2013-2014

Educational Psychology - Counseling Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Educational Psychology

College of Education

This plan provides substantive training utilizing a scientist-professional model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The concentration reflects a generalist philosophy which promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental systems using empirically supported interventions that include relatively brief counseling approaches, prevention, consultation, psycho-education, and career-development.

Our doctoral curriculum follows American Psychological Association guidelines and includes coursework in psychological foundations, educational foundations, specialization in counseling psychology practice, and research and statistics. Our low doctoral student-advisor ratio affords you the opportunity to receive significant individual supervision in assessment, interventions, and research training. This doctoral psychology program meets the criteria of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2017

  • To receive a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, from one or more disciplines, ranging from at least 60 - 109 units of graduate-level courses. Most plans require research, a dissertation, and comprehensive exams. All plans have residency requirements regarding time spent on the Flagstaff campus engaged in full-time study.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least two years of full-time equivalent coursework beyond the master's degree
  • Two consecutive semesters (Fall and Spring) of full-time residency
  • A preliminary exam
  • A comprehensive exam
  • The completion of a one-year internship
  • The preparation of a dissertation

Minimum Units for Completion 109
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Dissertation Dissertation is required.
Comprehensive Exam Comprehensive Exam is required.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Research Individualized research is required.

Additional Admission Requirements
  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • GRE® revised General Test
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Completion of masters degree prior to enrolling in the program
    • Responses to specific essay questions
Doctoral Requirements
  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.