Counseling Psychology, PhD FAQ
We start accepting applications September and completed applications are due November 15. All materials must be received by this date. It takes time to process files; therefore, it is recommended that you submit your materials 4–6 weeks before the deadline to ensure that your application will be considered. The Graduate Admission Application is submitted online through Graduate Admissions.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (General Test) is not required. An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency. This program requires a TOEFL score of at least 600 (pBT) or 100 (iBT).
Include three letters of recommendation. As part of the online application, you will provide the names and email addresses of each recommender so ASU can contact them directly to solicit letters of recommendation. The recommenders will upload their letters directly through the ASU electronic system. We prefer that two of these letters be from persons familiar with your academic work, unless you have been away from school for many years. It is in your best interest to request that these letters address, in a detailed way
- Your promise as a scientist-practitioner
- Career goals
- Interpersonal competence
Yes, admission interviews are required. We schedule an interview day, generally early February. Interviews help introduce you to our program by meeting faculty and students, getting program information and providing an opportunity for you to ask us questions. Since the pandemic, we have conducted remote interviews. Applicants invited for interviews will be contacted by our Admissions Committee.
No. However, we prefer applicants who have degrees in psychology and related fields so they are prepared for the rigors of our program.
No. The program provides preference to applicants with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a closely related field. Please consider applying to the Master of Counseling program if you do not have a graduate degree.
You can find a list of faculty with information about their research, professional interests, labs and scholarships in the program handbook, on our website, or on ASU's faculty directory. We recommend contacting faculty whose research interests you.
Students may apply again the following year. Updated materials may improve one’s application. Due to the volume of applicants, we can't meet individually with each applicant who was denied admission. Additionally, consider applying to our Master of Counseling program or earning a master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field.
Most students complete the program in six years, on average. You can view our Student Admission, Outcomes, and Other Data on the PhD program's homepage.
Most full-time students take 13 credits in their first semester. Nine credit hours is considered full-time status per the Graduate College and six credit hours is considered full-time for students in a TA/RA position.
ASU's Graduate Admission Services does not have a maximum credit hour enrollment policy. It is expected that academic units will set course loads for their students that facilitate academic success. Throughout the program, it is recommended that students take no more than 12-15 credits each semester. Students are encouraged to discuss course load with their advisor. Unit approval is required for more than 15 credits per semester.
The program curriculum is designed for students attending full-time. Students may complete the program part-time; however, course availability may be limited at times. Please note pre-doctoral internship requires a full-time commitment.
In some cases, ASU graduate non-degree seeking students or students in other ASU programs can enroll in our courses. If interested, please review our course offerings and descriptions for the upcoming semesters. If you have not done so already, apply to ASU as a non-degree student. In addition to being admitted to ASU, you would need to gain instructor approval to take courses that our program offers. Seats are not guaranteed as we must prioritize students who are admitted to our programs. Some courses such as practicum and internship are only available to students in the Master of Counseling or PhD programs. We generally hold seats until about a week before the start of the term. You may search for courses via ASU's Class Search.
The PhD program considers up to 12 graduate-level credit hours with grades of “B” or better that were not used towards a previous degree. Pre-admission credits must have been taken within three years of admission to the ASU degree program to be accepted per the ASU Graduate College Policy and Procedures. Admission to the program is required before approval of transfer credits.
PhD students may participate in Doctoral Students in Counseling Psychology (DSCP). Details are distributed via the student listserv. Students may also participate in the schools' Inclusion committee. Please contact ccp@asu.edu to be connected with the current student leaders. In addition, ASU has a variety of student organizations that may interest you.
The Pat Tillman Veterans Center provides support for student veterans and dependents. Explore ASU's veteran affairs and services and get help with your education benefits.
Yes, please visit the International Students and Scholars Center.
The cost of enrollment for the current academic year is available on ASU's Tuition Estimator. Tuition and fees are subject to annual approval by the Arizona Board of Regents. Current tuition and fees are listed below but can change. Always check the current costs. For questions or comments about tuition and fees, please contact the Student Accounts Office. For questions about financial aid and cost of attendance, please contact Student Financial Assistance.
Most doctoral students can secure graduate assistantships (i.e., teaching and research assistantships) either in the program or in other units across ASU. Assistantships with .50 FTE (20 hours per week) appointments receive full tuition remission and student health insurance at no cost; however, enrollment in the insurance plan is required each semester. Spring semester insurance coverage includes the summer months. Assistantships with .25 FTE (10 hours per week) appointments receive a 50% reduction in tuition and are considered to be in-state residents for tuition purposes. Unfortunately, academic year assistantships do not cover summer tuition.
Students may be nominated by the program for the Graduate College Enrichment Fellowship and Presidential Graduate Assistantship Program pending the meeting of criteria. Students should consult with their faculty advisors regarding external fellowships. Our students have been successful in procuring national fellowships like the MFP and NIH.
Yes, on-campus tours can be scheduled. Virtual tours are also available. Campus amenities such as the Memorial Union, University Health Services, ASU Police Department, Student Services Building and Sun Devil Campus Stores can be reviewed on the Student Services webpage.
Please note, our program does not have academic advisors; our faculty serve as advisors to our students. We encourage you to contact faculty members via email to discuss their research interests and potential program fit before applying. Please be patient when contacting faculty members. Due to the volume of applicants, faculty members are not always able to meet in person. Faculty information is available in the Counseling Faculty section of the PhD Handbook.