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Explore Regent's PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies – Human Services Counseling program.

Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Human Services Counseling

Called to Improve Families & Communities?

Imagine influencing policies and practices that impact the people and organizations in your community. Regent’s Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Human Services Counseling prepares you for a career in the areas of mental health counseling, research, education and psychological science. You’ll expand your clinical competencies through the planning and presentation of your dissertation. If you’re a scholar seeking to impact the culture beyond the Ph.D. counseling arena and don’t need professional accreditation, consider this degree.

Online
51
January 13, 2025
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Develop Expertise in Marriage, Family & Children

Research and practice children’s and couples’ counseling, marriage and parenting enrichment techniques, and divorce/remarriage conflict resolution.

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 – Human Services Counseling degree you will:

  • Extend your master’s level foundation in human services with focused expertise.
  • Practice leadership techniques used at various stages of the group process, and explore ethical issues.
  • Develop interpersonal and facilitator skills and explore biblical principles relevant to group dynamics.
  • Collaborate with professional peers and experienced human services specialists.
  • Apply research to help break new ground in psychology.
  • Devote time and bring awareness to the needs of underserved populations.

Career Opportunities

  • University Faculty/Leadership
  • Researcher/Writer
  • Experimental Psychologist
  • Mental Health Services Executive
  • Community Service Program Director
  • Nonprofit Administrator
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 realized this is a place where I could grow and really be empowered in my future.”

Bethany Eisenhart, Psy.D., 2018 Clinical Psychology

“Regent was a pivotal point in my professional career. I have been forever changed by my experience!”

Richard Mason, Ph.D. , 2007 Counselor Education & Supervision

“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

“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

“I would recommend Regent's counseling programs to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of others and of themselves.”

Karen Palmer, M.A., 2011 Human Services