Doctor of Philosophy in Combined Counseling and School Psychology

This plan prepares students to function as well-rounded generalists with a strong foundation in both counseling psychology and school psychology. Students engage in substantive training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The combined approach promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental systems using empirically supported, culturally sensitive interventions that include assessment and diagnosis, interdisciplinary teamwork, relatively brief intervention approaches, prevention, consultation, outcome evaluation, career-development, and ethical decision-making, in a broad array of settings including schools, universities, integrated healthcare, community mental health, correctional facilities, and independent practice. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications.

The program is organized to emphasize general preparation as counseling/school psychologists through:

integration of theory, research, and practice of health service psychology
ethical decision making and commitment to professional standards of practice
multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills with particular emphasis on working with peoples in the rural, Southwestern United States (e.g. American Indians, Latinas/os)
application of health service psychology theory, research, and practice concepts in training, supervision, and consultation

The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

Admission requirements include the following:

Transcripts.
Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (A = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

GRE revised General Test for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.00. If you have a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00, you are required to submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores on the aptitude portion (verbal and quantitative) of the GRE taken within the past six years. Scores, if applicable, must be received by application deadline for admission consideration.
3 letters of recommendation with at least two from faculty
completion of bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or closely-related field prior to enrolling in the program, or a master's degree in counseling or psychology, or educational specialist (Ed.S.) degree in school psychology prior to enrolling in the program
responses to specific essay questions
interview

Admitted students are expected to have undergraduate educational experiences, including general education studies, that are similar to those required for a baccalaureate at Northern Arizona University.
Applicants who have earned their degree(s) from an international institution must submit official transcripts directly from the university or college. The transcripts must be in the original language of the country accompanied by an English translation. If the degree awarded and the date of award is not on the transcripts, applicants must also include a separate degree certificate document.
All transcripts become the official property of the university and cannot be returned. Failure to provide complete information may delay your admission decision. IELTS - 7.5, TOEFL iBT 104 (Reading - 22, Listening - 22, Speaking - 26, Writing - 24)