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An alumnus of Regent's online PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies – Biblical Counseling program posing against a brick wall on the Virginia Beach campus

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 can prepare you for a career in the areas of mental health counseling, research, education, and psychological science. You may 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
January 13, 2025
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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
Featured Courses
MHPS 630Christian Counseling3
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.
MHPS 631Survey of Biblical Counseling Models3
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.
MHPS 632Issues in Biblical Counseling3
A case-study application of Christian theology and biblical counseling models to human need. Cross-listed with HSC 532.
MHPS 696Field Experience3
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.

2024-25 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 9Monday, August 19
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

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 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)$9456$5,670
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)$94512$11,340

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)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“Great education. Top notch! Rigorous curriculum that takes on real work-life demands while incorporating sound Biblical principles.”

Audrey Bilbraut, Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies, '24

“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

“Regent University is a place where you'll be involved. There are so many opportunities through Regent that, if you're willing to go there, you're going to be afforded the opportunities.”

Toni Gines-Rivera, Ph.D., 2010 Counselor Education and Supervision

“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

“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