2021-2022 Graduate Academic Catalog

PH.D. Program in Counseling and Psychology - Weekend Cohort 48 credits

Transformative leadership, education, and applied research in Counseling and Psychology advances social justice, the capacity for critical inquiry and self-reflection, health-promoting behavior, and inclusive communities that affirm the dignity of every human being and culture. This is consistent with the mission of Lesley University and there is an urgent need in society to incorporate these transformative values and applied research objectives into mental health programs, schools and higher education.

The Division of Counseling and Psychology at Lesley University has developed this program for licensed mental health professionals and school counselors to pursue doctoral level careers in transformative leadership, education, and applied research. Consistent with our philosophical orientation toward pragmatic reflective practice, this program emphasizes skills that deepen critical inquiry and enable students to articulate an area of study that is professionally meaningful and socially transformative.

Program Overview

Lesley University's cohort-based model supports the continual professional and scholarly development of our students, providing doctoral-level education for mental health professionals who strive to be leaders in the field, continuing to research, teach, and promote well-being and healing. Unique in its concept, the program provides an accessible forum that empowers individuals to further their knowledge and abilities to positively transform individuals, and the world.

The 48-credit, post-Master's program of study is structured by year, with a blend of online and on-campus classroom hours. The program requires a minimum of 4 years for completion, with dissertation attempted after successful completion of year 3. 

Program Prerequisites

  • Master’s Degree in Counseling and equivalent professional license as mental health counselor, school counselor, or equivalent profession
  • Demonstration of good communication skills in the English language, both written and oral, at a level appropriate to doctoral study.
  • 3-5 years professional experiences as a licensed mental health counselor or equivalent profession

Program of Study

Students must take GCOUP 9151 in fall, spring, and summer semesters of each year they are taking courses and each semester thereafter until they have completed their dissertation defense.

Doctoral Year 1

GCOUP 8001Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Leadership I

1

GCOUP 8002Research I (Qualitative Methods)

3

GCOUP 8003Promoting Social Justice in Counseling and Psychology: Clinical, Educational, and Global Perspectives

3

GCOUP 8004Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Leadership II

1

GCOUP 8005Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Leadership III

1

GCOUP 8006Research II (Quantitative Methods)

3

GCOUP 8007Trauma-Informed Leadership in Agencies, Schools and Organizations

3

GCOUP 8008Research III: Participatory Action Research in Schools and Communities

3

Optional Elective

3

GCOUP 9151Doctoral Study

Students are encouraged to take their required elective the summer after their first year in the program.

Doctoral Year 2

GCOUP 8010Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Education I

1

GCOUP 8011Applied Research I

3

GCOUP 8012Applied Practice I

3

GCOUP 8013Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Education II

1

GCOUP 8014Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Education III

1

GCOUP 8015Applied Practice II

3

GCOUP 8016Applied Research II

3

GCOUP 8017Social Entrepreneurship: Program Development, Evaluation, and Funding

3

GCOUP 9151Doctoral Study

Doctoral Year 3

GCOUP 8019Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Applied Research I

1

GCOUP 8020Dissertation I

3

GCOUP 8021Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Applied Research II

1

GCOUP 8022Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Applied Research III

1

GCOUP 8023Dissertation II

3

GCOUP 9151Doctoral Study

Electives

Students will select one three-credit elective in consultation with their faculty advisor.