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An alumnus: Explore Regent's online PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies – Biblical Counseling program.

Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Biblical Counseling

Inform Your Field With Science & Faith, Together

More than ever the field of psychology needs influential leaders who integrate science and faith. The Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Biblical Counseling prepares you for a career in the areas of mental health counseling, research, education, and psychological science. You will be positioned as an authority within these and other settings: church, community, mission field, or biblical counseling center. If you’re a scholar seeking to impact the culture beyond the Ph.D. counseling arena and don’t need professional accreditation, then this doctoral degree is for you.

Online
51
June 19, 2023
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Empower Your Calling

Grounded in scripture, this advanced track provides sound biblical interpretation and the application of theology to address human needs.

Gain Field Experience

Strengthen your skills through 150 hours of preapproved on-site experience and human services work.

Empower Your Career

Gain doctoral credentials to increase your opportunities and help you stand out in your field.

Presented from a Christian worldview, coursework is offered online and supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach and beyond.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Through this Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Biblical Counseling degree, you can:

  • Gain a solid foundation in research methods and field experience.
  • Learn integrative Christian psychology approaches to treat people with behavioral and emotional issues.
  • Learn to anchor your work in scientific, historical, and theological elements of counseling and psychology.

Career Opportunities

  • University Faculty/Leadership
  • Researcher/Writer
  • Nonprofit Administrator
  • Mental Health Services Executive
  • Ministry or Nonprofit Program Director
  • Church Counseling Consultant
14%
Projected employment growth for psychologists from 2018-28 (much faster than average) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
An overview of the theology, theory, and practice of diverse forms of Christian Counseling including integrative, biblical counseling, Nouthetic counseling, and Christian psychology approaches. Will feature the work of influential contributors to the Christian counseling movement. A focus on practical Christian counseling skills and case will be incorporated. Cross-listed with HSC 530.
Emphasis on knowledge of biblical counseling models and their applications within counseling ministry. This will include hermeneutically sound biblical interpretation and the application of theology to human need. Cross-listed with HSC 531.
A case-study application of Christian theology and biblical counseling models to human need. Cross-listed with HSC 532.
Combines applied experience with the integration of Christianity in human service work. Students must obtain experience in line with counseling ministries and the Field Experience Guidelines. This course extends over the full semester to ensure adequate time for students to gain training and experience. Cross-listed with PAC 596 & HSC 596. Pass/No Pass.

2022-23 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All new students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session E Friday, April 28 Monday, May 8

Prerequisites:

Ph.D. applicants must:

  • Hold a regionally accredited 30 hour master's degree in a mental health field, such as counseling, psychology, social work or pastoral counseling. Completed coursework should include, but is not limited, to the following: research or statistics, counseling skills, ethics and group counseling, or family systems.
  • Have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA in your graduate level coursework.
  • Have at least one year of experience in a mental health field (highly desirable).
  • International Applicants who have studied at institutions outside of the United States, will need to submit a course by course evaluation showing the completion of a regionally accredited graduate degree.

Admissions Process:

Step 1: Application
Submit your application using our Regent University Online Application.

Step 2: Complete an Academic Background Questionnaire

Step 3: Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae. Please email to your admissions counselor at apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SPC Doctoral Application Pieces.

Step 4: Unofficial Transcripts
We are able to examine and view your unofficial transcripts from U.S.-based schools, which indicate successful completion of bachelor's and master's degree programs, in order to review you for an admissions decision. Please submit your unofficial transcript to our Admissions Office by email to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SPC Doctoral Application Pieces.

Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company. For further details, please review the International Admissions Checklist on the International Students Admissions page.

International Applicants: Please visit the International Students Admissions page for a more detailed explanation of the Regent University application information and to determine whether or not you qualify as an international student.

*Upon conditional acceptance to the program by review of unofficial transcripts, Regent University's Admissions Office will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institutions, which indicate successful completion of bachelor's and master's degree programs. We will notify you if your previous institutions will not release transcripts directly to us.

Step 5: Graduate Academic Paper
Please submit an APA formatted academic writing sample from your completed Master's Degree which will be relevant to the field of Mental Health. Your submission needs to be at least five pages in length (preferably research based) and with at least five scholarly references. Email to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SPC Doctoral Application Pieces or fax to 757.352.4725.

Step 6: Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please email a scanned copy or photograph of it to apply@regent.edu with the subject line: Government ID.

Step 7: Online Interview
Interviews for this Ph.D. program are completed for each applicant after all above mentioned items have been submitted. Participation in this online Skype or phone interview is mandatory as a portion of the application review process. It is expected that the candidate will be willing to discuss personal history within the interview process.

Both local and international student applicants should allow at least 2-3 weeks for an admission decision to be made once the applicant has submitted all required documents to the appropriate offices and has followed all processes and procedures required for an admission decision.


All forms related to application to the Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies program may be requested through the School of Psychology & Counseling Admissions Office. Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4498 or psycounadmissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6953$2,085
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)Full time enrollment is required.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)Full time enrollment is required.

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)$9006$5,400
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)$90012$10,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6953$2,085
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)Full time enrollment is required.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)Full time enrollment is required.

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)$9006$5,400
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)$90012$10,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Estimated Cost of Attendance: View the estimated cost of attendance to see an example of the total cost of tuition and fees.

“My time at Regent left me with a desire for excellence. I believe that was something that was already instilled in me but my education here challenged me even more.”

Eric Ferguson, M.A. in Counseling, 1997 Founder, Metanoia Missions International

“Learn all that you can while you're a student at Regent. Take everything the professors say and learn from their wisdom and expertise, because soon you will be the leader in your field.”

Kelly James, Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision, 2011 Licensed Professional Counselor, Professor, Author & Radio Host

“Regent was a pivotal point in my professional career. I have been forever changed by my experience!”

Richard Mason, Ph.D. , 2007 Counselor Education & Supervision

“Regent opened up so many opportunities for further training and further education.”

Melanie Mosbarger, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2016

“I would recommend Regent's counseling programs to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of others and of themselves.”

Karen Palmer, M.A., 2011 Human Services