PhD Program: Introduction

Please use the Table of Contents at the right for more information.

Program Model

The PhD program offered in counseling psychology by the Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education is primarily focused on psychology, based on a scientist-practitioner model of training. This integrated approach to training acknowledges the interdependence of theory, research, and practice. Counseling psychologists pursue and apply psychological and educational knowledge to promote optimal development for individuals, groups, and systems and to provide remedies for their psychological and educational difficulties.

The program emphasizes  educational, developmental, and preventative functions of counseling psychologists. Candidates are prepared primarily to work as counseling psychologists in academic departments and counseling centers in colleges and universities. They are also capable of remedial intervention for people in educational settings who are experiencing abnormal development and psychopathology.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to this commission.

Address: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 1st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 
Phone: 202-336-5979
Email: appaccred@apa.org 
Website: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Philosophy

The program is distinctive among counseling psychology programs because, like its parent institution, it “seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives” ("The Aims of a BYU Education," BYU 2003-2004 Undergraduate Catalog, p. 13). Counseling psychology students, faculty, and staff agree to conduct their lives in harmony with ethical and moral values which are consistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The faculty believe that the most effective counseling psychologists, regardless of their personal religious affiliation, are those who abide by high standards of ethical and professional conduct. They also believe that truth may be obtained through both scientific inquiry and spiritual or revealed sources. The faculty believe integrating these domains has great potential for increasing counseling psychologists’ capability to provide effective assistance to all of the human family. The faculty are therefore committed to integrating psychological and spiritual sources of knowledge.

LDS Sponsorship

Brigham Young University is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). The program in counseling psychology values diversity and trains its students to be multiculturally competent. While most of the program's faculty and students are members of the sponsoring church, we enthusiastically encourage students of other faiths and traditions to apply. The university does expect that all students, regardless of religion, will maintain the behavioral standards of the school. These include high standards of honesty, integrity, chastity and morality; graciousness in personal behavior, dress, and grooming; and abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, tea, coffee, and nonmedical use of drugs. The exact statement is included as part of the application and is found at the Honor Code Office web site.