Admission Statistics 

The Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Counseling Psychology

Accredited by the American Psychological Association Committee on Accreditation
750 First Street, NE,Washington, DC 20002-4242 T: 202-336-5979

Information Concerning Education/Training Outcomes for Prospective Doctoral Students in Counseling Psychology

Counseling Psychology is an applied specialty within the field of psychology. The doctoral degree contributes to eligibility to become licensed and practice as a Psychologist. Counseling Psychologists provide developmental, preventative, and remedial services to a wide variety of clients, including children and adolescents, couples and families, people with mental health problems, students, veterans, the unemployed, prisoners, medical patients, people with physical disabilities and cognitive impairments, and older adults. Traditionally, Counseling Psychology has been identifiable by its emphasis on client strengths, the interaction between the person and the environment, working with problems of living rather than chronic or severe mental illness, and facilitating career development (Gelso & Fretz, 2000). Currently, Counseling Psychology may be best known for its leadership in the area of multiculturalism.

Highlights

Georgia State University (GSU) is an urban university located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Students, professors, businesspeople, and urban dwellers from a wide variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds mix and mingle on the streets and in nearby restaurants. Georgia Tech and Emory universities and other cultural attractions are nearby.

The Counseling Psychology doctoral program (CPY) at GSU prepares scientist-practitioners for a wide variety of careers by providing advanced training in theory, research, and practice. Graduates often pursue careers as university professors, researchers, psychotherapists, and directors of psychological services. Our graduates have been listed on the National Registry of Health Providers and have achieved diplomate status with the American Board of Professional Psychology. As of 2003, our graduates were ranked 9th highest in the nation in terms of their mean score on the EPPP (the national examination required to obtain licensure as a psychologist).

Carnegie ranks GSU as a top university for its high level of research activity. In 2005, GSU’s Counseling programs were ranked 4th in the nation by the Chronicle of Higher Education for the research productivity of the Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education faculty. In comparison to other Counseling Psychology programs, GSU’s program is ranked in the middle tier for faculty publications in top tier journals closely related to our field (Buboltz et al., 2005). In addition, many of the Counseling Psychology faculty members currently provide psychotherapeutic, supervisory, and consulting services.

Unique Training Opportunities

• CPY doctoral students often work as a research assistant to their advising professor during their first year, a 16-hour/week graduate assistantship that offsets tuition, provides a small stipend, and offers students an opportunity to learn research skills, develop mentoring relationships, and work with a research team.
• CPY doctoral students complete a first-year practicum at the GSU Counseling Center, which offers training in feminist and psychodynamic approaches to trauma and an annual multicultural conference.
• Many students continue in graduate assistantships after the first year and work at the Counseling Center or teach Master’s level or undergraduate courses (e.g., supervision of Master’s level counseling trainees).
• CPY doctoral students are required to complete two research projects, a pre-dissertation and a dissertation, both of which are submitted to professional journals for publication. In addition, many students publish and present with faculty.
• CPY doctoral students have the opportunity to take seminars on “hot” topics such as traumatology, consciousness, multicultural and social justice issues, facilitating adventure therapy, the psychology of women, etc.
• Our department houses a student-run chapter of the Association of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues in Counseling (ALGBIC), which is a division of the American Counseling Association. CPS-AGLBIC offers an annual conference at which students may present their research and receive SAFE ZONE training. Other student organizations, such as Soujourners (international students) and African Americans in Counseling and Psychological Services also provide educational events. 

Program of Study 2007-2008

The curricular experiences comprising the doctoral program were constructed while keeping in mind accreditation requirements of the American Psychological Association, recommendations by the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs, state licensure requirements, the American Board of Professional Psychology's requirements for the Diplomate, and our own model of a functioning counseling psychologist. Students and their Advisory Committee construct a program of study tailored to the student's career goals. The Committee supervises the student's progress through course work, comprehensive examinations, and internship. The Committee may be reconstituted for the supervision of the student's dissertation. Students must complete a two-semester residency during which they are directly involved with faculty in research, teaching, or service approved by the advisory committee.

The training model is constructed so that it is possible to complete the program in four years, although some students take longer. This includes approximately three years of post-master's coursework in core psychology areas, the counseling psychology specialty, research and statistics, and a cognate area (e.g., clinical assessment, psychotherapy, child and family therapy, health psychology, geriatric psychology, research methodology, multicultural and diversity issues, organizational development). Additional requirements include a pre-dissertation, comprehensive examinations, an APA-accredited internship, and a dissertation. Although doctoral students must be full-time students, many also work part-time in positions that extend their professional preparation.  Please see the current edition of the Graduate Catalog for the full Program of Study for the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.

Counseling Psychology Faculty: Affiliations and Research Interests 

Julie Ancis, Ph.D. - Racial and gender attitudes, multicultural competency, women’s legal system experiences
Jeff Ashby, Ph.D. - Perfectionism, stress coping, and religiosity/spirituality
Greg Brack, Ph.D. - Crisis and trauma. Dual appointment with Counselor Education program.
Barry Chung, Ph.D., Program Coordinator - Multicultural and diversity issues related to career development.  Contact for information regarding program admissions.
Barbara Gormley, Ph.D. - Intimate partner violence perpetration and trauma therapy
Joseph Hill, Ph.D. - CPY Program Clinical Coordinator.  Contact regarding practicum opportunities and internship placement
Ken Matheny, Ph.D. - Stressful environments, coping resources, and life satisfaction internationally
Joel Meyers, Ph.D. - Dual appointment with School Psychology program
Roger Weed, Ph.D.- Dual appointment with Counselor Education program.  Rehabilitation Counseling Program Coordinator.

Applying for Admission

Program Emphasis

1. We value applicants with previous research experience and research interests that are closely associated with those of our faculty.
2. We are committed to increasing the levels of commitment to valuing multiculturalism and diversity among our doctoral students.
3. Previous professional experience as a practitioner and experience in the work world are highly valued.
4. Involvement with the American Psychological Association, especially Division 17 (Counseling Psychology), is highly desirable.

Application Essay
Your essay should describe your match with our program, including:

1. Why a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology is the best fit for your career goals
2. How this program specifically will help you meet your career goals
3. How your background matches characteristics that we seek in applicants
4. Your research interests and how they relate to those of specific CPY faculty that you would like to work with

Preferences for Interviews are given to Applicants with:

1. GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile (we evaluate scores in the context of culture, nation of origin, and language)
2. Master’s degrees with high GPAs from rigorous Counseling Psychology/Counseling programs (or other applied programs)
3. Previous journal publications, national presentations, theses, or comparable supervised research experiences
4. Complex understandings of multiple cultural perspectives, experience working with diverse cultural populations, related research  interests, and/or diverse cultural backgrounds
5. Paid professional experience counseling clients
6. Letters of recommendation providing evidence that you are a top candidate
7. Initiative, self-direction, creativity, the ability to contribute to the field, etc.

Applications are due to the Office of Academic Assistance and Graduate Admissions for the College of Education by December 1. Interviews generally take place during the first week of March.

Additional Links 
APA Division 17     Georgia Psychological Association
APPIC      EPPP       Atlanta Visitor’s Bureau     GSU Women's Study Institute Video