The program of study that follows is described in terms of full-time study. Some of the courses may be taken on a part-time basis. However, full-time study after the first 30 applicable credits is required unless the student can present persuasive evidence that his or her living and working circumstances have not prevented and will not prevent him/her from taking full advantage of the College's resources.
Certain essential subjects and practica are offered only in the morning and early afternoon hours.
The doctorate is granted after successful completion of a minimum of 90 points of planned, sequential study beyond the bachelor's degree, of which at least 60 points must be taken at Teachers College. The doctoral program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and requires at least five years, including the equivalent of four years of academic study beyond the Bachelor's degree and one calendar year of internship.
Please note that upon admission to the Ph.D. program in counseling psychology, students will receive a Doctoral Student Handbook for the Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology which will provide updated policy, program features, and requirements. Additional information maybe found in the Doctoral Student Handbook. The program of study leading to the doctorate in Counseling Psychology is guided by criteria adopted by the American Psychological Association for accredited programs in professional psychology.
The course of studies includes: Scientific and professional ethics and standards; psychological measurement, statistics and research design and methodology; knowledge and understanding of a) history and systems of psychology, b) the biological basis of behavior, c) the cognitive-affective bases of behavior, d) the social bases of behavior (e.g., social pschology) and e) individual behavior (e.g., personality theory, human development); intervention strategies and methods of inquiry; and preparation to undertake a doctoral dissertation.
In developing the necessary mastery of these areas, the student is expected to be attentive to the historical roots of counseling psychology, i.e., the study of individual differences, the vocational guidance movement and the mental health movement. Similarly, she or he is expected to be prepared for the probable future of counseling psychology in the areas of expertise represented by the faculty, especially the influence of social and cultural systems (home, family, workplace and environment) on human development and change.
In addition to core requirements, courses in specific and specialized areas of counseling psychology are available. Courses in the department are supplemented by appropriate offerings in other programs and departments at Teachers College and Columbia University.
Please note that satisfactory performance in the program is defined as no incomplete grades, and no courses in which the grade earned is lower than B can be considered.
Academic dishonesty and unethical behavior may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program (master's or doctoral). Specific information regarding curriculum requirements are contained in the Doctoral Student Handbook. In addition to coursework, a number of other academic experiences are required.
Doctoral Certification
Candidacy as a doctoral student expires after a certain number of years. Ph.D. candidates must complete all degree requirements within seven years of first entering the program (six years if they have an applicable master's degree or 30 points of advanced standing prior to doctoral admission).
Counseling psychology students do not become official candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy until they: (1) pass an interdepartmental and college wide examination on research methods and design, (2) submit a scholarly review of research on a psychological topic of particular interest to them, and (3) pass a program certification comprehensive exam. In addition, they must satisfy all other requirements for certification prescribed by the Office of Doctoral Studies (see the bulletins issued by that office). Students who fail to take the certification examination at the appropriate point in their studies are subject to certain penalties. To avoid these penalties, the certification examination must be taken no later than the third year in the program. (See Doctoral Student Handbook for more information).
The Program Certification and Comprehensive Exam.
The Certification and Comprehensive Exam will have two components: (A) a scholarly paper involving a comprehensive and integrative review of the literature in a topic chosen by the student in consultation with his or her advisor; and (B) a written exam covering several areas in counseling psychology. Cultural issues will be infused in the content questions on the exam. As well, there are progress evaluations done annually to facilitate students timely completion of the Ph.D. degree (See Doctoral Student Handbook for more information).
Externship
This year-long placement in a field-setting for clinical experience is required for doctoral students. Students petition to be placed into a supervised 2-day a week training site and see individual and group clients. For students to be eligible for externship they need to have completed at least two years of coursework and at least one and a half years of practicum.
Internship
For doctoral students only. Supervised experience in approved and appropriate agencies, institutions, and establishments. Students are required to petition faculty for internship training and must be approved to apply for internship. Students must have completed all coursework during the academic year in which they are applying for internship. Students must have passed all certification and comprehensive examinations as well as have an approved dissertation proposal.
The Dissertation
For most doctoral students, the completion of course requirements presents few problems. Successful completion of a dissertation is usually less easily managed. Unless carefully planned in advance, it can prove a difficult hurdle. Accordingly, the program has several built-in features designed to facilitate the formulation and successful execution of an acceptable dissertation proposal and assistance in completing the dissertation. These include the completion of a second year project, the Dissertation Seminar course, and a Review of Research course.