About the School of Psychology & Counseling
Students in Regent University’s School of Psychology & Counseling come from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and denominational traditions, but what they all share is a heart for people and a deep desire to make the world a better place. Our programs challenge students to think critically and purposefully about their faith and how it will relate to their professional identity. Our students also acquire clinical skills in a safe place with ample supervision and guidance. This provides confidence to integrate science and faith — elements that we believe complement rather than oppose one another.
Today, in mainstream and faith-based settings across the country, you’ll find Regent-educated counselors, clinical practitioners, educators, key decision makers and respected voices in research and scholarship. Likewise, when you graduate from Regent, you can hold the knowledge and skills you need for professional and personal success.
CHRISTIAN INTEGRATION
The psychology and counseling programs at Regent embrace a distinctive that shapes everything we teach and do: The integration of the Christian faith within your profession. Through our programs, you can deepen your understanding of both the science of human nature and the spiritual truths that give it meaning. Our curriculum balances timeless Judeo-Christian principles with the highest standards of contemporary theory and practice.
We believe God exists and He is the source of all truth. We believe He is a just, compassionate Creator and Redeemer who calls us into a relationship with Himself and others. We recognize that each person, whether client or counselor, is in a distinctive place in his or her spiritual life. Therefore, while we teach courses from a Christian integrative perspective, students are encouraged to consider, in each course, how their own spirituality can be applied to the counseling setting and to their own personal growth.
Because of our core values, we are committed to developing in each individual student the highest level of competence in knowledge and skills. Our values also establish the framework within which we educate and train students in their ethical responsibility to respect each client’s spirituality level, always mindful not to impart one’s own values and beliefs on others. Because of the multifaceted training available within the context of the model, graduates of our programs are able to function as effective and ethical counseling professionals in both secular and Christian settings.
Mentoring Program Mentee
I was paired with Mr. Brandon Delfunt, a district attorney near the Atlanta area. He has given me very solid advice, in regard to law school and personally. He told me about how crazy everything can seem in law school with all the assignments and the extra-curricular activities that can pile up. But he also told me that he is glad that he did it. This was very encouraging for me personally because I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed. I know the day will come when I look back and am glad that I did it, as well.
Principal, Landstown High School
I looked at other institutions, but I understood the importance of a Christ-centered focus, and I wanted that to be a part of my graduate experience.
Chief of Staff, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler
Your time in school, and certainly at Regent, molds how you think, molds how you approach things … Regent offers a serious academic environment that provides for growth in those areas.
Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President, Regent University
Proverbs 27:17 states, 'Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.' That's been my Regent experience academically and relationally. I am grateful to have grown together with such amazing people.
Dean, Regent University's School of Business & Leadership
This isn't just a job for me — this is a ministry. Whatever I've done at Regent I've always had the sense that this is what God has called me to do.
Strategic Leadership
I felt that Regent gave me a family connection.
Counselor Education and Supervision
Regent has exposed me to so much. I’ve had so many opportunities to learn and grow as both an advanced clinician and as an educator.
TESOL
I found Regent's School of Education to be a place where I could obtain some of those practical skills I needed to help others. The TESOL curriculum included a good balance of instruction in reading, writing, and conversation skills that I can apply with adults or children.
Filmmaker
When I came to Regent, it was really out of a place of what I call vocational desperation. I had a degree in theology, but a strong sense of calling toward film. Regent helped me sort out my future and set me on a path I never dreamed of before. Now, I'm a teacher and a filmmaker.
American Government
Regent’s online model provided an unparalleled combination of high-quality instruction, flexibility and specialization.
Senior Assistant Pastor & President, Founder of Life Enrichment Center; Senior Associate Pastor, New Life Church
When I think of Regent University, I think of destiny. Regent has been such an integral part of my, one, knowing my destiny, two, being formed and shaped to fulfill my destiny, and then, three, thrusting me into that next step.
Lecturer, Harvard Law; Managing Partner, Westaway Brooklyn, New York
At Regent, I became interested in issues of social justice. A big part of my calling is really around leveraging the market to do good. I believe if God is leading students here, He will open the door to a meaningful role where they are making a difference in people’s lives.
Owner, Fractional CFO/Controller & Nonprofit Specialist, Michelle R. Montgomery, P.L.L.C.
At Regent, I didn’t have to sort through my academic studies to determine what was consistent with my faith and what was not.
Leader, Orphan's Promise
I know I've arrived where I am because of the experience at Regent. Anything that we did in class, the feasibility study, the business plan, it all came back to the ministry aspect that I always had in my heart to help orphans and vulnerable children.
Former Representative of Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District; U.S. Marine Corps Reserve veteran; former owner of Freedom Automotive
"It will be the principles of servant leadership that I largely learned at Regent that I'll carry with me. These principles defined me as a corporate leader, and I believe they will define my political leadership."
Biblical Theology
Regent University puts care into creating ministers with longevity.- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 hours)
- M.A. in Human Services (30 Hours)
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (60 hours)
- M.A. in Pastoral Counseling (30 Hours)
- M.A. in School Counseling (60 hours)
- M.S. in Psychology (39 Hours)
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies (51 Hours)
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision (66 Hours)
- Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology (124 Hours)
Yes, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has accredited the following programs in the School of Psychology & Counseling: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. in School Counseling, M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling and Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision. The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association (APA). Contact the APA at Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242, or call 202.336.5979.
In addition, Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University.
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Online
(All estimates based on full-time enrollment.)
| M.A. in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health; School; Marriage, Couple & Family) | 2-3 years |
| M.A. in Human Services | 12-18 months |
| M.A. in Pastoral Counseling | 12-18 months |
| M.S. in Psychology | 18 months – 2 years |
| Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) | 5 Years |
| Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies | 3-½ years (depending on length of dissertation completion) |
| Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision | 3-½ to 4 years (depending on length of dissertation completion) |
Yes, amounts range from modest allowances for books to full-tuition scholarships. Teaching assistantships are also available on a limited, competitive basis for the Psy.D. program beginning in the second year of the program. Over 85 percent of our student body receives financial aid. To learn more about financial aid opportunities, visit our Admissions & Aid page.
Yes, online students in our master’s counseling programs are required to participate in two week-long residencies from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Residencies provide networking and mentoring opportunities for students; and facilitate discussions with faculty concerning relevant issues, course matriculation, licensure issues and state/national exams.
During residency, students will begin a course that will be completed during the remainder of the fall semester. First-year students will receive an orientation to Regent and participate in sessions on graduate level writing and online learning technology. The School of Psychology & Counseling usually provides lunch and two breaks daily when courses are in session.
Students should consider the following residency costs: transportation, lodging, meals and textbooks purchased prior to residency. We discourage students from bringing their families during residency as the coursework is intensive and requires a considerable amount of study and preparation time, leaving no time for extracurricular activities.
Waiving of residency requirements will not be considered.
Please contact the Business Office and/or Office of Advising.
There are a number of scholarship opportunities available to our students. Review our list of school-specific scholarships on the SPC Admissions & Aid page. In addition, Regent offers several donor funded scholarships. You can read more about these awards here.
School-Specific Scholarships:
- (Spring) January 1
- (Summer) May 1
- (Fall) July 31
University Endowed Scholarships:
- March 1
FAFSA Deadlines:
- FAFSA on the web, Renewal FAFSA on the web and applications must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight Time, June 30.
Corrections on the web forms must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight Time, September 15.
Yes, the form is the same and is submitted exactly as it was to your undergraduate institution. If you still have your PIN, you may use it to update your information rather than completing a brand new application.
The school code for Regent is: 030913
Loan eligibility is evaluated by our Student Financial Aid office upon receipt of your Student Aid Report, which is automatically sent to the university soon after your FAFSA is submitted. Contact your financial aid counselor to receive more specific information.
If you have loans and/or scholarships, you may lose some of your funds if this drops you below the full-time enrollment requirement. If it drops you below four credit hours, you will lose all of your financial benefits (exceptions are CMHC and CES). If this is the case, you will be responsible for immediate repayment of the difference.
If you have questions about school-specific scholarships, please contact Katie Kerley, Assistant Director of Admissions, at 800.681.5906 or kathpec@regent.edu.
If you have questions about loans, FAFSA or university endowed scholarships, please contact the Office of Advising at 757.352.4385.
Regent students enjoy a uniquely supportive environment and prime location in Virginia Beach. Our caring community, coastal climate, and collegial academic atmosphere help students flourish personally and build lifelong friendships.
Just a short drive from our campus, the Virginia Beach waterfront stretches 25 miles from Chesapeake Bay beaches to the oceanfront resort area and the border of North Carolina. The city is part of the larger metropolitan area known as Hampton Roads. This thriving community is home to the world’s largest naval base, includes seven cities and is the second largest metropolitan area between Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C.
Here, you’ll not only discover significant internship and employment opportunities, but also a wealth of attractions and activities. Enjoy the diversity of quiet parks and vibrant downtowns, as well as cultural offerings from the opera and art shows to festivals and concerts.
VISIT & EXPLORE
Norfolk Premium Outlets | 7 miles
Downtown Norfolk & Waterside District | 10 miles
Virginia Beach Oceanfront | 17 miles
Indoor Skydiving | 16 miles
Oceanbreeze Water Park | 17 miles
The Adventure Park | 18 miles
Busch Gardens | 45 miles
Colonial Williamsburg | 48 miles
N.C. Outer Banks | 75 miles
Richmond, VA | 98 miles
Shenandoah National Park | 190 miles
Washington, D.C. | 200 miles
Philadelphia, PA | 274 miles
New York, NY | 360 miles
The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. It is a required exam for the School of Psychology & Counseling and must be passed in order to receive a diploma.
There is no official study guide for the Exit exam. You can use the NCE study guides as a good resource.
Practice Tests:
Fun Flashcards:
Other Resources
A Professional Orientation to Counseling by Nicholas A. Vacc, Larry C. Loesch (US +1 8006347064 Call or https://www.routledge.com/)
Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial by Howard, Ed.D. Rosenthal (Brunner-Routledge; 2nd edition ) (US +1 8006347064 Call or https://www.routledge.com/)
Review Questions for NBCC and state counselor examination, 2nd edition (5 audio cassette tapes and booklet; (US+1 8006347064 Call or https://www.routledge.com/)
Vital information for NBCC and State Counselor Examination, 2nd edition (9 audio cassettes and booklet; (US+1 8006347064 Call or https://www.routledge.com/)
The Study Course for the National Counselor Examination for Licensing and Certification (NCE®) (see https://www.cce-global.org/). This is an adapted version of A Professional Orientation to Counseling by Nicholas A. Vacc, Ed.D., NCC and Larry C. Loesch, Ph.D., NCC.
The following eight major areas are tested on both the NCE and the Exit Exam: Human Growth and Development; Helping Relations; Social and Cultural Foundations; Group Work; Career and Lifestyle Development; Appraisal; Research and Program Evaluation; and Professional Orientation and Ethics.
The NCE is the National Counselor Exam. For complete information on this exam, look at The Credentialing Guide created by NBCC.
The NCE is offered twice a year – in April and October.
No. The NCE is an optional exam.
The Exit Exam is a required exam given by Regent to its students. You must pass this exam in order to graduate. The exams are similar in content and are offered around the same time each year. Regent typically offers the Exit exam the week before the NCE.
For students who are graduating from a CACREP accredited program: If you take and pass the NCE, once you graduate you are a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Also, in many states, the NCE exam is the licensing exam. If you take and pass the NCE, once you accumulate your hours toward licensure in these states, you are then licensed – no additional exam is required. Virginia, however, does not use this exam as a licensure exam.
Visit the NBCC website for a list of the states and their licensure exams.
You can call (757.352.4252), email or stop by the Field Placement Liaison’s office in CRB 232A. There is also a lot of information on the NBCC website at www.nbcc.org or in the notebook in CRB 215.
On campus students normally take Practicum in their second semester in the program. This will be in either a Spring or Summer semester.
CMHC (online) students are scheduled to take Practicum in the Spring semester of their second year in the program.
Practicum is not offered in the Fall semester for either on campus or online students.
- Attendance at a MANDATORY Practicum & Internship Orientation Meeting (For on campus students, this will typically be held within the first two weeks of either the Fall or Spring semesters. For CMHC (online) students, this will either be held during Residency or you may be required to view a video recording of a previously held meeting.)
- Submission of all required paperwork by the posted deadline date.
- Obtain passing grades in the following courses:
- COUN/CMHC 500 – Helping Relationships
- COUN/CMHC 521 – Counseling Skills & Techniques
- COUN/CMHC 526 – Theories of Counseling
You will typically remain with the same class (faculty & students) for Practicum that you were in for Counseling Skills & Techniques.
All paperwork is located online, including the Practicum & Internship Handbook, Candidacy Checklist and all associated forms, Clinical/School Counseling Contract, and the evaluations and time logs needed once working at a practicum site.
You should be on either the school counseling or dual (community & school counseling) track to do a school practicum. Dual track students are highly encouraged to complete a school practicum (usually done in an elementary school) in order to help determine if this is the track they wish to follow.
Internship is offered each semester, so you may begin at any time once the requirements have been met. Refer to your own personal Approved Degree Plan (ADP) for details. It is important to note that school internships may only be accomplished during the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Attendance at a MANDATORY Practicum & Internship Orientation Meeting (For on campus students, this will typically be held within the first two weeks of either the Fall or Spring semesters. For CMHC (online) students, this will either be held during Residency or you may be required to view a video recording of a previously held meeting.)
- Submission of all required initial paperwork by the posted deadline.
- For all internships, you must have completed at least 30 hours of coursework, which must include:
- COUN/CMHC 500 Helping Relationships
- COUN/CMHC 521 Counseling Skills & Techniques
- COUN/CMHC 526 Theories of Counseling
- COUN/CMHC 523 Practicum & Advanced Skills
- COUN/CMHC 554 Group Counseling
- COUN/CMHC 532 Assessment Techniques in Counseling
- COUN/CMHC 516 Principles of School Counseling (school and dual track)
- COUN/CMHC 514 Counseling Children & Adolescents (school and dual track)
- COUN/CMHC 538 Psychopathology
- COUN/CMHC 562 Community Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling (community and dual track)
All paperwork is located online, including the Practicum & Internship Handbook, Candidacy Checklist and all associated forms, Clinical/School Counseling Contract, and the evaluation forms and time logs needed once working at an internship site.
Practicum students can find information regarding the site search process here.
Internship students can find information regarding the site search process here.
You are NOT allowed to contact any sites without permission to do so by the Field Placement Liaison.
