PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development

Through active engagement in research with one or more faculty, students will learn how to apply theory and previous empirical findings in generating studies that produce new knowledge, design and implement intervention and curriculum strategies to promote optimal development, and learn how to translate research findings in ways that are accessible to educators, policy-makers and the lay public. 

We deliberately keep our doctoral cohorts small so that we can match each student with one or more faculty who have the time needed to provide personalized support and research development. Most faculty have active research teams that provide students with opportunities to be involved in a wide range of research, and often grant-funded, projects. As students begin to identify a program of research, advanced research courses will be selected that enable the student to continue developing their quantitative and/or qualitative skills.

The Counseling Psychology doctoral program provides students with opportunities to develop their clinical competencies through practicum training experiences, starting in the second year. During the fourth year, students may choose (although not required) to continue their practica training, enrolling in externships that allow them to gain further clinical experience in either a new setting or a specialized area of training.

In the fourth year, if students have completed their prerequisite milestones, they become eligible to apply for a pre-doctoral psychology internship position. This position is the final clinical training experience prior to graduation. Students have done internships at sites such as hospitals, child & adolescent treatment programs, health centers, and local colleges and universities.

The doctoral program in Applied Human Development provides students to develop their research and applied experiences in a variety of settings. Students should discuss with their mentor how best to approach this requirement. Some students will want to use this experience to enhance their research skills. These students should enroll in research independent study with their mentor, or with another faculty member to immerse themselves in the research process. Other students will want to develop their competencies through practicum training experiences.

Students in the PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development program are expected to demonstrate competence in a number of interrelated and mutually reinforcing areas corresponding to the overarching goals of the program. A more detailed description of the program training goals, objectives, and competencies can be found in the PhD Handbook.

Goal #1: To train counseling psychologists and researchers in Applied Human Development to work effectively with children through emerging adult populations.

• Understand role and function of professional psychologist in a wide range of clinical, training, and research settings
• Acquire advanced knowledge of theory and research
• Develop skills to work with children through emerging adult populations

Goal #2: To train researchers who are able to contribute to the empirical knowledge base of counseling psychology and applied human development.

• Develop and implement research in schools and communities
• Use advanced knowledge of research methods to conduct independent research
• Critique and advance extant research

Goal #3: To train graduate students who are committed to and serve as role models of cultural competence, ethical practice, and social justice.

• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity across professional contexts
• Work effectively with culturally diverse groups as professional psychologist and advocate

Core counseling and human development courses provide all students with essential training in research methods and psychological foundations. These courses include:

• Psychometrics
• One quantitative research methods course
• One qualitative research methods course
• Cognitive Affective Bases of Behavior
• Culture, Ethnicity and Race: A Developmental Approach

Counseling Psychology core courses are required for students in the Counseling Psychology specialization and elective for students in the Applied Human Development pathway. These courses include:

• Counseling Psychology in Context
• Intellectual and Behavioral Assessment (Child) or Clinical Psychological Assessment (Adult)
• Proseminar on Effective Interventions (Child or Adult)
• Proseminar on Counseling and Psychotherapy Supervision and Consultation (2 units)
• Prevention in Counseling Psychology

Prepare to assume leadership roles and responsibilities as a professional in youth-serving fields. With the human development master’s, ou can choose from three concentrations: positive youth development, athlete-centered sport leadership, or mental performance.

Help people overcome mental challenges and work through complex issues. In this master’s in counseling program, you’ll choose from three concentrations: School counseling, sport psychology, or child and adolescent counseling.

The PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development prepares students to become leaders in counseling psychology and applied human development. The program combines research, evidence-based practice, and professional training to support the development and well-being of children, youth, and young adults.

Students can pursue one of two areas of study: Counseling Psychology or Applied Human Development. Both areas provide advanced training in research and psychological foundations while preparing students for careers serving diverse populations and communities.

The program typically takes four years for Applied Human Development students and five years for Counseling Psychology students to complete. All students begin in the fall, and the program requires at least one year of full-time residency.

Yes. Students gain hands-on experience through practicum and research opportunities that connect coursework to real-world counseling, educational, and community settings. These experiences help students develop professional skills and apply evidence-based approaches with diverse populations.

Graduates are prepared for careers in counseling psychology, higher education, research, clinical practice, education, and community organizations. Depending on their area of study and training, graduates may pursue roles as psychologists, researchers, educators, clinicians, and advocates.