Applied Counseling Psychology - Pathway, PsyD (Online in Chinese)

Program Information

Aligned to GGU’s mission of providing high quality, practice-based education, the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Applied Counseling Psychology - Pathway (non-clinical) is a counseling-focused, 54-unit accelerated doctoral program designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise in applied psychology outside of clinical licensure pathways. Guided by the university’s leadership and service mission, this rigorous curriculum emphasizes research, scholarship, and systems-level applications of counseling psychology. Students develop advanced knowledge in areas such as lifespan development, wellness promotion, multicultural frameworks, and integrative therapeutic models, supported by in-depth training in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The program features a structured three-phase dissertation process and is delivered in an accessible, fully online format. Graduates are prepared for non-clinical roles in higher education, organizational consulting, program development, community leadership, and research. This degree does not include clinical practicum or internship training, and it is not intended to prepare students for licensure as psychologists, counselors, or other mental health professionals.

The PsyD program is designed for working professionals residing in China. Using a 7.5-week term format, this program is offered online in Chinese (Mandarin). The program is delivered asynchronously with structured faculty support, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Note: This PsyD program is available only to students who enroll via the GGU-Beacon Education partnership.

Student Learning Outcomes

These outcomes reflect doctoral-level competencies in applied, non-clinical psychology aligned with Golden Gate University’s emphasis on professional, research, and leadership development.

Synthesize and critically evaluate core and emerging theories in counseling psychology, including advanced perspectives on human development, psychopathology, and relational dynamics across individual, couple, family, and group systems.
Apply advanced ethical reasoning to complex dilemmas in research, teaching, supervision, and other non-clinical professional contexts, demonstrating the ability to formulate ethically sound responses grounded in current standards and philosophical frameworks.
Analyze and address cross-cultural, multicultural, and global issues in applied psychology, demonstrating cultural humility and the ability to adapt research and theoretical knowledge to diverse non-clinical populations and settings.
Compare, critique, and integrate theoretical models of counseling from systemic and relational perspectives, with an emphasis on their implications for academic, research, policy, and educational contexts rather than direct clinical application.
Design and conduct original research in counseling psychology that contributes new theoretical or applied knowledge to the field, demonstrating expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Apply and evaluate advanced statistical techniques in the analysis of psychological data, demonstrating the ability to interpret complex findings and use them to inform non-clinical decisions, policies, or interventions.
Produce scholarly writing at the doctoral level, including publication-ready manuscripts, presentations, and applied reports that effectively communicate complex psychological ideas to academic, organizational, and public audiences.
Generate innovative insights and critically synthesize current trends in counseling psychology, positioning themselves as thought leaders capable of influencing future directions in research, education, and applied psychological practice in non-clinical domains.

Admission Requirements

A minimum 3.0 GPA in their most recent degree program.
Admission of the following categories will be subject to the admission committee’s review of the applicants’ work experience and professional accomplishment:
- Applicants who have earned less than 3.0 GPA in their most recent program;
- Applicants who do not hold a Master’s degree must hold a Bachelor’s degree and possess a minimum of 5 years of work experience.
Experience: Applicants with responsible managerial or professional work experience will be given preference. A professional resume is required.
Statement of Purpose: All applicants are mandated to share a Statement of Purpose (SOP) of approximately 500 words detailing the following:
- What is your motivation to pursue the Golden Gate University PsyD Program degree?
- How do you think the Golden Gate University experience will benefit your career?
An admission panel will review applications and recommend applicants for admission to the GGU PsyD Committee for approval.

GGU seeks doctoral candidates with strong intellect, proper educational preparation, breadth and depth of professional experience and the capacity for disciplined scholarly investigation. While most applicants have a master’s degree in psychology or a related field, applicants with academic preparation in other fields are welcome to apply.

The admission decision is made by a faculty committee and is based on the applicant’s total accomplishments and skills.

Pathway Program
Students who have completed the Global Master of Arts in Psychology program may be eligible to apply for admission to the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Applied Counseling Psychology - Pathway Program. Qualified MA in Psychology graduates will have satisfied the 18 units of Foundational Courses. Students who have not completed the Global MA in Psychology may apply to the traditional PsyD in Applied Counseling Psychology program and complete the foundational courses as part of that program.

Requirements for the Doctor of Psychology in Applied Counseling Psychology

The PsyD in Applied Counseling Psychology requires completion of 54 units of credit-bearing coursework, including 30 units of advanced doctoral coursework, and 24 units of dissertation work. In addition, students must complete two non-credit program requirements: the Doctoral Readiness Portfolio and the Comprehensive Examination.

Doctoral Readiness Portfolio - 0 units

Upon completion of foundational coursework, students submit a Doctoral Readiness Portfolio consisting of selected academic writing and a reflective statement. The portfolio demonstrates the student’s integration of core concepts and readiness to enter the advanced doctoral curriculum.

PSYCH 870 Doctoral Readiness Portfolio 0 unit(s)

Advanced Courses - 30 units

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)
PSYCH 810 Advanced Theories of Counseling and Personality 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 811 Cultural Contexts and Global Applications of Psychology 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 812 Systems Leadership and Consultation in Mental Health Settings 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 813 Ethical Reasoning and Policy in Applied Psychology 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 814 Trauma, Resilience, and Social Justice in Applied Psychology 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 815 Program Design and Evaluation in Counseling Psychology 3 unit(s)
PSYCH 816 Supervision, Teaching, and Professional Development 3 unit(s)

Comprehensive Examination - 0 units

Students must pass a comprehensive examination demonstrating mastery of doctoral-level Psychology concepts, practice, and research methods before advancing to candidacy.

PSYCH 880 Comprehensive Examination 0 unit(s)

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)