Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) - Counseling Psychology

justin low teaching a class

Develop Exceptional Mental Health Counseling Skills with a PsyD in Counseling Psychology

Expert mental health counselors are essential for a healthy society, but there often aren’t enough counselors to meet demand. With a Doctor of Psychology degree in Counseling Psychology from University of the Pacific, you can develop the skills required to fill this vital need.

Our PsyD degree helps you advance a career as a mental health practitioner by providing a deep knowledge base in psychology, clinical skills and research skills. Over the course of the four-year Counseling Psychology program, you’ll study counseling, assessment, ethics, psychopharmacology and more to become a well-rounded, effective counselor.


An Engaged Approach to Earning Your Doctor of Psychology Degree

The Counseling Psychology concentration is delivered through an in-person instructional model designed to support the development of clinical skills, professional competencies, and strong connections between coursework and applied training. Courses are primarily scheduled in the evenings, providing students with greater flexibility to balance doctoral study with practicum experiences and other commitments.
 
In-person classes provide opportunities for students to engage deeply with psychological theory, research, and professional practice through discussion, collaboration, case analysis, and experiential learning. Students develop a strong conceptual foundation while learning to apply psychological knowledge to clinical and professional contexts. This integration of theory and practice prepares students to think critically, exercise sound professional judgment, and develop the competencies needed for effective practice as counseling psychologists.

Stockton Campus Location

In-Person Course Format

Flexible Evening Class Schedule

Why Choose Our Counseling Psychology Program?

Our PsyD in Counseling Psychology is crafted to give you in-depth knowledge in all the topics needed to be an effective counseling psychologist. What sets this Counseling Psychology program apart, though, is our commitment to giving you hands-on experiences and a flexible learning model.

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Get In-Person Experience in the Field

Every PsyD candidate completes an internship before graduating, so you’re guaranteed to enter the workforce with practical experience on your resume. You’ll also have opportunities to practice your skills in practicum placements in various types of counseling settings.

Designed with Working Students in Mind

We understand that doctoral students often balance their education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Courses in the Counseling Psychology concentration are primarily scheduled in the evenings, making it easier for students to pursue their doctoral education while managing other commitments. Students benefit from the flexibility of evening scheduling while participating in the in-person learning and professional community that are important parts of doctoral training.

Connect with Practioners and Researchers

The faculty of our counseling psychology program includes expert practitioners engaged in impactful research. You’ll also gain networking opportunities through practicums and your internship, so you’ll be able to establish a professional network while completing your PsyD degree.

Learn Alongside a Cohort of Peers

Courses for this Doctor of Psychology follow a predetermined sequence, so you’ll have no confusion about what to take next. More importantly, you’ll get to progress through the program alongside a cohort of fellow students, learning from and supporting each other as you take classes together.

Department Chair
Justin Low

“At University of the Pacific, we value and teach students to be reflective practitioners, collaborative leaders and lifelong learners. Students benefit from close working relationships with dedicated and passionate professors. Our distinguished faculty members are firmly engaged in the local community and provide students with exceptional opportunities for experiential learning.”

-Justin Low, Department Chair, University of the Pacific

justin low

What Can You Do With Your Doctor of Psychology Degree?

Once you’ve graduated with your PsyD degree, you’ll be able to help fill San Joaquin County’s pressing need for mental health professionals. Counseling jobs are available in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices and schools — essentially, almost any setting you may be interested in

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Career Outlook for Doctor of Psychology Graduates

Mental health counseling is a growing field in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for mental health counselors will grow by 22 percent by 2031, a rate that’s much higher than the national average. Earning a PsyD in Counseling Psychology positions you to take advantage of this growth.

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Explore Courses for the Doctor of Psychology

We’re committed to providing a foundation in both theory and practical applications for every aspect of counseling psychology in our PsyD program. Topics you’ll study include:

  • Counseling
  • Assessment
  • Development
  • Ethical practice
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Research methods

Specific courses for the PsyD degree include practicum-based classes dedicated to developing hands-on experience, a group counseling course that teaches the theories of group dynamics through participation in group learning, and more.

Take the Next Step to Your Doctor of Psychology Degree

We take a hands-on approach with our students. This means we want to get to know you throughout your discovery and application process. Help us connect with you by taking the next step toward earning your PsyD in Counseling Psychology

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