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Explore Regent's online PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies – Biblical Counseling program.

Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Biblical Counseling

Inform Your Field With Science & Faith, Together

More than ever the field of psychology needs influential leaders who integrate science and faith. The Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Biblical Counseling prepares you for a career in the areas of mental health counseling, research, education and psychological science. You will be positioned as an authority within these and other settings: church, community, mission field, or biblical counseling center. If you’re a scholar seeking to impact the culture beyond the Ph.D. counseling arena and don’t need professional accreditation, then this doctoral degree is for you.

Online
51
January 13, 2025
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Empower Your Calling

Grounded in scripture, this advanced track provides sound biblical interpretation and the application of theology to address human need.

Gain Field Experience

Strengthen your skills through 150 hours of preapproved on-site experience and human services work.

Empower Your Career

Gain doctoral credentials to increase your opportunities and help you stand out in your field.

Presented from a Christian worldview, coursework is offered online and supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach and beyond.

Regent University ranked #2 of Top 25 Accredited Online PhD & Doctoral Degree Programs | Learn.org, 2020

Through this Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Biblical Counseling degree you will:

  • Gain a solid foundation in research methods and field experience.
  • Learn integrative Christian psychology approaches to treat people with behavioral and emotional issues.
  • Learn to anchor your work in scientific, historical and theological elements of counseling and psychology.

Career Opportunities

  • University Faculty/Leadership
  • Researcher/Writer
  • Nonprofit Administrator
  • Mental Health Services Executive
  • Ministry or Nonprofit Program Director
  • Church Counseling Consultant
14%
Projected employment growth for psychologists from 2018-28 (much faster than average) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019

Application Deadlines:

Spring: December 1 | Summer: March 1 | Fall: July 1

All application materials, including in progress transcripts, test scores, etc. must be submitted to the Admissions Office by the deadline to be considered for the program.

Prerequisites:

Ph.D. applicants must:

  • Hold a regionally accredited 30 hour master’s degree in a mental health field, such as counseling, psychology, social work or pastoral ministry. Completed coursework should include, but is not limited, to the following: research or statistics, counseling skills, ethics and group counseling, or family systems.
  • Have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA in your graduate level coursework.
  • Have at least one year of experience in a mental health field (highly desirable).
  • International Applicants who have studied at institutions outside of the United States, will need to submit a course by course evaluation showing the completion of a regionally accredited graduate degree.

Admissions Process:

Step 1: Application
Submit your application using our Regent University Online Application.

Step 2: Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable $50 application fee by check or money order mailed to Regent University, Enrollment Support Services, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

Step 3: Complete an Academic Background Questionnaire

Step 4: Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae. Please email to your admissions counselor at apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SPC Doctoral Application Pieces.

Step 5: Unofficial Transcripts
We are able to examine and view your unofficial transcripts from U.S.-based schools, which indicate successful completion of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, in order to review you for an admissions decision. Please submit your unofficial transcript to our Admissions Office by email to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SPC Doctoral Application Pieces.

Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company. For further details, please review the International Admissions Checklist on the International Students Admissions page.

International Applicants: Please visit the International Students Admissions page for a more detailed explanation of the Regent University application information and to determine whether or not you qualify as an international student.

*Upon conditional acceptance to the program by review of unofficial transcripts, Regent University’s Admissions Office will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institutions, which indicate successful completion of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. We will notify you if your previous institutions will not release transcripts directly to us.

Step 6: Graduate Academic Paper
Please submit an APA formatted academic writing sample from your completed Master’s Degree which will be relevant to the field of Mental Health. Your submission needs to be at least five pages in length (preferably research based) and with at least five scholarly references. Email to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SPC Doctoral Application Pieces or fax to 757.352.4725.

Step 7: Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please email a scanned copy or photograph of it to apply@regent.edu with the subject line: Government ID.

Step 8: Online Interview
Interviews for this Ph.D. program are completed for each applicant after all above mentioned items have been submitted. Participation in this online Skype or phone interview is mandatory as a portion of the application review process. It is expected that the candidate will be willing to discuss personal history within the interview process.

Both local and international student applicants should allow at least 2-3 weeks for an admission decision to be made once the applicant has submitted all required documents to the appropriate offices and has followed all processes and procedures required for an admission decision.


All forms related to application to the Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies program may be requested through the School of Psychology & Counseling Admissions Office. Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4498 or psycounadmissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

2019-20 Tuition Rates

Degree Level / ProgramCost Per Credit Hour

Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies

$675 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state)


 

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$550

2020-21 Tuition Rates

Degree Level / ProgramCost Per Credit Hour

Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies

$675 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state)


 

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$600

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“I wanted a rigorous doctoral program that could travel with me wherever I was in the country. I found this and more at Regent.”

Heather Paessler-Chesterton, Ph.D., 2009 Counselor Education and Supervision

“Regent ... opened up so many opportunities for further training and further education.”

Melanie Mosbarger, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2016

“Truthfully, Regent changed my life. There's an element of gratification that comes along with doing what I know that God has called me to do.”

Jada Collins, M.A. in HSC, 2010 Human Services Counseling

“People, especially kids, need more than clichés. My training at Regent gave me a meaningful way to express my empathy - which is passion and compassion combined - and they could feel the authenticity of it.”

Cedric Rucker, M.A. in Counseling, 2008 Community Counseling

“God ordained all the circumstances, and I simply made the step of faith to follow.”

Marina Kuzmina, M.A. in Counseling, 2010 Community Counseling