PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development (CPAHD) at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development prepares students to be leaders in the field of counseling psychology and the interdisciplinary field of applied human development. It focuses on the use of evidence-based practices to promote optimal development for children, youth, and young adults in diverse settings. Following a scientist-practitioner model of training, key aspects of our program include preparing our graduates to:

  • Design, implement, and evaluate culturally responsive interventions and learning environments at multiple levels of the social ecology
  • Produce the research upon which such interventions and learning environments are built
  • Train and supervise future generations of culturally competent counseling psychologists and researchers in applied human development

For statistical information about this program and its students, visit Boston University PhD Profile for Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development.

Hear more about the PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development

PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development Program Requirements

Most successful applicants to the PhD program have already earned a master’s degree in a closely related field. In rare cases, exceptional students with significant relevant experience may be admitted to the PhD directly from a bachelor’s degree program.

Students applying to the PhD in CPAHD choose a specialization in Counseling Psychology or Applied Human Development. The program maintains a parallel structure across the two specialization areas, including the same courses or course requirements when logical, while providing flexibility to create a research focus in the AHD Specialization. Within each specialization area, students choose to follow one of two tracks: Child & Adolescent Development/Mental Health or Sport/Performance Psychology.

Students in both specialization areas receive training in two core areas of study: 1) psychological foundations of behavior and 2) research methods and data analysis. Applied Human Development students also receive additional training in a specialization-specific research/applied experience, while Counseling Psychology receive training in counseling psychology foundations and applied psychological practice.

Visit the BU Bulletin for more information on the PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development’s academic requirements.

Faculty Contact

Next Steps in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development

Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about our PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development.

Contact Info

For more information about this program and requirements for admission, contact Dr. Kimberly Howard, khoward@bu.edu, (617) 353-3378

Accreditation & Licensing Disclosure

The Counseling Psychology PhD Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and designated by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Registrar Joint Designation Project. For more information about APA accreditation, contact the APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation.

For information about this BU Wheelock state-approved program and how the educational requirements compare with those in other states, read the BU Wheelock Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology Program Licensing Disclosure. Doctoral counseling psychology students should review this disclosure and contact their program faculty with questions.