A PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is designed to enhance the skills of counseling professionals and prepare them for supervisory positions in the field.
Counseling professionals may explore leadership styles, study teaching methodologies, and conduct original research. If you wish to take on a counselor supervisory or postsecondary educator role, you might look into counseling education PhD programs.
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Individuals who enroll in these programs can develop advanced clinical practice skills and knowledge useful for supervisory positions in various health services facilities and institutions.
Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Programs
Counselor education and supervision doctoral programs are designed for individuals who have already pursued a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field in mental health services.
A counseling education PhD program may provide counseling professionals or students working toward gaining licensure in counseling with proper knowledge and skills to educate and lead future counselors. It might open up additional opportunities as a professional counselor as well.
There are many work settings that graduates may find positions in after completing a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision. Common settings include:
- Postsecondary institutions
- Hospitals and clinics
- Nonprofit organizations
- Mental health and rehabilitation facilities
Some professionals may also use a counselor education and supervision doctoral program to advance their skills for working in private practice. Some colleges and universities accept doctoral applicants who are on track to complete counseling licensure criteria. Others select professionals who are already licensed from prior education and work experience.
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Professionals who wish to advance their career in counseling might have the opportunity to explore leadership roles in the field. PhD graduates in this field often pursue positions similar to the following:
- Counselor educator or supervisor
- Director of counseling programs
- Researcher
- Counseling practitioner
In a counselor education and supervision doctoral program, some of your coursework may include:
- Conducting original research
- Examining current counseling theories and practices
- Applying teaching methodologies to meet specific needs in a particular setting
Professionals may also pursue industry certifications that align with their education and work experience to add to their credentials and expertise in the field.
Counselor Education and Supervision Careers & Salaries
Seeking a counselor education PhD may allow professional counselors to advance their careers and assume supervisory roles in various settings. Graduates are often equipped to train future counselors and be an advocate for the profession. It might also help individuals increase their earning potential in their current position.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some potential career paths related to counseling or counselor education and supervision.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Psychologists | $81,040 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $76,640 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Health Education Specialists | $60,600 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,510 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $49,880 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
Many professionals with a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision pursue management positions in various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, or inpatient and outpatient care facilities.
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Salaries can differ depending on the type of facility or institution you work in, where you’re located, and how much experience you have. Those who aspire to be a counselor educator may find a position as a postsecondary teacher rewarding. This might include a position as a professor, lecturer, or adjunct faculty.
Counselor Education and Supervision PhD Curriculum
Counseling education PhD programs are research-oriented and revolve around the study of education and leadership methodologies, which are applied to the counseling profession.
Much like with a masters degree in counseling online, courses like the following may be included in a counselor education PhD online program as core or elective coursework:
- Research Theory, Design, and Methods: You’ll examine theories of counseling research processes and develop skills for analyzing and designing graduate-level research.
- Advanced Counseling Theories: This course allows you to evaluate theories of the counseling profession and apply them to various settings and populations.
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice: This course examines the history and philosophy of the counseling profession and common processes and roles that counselors may encounter.
- Human Growth and Development: You’ll learn about theories of human development across the lifespan and various factors that affect certain behaviors.
- Assessment and Testing: In this course, you’ll study the historical perspectives of assessment and testing in counseling as well as methods for conducting assessments and observations.
- Teaching in Counselor Education: You’ll examine adult learning theories and methodologies to prepare for teaching as a counselor educator.
- Clinical Supervision: This course teaches you how to develop professional supervisory skills and how to interact with other professionals.
- Ethics and Professional Issues: You’ll examine ethical standards in the counseling profession and study various court cases and legislation as it relates to the profession.
- Multicultural and Diversity Issues: In this course, you can gain an understanding of social and cultural forces that have an impact on human development and examine theories and advocacy principles aimed to address these issues.
- Leadership in Counseling: This course discusses theories in leadership development and helps you understand how you can advocate for the counseling profession.
You may also pursue specialized coursework that aligns with your specific interests, depending on the coursework available within your program.
How to Choose an Online Counselor Education Doctorate Degree Program
If you’re unsure what to look for in a counselor education PhD program, you can start by considering these factors when looking into prospective schools and programs:
- Number of credit hours. Some programs include more credit hours than others, which could cause some programs to take longer to complete. On the other hand, more credit hours could also allow for more in-depth study.
- Estimated cost of tuition and attendance. More credit hours can also make a program more costly. Cost of attendance can vary between schools. Private or out-of-state schools tend to be more costly than public and in-state schools.
- Accreditation of the school and program. Accreditation is an important factor to consider when looking at colleges and universities and programs. It can have an effect on education opportunities, financial aid, licensure, and certifications.
- Online versus on-campus programs. Earning a doctoral degree through an on-campus program might be difficult for individuals who need more flexibility due to work responsibilities or other circumstances. Just as with online masters in educational counseling programs, counselor education PhD online programs might offer some professionals more flexibility than on-campus programs.
There are several factors you can take into consideration when researching the right counselor education PhD program for you. Programs can greatly differ between schools, which is why it can be helpful to weigh your options before selecting a college or university.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements can differ between schools and programs, but these are some general admission requirements for counseling education and supervision doctoral programs:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Professional counselor licensure (if required)
- GRE or GMAT test scores (only some schools require them)
Students typically need to submit materials that show proof that a master’s degree has been completed in counseling or a closely related field. Accreditation is often taken into consideration when reviewing applicants. Some schools might request that individuals already be a licensed counselor or have a defined amount of experience in the field before applying.
Accreditation
The accreditation status of a school and program is important, especially for counseling programs. Colleges and universities can become regionally accredited by meeting quality standards set forth by a regional accrediting organization.
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Institutional accreditation refers to the accreditation of a college or university. Another form of accreditation is known as specialized accreditation, which focuses on components of a single program. Attending an accredited school can affect your education and financial aid opportunities. It can also be a factor of eligibility for specific certifications or licensure.
CACREP Accreditation
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a specialized accreditation organization for masters and doctoral counseling education and supervision programs. It’s recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Programs that are accredited by CACREP are recognized as meeting education and training standards for counseling and as following the code of ethics. Educational institutions must be accredited in order for their counselor education and supervision programs to be reviewed for specialized programmatic accreditation.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
You can apply for financial aid and scholarships to try and receive financial assistance for your education. Financial aid may be available to qualifying students at the state and federal level. To check your eligibility to receive federal financial aid, you can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the Federal Student Aid website.
Numerous types of scholarships are available to students who may or may not be eligible for government aid. Scholarships can be awarded to students who are studying a particular subject, belong to a specific group, or have high academic merit.
Counselor Education Licensure and Certifications
Those who enroll in a counselor education and supervision PhD program are typically already licensed as a professional counselor or on the path to licensure. Licensure requirements can vary by state, but a license is usually required to practice as a counselor.
In addition, industry certifications can be useful in establishing expertise in the area of counselor supervision. Examples of certifications in counselor education and supervision include:
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
- Certified Principal Investigator (CPI)
Certification may not be a requirement for some positions, but these credentials may help you demonstrate your competency to future employers. A CPI credential, for instance, is a certification in clinical research.
What Is a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision?
A PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is a doctoral degree program that prepares professionals in the counseling field to take on supervisory and leadership roles.
The program is designed to help individuals become experts in the counseling profession. It involves research-intensive coursework that typically ends in a dissertation, which allows you to present original research that’s been conducted throughout the program.
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Specializations, such as addiction, rehabilitation, or individual or group counseling, may be offered within the program. You may choose a specialization to focus on counseling services and education topics that align with your interests.
What Do You Learn in Counseling Education PhD Program?
Students pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education can develop leadership, advocacy, and research skills as they relate to the counseling profession.
Learning outcomes of the program can include being able to address legal and ethical issues, developing effective teaching and research practices, and gaining advanced knowledge and skills in counseling. Graduates may establish a professional identity to advocate for the profession and supervise future counselors.
PhD counselor education students examine theories of counseling and teaching methodologies, which prepare them for teaching undergraduate or graduate students on the path to becoming counselors. Skills and knowledge learned throughout the program are typically applied to problems in the real world to help students practice finding theoretical and evidence-based solutions.
What Can I Do with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision?
Professionals who obtain a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision may have the opportunity to advance their career into an educator or supervisory role.
These positions can be found in health care facilities, such as hospitals, residential treatment centers, counseling centers, or private practice. If you aspire to be a counselor educator, you might pursue a role as a postsecondary teacher in a college or university.
Those who earn their PhD in this field may also work as advanced practitioners in counseling. Others may focus on research and scholarship in the field.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision Online?
A PhD generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on the number of credit hours required in a program. The amount of time it takes to complete is divided up by credit hours from coursework and a dissertation.
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It may take a student at least 1 year or more to prepare their dissertation and additional time to complete and present it. If a dissertation isn’t required, it may take as little as 3 years to complete a doctoral program with full-time study.
What’s the Difference Between an EdD vs. PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision?
A PhD and EdD in Counselor Education and supervision touch on similar subject matter, but the following differences separate the two.
| EdD in Counselor Education and Supervision | PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision |
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The main difference between an EdD and PhD is the amount of focus on research. EdD programs focus more on applying solutions based on research findings, whereas PhD students spend more time conducting research and displaying their findings to educate others.
Is a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision is worth it for many students. Graduates often go on to become counselor educators or supervisors. Others work as advanced practitioners.
Some common career paths for counselor educators and supervisors are expected to experience faster than average job growth. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% job growth for postsecondary teachers over the next ten years.
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Counselor educator and supervisor positions can be a rewarding career for professionals who are passionate about research and sharing their knowledge with others.
Universities Offering Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Adams State University offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. The program requires the completion of four weeklong summer residencies on campus, a practicum or internship, and a dissertation. Students in the program progress through their coursework with a cohort. Graduates may pursue work in academic or clinical settings.
Adams State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Antioch University offers a low-residency program for a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Students can complete their coursework online but are required to come to campus for two 4 day sessions. The program uses a cohort model tailored to working professionals and can typically be completed in 3 years.
Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Barry University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling program is geared toward working adults. Classes are small and meet just once a week in the evenings. They can be taken in person, online, or in a hybrid format. The program requires the completion of a dissertation and an advanced practicum in couples’ or family counseling.
Barry University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Capella University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision can be earned online. To graduate, students must complete 60 credits, a practicum, and a dissertation. The curriculum consists of courses such as Program Evaluation in Counselor Education and Supervision, Research Theory and Philosophy, and Qualitative Research Methods.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University—Irvine offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. The program teaches from a biblically-informed perspective and is intended for students who are already licensed mental health professionals. The degree can be earned in a flexible online format that includes two in-person residencies. It can typically be finished in 3 to 4 years.
Concordia University Irvine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Denver Seminary offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision that can be earned online. Denver Seminary’s online courses include synchronous and asynchronous components. The program uses a 4 year cohort model, with the first 3 years consisting of core coursework and a clinical practicum or internship. Students are then required to complete a dissertation.
Denver Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Grand Canyon University offers an online program for a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (Qualitative Research). To graduate, students must complete 65 credits, including a dissertation. Each course is 8 weeks long. The curriculum consists of courses such as Introduction to Research, Advanced Integrated Theories and Practices, and Counselor Education and Supervision Practicum.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Hampton University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision. The program is offered in a flexible online format and designed for those who are already licensed counselors. New cohorts begin every fall and spring. The curriculum consists of courses such as Analysis of Behavioral Data, Ethics and Legal Aspects of Counseling, and Advanced Group and Systems Theory.
Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Kansas State University offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision that can be earned on campus. Select courses are also available online. To graduate, students must complete doctoral research and a practicum or internship. The curriculum consists of classes such as Theories of Vocational Counseling, Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling, and Advanced Group Counseling.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University offers an intensive program for a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours. On average, it can be completed in 3.5 years. Liberty teaches from a biblical worldview and provides advanced field experiences and internships to help students gain real-world experience.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mount Mary University offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. The program emphasizes cultural competence and social justice. It includes practicum and internship requirements, as well as dissertation. Courses may be taken during the day, evenings, and weekends and online, on campus, or in a mix of both.
Mount Mary University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Oregon State University’s PhD in Counseling program uses a hybrid format. Face-to-face classes take place twice each academic quarter on the weekends, and the rest of the courses are completed online. Students are also required to complete a 630 hour internship. New cohorts begin each summer. The program can typically be completed in 3 to 5 years.
Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Regent University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program is available mostly online but does require one in-person residency. Each online class requires five synchronous meetings. To graduate, students must complete a total of 66 credit hours, including an internship and an original dissertation. Regent teaches from a Christian worldview and emphasizes hands-on learning.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Saybrook University offers an online program for a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. It is intended for those who are already licensed or license-eligible and who hold a master’s degree in counseling. Some classes may have synchronous meeting components. Graduates often pursue work in academic, research, and clinical settings.
Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Texas A&M University—Commerce offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision that can be earned on campus. This part-time program requires the completion of 69 to 72 credit hours, including a dissertation, and typically takes 4 to 7 years to complete. The program provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience and receive one-on-one faculty mentorship.
Texas A&M University-Commerce is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online program for a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. This full-time program typically takes 3 years to complete. The curriculum provides studies in counseling theory and practice and aims to teach how to conduct qualitative and quantitative research. The program is intended for students who are already licensed or eligible for licensure.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Trevecca Nazarene University offers a PhD in Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision. The program is available both face-to-face and online. It can potentially be finished in just 3 years while attending classes just twice a week. It utilizes a cohort model to help provide students with a sense of community.
Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Northern Colorado offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. The program is on campus and requires the completion of 83 to 92 credits. Some classes are available online, in the evenings, or on weekends to accommodate the needs of working professionals. Students in the program are given chances to participate in research and experiential learning opportunities.
The University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program for a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. The program requires the completion of 64 credit hours. It consists of classes like Leadership and Advocacy in Professional Counseling, Theories and Techniques of Clinical Supervision, and Advanced Counseling Theories and Skills. To graduate, students must also successfully research, write, and defend a dissertation.
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University’s online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program aims to provide the flexibility needed to earn a degree while working. Classes are small and seek to help students connect with others int their community. The program requires the completion of 85 quarter credits, including a practicum, an internship, and a dissertation.
Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Online
A Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is designed for individuals who are licensed or on the path to be licensed as a professional counselor.
If you aspire to assume a supervisory or educator role in the field, you might consider pursuing this type of program. You could develop advanced skills in leadership, research, and counseling practices. A PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision could also be beneficial if you wish to advance your counseling career and expertise.
If you’re ready to continue your educational journey, you can start by researching accredited institutions and programs that best align with your interests.
