Boston University

Overview

The PhD in Counseling Psychology and Applied Human Development at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is designed to cultivate researchers and clinician-scholars dedicated to providing evidence-based, culturally responsive support for children, youth, and young adults. This program emphasizes a scientist-practitioner training approach, focusing on the integration of rigorous research with applied practice and the supervision of future counseling psychology professionals.

What you'll study

Areas of study include:

• Psychological foundations of behavior
• Research methods, research design, and data analysis
• Applied psychological practice and intervention evaluation
• Counseling psychology foundations and practice

How learning is typically organized:

• Core training: Foundational coursework in counseling psychology and applied human development, alongside methods and analytics.
• Research development: Guided work that supports the production of original scholarship, including research planning, data analysis, and dissemination.
• Applied focus: Opportunities to connect research to practice through culturally responsive intervention and evaluation work.
• Doctoral dissertation: Completion of a substantial research dissertation based on original investigation.

Special emphasis: Training that prepares graduates to work effectively across diverse populations and settings through culturally responsive approaches.

Entry requirements

While specific GRE/GMAT and minimum GPA requirements are not detailed, applicants are expected to meet Boston University’s graduate admission standards. A comprehensive academic application package must be submitted, including an application form, statement of objectives, equity and inclusion statement, CV/résumé, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English proficiency evidence, an analytical essay, an optional essay, and an application fee.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Counseling Psychology and Applied Human Development program are well-equipped for a variety of roles in academic, clinical, and research settings. They may pursue careers as licensed counseling psychologists, researchers, educators, or policy advocates, contributing to the advancement of culturally responsive practices in mental health and education.