Skip navigation
An alumnus: Explore Regent's PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies – Human Services Counseling program.

Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Human Services Counseling

Called to Improve Families & Communities? 

Imagine influencing policies and practices that impact the people and organizations in your community. Regent’s Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Human Services Counseling can prepare you for a career in the areas of mental health counseling, research, education, and psychological science. Expand your clinical competencies through the planning and presentation of your dissertation. If you’re a scholar seeking to impact the culture beyond the Ph.D. counseling arena and don’t need professional accreditation, consider this degree.

Online
51
May 6, 2024
Download PDF

Develop Expertise in Marriage, Family & Children

Research and practice children’s and couples’ counseling, marriage and parenting enrichment techniques, and divorce/remarriage conflict resolution.

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 – Human Services Counseling degree, you can:

  • Extend your master’s level foundation in human services with focused expertise.
  • Practice leadership techniques used at various stages of the group process, and explore ethical issues.
  • Develop interpersonal and facilitator skills and explore biblical principles relevant to group dynamics.
  • Collaborate with professional peers and experienced human services specialists.
  • Apply research to help break new ground in psychology.
  • Devote time and bring awareness to the needs of underserved populations.

Career Opportunities

  • University Faculty/Leadership
  • Researcher/Writer
  • Experimental Psychologist
  • Mental Health Services Executive
  • Community Service Program Director
  • Nonprofit Administrator
14%
Projected employment growth for psychologists from 2018-28 (much faster than average) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Overview of marriage and adult relationships. Analysis of one’s own marriage and/or family of origin will facilitate deeper understanding. Examine systems theory, life span, and issues associated with marriage counseling such as premarital counseling, marriage enrichment, sexuality, and divorce/remarriage. Presents a multicultural focus pertaining to marriage, adult relationships and ministry. Cross-listed with HSC 544 and PAC 544.
Continuing experiential application of significant personality theories and practice of more advanced counseling skills. Overview of the techniques and practices derived from the major psychotherapeutic systems relevant to these more advanced skills. Emphasis on the demonstration, modeling, practice and evaluation of these core skills and techniques. Cross-listed with HSC 525.
Overview of various child, adolescent, and parental relationships and the theological considerations in addressing these relationships. Examines developmentally appropriate approaches and effective strategies for counseling children and adolescents in both individual and group settings as well as topics relating to systems theory, the family life cycle, parenting, blended families, and resources to aid the family. Relevant ethical and legal considerations also discussed. Presents a multicultural focus as it pertains to children adolescents, and ministry. Cross-listed HSC 546.
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.

2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All 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 AFriday, August 11Monday, August 21
Session BFriday, October 13Monday, October 23
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session DFriday, March 1Monday, March 11
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6
Session FFriday, June 7Monday, June 17

Prerequisites

Ph.D. applicants must:

  • Hold a regionally accredited 30 hour master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
  • Have at least one year of experience in a mental health field (highly desirable).

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

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.

Step 3: Complete an Admissions Questionnaire

Please complete a brief admissions questionnaire based on your professional goals and interests. This should only take a few minutes to complete but please answer the questions completely and thoughtfully. This gives us a better opportunity to get to know you and align your objectives with our programs. Once completed, it will be sent directly to an admissions counselor who will be in touch with you right away to help complete the rest of your application.

Step 4: Submit Your Resume

The Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies degree requires a professional resume or curriculum vitae to include three references with contact information. References should be able to address questions related to character, as well as your interpersonal and relational skills. The resume should also include thorough job descriptions of each position held. This can be submitted to regent.edu/items.

Step 5: Graduate Academic Paper

Please submit an APA 7 formatted academic writing sample that is 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. We do not accept case studies, literature reviews, or papers where you are not the sole author. Please submit to regent.edu/items.

Step 6: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@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 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

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

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“Two degrees down, one to go! So happy to have completed my master’s in psychology!”

Ally Duggins, M.S. in Psychology, 2020 Co-Founder, Willow House Media

“If you are focused, determined, willing to put in the work and make sacrifices, anyone can do this. I give all praise to God. Keep going no matter what.”

Antonio Tuck, M.A. in Counseling, 2020 Human Services Professional

“I realized this is a place where I could grow and really be empowered in my future.”

Bethany Eisenhart, Psy.D., 2018 Clinical Psychology

“I'm grateful for my Regent mentors. Their emphasis on relationships and guidance has helped me navigate a challenging yet rewarding journey.”

Alexandra Melchiorre, M.S. in Psychology, 2018 Registered Behavioral Technician

“People, especially kids, need more than clichés. My training at Regent gave me a meaningful way to express my empathy - which is passion and compassion combined - and they could feel the authenticity of it.”

Cedric Rucker, M.A. in Counseling, 2008 Community Counseling