The Model Does Matter II: Admissions and Training in APA–Accredited Counseling Psychology Programs

Abstract

This study collected information on the acceptance rates, admission standards, financial assistance, student characteristics, theoretical orientations, and select outcomes of American Psychological Association—accredited counseling psychology programs (99% response rate). Results are presented collectively for all 66 counseling programs as well as separately for practice-oriented PhD, equal-emphasis PhD, and research-oriented PhD programs. Practice-oriented programs accepted more applicants (29%) than equal-emphasis or research-oriented programs (19% and 17%); however, they offered less full funding (30%) than equal-emphasis (72%) or research-oriented programs (83%). Average Graduate Record Examination scores (594 quantitative, 552 verbal) and average grade point averages (3.57) were strong and similar across programs. Approximately 70% of incoming students were women, 29% ethnic and racial minorities, and 8% international students. On average, 89% of students secured an accredited internship as part of their 5.5-year-long program. The research-driven portrait of doctoral training in counseling psychology is of highly competitive, multiculturally diverse, and theoretically pluralistic programs in which the training model does matter in several respects.

The Implications of Doctoral Students’ Professional Socialization Experiences in Graduate Training

“…On average, sample participants were 28.22 years old ( SD = 3.24; range: 21–55). Similar to population estimates of counseling psychology doctoral students (Norcross, Evans, & Ellis, 2010), women represented a larger proportion of the sample (68.35%) compared to men (30.58%); 1.09% did not respond to this item. No participants identified as transgender or gender neutral, which were provided as options.…”

A Mixed Methods Study of Male Recruitment in the Counseling Profession

“…A review of the interdisciplinary literature may offer insight to the entry patterns of men into female‐concentrated professions and outline recruitment strategies that translate to professional counseling. The structural and psychological barriers that may impede recruitment of men have been examined in psychology (Norcross, Evans, & Ellis, 2010), social work (Christie & Kruk, 1998), nursing (Anthony, 2004), and teaching (Nelson, 2002). Although deterrents to professional entry exist, the implementation and impact of recruitment strategies vary across the helping professions.…”

“…cal barriers that may impede recruitment of men have been examined in psychology (Norcross, Evans, & Ellis, 2010), social work (Christie & Kruk, 1998), nursing (Anthony, 2004), and teaching (Nelson, 2002). Although deterrents to professional entry exist, the implementation and impact of recruitment strategies vary across the helping professions.…”

PsyD Programs in Counseling Psychology: Current Status and Future Directions

“…The research–practice integration of counseling psychology PsyD programs tends to fall closer to that espoused by practice-focused PhD programs than the professional school training models that have come to be associated with PsyD training programs (Norcross et al, 2010). Specifically, the scholarship side of the training model for counseling PsyD programs goes far beyond training students to critically consume and apply research to practice.…”