Overview of Ph.D Degree

The principal emphasis in this degree program is on the development of research and theoretical knowledge in counselling psychology, assessment skills, and knowledge and training in professional issues.  Students are expected to carry out advanced research as well as to develop professional knowledge and skills in counselling psychology. 

Graduates of this degree program will be prepared to assume a variety of positions in psychological practice and research in schools and universities, in community settings, in agencies offering psychological services, and in university or college counselling centres. The Ph.D. program has been accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). For more information about the CPA accreditation process, please contact:

Accreditation Office, CPA 
141 Laurier Ave. West, Suite 702
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J3
email: accreditationoffice@cpa.ca

Students whose plans include preparation for professional practice in psychology should note that the professional practice of psychology in Ontario is regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. It is each students responsibility to ensure that their educational background meets the requirements of the College of Psychologists on Ontario. For further information, contact the College of Psychologists of Ontario http://www.cpo.on.ca directly.

Students must plan their program of study according to the current Guidelines for Counselling Psychology Program. Faculty supervisors will assist in this process. Five areas of essential course content for a professional training program in counselling psychology are: counselling and psychotherapy, psychological measurement and statistics, advanced research methods, history and systems, ethics and professional issues. 

Minimum Admission Requirements

Full-time PhD

The PhD in Counselling Psychology requires the following:

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree in psychology or any appropriate bachelor’s degree that would contain the psychology requirement equivalent (defined as 6.0 FCEs in psychology, including 0.5 FCE in research methods, 0.5 FCE in statistics, and at least 3.0 FCEs at the third- and fourth-year levels), with a standing equivalent to a University of Toronto A- or better in the final year.
• A University of Toronto MA degree with specialization in Counselling Psychology for Psychology Specialists with a grade of A- or better, or its equivalent.

Flexible-Time PhD

• Applicants to the flexible-time PhD option are accepted under the same admission requirements as applicants to the full-time PhD option. However, in addition, applicants to the flexible-time PhD should demonstrate that they are active professionals engaged in activities relevant to their proposed program of study.

How to Apply

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Registration Status

This program of study can be taken on a full-time or flex-time basis.

Program Delivery

Required courses are offered in both day and night schedules to accommodate full-time and part-time students. In-class instruction is the method of delivery for all courses.

Program Length

Full-time Ph.D. students must complete their degree within six years. Flex-time students must complete their degree within eight years.

Fees and Funding

Full-time students receive a Guaranteed Minimum Funding Package for the first four years of study.

The Flex-Time program does not offer a funding package . View the fee schedule for domestic students (Provost's Office)

For international students
http://www.provost.utoronto.ca/link/students/fees13/intl_sgs.htm

Course Load

Students must complete ten half-courses (including practicum course APD3217Y and internship course APD3268Y).Course work can usually be completed in four semesters.

Course Requirements

(1) Counselling and Psychotherapy

(2) Psychology Measurement/Assessment and Diagnosis

(3) Advanced Research Methods

(4) History and Systems of Psychology

Optional Courses: if applicable other courses may be selected from the list of optional courses at the end of the Counselling Psychology Program Guidelines. Courses may be selected form outside the department as well.

Practicum and Internship

Students must complete 600 hours in a practicum setting.

Students must also complete 2000 internship hours. The internship requirement can be fulfilled as a full-time 12 month placement or as a part-time placement over a 24-month period (1000 hours each).

All practicum and internship arrangements must be made in consultation with the Internship Coordinator.  Students are encouraged to consult the Coordinator, Dr. J. Silver, as soon as possible after admission into their program of study.  Upon acceptance, students may begin their programs in July or September.

For practicum and internship sites, forms, and guidelines, go to the Practicum Page.

Comprehensive Exam

A written comprehensive examination must be successfully completed prior to defending a doctoral thesis.  It is a take home examination scheduled the Tuesday after labour day each year. It is the students' responsibility to submit the registration form prior to June 30th. All reading lists and other information will be provided closer to the exam date.

Thesis

All students must develop, complete, and defend in an oral examination, a doctoral dissertation.  The content of the dissertation research may address theoretical issues applicable to counselling concerns and practice, relate to the development of programs in a variety of educational or applied settings, or in some other way contribute to the development and practice of counselling psychology.  All Doctoral theses must be supervised by a full-time faculty member of the Counselling Psychology program. 

Students are expected to have completed a thesis proposal and to have formed their thesis committee by the end of the semester following completion of course work.

Counselling Psychology Colloquium

The Counselling Psychology colloquia make up a series of approximately three seminars each fall and winter semester. Attendance at these colloquia for one academic year is compulsory for M.A. and Ph.D students. Attendance at this series partially fulfills the course requirements for APD1203Y for M.A. students and APD3268Y for PhD students The colloquium series is normally attended prior to or concurrent with the above stated courses.  It is expected that all MA students will attend a minimum of 3 CP colloquium presentations and PhD students will attend a minimum of 6 CP colloquium presentations during their program.

When this requirement is completed, students should complete the CP Colloquium Attendance Form (attached) and submit it to Dr. Judith Silver.

Annual Doctoral Report

All doctoral students are required to complete an Annual Doctoral Student Report due November 21 (see forms).