Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. program is designed to educate counselling psychologists as researchers, practitioners, and educators. The focus of the program is on developing doctoral level competence in research, counselling theory and counselling skills. In exceptional circumstances, up to 15 credits of coursework may be waived in recognition of previous coursework. The program involves completion of 51 credits of coursework, theory and specialty comprehensive examinations, a 1600 hour internship and a dissertation meeting Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies requirements. In order for students to meet deadlines for comprehensive examinations and candidacy, the department requires students to be engaged in full time study prior to advancement to candidacy.

Our Doctoral Program follows the scientist-practitioner model for the education of counselling psychologists; students receive a substantial education as both researchers and professional psychologists. Designed for those with relevant experience who want to gain doctoral level competence, this program enhances research, counselling theory, and counselling skills.

Students will be prepared for careers as researchers, practitioners, and educators in a wide variety of settings including academic, clinical, community, business, private practice, and research. Our graduates hold positions such as staff psychologist, research manager, professor, director, department head, clinical counsellor, vocational rehabilitation consultant, team leader, behavioural consultant, group facilitator, and psychoanalyst.

An indicator of the quality of education is accreditation by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). Learn more about Counselling Psychology’s accreditation.

Criminal Record Checks

Students admitted to our Master’s and Doctoral programs are required to provide a criminal record clearance prior to taking CNPS 588 – Supervised Clinical Experience in Counselling. The CRC application instruction will be sent out to student later on in the program.

Learn more information about Criminal Record Checks.

Doctoral Student Handbook

Critical information for students, including program requirements, relevant policies, and graduate student information are found in this CNPS Doctoral Handbook

Some handbook information includes:

Access CNPS Doctoral Handbook

Counselling Psychology Student Association:  https://blogs.ubc.ca/cpsaubc/about/