Course Overview!

Ball State University's APA-approved PhD in Counseling Psychology program cultivates scientist-practitioners adept in integrating theory, research, and practice within health service psychology. The curriculum emphasizes the development of research skills, clinical competence, and leadership capabilities. Students gain practical experience through various assistantships, clinical practica in diverse settings (university counseling centers, healthcare settings, private practice), and internships. The program fosters a supportive learning environment focused on diversity, social justice, ethical considerations, and evidence-based practices. Graduates are prepared for roles in academia, university counseling centers, healthcare, and private practice, functioning as health service providers, researchers, faculty members, and private practitioners. The program strongly values and incorporates multicultural perspectives and emphasizes socially just approaches to psychology.

Course Structure

The PhD curriculum comprises a core of psychology courses covering social, biological, cognitive, affective, and individual bases of behavior. It incorporates clinical experiences in varied real-world settings and a research component focused on original knowledge discovery. Students engage in assistantship assignments, integrating scientific psychology knowledge with practical skills. The program includes coursework in educational psychology, social psychology, psychological science, and developmental psychology. Specific courses include CPSY 678 (Theories and Techniques of Counseling the Culturally Diverse), CPSY 740 (Practicum in Counselor Supervision), and EDPSY courses such as EDPSY 642 (Intermediate Statistics) and EDPSY 650 (Individual Testing). A comprehensive portfolio exam, comprehensive examinations (written and oral), dissertation proposal, and internship are key components of the program, alongside annual reviews and formative practicum evaluations. Students can choose a cognate for specialized knowledge in areas such as sex therapy, sports psychology, or other specialized domains.