PhD in Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Auburn's Counseling Psychology program in the College of Education leads to the doctoral degree, and a master's degree is available only to students who are admitted to the doctorate at the same time. Training combines advanced coursework in counseling theories, work with diverse populations, group counseling, assessment and diagnosis, and advanced measurement and statistics. Supervised practicum is central to the curriculum. Students log their clinical hours, including direct psychotherapy with clients, and supervisors outside the university complete evaluations of their practicum semesters. Each student also completes an annual self-evaluation on a program form. The program suits applicants who want to prepare for professional practice and scholarship in counseling psychology within a structured, supervised sequence. Doctoral students work closely with faculty supervisors throughout, and the master's component is built into the larger doctoral plan rather than serving as a separate entry route, which keeps the training integrated.