive free tuition to complete their required coursework.  More specifically, our program offers five (5) years of support, which includes full tuition remission, fully covered student fees, and a 12-month service stipend.

Q: I am getting (or have received) a master’s degree and want to continue on to doctoral studies. What is different about the application process to a doctoral program?

Most often, the master’s degree is a professional practice degree while the doctoral program emphasizes research and the design, implementation, and evaluation of research-based practice. There are doctoral programs that focus primarily on practice and will therefore most often not involve as much research. In Counseling Psychology, a PsyD program will generally focus primarily on practice, and is designed for those who seek to gain a doctoral degree with the intention to enter full-time clinical practice. Our PhD programs are focused heavily on research, with the goal of preparing our students to also enter academia, research centers, or positions that design and manage state/federal policies, in addition to being prepared for psychological practice.

Q: When I review the website, it appear that your PhD has two concentrations. Is that correct?

Yes, that is correct, the PhD offers concentrations in counseling psychology and applied human development. You would select one of these specializations.

Note:  For the fall 2026 cycle (application in fall 2026, matriculation in fall 2027, we will only be considering students from our Counseling Psychology specialization.

Q: How do I find out about professors’ research interests and areas of specialization?

Begin by reviewing their faculty profiles. Once you find one or more faculty whose research are a good match to yours, email them to discuss your interests.

Q: What do you advise about reaching out to doctoral program faculty?

Start by exploring and identifying your career and life goals. Then, meet with your current or recent academic advisor to discuss whether a doctoral degree is necessary to pursue those goals. If yes, work with your advisor or current/recent program faculty to explore which doctoral programs fit best with your research interest. We hope that after this review, our doctoral programs in Counseling Psychology or Applied Human Development will rise to the top of your list for consideration.

Before contacting the doctoral program director, explore the backgrounds, interest, and research of the program faculty.  Please consult the list of faculty who are considering taking a new student.  In crafting an email expressing your interest in applying to the program, consider describing why are you interested in the program and what specific areas of your background and career goals align with the program and faculty you are contacting.

Q: How do I determine whether my background is a good fit with your doctoral program?

We are looking for candidates with a strong commitment to social justice and an interest in research related to youth and young adult populations. Because you are entering a training program, strong candidates will match well with one or more faculty member’s interests. In addition, faculty will be assessing whether our programs offer the range of research and clinical/experiential training to maximize your professional development. 

Students applying to Counseling Psychology: Although previous clinical experience is not required in order for you to apply, candidates should be aware that given the competitive practicum and internship application process, clinical experience (through past employment and/or a master’s level internship) will be heavily weighted in our selection process, as it enhances the candidate’s fit with our program.  Please see sections below.

Q: Where can I find out more information on entrance requirements such as average GPA and TOEFL (international students) scores for applicants?

 For application documents and information, visit the Application & Requirements page of our website.

While we do not set minimum GPA, we are looking for students who demonstrate the skills needed to effectively manage a rigorous and challenging doctoral training program. High undergraduate and graduate GPA generally indicate both your commitment to learning as well as academic skills. Note: GRE scores are NOT required as part of your application to BU Wheelock. Indicators that we use to gauge readiness for doctoral training include previous research and practical experiences, letters verifying your skills from faculty, previous publications, and your writing sample.

For international students, English speaking and writing skills are important for doctoral training and therefore the TOEFL/Duolingo English Test, written samples, and a Zoom or in person interview is important for helping assess readiness for doctoral training. In Counseling Psychology, English speaking skills are critically important because you will need to be able to respond to clients in a smooth and efficient manner. Information on TOEFL/Duolingo English Test requirements can be found at the link above.

Q: Am I able to enter your doctoral program directly after completing my bachelor’s degree?

Yes, you can enter the Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development PhD program directly after completing a bachelor’s degree.  However, an applicant needs to demonstrate academic potential, active engagement in a research program during their undergraduate years that is aligned to our faculty areas of research, and have exceptional letters of recommendation. For the counseling psychology specialization, many of our successful applicants gain a post-baccalaureate experience or master’s degree in counseling psychology or related field that requires clinical experience. This demonstrates your ability to demonstrate emerging clinical skills, and provides opportunities to join research teams to further develop your research skills to prepare you for a doctoral program.

Due to APA accreditation, there are a number of courses and prerequisites that would generally be met by completing the master’s degree. Many students who have competed a significant number of undergraduate psychology courses can be considered. For candidates with exceptional backgrounds, the final decision will rely on whether it is deemed possible to complete the doctoral program requirements and internship within five years.

Q: What clinical experiences are important for applicants to the Counseling Psychology specialization?

Our doctoral students’ practicum experiences take place in sites across the Boston area. Placements are competitive, so it is important that applicants’ clinical experiences are clearly described in application materials to allow faculty to assess fit with our program. These experiences can be gained through completion of one of the following:

  • An applied master’s degree (e.g., mental health counseling, clinical psychology, clinical social work)
  • Applied clinical experience that has been obtained through work, volunteer experiences, undergraduate practicum /internships, or clinical research experiences that include direct contact with clients/participants. 

Please describe your clinical experiences in detail in your CV and include information such as types of experiences, your specific role, and duration. 

Q: Will I be involved in research as part of the PhD program?

Yes, as you enter the Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development PhD program, you will be expected to participate in 20 hours of research per week throughout your time in the doctoral program. There will be times when your weekly hours will be reduced due to serving as a teaching assistant or instructor of record.

Q: After completing your doctoral programs, what careers and occupations will I be prepared to enter?

For doctoral training, Boston University is committed to preparing the next generation of academic researchers and applied professionals who will become recognized as national leaders in their field of expertise. Therefore, the most noteworthy applicants are those whose past record of accomplishments and stated career and life goals are aligned with pursuing a strong research program that with our faculty areas of expertise.

Q: What makes a strong candidate for receiving an interview for your doctoral programs?

We interview doctoral students who demonstrate a: (a) strong social justice orientation and therefore enter with clear understanding of their own cultural background and privilege, as well as a deep appreciation and value for cultural diversity; (b) clear engagement in research topics that align with one or more faculty interests; (c) for counseling psychology students, some clinical experiences, and (d) clear career and life goals articulates the need for a doctoral degree. Doctoral programs demand a tremendous commitment of time over an extended period of time. Without a clear fit to the program faculty and personal awareness of how the doctoral degree connects to your future career and life goals, it is less likely that you will successfully complete the program.

Resources

Professional organizations and associations are important sources of clinical, professional, and research resources. The following list may be useful for you as you progress through your training here at BU.

Licensing, Accreditation, and Training

Psychology Graduate Student Support

State and Regional

National

PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development