EdD in 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 students 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).
The Counseling Psychology program currently has six core faculty members, five of whom are licensed psychologists:
- Clinical Assistant Professor Amy Baltzell, EdD—Expertise in sport and performance psychology.
- Associate Professor Stephen M. Brady, PhD—Expertise in prevention of HIV and AIDS and gay/lesbian identity development.
- Clinical Associate Professor Steven N. Broder, PhD—Expertise in psychological assessment and counseling.
- Professor and Dean Hardin L. K. Coleman, PhD—Expertise in school counseling and minority student achievement.
- Professor Thomas Cottle, PhD—Expertise in children and adolescents at risk.
- Assistant Clinical Professor Amanda K. Sommerfeld, PhD—Expertise in cultural psychology and college access and success for diverse youth.
Licensure Track
The courses listed below are required of all Counseling Psychology doctoral students who intend to seek state licensure as psychologists. This 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. Note that the Training Committee must approve other courses as substitutes for the courses listed below.
- GSM MH 716 Career and Vocational Counseling
- GRS PS 761 Major Issues in Social Psychology
- GRS PS 770 Ethics in Psychology
- GRS PS 772 Clinical Psychological Assessment
- GRS PS 774 Clinical Psychological Assessment Lab
- GRS PS 791 Psychology of Social Oppression
- GRS PS 821 Learning
- GRS PS 829 Clinical Neuropsychology
- SED CE 630 Applied Positive Psychology
- SED CE 650 Counseling Skills and Techniques in Sport and Exercise Psychology
- SED CE 847 Theories of Group Counseling
- SED CE 856 Pro-Seminar in Counseling Psychology
- SED DS 504 Adolescent Development
- SED DS 700 Advanced Seminar in Sport and Exercise Psychology
- SED ED 703 Intellectual History of Education: Plato, Rousseau, James, Lewis
- SED PE 505 Foundations of Sport Science
- SED RS 652 Qualitative Research Methods
- SED RS 654 Educational Inquiry and Proposal Writing
- SED RS 750 Advanced Research Seminar
- STH TY 956 Near History of Psychology and Counseling Psychology
- SED LC 999 Dissertation Advisement
Non-licensure Track
Doctoral students specializing in sport psychology who do not intend to seek licensure as psychologists will follow a different sequence of courses:
- SED CE 630 Applied Positive Psychology
- SED CE 847 Theories of Group Counseling
- SED CE 650 Counseling Skills and Techniques in Sport and Exercise Psychology
- SED CT 524 Institute on Values in Physical Education and Sport or SED PE 710 Sociology of Sport
- SED DS 504 Adolescent Development or SED CE 705 Life Span Development
- SED DS 700 Advanced Seminar in Sport and Exercise Psychology
- SED ED 703 Intellectual History of Education: Plato, Rousseau, James, Lewis
- SED PE 505 Foundations of Sport Science
- SED PE 529 Psychology of Coaching Teams
- SED LC 999 Dissertation Advisement
Four research courses are required with one upper-level research course. Students are required to choose from the following options or discuss with their academic advisor alternate choices:
- CAS MA 614 Statistics
- CAS MA 684 Multivariate Analysis
- SED RS 652 Qualitative Research Methods
- SED RS 654 Foundations of Educational Inquiry
- SED RS 750 Advanced Research Seminar
Students in both the licensure and the non-licensure tracks must pass two departmental comprehensive tasks before proceeding to the dissertation. A total of three comprehensive tasks must be completed. The dissertation, written under the supervision of a faculty committee, must be based upon original research about a significant topic in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a master’s degree required to enter the doctoral program?
A: Yes, a master’s degree is required. For students entering the licensure track program, the master’s must be in psychology.
Q: When are most of the doctoral classes held?
A: The School of Education schedules doctoral classes during late afternoon and evening hours or occasionally on Saturdays to accommodate students with professional responsibilities.
Q: Can I complete the doctoral program while holding a full-time job?
A: All students must complete the residency requirement, meaning all students must attend at full-time rate for two consecutive semesters. Most non-licensure Counseling Psychology students do not hold full-time jobs. A full-time job is discouraged for licensure-track students because many courses and most practica are scheduled during the day.
Q: May I complete the program on a part-time basis?
A: All students must complete the residency requirement as noted above. It is possible for a non-licensure track student to complete the program on a part-time basis after completing residency. The licensure track does not accept part-time students.
Q: Do part-time graduate students pay a reduced tuition rate?
A: Yes. Part-time graduate students enrolled for School of Education classes offered after 4 p.m. may pay tuition at a reduced rate per credit (up to 11 credits).
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Each academic year, the School of Education awards approximately $3.8 million in scholarship money to its full-time graduate students. Merit-based scholarships are currently available to many full-time students. Students with financial need may also qualify for federal loans and Federal Work-Study. EdD candidates are encouraged to apply by January 15. Please contact the School of Education Graduate Financial Assistance office for further information at sedaid@bu.edu.
