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Explore Regent's PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies – Human Services for Student Affairs.

Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Human Services for Student Affairs

Fill the Urgent Need for Principled Leaders in Education

Imagine the positive impact you could have on future generations. Regent’s Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Human Services for Student Affairs prepares you for a career in the areas of mental health counseling, research, education and psychological science. Through this advanced degree, you will expand your expertise regarding the intellectual growth, moral development, values, career choice, and psychosocial changes of students. If you’re a scholar seeking to impact the culture beyond the Ph.D. counseling arena and don’t need professional accreditation, then this degree is for you.

Online
51
January 13, 2025
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Grow as an Influencer

Use leadership, advising, administration and supervision skills to foster a positive, honoring learning environment.

Champion Student Success

Study and practice how to promote positive change during the highly transformative student season.

Expand Your Career Marketability

Gain doctoral credentials to advance in leadership roles with higher salary opportunities.

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 for Student Affairs degree you will:

  • Integrate research to efficiently process student appeals and grievances.
  • Collaborate with psychiatric services on crisis issues.
  • Advise and report on intellectual growth, moral development and psychosocial changes.
  • Understand governance and legal issues within higher education.
  • Explore how to navigate faith in a post-Christian culture.

Career Opportunities

  • University Faculty/Leadership
  • Researcher/Writer
  • Mental Health Services Executive
  • Academic Guidance Director
  • Student Services Program Director
  • Chief Student Affairs Officer
  • Dean of Students
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.

“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

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

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

“My time at Regent left me with a desire for excellence. I believe that was something that was already instilled in me but my education here challenged me even more.”

Eric Ferguson, M.A. in Counseling, 1997 Founder, Metanoia Missions International

“Regent University is a place where you'll be involved. There are so many opportunities through Regent that, if you're willing to go there, you're going to be afforded the opportunities.”

Toni Gines-Rivera, Ph.D., 2010 Counselor Education and Supervision