Psychology, Global PhD (Online in Chinese)

This program will be offered beginning in the Spring 2025 Academic Period pending approval by the WASC Senior College and University Commission WASCUC.

Program Information

Golden Gate University designed an accelerated graduate program that is dedicated to working professionals residing in China. Using a 7.5-week term format, this program is offered online in Chinese (Mandarin) through our partner, Beacon Education. Note: This program is available only to students who enroll via the Beacon Education platform.

The Global PhD in Psychology at GGU is a counseling-focused, 72-unit accelerated program aligned with the university’s leadership and service mission. This rigorous, globally-oriented curriculum provides a comprehensive academic foundation in counseling psychology, emphasizing research and scholarly pursuits rather than clinical practice. Students gain in-depth knowledge of lifespan development, wellness promotion, cross-cultural perspectives, and various therapeutic models, alongside advanced training in research methods and statistical analysis. The program features a structured three-phase dissertation process and is delivered in an online, language-accessible format. Designed for the inter-cultural marketplace, it prepares students for diverse, non-clinical career paths in academia, research, consultation, and organizational development. While the degree offers a thorough understanding of counseling psychology principles, it is not intended to prepare students for clinical practice or licensure in psychology or related disciplines.

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate comprehensive, integrative, and critical knowledge of counseling psychology theories and research, including advanced understanding of human development, psychopathology, and group, family, couple, and individual dynamics.
Synthesize and evaluate complex ethical issues in psychology, demonstrating the ability to apply ethical reasoning to research, academic, and non-clinical professional contexts.
Exhibit advanced cultural competence and humility, with the ability to analyze and address cross-cultural and global issues in psychological research and non-clinical applications.
Critically analyze and compare various theoretical approaches to individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy from a relational and systemic perspective, with an emphasis on their academic and research implications rather than clinical application.
Design, conduct, and evaluate original research in counseling psychology, demonstrating mastery of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and the ability to contribute new knowledge to the field.
Demonstrate expertise in statistical analysis and interpretation of psychological data, including the ability to use and critique sophisticated research tools and methods.
Exhibit advanced skills in scholarly writing, including the ability to produce publication-quality manuscripts and effectively communicate complex psychological concepts to both academic and general audiences.
Critically evaluate and synthesize current trends and emerging issues in counseling psychology, demonstrating the ability to contribute to scholarly discussions and shape future directions in the field.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or a master’s or equivalent degree.
Completion of a 3‐year undergraduate study degree (大专文凭) or equivalent will be accepted, but applicants are required to provide a resume demonstrating at least 5 years of professional work experience related to the field of study.
Applicants with an associate’s degree or equivalent degree are required to provide:
1. Resume
2. Statement of purpose or an interview conducted by Beacon Education.
  - The statement of purpose or interview must state the following:
    1. At least 5 years of professional work experience related to the field of study.
    2. How the GGU degree will help them in their professional career.
  - The statement of purpose or interview report is used by GGU Faculty Director/Dean in making an admission decision.
All applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or higher in their most recent degree program for full admission.
If below 2.5 GPA, applicants are required to provide:
1. Resume
2. Statement of purpose or an interview conducted by Beacon Education.
  - The statement of purpose or interview must state the following:
    1. At least 5 years of professional work experience after school.
    2. How the GGU degree will help them in their professional career.
  - The statement of purpose or interview report is used by GGU Faculty Director/Dean in making an admission decision.

Requirements for the Global Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

The Global Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology requires completion of 30 units of core courses, 18 units of advanced courses, a comprehensive examination, and 24 units of dissertation work, for a total of 72 units. Students must earn a “B-” or better in each course and a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better.

Core Courses - 30 units

PSYCH 302 Lifespan Development: Theories and Applications for Therapists 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 304 Cross-Cultural Aspects of Psychology 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 306 Group Models of Counseling 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 308 Applied Psychological Research 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 320 Therapeutic Communication and Counseling Skills 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 321 Psychopathology 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 323 Psychodynamic Models of Counseling 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 324 Child/Adolescent Psychology, Assessment and Treatment 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 325 Principles of Couple and Family Counseling 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 339 Cognitive-Behavioral and Short-Term Models of Counseling 3 unit(s)

Advanced Courses - 18 units

PSYCH 322 Psychological Assessment 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 326 Legal and Ethical Responsibility for Counselors 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 329 The Neuroscience of Counseling and Psychopharmacology 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 800 Doctoral Writing and Research Methods 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 801 Quantitative Research and Analysis 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 802 Qualitative Research and Analysis 3 unit(s)

Comprehensive Examination (non-credit)

Students must pass a comprehensive examination demonstrating mastery of core Psychology concepts and research methods before advancing to candidacy.

Dissertation Phase - 24 units

PSYCH 890 Dissertation Topic Proposal 6 unit(s)
PSYCH 891 Dissertation Proposal Defense 6 unit(s)
PSYCH 892 Dissertation Completion and Approval by Committee 12 unit(s)