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• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Counselor Education and Supervision Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision

As a counselor, you know how important mentors and positive professional role models can be. Capella University offers groundbreaking online learning combined with in-person experiences that can help you develop your inner mentor and advance as a leader in counseling.

Our CACREP-accredited PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program can help you advance as a practitioner, leader, clinical supervisor, educator, and researcher. This program offers you a way to practice real-world application of theories with hands-on experience during your practicum and internship courses. You'll build your skills in counseling, teaching, research, leadership, advocacy, and supervision.

Begin dissertation prep early

Take what you learn and apply it to real-world situations in your practicum and internships.

Practicum/internship

Focus on developing advanced counseling, clinical supervision, teaching, leadership, and research skills.

Strategic alignment

Our curriculum is designed to incorporate the values, principles, and ethical standards of national, regional, and state professional counseling associations and honor societies.

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

• Online and in-person
• 12 core courses
• Internships
• Advanced doctoral phase
• CACREP-accredited

Reduce your tuition by $5,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.

Courses and skills

Explore counselor education and supervision courses.

• This program requires a total of 72 quarter credits
• You’ll need to complete 12 core courses in addition to two internship courses, a practicum, and dissertation requirements.

Your work toward completion of this CACREP-accredited counselor education and supervision PhD features an in-depth study of doctoral-level instructional delivery in advanced counseling practice/therapy, counseling supervision, teaching, research, leadership, and advocacy.

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What you'll learn

This program is designed to prepare counseling professionals for advanced clinical practice, leadership, teaching, and supervisory roles. Build your skills in multiple methods of graduate-level instructional delivery in counseling, clinical supervision, leadership, and advocacy.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Apply principles supporting personal and professional development, modeling exemplary comportment
• Conduct valid, reliable, and ethical research that contributes to the knowledge base for the field of counselor education and supervision
• Evaluate current theories and practices of the counseling profession to promote evidence-based practice, supervision, and teaching
• Advocate for social justice and the advancement of professional counseling
• Apply professional codes of ethics, cultural competence, and legal standards to counselor education and supervision practice
• Communicate professionally and effectively with diverse individuals and groups through written, verbal and electronic formats

Review the Capella career exploration guide  to learn more about this program and professional paths to explore.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in counselor education and supervision cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1-2 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$730  per credit, 60  coursework credits, 0 max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$730 Per quarter credit

60 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

12 credits of practicum and internship included in program costs. Travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.

Dissertation

$2,920 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:

• The program specialization you choose
• Scholarships and finances
• Prior coursework
• Employer and/or military benefits
• Amount of time spent working on practicum
• Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
• Complexity of your dissertation
• Academic performance
• School/work/life balance
• Unexpected life events

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost scenarios

*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are  more ways to save  than you might think.

Federal grants

The U.S. Department of Education provides grants that can be used to pay for education expenses, including doctoral program tuition and fees.

Employer & association discounts

If your employer or organization is a Capella network partner, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.

$5K toward your doctorate

Apply for a  $5K scholarship Capella Progress Reward , a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

CACREP Program/Learner Outcomes Data for Capella University 2022-2023 CEU Annual Report

How to apply, phd in counselor education and supervision admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
• Completion of a CACREP-accredited curriculum equivalent master's degree program 
• Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
• 2 Letters of recommendation completed by supervisor, faculty member and professional colleague
• An extended goal statement and writing sample. Your Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International Student Requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.

Doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

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Through quarterly appointments and as-needed counseling sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

How to Choose a Career in the Helping Profession

The options for working in the helping profession are seemingly endless, but if you’ve done some exploration, you know that each professional path requires a different type of educational focus.

Collaborative Efforts in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, and Social Work

An overview of similarities, differences, and collaborative opportunities in these related fields.

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.

Career exploration

What can you do with a phd in counselor education and supervision degree.

Graduates of this program are prepared to work as counselor educators, clinical supervisors, leaders, researchers, and advanced practitioners in academic and clinical settings. This specialization requires coursework and clinical experience.

Related job titles to explore*

• Counselor educator
• Adjunct or part-time counseling faculty
• Full-time counseling faculty
• Counselor supervisor

Employment settings to explore

• Inpatient facility
• Government – local, state, federal
• Community mental health center
• Day treatment hospital
• Psychiatric hospital
• Land-based or online college or university
• College counseling center
• Residential treatment center
• Mental health agency
• Private/group practice

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

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Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

Learn the theory and practice of educating and supervising future counselors in clinical settings and in your own higher education classroom.

Programs & Requirements

• Mission & Goals
• Career Outcomes
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Expand your impact. Empower others. Teach the next generation of counselors.

Learn the theory and practice of educating and supervising future counselors in clinical settings and your own higher education classroom.

Expand your impact. Empower others. Teach the next generation of counselors. Are you ready to apply your counseling expertise to a new challenge? Earning a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision could be how you take your career to the next level, whether in the classroom or in a leadership capacity. Your courses will cover the advanced leadership skills needed to drive change as an administrator in behavioral health agencies and beyond. Coursework in areas like research design, counselor education, and inferential statistics will also help you prepare to contribute original knowledge to the counseling field.

By the numbers

Phd in counselor education and supervision.

The fully accredited online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from University of the Cumberlands teaches the knowledge and skills you need to launch a career in research and postsecondary teaching in counseling programs across the United States. Our program also covers the advanced leadership skills needed to drive change as an administrator in behavioral health agencies and beyond.   

Our curriculum covers the five major domains of contemporary counselor education curriculum: advanced clinical work, supervision, teaching, research and scholarship, and leadership and advocacy. The program breaks down into three essential components: core CES coursework, professional research and field experience coursework. In total, you’ll complete 66 post-master’s credit hours, including courses such as:  

• Advanced Counseling Theories and Skills
• Theories and Techniques of Clinical Supervision
• Leadership & Advocacy in Professional Counseling
• Online Teaching & Learning in Counselor Education
• Advanced Educational Research 

Finally, you’ll work in collaboration with graduate faculty members to research, write and defend an original dissertation that advances knowledge in the counseling profession. You’ll graduate equipped with:  

• Mastery that prepares you for a teaching career in higher education environments  
• Administrative expertise preparing you for leadership in clinical and educational settings  
• Advanced clinical skills aimed to maximize proficiency in an independent practice milieu  
• Independent research skills preparing you to make original contributions to your field  

Course Requirements

• CES 700   Program Orientation (0 Hours)
• CES 704  Professional Writing
• CES 705  Introduction to CES: Professional Identity
• CES 715  Online Counseling and Supervision
• CES 730  Andragogy in Counselor Education and Supervision
• CES 731  Multicultural Issues in Counselor Education and Supervision 
• CES 733  Ethical and Legal Issues in Counselor Education and Supervision 
• CES 735  Advanced Counseling Theories and Skills
• CES 831  Theories and Techniques of Clinical Supervision 
• CES 833  Leadership & Advocacy in Professional Counseling 
• CES 835  Online Teaching & Learning in Counselor Education
• CES 837  Neuroanatomy & Behavioral Medicine for Professional Counseling

And one elective from the following:

• CES 737  Trauma Counseling: Etiology, Treatment, and Interventions 
• CES 710  Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Interventions in Mental Health Counseling
• COUN 538  Intro to Play Therapy
• COUN 540  Human Sexuality in Counseling 

*CES 738 or CES 851 may also be used to fulfill elective credits

• CES 931  Advanced Practicum  
• CES 953  Advanced Internship  
• CES 955  Advanced Internship II   

Nine hours of the degree are earned through a series of courses focusing on research methods and research activities. The research courses culminate in the completion of a dissertation. Both CES 734 and CES 850 are required for all students. Each student will select either CES 851 or CES 738 depending on the methodology you intend to pursue with your dissertation research. Students may take both advanced research design courses and count one as their elective.

• CES 734  Quantitative Research Design 
• CES 850  Qualitative Research Design  
• CES 851  Advanced Qualitative Research Design or CES 738  Advanced Quantitative Research Design 

Department of Counseling Sample Syllabi *The syllabi in this folder are samples and may not reflect the most current syllabus content

• CES 838  CES Comprehensive Exam (0 Hours)
• CES 736  Dissertation Seminar  
• CES 839  Advanced Educational Research   

Students must be enrolled in a minimum of two semesters of dissertation coursework for a total of six (6) credit hours. 

• CES 950  Dissertation  
• CES 951  Dissertation 

NOTE ON DISSERTATION CREDITS AND PROCEDURES: The candidate must file an Intent to Graduate at the beginning of term of intended completion; must schedule Oral Dissertation Defense at least two weeks prior to Intended Date; and must file approved dissertation with Program Director prior to graduation. 

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Mission and goals.

The mission of UC's PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision online program is to develop counselor educators and supervisors who are innovative in their contributions to the profession through research, leadership, advocacy, and clinical excellence.

Counselor Education and Supervision Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor: $101,340

As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, you’ll provide an opportunity for your supervisees to discuss any work-related issues and difficulties they may have and help determine possible ways for them to be resolved. 

Psychologist: $81,040

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. 

Mental Health Program Manager: $101,340

Mental Health Program Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of their mental health facility. 

Educational or Career Counselor: $60,140

Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services. 

Compliance Manager: $71,690

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere. 

Postsecondary Teacher: $79,640

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

Common Questions

All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation – and we even include free textbooks through our One Price Promise! For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.

A Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is a doctoral degree that equips counseling professionals to teach in higher education classrooms. As a graduate counseling student at Cumberlands, you’ll learn the theory and practice of educating and supervising future counselors in clinical settings, as well as leadership skills you can apply in education, behavioral health, and human services settings.  

With your Ph.D. in Counselor Education and supervision, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of counseling career paths, including: counselor educator, licensed professional counselor supervisor, clinical director, regulatory affairs director, quality assurance director, compliance manager, compliance operations manager, risk manager, academic leadership, or assistant professor in a related field.   

As it turns out, University of the Cumberlands is one of the only higher education institutions to offer synchronous, CACREP-accredited programs online! When a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision online program is available online, it provides a flexible, synchronous format to make it possible to pursue your studies even while working as a counselor. Admissions requirements typically include a CACREP-accredited master’s degree in counseling or the equivalent, as well as an active professional counseling license.

When considering pursuing an online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision it is important to remember that a PhD is the same as a doctorate, and degree programs at this level are typically research-intensive and require an original dissertation. As a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision online student, you’ll be taking courses in areas like research design, counselor education, and inferential statistics to help you prepare to contribute original knowledge to the field of counseling.

Pursuing your doctoral degree in counseling education and supervision could be one way to enhance your career and drive change on a larger scale. Some reasons you may find it worthwhile to further your education with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program are that postsecondary education roles in the field of mental health are expected to increase by 12 percent between 2021 and 2030; a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision offers the chance to build on your past education and experience while preparing to take your career in a new direction; and the median annual salary for postsecondary counseling professors was $77,500 in 2021, nearly $30,000 more than most other counseling professions. 

Faculty Experts

Get to know your future CES professors.

Dr. Lekesha Davis

Contact information.

Dr. Christian J. Dean

Dr. Marina Gilberti Bunch

Cacrep assessment.

The CACREP Council accredits the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Addiction Counseling program, PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision, and the related Doctorate of Educational Leadership Online (EdD) Program. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) that accredits counselor-preparation graduate degree programs. For more information, visit  https://www.cacrep.org . 

CACREP Outcomes for the Department of Counseling at University of Cumberlands:

Vital Statistics:   2017 ,  2018 ,  2019 ,  2020

Program Evaluation Outcomes Report:   2015-2018 ,  2021 ,  2022

Interested in learning more about how our PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program can help you achieve your professional goals? We're ready to talk.

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Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision (CACREP)

Online Delivery

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision is offered online and requires four one-week summer residencies. The program received CACREP accreditation in July 2017.

Mission Statement

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adams State University prepares graduates to work as counselor educators, supervisors, researchers, and practitioners in diverse academic and clinical settings. Graduates are prepared to extend the knowledge base of the counseling profession as leaders for a climate of scholarly inquiry.

The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adams State University prepares graduates to:

• Work as counselor educators and supervisors, researchers and practitioners in academic and clinical settings.
• Extend the knowledge base of the counseling profession in a climate of scholarly inquiry.
• Inform professional practice by generating new knowledge for the profession through dissertation or comparable research projects focused on areas relevant to counseling practice, counselor education, and/or supervision.
• Assume positions of leadership in the counseling profession.

Education (PhD) – Counselor Education

Program at a glance.

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

The CACREP Accredited Counselor Education track in the Education PhD program is designed specifically for those who wish to pursue careers as counselor educators at the university level or as supervisors in schools or agencies. The Counselor Education PhD program offers courses and supervision that emphasize competence in teaching adult learners, counseling practice, clinical supervision, research/scholarship, and leadership/advocacy. As part of the program's pragmatic approach to preparing counselor educators, in addition to classroom studies, all doctoral students complete clinical and supervisory experiences in the UCF Community Counseling and Research Center. The UCF Community Counseling and Research Center serves as a hub for training and research in the program, with doctoral students providing (a) counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults through the provision of individual, couples, and family therapy and (b) supervisory services to master’s students during their practicum. The CCRC serves more than 1400 individuals, couples, and families in the central Florida community. Our programs objectives are centered on a primary goal, which is the education of outstanding counselor educators prepared to assume leadership roles in diverse settings. The Counselor Education track in the Education PhD program requires a minimum of 69 credit hours beyond the master's degree. Students must complete 24 credit hours of core courses, 21 credit hours of specialization courses, 15 credit hours of dissertation, and 9 credit hours of internship. All students must also complete the candidacy examination.

Total Credit Hours Required: 69 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree

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Track Prerequisites

A master's degree in Counseling (or a closely related field) and master's level competency in educational research and statistics.

Degree Requirements

Required courses.

• IDS7500 - Seminar in Educational Research (1 - 99)
• IDS7501 - Issues and Research in Education (3)
• EDF7475 - Qualitative Research in Education (3)
• EDF7403 - Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research (3)
• EDF7463 - Analysis of Survey, Record, and Other Qualitative Data (3)
• IDS7502 - Case Studies in Research Design (3)
• EDF7406 - Multivariate Statistics in Education (3)

Specialization

• MHS7406 - Advanced Theories in Counseling (3)
• MHS7801 - Advanced Practicum in Counselor Education (3)
• MHS7700 - Literature and Leadership in Counselor Education (3)
• MHS7311 - Scholarship and External Funding in Counselor Education (3)
• MHS7611 - Supervision in Counselor Education (3)
• MHS7730 - Research Seminar in Counselor Education (3)
• MHS7497 - Advanced Multiculturalism in Counseling (3)

Required Internship

• MHS7840 - Internship in Counselor Education (3)
• MHS7808 - Internship in Counseling Supervision (3)

Dissertation

• Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: Doctoral students must present a prospectus for the dissertation to the doctoral adviser, prepare a proposal and present it to the dissertation committee, and defend the final research submission with the dissertation committee.
• To enter candidacy for the PhD, students must have an overall 3.0 GPA on all graduate work included in the planned program and pass all required candidacy examinations. Candidacy examinations will be scheduled by the student and major adviser. The associate dean for graduate studies and research must be notified of the date and location of the exam 30 days in advance. Students must be enrolled in the university during the semester the candidacy examination is taken. The following are required to be admitted to candidacy and enroll in dissertation hours: - Completion of all course work, except for dissertation hours. - Successful completion of the candidacy examination (both written and oral). - Successful defense of the written dissertation proposal. - The dissertation advisory committee is formed, consisting of approved graduate faculty and graduate faculty scholars. - Submission of an approved program of study.

Candidacy Examinations

• All PhD candidates will be required to complete a candidacy examination. Please note that there may be variations in length of exam time and content based on the respective requirements of each track. For the Counselor Education track in the Education PhD, there are five examination foci, each of which have a written component and a verbal defense component: - Counseling in Counselor Education. - Teaching in Counselor Education. - Supervision in Counselor Education. - Research & Scholarship in Counselor Education. - Leadership & Advocacy in Counselor Education. For more information on the candidacy exams, refer to the Counselor Education PhD Handbook.

Grand Total Credits: 69

Application requirements, financial information.

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

Independent Learning

The dissertation satisfies the independent learning requirement.

• Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

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Online PhD programs in counselor education and supervision teach students how to become educators and leaders in the counseling profession. Through a blend of didactic learning and hands-on experiences, graduates of these programs will be able to educate and lead new counselors and counselor students; they will also gain an advanced understanding of clinical counseling practice.

Online PhD programs in counseling education and supervision will vary in length, based on each individual student’s pace of progress. Some students finish their PhD in 3.5 years, others take seven years or longer. Generally speaking, these programs include several core courses, a dissertation, internship, and practicum. While much of an online PhD program can be completed remotely, there may be some face-to-face components, either at the program’s physical campus or in a student’s home area.

Online PhD programs in counselor education and supervision usually require applicants to have a master’s degree from an institution accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Most programs also ask their applicants to already be licensed professional counselors. PhD programs themselves should be accredited, too: CACREP accreditation is always preferred, but some programs with regional accreditation may suffice if their curricula align with CACREP standards.

According to a 2020 article in The Professional Counselor , there’s a growing pipeline problem in doctoral counselor education and supervision programs, due to their uneven distribution between states. Online PhD programs can solve that issue, making it easier than ever before for a counselor to become a leader and educator in the profession.

To learn more about online PhD programs in counselor education and supervision, read on.

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Featured online phd programs in counselor education & supervision.

Walden University offers an online PhD in counselor education and supervision that prepares students to drive positive social change as counseling educators, supervisors, leaders, and researchers. The core program can be customized with five different specializations: addiction counseling; clinical mental health counseling; marriage, couple, and family therapy; school counseling; and trauma and crisis.

The curriculum includes core courses, research courses, field experience courses (practicum and internship), and the completion of a doctoral dissertation. Walden’s Doctoral Degree Coach helps candidates map and track milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and access additional resources.

While most of the program can be completed online, one face-to-face residency and two pre-practicum labs have on-site components. The program consists of 85 quarter credits.

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Tuition: $574 per credit
• Accreditation: CACREP

Capella University’s PhD in counselor education and supervision program combines online learning and in-person experiences to help students develop into leaders in counseling. The curriculum is aligned with the values, principles, and ethical standards of professional counseling associations and honors societies. It includes core courses such as advanced counseling practice; counselor education teaching and practice; counselor supervision; leadership and advocacy in counseling; and research theory and philosophy.

Students must also complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours, 600 internship hours, and a dissertation. Capella’s GuidedPath program structures learning with an active peer community and faculty guidance, helping students meet deadlines and stay on track.

• Tuition: Please view full profile for details

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online PhD in counselor education and supervision covers three main domains: leadership, professional research, and clinical coursework. Students may also choose to add a specialization in addiction or advanced counseling. As an institution grounded in Christian principles, the University of Cumberland puts an emphasis on strong ethical values for its students.

The curriculum includes courses such as advanced counseling theories and skills; neuroanatomy and behavioral medicine for professional counseling; leadership and advocacy in professional counseling; and theories and techniques of clinical supervision. Students will also need to research, write, and defend an original dissertation that advances knowledge in the counseling profession. The program consists of 66 credits.

• Location: Williamsburg, KY
• Tuition: $400 per credit

The Chicago School offers an online, accelerated PhD in counselor education and supervision that engages students in evaluating the theoretical and practical aspects of counseling through qualitative and quantitative research. It is intended for licensed professional counselors who wish to advance their careers through leadership, teaching, and/or supervision.

Students complete a minimum of 700 hours of practical experience through practicums and internships, in the five CACREP domains of counseling. Students also have access to an internal placement at the Virtual Clinical Training Center (VCTC) to gain further experience. While the program is only regionally accredited, its curriculum aligns with CACREP standards. The program consists of 60 credits in total.

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Tuition: $1,560 per credit
• Accreditation: WASC

Saybrook University offers an online PhD in counselor education and supervision that prepares the next generation of counselor leaders to address the most pressing challenges in their communities. Graduates can support counselors in training, develop their own professional identity, and understand how to best serve diverse clients. The program includes an examination of privilege, marginalization, and the dynamics of power.

The core curriculum includes courses such as qualitative research methodology; advanced quantitative analysis; community engagement and leadership; cultural responsiveness and advocacy; and advanced theories and practice. Students will also need to complete a practicum, internship, and dissertation. While the Saybrook program is only regionally accredited, the curriculum aligns with CACREP standards. The program consists of 54 credits in total.

• Location: Pasadena, CA
• Tuition: $980 per credit

The online PhD in counselor education and supervision at Liberty University sharpens graduates’ clinical skills and prepares them to lead, teach, and nurture new counseling students. The curriculum provides advanced training in counseling techniques; counselor education and supervision; leadership and advocacy; and research and scholarship. As a Christian institution, Liberty University imparts a biblical worldview while preparing students to effectively serve diverse cultures.

The program is intensives-based, with a practicum, internship, and dissertation in addition to core and elective courses. Each course includes a one-week intensive portion that fosters mentoring relationships between students and faculty. The program consists of 57 credits in total.

• Location: Lynchburg, VA
• Tuition: $595 per credit

The online PhD in counseling education and supervision at Regent University prepares graduates to take on leadership roles in the world of mental health. Presented from a Christian perspective, the curriculum emphasizes the application of biblical and spiritual interventions as a teacher, scholar, and practitioner.

Core courses include advanced multivariate statistics; multicultural issues in counseling; qualitative research methodology; quantitative research methodology; and preventive counseling. Students must also complete an internship, a practicum, and a dissertation. While most of the program may be completed online, there are three in-person weeklong residencies at the start of each academic year. The program consists of 66 credits in total.

• Location: Virginia Beach, VA
• Tuition: $900 per credit

Professors to Know in Schools with Online PhD Programs in Counselor Education & Supervision

Dr. Susan Foster is department chair of the Online Counselor Education Department at The Chicago School. She earned her MEd in counselor education from Southeastern Louisiana University, and her PhD in counselor education and supervision from the University of New Orleans. Dr. Foster’s research interests include technology-assisted supervision, consultation and collaboration; collective self-esteem in diverse populations; assessment metrics for counselor educator programs; and ethics and law in counseling and supervision.

Dr. Jennifer Preston is the program director and department chair in the Department of Counseling at Saybrook University. She earned her MS in counseling psychology from Avila College, and her PhD in counselor education and supervision from Oregon State University. Dr. Preston’s areas of expertise include child and adolescent development, identity development, and issues of sexuality and gender. Her work leans upon qualitative research, from a feminist and critical theory lens, often employing non-traditional research methodologies. She has published in the areas of addiction treatment for women, LGBT ally development for K-12 schools, LGBT homeless youth, and women's mentoring.

Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about emerging issues in healthcare administration and public health, with a particular focus on progressive policies that empower communities and reduce health disparities. His work centers around detailed interviews with researchers, professors, and practitioners, as well as with subject matter experts from professional associations such as the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) and the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHCA).

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Masters in Counseling and School Psychology

Program Overview

The University of Idaho graduate programs in Counseling and School Psychology (CASP) offer quality professional study for the student seeking a career as a helping professional.   Placement in these programs are competitive and limited to a specific number of students per academic year.  Enrollees work together on a prescribed program to complete the Master of Education (non-thesis) or Masters of Science (thesis) degree in Counseling and Human Services with an emphasis in school counseling.

Students placed in the blended School Counseling/School Psychology program complete the Specialist Degree in School Psychology following a third year of full-time internship in an approved setting

The Program curriculum is a blend of academic and experiential course work with considerable emphasis on supervised practicum and internship placements in regional schools and human service agencies.  The Program of study is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), NASDTEC**, NCATE*** and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 

Follow up surveys of program graduates indicate consistently high placement rates in a variety of educational, community, business and industry, health services and private practice settings.  All University of Idaho CASP graduates are immediately eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and to apply for State certification as a school counselor/psychologist.  This degree also leads to eligibility for obtaining an Idaho Licensed Professional Counselor Credential.

• Associate’s
• Certificate
• Marriage & Family
• Mental Health
• School Counseling
• Rehabilitation
• Substance Abuse
• Pennsylvania
• School Counselor
• All Careers

Counseling Degrees and Programs in Illinois

• Author: Janan Dean
• Editorial Process

To begin a counseling career in Illinois, you will likely need a counseling degree in your preferred area of focus. Luckily, there are many colleges and universities in Illinois that offer programs in the five major counseling categories: mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. One of the first steps in your counseling career will be to choose a school and a degree program . Most schools in Illinois offer counseling degrees at the master’s level because almost all types of counseling licensure require graduate-level education. Some undergraduate options in pre-counseling or addiction studies may also be available. If you are interested in online or hybrid study options for more flexibility, there are numerous counseling degree options based in Illinois to choose from.

Table of Contents

• Counseling Schools Comparison
• Top-Ranked Schools
• Select Schools with Counseling Degrees

Quick Facts

• There are 38 not-for-profit colleges and universities that offer a program in mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, school counseling, substance abuse counseling, and/or vocational rehabilitation counseling in Illinois. 1,2
• Of the counseling schools in Illinois, 7 schools offer an associate degree, 1 offers a bachelor’s degree, 11 schools offer a certificate, and 26 offer a master’s or advanced degree. 1
• 25 schools offer a degree in mental health counseling. 1,2
• 6 schools offer a degree in marriage and family therapy. 1,2
• 5 schools offer a degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling. 1,2
• 18 schools offer a degree in school counseling. 1,2
• 15 schools offer a degree in substance abuse counseling. 1,2
• No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Student Counseling Programs 2022. 3
• 2 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online M.Ed. Programs for Student Counseling 2022 . 4
• No counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). 2
• Across 4 schools, 6 counseling programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). 5

Comparison of Illinois Counseling Schools and Programs

Below you will find a table that allows you to compare the public and not-for-profit colleges and universities in Illinois that offer counseling programs in the following five main areas: mental health counseling (MH), marriage and family therapy (MF), vocational rehabilitation counseling (VR), school counseling (SC), and substance abuse counseling (SA). Use the table to compare each school by program type offered, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation status, graduation rate, and net price per year. You can learn more about the steps to counseling licensure in Illinois on our license requirements page .

Top-Ranked Schools with Counseling Programs in Illinois

Us news & world report’s best online m.ed. programs for student counseling 2022.

• Concordia University Chicago (#189 tie)
• DePaul University (#189 tie) 4

Schools in Illinois with Counseling Degrees

Traditional undergraduate programs, university of st. francis.

The University of St. Francis offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Substance Abuse Counseling for individuals interested in becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois. The curriculum meets the coursework requirements to take the Illinois CADC certification exam and includes 58 credits in substance abuse treatment, assessment, and prevention, two field experiences, and a capstone project. The degree can be completed in four years of full-time study or less for applicants with an associate’s degree in a related field. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to work in entry-level counseling positions in addiction and substance abuse treatment facilities, such as residential treatment centers and outpatient clinics, or pursue graduate-level study in counseling.

Traditional Graduate Programs

Governors state university.

Governors State University (GSU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC); Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (MCFC); and School Counseling (SC) that can be completed at the University Park campus or through a hybrid format that combines evening and online classes. The MA degree consists of 60 credits including 27 credits in the area of specialization and a 600-hour internship. Full-time students can complete the degree in three years. Individuals who already have a master’s degree in counseling may apply to the Post-Master’s Clinical Mental Health Counselor Certificate or the Post-Master’s School Counseling Certificate. For those interested in substance abuse counseling, the Master of Health Sciences (MHS) in Addictions Studies provides a thorough background in addiction and substance abuse assessment and treatment. GSU also has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) that begins in the fall term. It is designed for applicants with a master’s degree in counseling, teaching advanced clinical, research, and leadership skills.

Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University offers a range of counseling programs including CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 credits); Couple and Family Counseling (60 credits); School Counseling (60 credits); and Rehabilitation Counseling (60 credits); certificates in Addiction Counseling, Couple and Family Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Trauma-Informed Counseling; as well as a non-Degree School Counselor Endorsement program for students with a graduate degree in counseling. The MA programs are designed for working professionals with evening and weekend classes offered on-campus. While all the degrees meet state requirements for licensure in their respective counseling fields, the degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Family Counseling, and Rehabilitation Counseling all meet state educational requirements for both the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) licenses in Illinois. The certificate programs are designed for applicants who already have a degree in counseling but who wish to acquire skills in an additional area of focus.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling and Rehabilitation Education (CARE) with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. During the CARE program, students complete the counseling core coursework and then take electives in the area of specialization and a related practicum and internship. Students interested in research can also complete an optional thesis as part of the degree program. Graduates of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration meet the educational requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois, while graduates of the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration can apply for the Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential. SIU-Carbondale also offers a Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions Certificate that meets the educational requirements to become a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) in Illinois.

Online and Hybrid Programs

Adler university.

Adler University offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) that can be completed in three to four years. Students complete most coursework online but some courses have synchronous elements and require students to be available for scheduled online classes. They must also attend two four-day residencies at the Chicago campus during the first and second years of the program and complete an on-site practicum and internship. The entire program can also be completed through traditional methods at the Chicago campus. Students interested in on-campus programs in Chicago can complete an MA or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Couple and Family Therapy; an MA in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling; an MA in Counseling: Art Therapy; an MA in Forensic Mental Health Leadership; a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision; or a Certificate in Sex Therapy.

Bradley University

At Bradley University, students can choose from two online CACREP-accredited degrees. The Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit degree that focuses on the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders and contemporary neurocounseling techniques. The 60-credit MA in Professional School Counseling teaches students about age-appropriate counseling techniques that can be used in K-12 school settings with students and families. Applicants who are not certified teachers must complete additional coursework to meet degree and certification requirements. The degree curriculum includes a shared counseling core with additional courses in the area of specialization. Students in both programs complete two week-long residencies in Peoria, a practicum, two virtual residencies, and two internships, which can be completed in their local area.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has an online 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) that is accredited by CACREP and takes three years to complete on a part-time basis. The program is offered in a cohort style that enables students to progress through the courses and graduate with the same group of peers. During the program, students must attend two residencies at the Chicago campus. The program focuses on treatment, testing, and diagnosis skills for mental health disorders. Although the degree curriculum aligns with the educational requirements for counseling licensure in many states, applicants should confirm the requirements in their state. The school also offers this degree in an on-campus format at the Chicago campus, as well as a hybrid MA in Counseling Psychology with concentrations in Trauma and Crisis Intervention; Latino Mental Health; Treatment of Addiction Disorders, and an online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling and a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) through the Family Institute. Both degree programs are offered in-person or fully online. The MA in Counseling program accepts applicants with diverse academic and work backgrounds. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related area or with volunteer, internship, or work experience in a psychology or counseling setting are eligible for the standard program, which can be completed in as little as six quarters. Applicants who do not meet these admission requirements can apply to the in-person Two-Plus Curriculum program or the online Bridge to Counseling program, which both require three additional introductory courses. The Bridge to Counseling Program offers an accelerated track, traditional track, or part-time track, allowing students to complete their degrees in as little as seven quarters. Students must complete a minimum of 600 hours of supervised clinical experience and will meet the educational requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois upon graduation. The online MS in Marriage and Family Therapy programs consists of 24 courses and students are required to attend one immersive experience, while the in-person version comprises 25 courses. Students in both programs are required to complete 500 hours of clinical fieldwork. Graduates of the program will meet the educational requirements to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in Illinois.

References: 1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ 2. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Accredited Programs: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/ 3. US News & World Report Best Student Counseling Programs 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/student-counseling-rankings 4. US News & World Report Best Online Master’s in Education Programs Offering Student Counseling and Personnel Services 2022: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/student-counseling-rankings 5. Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, Directory of COAMFTE Accredited Programs: https://coamfte.org/COAMFTE/Directory_of_Accredited_Programs/MFT_Training_Programs.aspx

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Graduate Student Spotlight | Gina Kerrigan, M.S.'23

“What initially drew me to Hood’s counseling master’s program was its CACREP-accreditation and its location in Frederick, which was a commutable distance from my home. Once I found out that an in-person, CACREP-accredited program was so close by, it was an easy decision to go for Hood as my first choice. It turned out to be a great decision!”

Gina Kerrigan M.S. '23

• Psychology & Counseling
• Graduate School
• Graduate Student
• Counseling, Care & Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior Graduate Programs

Gina Kerrigan, M.S.’23 is a recent graduate of Hood College’s clinical mental counseling master’s program . Kerrigan joined the program in 2021 and has been working in the counseling field ever since. Kerrigan is also set to join Hood’s inaugural counselor education and supervision Ph.D. program this coming fall. We spoke with Kerrigan about her experiences in the counseling program, how the program has impacted her career and what she is looking forward to in the Ph.D. program.

Can you discuss your educational and career background?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in English from West Virginia University in 2008. From there, I worked as a writer and editor in the publishing and e-commerce industries from 2008-11.

I became a mom in 2012, and then from 2014-19, I owned and operated a restaurant, which was born out of a diner my grandmother had opened in the late 1960s.

After leaving the restaurant business, I did some soul-searching and tried out some counseling master’s-level coursework at Hood in the summer of 2020; I officially entered the program in January 2021. During my time in Hood’s counseling program, I was a graduate assistant for the counseling faculty and completed my counseling practicum and internship at Catoctin Counseling Center in Downtown Frederick.

After graduating in May 2023, I joined the Mental Health Association of Frederick County as a part-time therapist. I also started my own part-time private practice, Maple Seed Counseling. I work with children aged 6+ and adults, including individuals and couples.

Why did you choose Hood College and this program?

What initially drew me to Hood’s counseling master’s program was its CACREP-accreditation and its location in Frederick, which was a commutable distance from my home. Once I found out that an in-person, CACREP-accredited program was so close by, it was an easy decision to go for Hood as my first choice. It turned out to be a great decision!

I had a wonderful experience in the master’s program and thoroughly enjoyed the teaching styles and real-world experiences of the faculty, not to mention getting to know the other students, who were also on their own counselor-in-training journeys.

Toward the end of my time as a grad student in the master’s program, I began to more seriously consider whether or not a Ph.D. could be in my future. Once Hood announced its new doctoral program in counselor education and supervision, my heart was pretty much set on going for it! The thought of returning to the classroom to further hone in on this relatively new passion of mine—in a familiar environment that I had already grown to love—was too enticing to wait.

As a graduate student, do you have a certain mindset or learning style that has helped you grow during your studies?

Aspiring to remain curious has become a guiding principle in my educational and professional career. When embracing a curious stance, it is easier to let go of my preconceived notions and judgments. I try to lean into curiosity when I feel particularly stuck with a new concept, with a client or in my own personal growth.

What do you currently enjoy the most about being at Hood College?

I most enjoy the sense of community and belonging that I found at Hood College as well as feeling confident in the quality of education I received and will receive.

How do you think it will help you in your career and life?

One thing that I have come to learn about myself is that I love variety in my professional life. My end goal is to continue working in clinical settings and teaching in academic settings concurrently. 

Being able to teach new counselors-in-training will be very rewarding for me professionally and personally because I will be able to have a direct impact on making quality mental health care more accessible. I am excited to be a part of future students’ profound and transformative process of becoming a professional counselor.

What advice would you like to give to either your peers or an undergraduate who may be considering taking their education to the next level?

Sometimes, I feel reassured to remember that I have yet to meet a person who has life all figured out! In my experience, trying things when filled with self-doubt offered me the best opportunities for self-learning and growth.

Inspired by Gina’s accomplishments in the mental health field? Ready to  #GOFURTHER  in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, such as  clinical mental health counseling , by clicking here .

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It's Not Just a Career. It's a Calling.

SMU excels in counseling education, with students highly sought for internships and positions. Earning SMU s Master of Science in Counseling provides you with education, training, and credentials to excel in the job market and make a significant impact on clients' lives.

in the nation for Best Master's in Counseling Programs (Best Value Schools)

Dive into the dynamic field of counseling with SMU’s Master of Science program, designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary for profound professional and personal impact. This CACREP-accredited program offers specialties in Clinical Mental Health; Marriage, Couple and Family; and School Counseling, preparing you for a variety of roles in different settings. Gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles, therapeutic techniques, and ethical practices under the guidance of expert faculty committed to your success.

Take the first step towards a rewarding career in counseling by joining a community that values transformative education and personal growth. Our program not only focuses on developing competent counselors but also nurtures compassionate individuals ready to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Engage in hands-on learning experiences, from practicums to internships, in diverse environments to refine your skills and deepen your understanding of client needs. Discover how SMU can help you achieve your professional goals and become a leader in the field of counseling.

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Student experience.

Curriculum Highlights of SMU’s M.S. in Counseling Program

Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underlie counseling including education, psychology, human development, learning, and social change. Students develop basic skills in counseling and assessment and become familiar with the legal and clinical considerations that confront practitioners. Students engage in repeated practice and role playing with feedback and strategic modification and complete a year-long Practicum and Internship experience.

Career Readiness for Graduates of the Program

The Counseling program provides the educational and clinical requirements necessary for certification, licensure, and actual counseling practice. Successful graduates are able to pursue State Licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), or School Counselors. The opportunity to be licensed as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Texas can be incorporated in an elective concentration.

Common Workplaces for Professional Counselors

An M.S. in Counseling will prepare you in areas such as:

• Community agencies
• Religious institutions
• Private practices

SMU's counseling program equipped me to work with a variety of populations from all walks of life.

Farina Tahir

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SMU's singular approach to integrating rigorous learning with hands-on experience will prepare you to achieve your educational goals and expand your world in ways you never imagined. Ours is a community of people forging their own paths. We'd like to help you shape yours.

Last day to submit SSRs for the 2016 Stds: June 30; First day to submit SSRs for the 2024 Stds: July 1

SECTION 6: DOCTORAL STANDARDS

Section 6: counselor education and supervision, a. the doctoral learning environment.

Doctoral degree programs in Counselor Education and Supervision are intended to prepare graduates to work as counselor educators, supervisors , researchers, and practitioners in academic and clinical settings. The doctoral program standards are intended to accommodate the unique strengths of different programs.

THE PROGRAM

• The doctoral program consists of a minimum of 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours of doctoral-level credits beyond the entry-level degree.
• Doctoral programs (a) extend the knowledge base of the counseling profession in a climate of scholarly inquiry, (b) prepare students to inform professional practice by generating new knowledge for the profession, (c) support faculty and students in publishing and/or presenting the results of scholarly inquiry, and (d) equip students to assume positions of leadership in the profession and/or their area(s) of specialization.
• Doctoral program admission criteria include (a) academic aptitude for doctoral-level study; (b) previous professional experience; (c) fitness for the profession, including self-awareness and emotional stability; (d) oral and written communication skills; (e) cultural sensitivity and awareness; and (f) potential for scholarship, professional leadership, and advocacy.
• During the doctoral program admissions process, students’ curricular experiences are evaluated to verify completion of coursework including (a) CACREP entry-level core curricular standards, (b) CACREP entry-level professional practice standards, and (c) CACREP entry-level curricular requirements of a specialty area (e.g., addiction counseling, school counseling) so that any missing content can be completed before or concurrently with initial doctoral-level counselor education coursework.
• Doctoral students must complete dissertation research focusing on areas relevant to counseling practice, counselor education, and/or supervision.
• Doctoral programs require two core counselor education program faculty in addition to the minimum three core counselor education program faculty members required for entry-level programs.
• Students in doctoral-level programs establish an approved doctoral committee and work with the committee to develop and complete a program of study.

B. DOCTORAL PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY

Doctoral programs in counselor education address professional roles in five doctoral core areas: counseling, supervision, teaching, research and scholarship, and leadership and advocacy. These five doctoral core areas represent the foundational knowledge required of doctoral graduates in counselor education. Therefore, counselor education programs must document where each of the lettered standards listed below is covered in the curriculum.

• scholarly examination of theories relevant to counseling
• integration of theories relevant to counseling
• conceptualization of clients from multiple theoretical perspectives
• evidence-based counseling practices
• methods for evaluating counseling effectiveness
• ethical and culturally relevant counseling in multiple settings
• purposes of clinical supervision
• theoretical frameworks and models of clinical supervision
• roles and relationships related to clinical supervision
• skills of clinical supervision
• opportunities for developing a personal style of clinical supervision
• assessment of supervisees’ developmental level and other relevant characteristics
• modalities of clinical supervision and the use of technology
• administrative procedures and responsibilities related to clinical supervision
• evaluation, remediation, and gatekeeping in clinical supervision
• legal and ethical issues and responsibilities in clinical supervision
• culturally relevant strategies for conducting clinical supervision
• roles and responsibilities related to educating counselors
• pedagogy and teaching methods relevant to counselor education
• models of adult development and learning
• instructional and curriculum design, delivery, and evaluation methods relevant to counselor education
• effective approaches for online instruction
• screening, remediation, and gatekeeping functions relevant to teaching
• assessment of learning
• ethical and culturally relevant strategies used in counselor preparation
• the role of mentoring in counselor education
• research designs appropriate to quantitative and qualitative research questions
• univariate and multivariate research designs and data analysis methods
• qualitative designs and approaches to qualitative data analysis
• emergent research practices and processes
• models and methods of instrument design
• models and methods of program evaluation
• research questions appropriate for professional research and publication
• professional writing for journal and newsletter publication
• professional conference proposal preparation
• design and evaluation of research proposals for a human subjects/institutional review board review
• grant proposals and other sources of funding
• ethical and culturally relevant strategies for conducting research
• theories and skills of leadership
• leadership and leadership development in professional organizations
• leadership in counselor education programs
• knowledge of accreditation standards and processes
• leadership, management, and administration in counseling organizations and other institutions
• leadership roles and strategies for responding to crises and disasters
• strategies of leadership in consultation
• current topical and political issues in counseling and how those issues affect the daily work of counselors and the counseling profession
• role of counselors and counselor educators advocating on behalf of the profession and professional identity
• models and competencies for advocating for clients at the individual, system, and policy levels
• strategies of leadership in relation to current multicultural and social justice issues
• ethical and culturally relevant leadership and advocacy practices

C. DOCTORAL LEVEL PRACTICUM AND INTERNSHIP

• Doctoral students participate in a supervised doctoral-level counseling practicum of a minimum of 100 hours, of which 40 hours must be providing direct counseling services. The nature of doctoral-level practicum experience is to be determined in consultation with counselor education program faculty and/or a doctoral committee.
• During the doctoral student’s practicum, supervision is provided by a counselor education program faculty member or an individual with a graduate degree (preferably doctoral) in counseling or a related mental health profession with specialized expertise to advance the student’s knowledge and skills.
• Individuals serving as practicum supervisors have (1) relevant certifications and/or licenses, (2) knowledge of the program’s expectations, requirements, and evaluation procedures for students, and (3) relevant training in counseling supervision.
• Doctoral students participate in an average of one hour per week of individual and/or triadic supervision throughout the practicum. When individual/triadic supervision is provided by the counselor education program faculty, practicum courses should not exceed a 1:6 faculty:student ratio
• Group supervision is provided on a regular schedule with other students throughout the practicum and must be performed by a counselor education program faculty member. Group supervision of practicum students should not exceed a 1:12 faculty:student ratio.
• Doctoral students are covered by individual professional counseling liability insurance policies while enrolled in practicum.
• Doctoral students are required to complete internships that total a minimum of 600 clock hours. The 600 hours must include supervised experiences in at least three of the five doctoral core areas (counseling, teaching, supervision, research and scholarship, leadership and advocacy). Doctoral students are covered by individual professional counseling liability insurance policies while enrolled in a counseling or supervision internship.
• During internships, the student receives an average of one hour per week of individual and/or triadic supervision, performed by a supervisor with a doctorate in counselor education or an individual with a graduate degree and specialized expertise to advance the student’s knowledge and skills.
• Group supervision is provided on a regular schedule with other students throughout the internship and must be performed by a counselor education program faculty member.

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Table of Contents

College of Education

• Graduate Program

Educational Psychology - M.Ed.

Program overview.

Educational Psychology is an academic program in the Department of Educational Psychology, Leadership, & Counseling. The program equips students with a comprehensive knowledge of learning, motivation, development, and educational foundations. Additionally, students learn to apply quantitative and qualitative research skills in a manner that promotes educational improvement while valuing individual differences. Thus, educational psychology attracts students from various educational and professional backgrounds including education, psychology, human sciences, business, sports sciences, and health sciences.

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Program work within Educational Psychology is developed and guided by a strong conceptual framework, the standards from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA), American Educational Research Association (AERA), and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the sound professional judgment of an experienced and caring faculty.

The master's program is designed to provide students with content knowledge that facilitates the application of research in educational psychology to educational settings. Teachers are especially encouraged to select the applied master's degree plan that is designed to prepare highly effective, culturally sensitive educators.

Degrees Offered

M.Ed., offered as a face-to-face or hybrid program.

Career Opportunities With This Degree

Most graduates teach in colleges or universities or are in positions conducting research.

Application Materials

College Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to the Graduate School application . Information on submitting official transcripts will be provided to you by the Graduate School. Grade reports or unofficial transcripts from university web portals will not be accepted. Please redact the Social Security Number anywhere it appears on your transcript. If documents are written in a language other than English, a copy of a complete and official English translation must be provided with the original language records.

Required Supplemental Application Materials

GRE Scores, Resume, Three Professional Recommendations, Academic Writing Sample, Response to Applicant Statement Prompt. Download a comprehensive list of requirements.

Application Process

Please visit the Graduate Application Process for more information on how to apply.

This program requires official GRE scores. Scores must no more than 5 years old at the time of application. Official GRE scores must be sent from Educational Testing Services (ETS) to the Texas Tech Graduate School. To register for the examination please visit the GRE Testing website . Texas Tech University's code is 6827.

• Due to ongoing accessibility concerns, the Graduate School has suspended GRE test score requirements for applications through at least Summer 2025. For more information, please contact the Graduate School .

Semester in which the program can be started

It is recommended that students start in the fall but applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Estimated Hours to Completion

45 credit hours

Allowable Transfer Hours

6 credit hours if completed in the last 7 years with a grade of B or better.

Financial Aid

TTU Graduate School and COE scholarships, research assistantships, student loans

To be competitive for funding support, the recommended deadline for Fall is December 1 st . However, applications received at other times will be reviewed.

Tuition & Fees

Use the Student Business Services Tuition Estimator to estimate your costs.

Chance Webb Academic Advisor/Admissions Office of Graduate Admissions & Enrollment [email protected] 806-834-6768

Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics

Educational psychology and foundations, school psychology.

• Delivery : Face-to-Face or Hybrid
• Hours to Completion: 45
• Now accepting applications for: All Semesters
• Maximum Transfer Hours: 6

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Counseling Master's Degree Options

Clinical mental health and marriage, couples, and family counseling licensure process.

Clinical mental health and marriage, couples, and family counseling students at Montana State University graduate with a master’s degree in counseling. The program is accredited by CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). Upon graduation, students must apply for a licensed professional counselor candidate’s license from the State of Montana Board of Behavioral Health. The candidate’s license is a training license while students accrue the required post-master's counseling hours to obtain their full LCPC (licensed clinical professional counselor). This license allows the graduate to practice independently. 

School Counseling Licensure Process

School counseling students at Montana State University graduate with a master's degree in school counseling. The school counseling program is accredited by the Montana Office of Public Instruction and when students graduate, they are eligible to apply for a Class 6 license or a school counseling endorsement on their preexisting Class 2 (standard teaching) license. Upon review of degree completion, licensure applicants are granted an appropriate license to practice as a school counselor in grade levels K-12 throughout the state.

Interested students may obtain more descriptions by visiting the department website.

Financial Assistance

Teaching assistantships are available to 2nd Year counseling students within the Department of Counseling. Assistantships are a nine-month appointment. Research assistantships may be available with individual faculty members who have funded grants or contracts. Stipends vary depending on the type of appointment.  See the costs section of the Graduate School website for detailed information on appointment criteria.  

Certifications and Licensure

Licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical professional counselor .

The MS in Counseling in the Department of Counseling leads to the opportunity to become licensed in the state of Montana as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.  Following completion of a master's degree, the student must complete a minimum of 1500 hours of supervised counseling practice prior to sitting for and passing the NCE exam.

Licensed Addiction Counselor

The addictions certificate in the Department of Counseling prepares students  to pursue licensure as a Licensed Addiction Counselor. State licensure requirements vary. Course credits often count toward interstate licensure; however, the student is encouraged to verify licensure requirements for the specific state they are pursing licensure prior to applying.

Class 6 (Specialist certificate)

The school counseling master’s degree leads to the opportunity to become licensed as a Class 6 specialist through the Office of Public Instruction.  Following completion of the master’s degree, the student is eligible to apply for this license in the State of Montana.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The 60-credit clinical mental health counseling option prepares counselors to apply principles of human development, counseling theory, learning theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior in their work at a variety of mental health facilities.  While a student’s clinical focus can expand following graduation, the primary focus of your training in the program will be on working with adults, 18 and older.

The clinical mental health counseling area of study provides students with 700 hours of supervised experience in appraisal, individual, group counseling, and consultation in primarily clinic and community agencies. The goals of the clinical mental health counseling program are the following: to enhance students' personal and professional development as counselors; to increase their ability to understand the characteristics and concerns of various client populations and their environments; and to develop their knowledge and skills in use of theory-based counseling model.

The clinical mental health counseling option meets educational licensure requirements for a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Montana. After licensure, graduates of the clinical mental health program work in a variety of mental health counseling contexts where they see adults.  

Partial List of Electives

Addictions Counseling (AC rubric) courses offered through the Addictions Counseling certificate program can also be taken as electives. These can count toward becoming a Licensed Addictions Counselor in the state of Montana post-graduation. Please talk to your advisor if you are interested in pursuing this avenue.  

Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling

The 60-credit marriage, couples, and family counseling option prepares counselors to address mental health and relationship problems with individuals, couples, families, and children from a family systems perspective. Students are taught a conceptual framework for assessment and intervention which focuses on the multiple systems and family context of individual development. Emphasis is on a positive, competency-based view of individual and family strengths. This approach examines the larger environments in which individuals and families interact and the plethora of influences (i.e., social, cultural, and economic) that affect human growth and development. Interpersonal issues between family members and the family and outer environmental systems are highlighted.

In addition to family systems theory, students are well grounded in individual and group counseling theories. Collaboration between marriage and family counselors and other mental health care providers is emphasized.

The marriage, couple, and family counseling option meets educational licensure requirements for a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Montana. After licensure, these graduates work in a variety of counseling contexts where they see children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. In this program track students are prepared to work with individuals, as well as with couples and families. This extended focus beyond individual counseling provides a well-rounded training experience.

Addictions courses offered through the addictions certificate program can also be taken as electives.  These courses can count toward becoming a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) post-graduation.  Please talk to your advisor if you are interested in pursuing this avenue.  

School Counseling

The master's degree in school counseling is a 60-credit program designed to prepare students to work in public or private schools as professional counselors. Upon completion, students are eligible to apply for certification as a school counselor with the Montana Office of Public Instruction. School counselors in Montana can be certified with a Class 6 (specialist) certificate (for those without a Montana teaching certificate), or certified with a school counseling endorsement on a Montana teaching certificate.

School counseling students take a common core of counseling and human development courses. This core of course work provides all students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a professional counselor and follows the standards developed by CACREP. In addition, students in the school counseling major also study aspects of counseling germane to the school setting. The program focuses on a comprehensive and developmental approach to designing and implementing a school counseling program, and strives to provide the necessary self-awareness, knowledge, and skills for counseling students to become competent and capable professional school counselors.

Montana State University

P.O. Box 172220

Bozeman, MT 59717-2220

Telephone: (406) 994-6650

Fax: (406) 994-1972

Email: [email protected]

Location: 101 Montana Hall

Antoni Campeau

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Full Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2024-2025 catalog.

Derek Seward, Associate Professor, Sims Hall Suite 440, 315-443-9623, [email protected]

Program Description

The 60-credit, CACREP accredited Master of Science program in School Counseling P-12 prepares students to work with youth of all ages in urban, rural, and suburban preK-12 school settings. Students gain hands-on experiences throughout their program of study that prepare them for holistic school counseling practice. They work closely with their advisors to ensure completion of a sequenced curriculum in tandem with field experiences across grade levels.   In addition to a number of core counseling courses, students are provided with multiple school counseling specialty courses through which they acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to implement a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program, including direct and indirect services and program planning and management. Students further gain the tools necessary to be effective professional school counselors and systemic change agents, so they can help to meet the needs of all students. The program is closely aligned to national and state standards, and meets the academic requirements for initial and professional New York State Certification as a School Counselor. Graduates from our program are employed in schools as:

• School Counselors
• Directors of Guidance
• Career Center Counselors
• Admissions Counselors
• Support Service Counselors
• Alcohol-Drug Abuse Prevention Education Program (ADAPEP) Counselors
• Student Assistance Counselors
• Family Support Counselors

The School of Education’s counseling programs have been pioneers in training highly skilled practitioners and leaders in a wide range of counseling settings. The faculty is nationally recognized for their leadership and research in the profession, and all classes are taught by skilled experts and experienced clinicians. The faculty is deeply committed to the growth and development of their students.

Accreditation

Our faculty is focused on program quality which is exemplified through our commitment to accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation provides recognition of the quality and scope of training as well as assures students that the program is stable and committed to meeting professional benchmarks of quality.

In our admission process, we consider multiple facets of an applicant’s portfolio and background because we believe that successful school counselors need to be interpersonally skilled, highly self-aware, professionally mature, academically prepared for graduate work, and committed to the values and philosophies of the counseling profession and the School of Education’s counseling faculty. Therefore, academic, interpersonal, professional, leadership, and personal components are integrated in our admission decision process. Within these parameters, the faculty is committed to admitting students who represent diverse backgrounds or who have special abilities to serve a diverse population. Admission is highly competitive.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate solid academic standing and potential, typically evidenced by a GPA of 3.0 or above, and provide a strong personal statement detailing their careers goals aligning with school counseling. Three letters of recommendation, with at least two from academic references are also required. Those whose first language is not English are expected to submit TOEFL results, with a minimum score of 100 to demonstrate English proficiency.

The program admits students for the fall semester only, and reviews applications in January.  Applicants with materials reviewed favorably by department faculty are invited to proceed with an on-campus or online interview before a decision is made. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Synthesize historical and contextual dimensions of professional orientation, assessment, research, career, theory, and lifespan development
• Explain group dynamics and construct clinical interventions that foster development
• Apply ethical, empirically grounded, and culturally relevant strategies and models in counseling practice
• Develop advocacy and leadership principles and practically apply them in the context of professional school counseling
• Apply social and cultural diversity theories, models, and multicultural competencies in counseling practice and research
• Explain the history and current best practices of school counseling, as well as the roles and responsibilities of a school counselor across grade levels
• Identify and respond to characteristics, risk factors, and warning signs for students at risk for learning, mental health, behavioral disorders

Major Requirements

The Master of Science in Professional School Counseling is a 60- credit hour program. Below is the sequence of courses taken by full time students, over two years, including summers. Part time study is also possible, as long as part-time students have flexibility to be available at the course and field experience times. Programs include extensive fieldwork opportunities in which graduate students gain hands-on experience working with P-12 students in a range of educational settings.

• COU 612 - Professional Orientation & Ethical Practice 3 credit(s)
• COU 624 - Theories of Counseling 3 credit(s)
• COU 644 - Counseling Prepracticum 3 credit(s)
• COU 729 - The Counselor in the Schools 3 credit(s)
• COU 614 - Group Work in Counseling 3 credit(s)
• COU 626 - Social and Cultural Dimensions of Counseling 3 credit(s)
• COU 672 - Counseling Children and Adolescents 3 credit(s)
• COU 750 - Practicum in Counseling 3 credit(s)
• COU 651 - Crisis Counseling 3 credit(s)
• SWK 724 - Psychopathology 3 credit(s)
• COU 628 - Life-Span Human Development 3 credit(s)
• COU 642 - Career Development 3 credit(s)
• COU 646 - Assessment in Counseling 3 credit(s)
• COU 790 - Internship in Counseling 3-6 credit(s) (3 credits required)
• COU 675 - Substance Abuse Counseling 3 credit(s)
• COU 749 - Leadership and School Counseling Program Implementation 3 credit(s)
• COU 758 - Research Methods 3 credit(s)
• COU 678 - Child Centered Play Therapy 3 credit(s)
• COU 739 - School Counseling for College Access and Retention 3 credit(s)

To meet degree requirements students must also 

• complete workshops in violence prevention, child abuse and abduction, substance abuse, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), and school and fire safety
• successfully pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) 

Transfer Credit

The Graduate School at Syracuse University allows students to transfer in up to 30% of the credits required for a master’s degree from other accredited academic institutions. Only equivalent  courses taken within seven years of the expected degree date,  in which grades of “B” or better were earned can be considered for transfer. Once matriculated, decisions about transfer of specific courses, as well as decisions about whether any course may be used to waive a required course, are made by the student’s advisor in consultation with appropriate faculty. Some courses (for example, Practicum) taken elsewhere may not be used to substitute for the same course at SU.