Our Ph.D. program is intended for those preparing to become counseling psychologists. Through coursework and hands-on experience, you will learn to evaluate theories and research critically, while gaining a deeper understanding of the communities and individuals you will serve.
The program offers areas of focus, where you can further your skills and become better equipped to provide solutions for the societal and interpersonal challenges facing clients. Students will be able to integrate research to practice and engage in practice that is informed by research. Some faculty research areas include:
- Multicultural counseling
- HIV counseling
- Psychotherapy research
- Romantic relationships
- Health psychology and health disparities
- Group dynamics
- Supervision and training
- Vocational psychology and career development
- Cancer survivorship
Upon completion of our Ph.D. program, and with the additional post-doctoral required hours, you’ll be able to apply for licensure as a psychologist in Colorado. The University of Denver has not yet determined whether the program meets licensure requirements in a state other than Colorado or in any U.S. protectorates. Students seeking licensure in a state other than Colorado should contact the state’s Board of Education to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements.
Program Requirements
You will need to complete a minimum of 90-quarter credit hours. Other requirements include:
- Two supervised practica
- A supervised, 12-month, full-time predoctoral psychology internship
- Comprehensive exams
- A pre-dissertation research project
- A dissertation
Accreditation
The Counseling Psychology (CP) PhD program at the University of Denver has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1986 when we received full accreditation. Our program has been continuously accredited since that time. Our last APA site visit occurred in 2018 when we received re-accreditation for 10 years until 2028.