Psychology
Women
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
Program Overview
The 88-credit doctoral program in Counseling Psychology provides students with a unique and valuable opportunity to earn a respected and rigorous doctorate in psychology in a culturally sensitive setting. The Counseling Psychology Psy.D. program, offered through Felician University, offers students the training and hands-on experience to emerge as leading psychologists in the field.
Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psy.D. program prepares graduates in assessment, intervention, and consultation, while providing them with opportunities to practice and refine their research skills. The training is based on the practitioner-scholar model, emphasizing the utilization of empirical data to inform clinical practice.
Graduates of the Doctorate in Counseling Psychology program will be well prepared to practice as psychologists in a variety of settings utilizing the most current evidence-based practices. The coursework and practica will educate and train students to implement psychological treatments that are guided by knowledge of theory as well as empirically-based decision making in the practice setting.
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Prerequisites
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology* or a related social science from an accredited institution
*Applicants should have either an undergraduate major in psychology or a solid foundation in psychology through prior coursework. Applicants are expected to have some background in core areas of psychology, at minimum:
Introductory Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Research Methods
Statistics
If an applicant is missing certain foundational coursework, their background will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Transcript (minimum 3.5 GPA)
Personal Essay
Clinical Interest Statement
Diversity Statement
Resume
Three Letters of Recommendation (Academic/Professional)
Personal Photograph
Non-refundable Application Fee
Course Listing
Tuition & Financial Aid
The cost for the 88-credit doctorate is $102,080 ($1,160 per credit).
Year 1 (26 credits): $30,160
Years 2 & 3 (50 credits): $58,000 combined
Years 4 & 5 (12 credits): $13,920 combined
In addition to the university tuition, there are university fees of approximately $1,100 per year.
Please note: The listed tuition costs are approximate and are accurate as of the time of writing.
At the graduate level, financial aid is available in the form of loans that can cover the full cost of the degree. Felician University offers payment-plan options as well.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be completed online at this link. Felician University’s FAFSA school code is 002610. Be sure to complete the correct year’s application.
Additional scholarship opportunities for Jewish graduate students include:
Please contact each organization directly regarding eligibility, deadlines, and availability.
FAQs
What is a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (Psy.D.)?
The APA-accredited Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology offered through Felician University provides rigorous doctoral-level training in assessment, intervention, consultation, and research-informed clinical practice. The program follows a practitioner-scholar model and prepares graduates for work in a variety of clinical and professional settings. Students receive extensive academic, practicum, and internship training within a culturally sensitive educational environment.
What is the difference between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Psychology?
Both Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs lead to licensure as a psychologist. Ph.D. programs have traditionally placed greater emphasis on research and academic training, while Psy.D. programs have traditionally placed greater emphasis on clinical training and professional practice. Both pathways can prepare graduates for careers in assessment, psychotherapy, and clinical practice.
What is the difference between Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology?
Both Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology are doctoral-level pathways that lead to licensure as a psychologist. Graduates of both types of programs can provide psychotherapy, conduct assessment, diagnose mental health conditions, work in clinical settings, and pursue a wide range of professional opportunities.
Historically, the two fields developed with somewhat different emphases, with Counseling Psychology placing somewhat greater emphasis on development, prevention, interpersonal functioning, and life transitions, while Clinical Psychology traditionally placed somewhat greater emphasis on severe mental illness. In practice, however, there is substantial overlap between the two fields.
Modern Counseling Psychology doctoral programs provide rigorous training in assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, ethics, research, and evidence-based treatment, similar to Clinical Psychology programs, and graduates work with individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological concerns across diverse clinical settings.
Importantly, licensure determines professional practice. Once licensed, graduates of both Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology programs are licensed under the same professional title - psychologist - and often work in many of the same clinical settings while performing similar professional roles.
The American Psychological Association accredits both Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology doctoral programs under the broader field of professional psychology, with shared standards for clinical training and professional competency.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply to this program?
No. This is an entry-level doctoral program tailored to applicants who possess only a bachelor’s degree. Applicants may begin the program after completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or a similar social-science degree program.
Which university have you partnered with to offer this degree?
We are proud to have partnered with Felician University, a prestigious institution located in New Jersey. Felician University is ranked as a “Best College” by U.S. News and World Report (2024). Felician University is also ranked a top college among private colleges in New Jersey by Niche.
Is this program accredited?
Yes. Felician University’s Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Do I need a license to practice as a psychologist? If so, does this degree lead to licensure?
Yes. Graduates of the program are required to earn 3500 hours of supervised experience before being eligible for independent practice in New York and/or New Jersey. Additionally, before practicing independently, graduates must pass the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology). In New Jersey, graduates must also pass the NJ Jurisprudence examination.
Sara Schenirer/Felician University prepares students for licensure through coursework and experience in the field.
What do psychologists do, and what is their earning power?
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior in order to provide intervention and benefit their clients.
A counseling psychologist may work in a variety of settings, including:
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Mental health clinics
• Private practice
• Academia
Many counseling psychologists earn between $80,000 and $180,000 annually depending on geographic location, specialization, setting, and years of experience. In the New York metropolitan area, early-career psychologists may earn approximately $90,000 or more depending on the setting and scope of practice.
Is psychology a growing field?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment for psychologists is expected to grow 10% by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
How long will it take to complete the doctoral degree?
This degree can be completed in 12 semesters (approximately 5 years — 4 years education, 1 year internship).
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Enrollment is Now Open
Late app fee of $150 will apply
Application Deadline
Program Start Date
September 2026
Next Application Deadline
Next Program Start Date
September 2027
Questions & Guidance
Bonni Herman
Women's Student Advisor