phd in counseling education and supervision online

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Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision

Hampton University offers the accelerated 64 credit-hour Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision online, providing students from across the country flexible access to the information they need to excel within this field. The degree prepares graduates with knowledge of teaching, counseling, and supervision, with concentrations in school counseling and community mental health counseling. Whether you are in a clinical, academic, or research context let your expertise facilitate effective change within your organization. Become an advocate for counselors and clients alike – apply today.

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Course Details

• Cost Per Credit – $695
• Course Length – 16 weeks
• Degree Credits – 64
• Degree Length – 3.5 years

Financial Aid

• Available to those who qualify
• Apply for financial aid at US Office of Student Aid .
• FAFSA School Code: 003714

Admissions Requirements

• Online application for admission
• A Graduate Degree in a related field
• GRE within the last 5 years (Can be waived if you have a Master’s degree from an accredited program) [This is currently waived for all Fall 2021 Applicants]
• Writing sample (may be a published refereed journal article or a paper written during the applicant’s MA program)
• Personal statement (Indicating self-reflection and career goals; not to exceed 1,000 words)
• Licensures and credentials attained (Preferred but not required)
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• College/University transcripts that include a graduate level course in abnormal psychology and ethics from all Colleges/Universities attended
• A copy of your State or Federal ID

Please forward all physical supplemental documentation to:

Hampton U Online Attn:  HUO Graduate Admissions PO Box 6227 Hampton, Virginia 23668

Official Transcripts sent through a transcript network may be sent to [email protected] Unofficial/Opened/Scanned transcripts will not be accepted for graduate programs

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines are for each cohort. If the cohort is full, or if the cohort does not meet the minimum student requirement, you will be considered for the next cohort. 

Fall – June 15th (Starts August) Summer – April 15th (Starts end of May)

Hampton University Online is recognized as one of Virginia’s Top Affordable Online Colleges by Affordable Colleges Online .

Hampton U Online P.O. Box 6227 Hampton, VA 23668

Hampton Virginia 23668 : 757-727-5000

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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.

View all courses

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.

Enrollment counselors

These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.

Academic coaches

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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Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision

Eric Suddeath, PhD

Chair, PhD in CES; Associate Professor of Counseling

Contact Suddeath, Eric

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision Program

Denver Seminary’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision is a 4-year, relational, cohort-based, online doctoral degree program. This in-depth and integrated experience will result in CES professionals who are informed, sophisticated practitioners, ready to engage critical mental health needs. Successful completion will allow graduates the ability to teach, supervise, and counsel in ways that address the complex questions of integrating the faith they believe with the skills they perform. As a graduate, you will be recognized as a leader in counseling, counselor education, counseling supervision, and research.

Additionally, your ability to integrate Christian biblical foundations with counseling theory and practice will prepare you to engage in issues of advocacy and leadership on local, national, and international levels.

The academic program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). CACREP approval will be sought in keeping with CACREP timelines.

Careers and Vocations with PhD in CES

Counselor Educator and Researcher in a CACREP accredited MA or PhD program. This path offers opportunities to nurture the development of future counselor educators and perform research to advance the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 12% growth rate for postsecondary teachers from 2020 to 2030, and the field of counseling is one of the fastest-growing fields, so the field of counselor education may have even stronger growth.

Clinical Director in outpatient settings, hospitals, government agencies, universities, and K-12 academic settings.*

Clinical Supervisor responsible for individual and group supervision of students in counselor education programs, pre-licensed clinicians, and staff mental health providers in clinical settings. Duties beyond supervision may include reviewing progress notes, providing feedback, and directing clinical training.*

Private Practice Owner responsible for all business operations for a mental health focused practice including counseling clients, advertising, and ensuring all legal requirements are met. Some people establish a business with a master’s degree, but many hold a doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision.

*As the field of counseling grows, clinical administration will also grow, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors will grow by 23% from 2020 to 2030 and Marriage and Family Counselors will grow by 16% from 2020-2030.

Doctorate in Counselor Education FAQs 

To be considered for full admission into the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program (CES), prospective students must:

• Hold a 60-credit hour CACREP or CORE accredited master’s degree in counseling, or its equivalent. All CACREP entry-level core and specialty area requirements must be met for full admission into the PhD CES program.
• Have earned a minimum of 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on all graduate work as verified by official transcripts
• Hold, or be eligible for, a professional counseling license in their state of residence.
• Complete the degree-seeking application and participate in an admissions interview.
• Have completed a one-year clinical experience, which may have been completed before or during the master’s program.

Conditional Admission Applicant If your master’s degree was not from a CACREP accredited program, and/or you are missing required prerequisite coursework, you may be conditionally admitted to the PhD CES program with the requirement of completing coursework in the identified areas.

The current cost of the program is $870.00 per credit hour and the program is 66 credit hours. There is a $500 Education Services fee in the fall and spring semesters.

Possible funding opportunities exist that can reduce the total cost of the program significantly, including graduate assistantships, teaching assistant positions, and a Ministry Residency Program. These funding opportunities go beyond student loans and help to keep our program affordable.

We understand that there are many steps along the way to transforming your career and meeting the present needs of the world. In continued commitment to our mission to attract and retain exceptional students, the Counseling Division and Denver Seminary are invested in helping put your PhD within reach. Funding is available in a variety of formats as well as recommendations for pursuing support external to Denver Seminary.

Learn more about our PhD Funding Sources . For additional information on Financial Aid, reach out to your Admissions Counselor.

The program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). CACREP approval will be sought in keeping with CACREP timelines.

Program Length

Denver Seminary’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is an online, four-year, full-time, fixed 66 credit hour program. The course sequence is a pre-planned, mandatory progression for PhD CES students, and includes three required residencies. As a full-time course of study, in which students take 6 credits each term, the program should be able to be completed in 3½ to 4 years and must be completed within seven (7) years. The first three years of the program consist of core coursework, including a clinical practicum, and three full terms of internship (600 hours). Online courses are taught using both synchronous and asynchronous elements. Following a passing score on the comprehensive exam, students spend the remainder of the time in the program working toward the completion of their dissertation project.

Coursework  The PhD CES Program courses are designed for the working professional with two weekly evening online videoconferencing sessions that are live and synchronous. In addition, there are 2-hours of asynchronous learning activities weekly, along with regular reading and writing assignments.

Practicum and Internship

All PhD CES students complete one clinical practicum and a minimum of three internships, Instruction Internship, Supervision Internship and one other (Clinical, Research, or Leadership). If a student is not licensed by the time they begin Advanced Practicum, they must also take Clinical Internship. With approval from their Doctoral Advisor, students may engage additional internships using their elective credits.

Dissertation Process 

The dissertation process begins in the third year of the program. Throughout the program you will work with your dissertation committee, a team that committed to ensuring you are ready for this final phase and that will walk with you throughout the complete dissertation process.

Year 3   Spring Semester Enroll in and complete CO 3211, develop dissertation proposal, finalize dissertation committee.

Year 3 Summer Semester Pass Comprehensive Exams both written and oral, defend dissertation proposal, submit IRB proposal.

Year 4 Fall Semester

Enroll in CO 4100: Dissertation I, collect data and conduct research, begin writing dissertation.

Year 4 Spring Semester

Enroll in CO 4200: Dissertation Defense, write final chapters, defend dissertation, and  submit copies and final paperwork for graduation.

This process is one to be respected and engaged purposefully, as you are creating the launching pad for your future career and life as a professional counselor educator. Regardless, completion of your dissertation takes time, consideration, and commitment. This season will be one of intensity that requires focus and determination, along with a good team to cheer you on. Your dissertation committee is part of that team and will be eager to help you succeed and finish this significant work.

A cohort is a group of students who take all their classes together and often graduate together, depending on dissertation timeline. The cohort model is designed to give our PhD students closer connection to their classmates and professors, increasing learning and student success.

Values and Distinctions

Student Focused Faculty and staff are available to answer your questions throughout your PhD experience, from initial discussions through graduation. You can set up a 1:1 meeting to learn more about the program and our commitment to your success. We are dedicated to helping you reach your goals.

Generous Funding Opportunities We offer graduate assistantships, teaching assistant positions, and a Ministry Residency Program. These funding opportunities go beyond student loans and help to keep our program affordable.

Whole-life growth and wellness through our personal formation program. We help students bring together a network of guides and mentors to support their development, first as a PhD student, and ultimately as a leader in counselor education and supervision.

Committed to Diversity We are committed to bringing a diverse group of students together with a variety of professional goals and aspirations. Our curriculum will challenge students to expand their skills in teaching, research, leadership, and clinical supervision. Our current students have backgrounds in higher education, private practice, nonprofits, and faith-based institutions.

Outstanding Reputation Our Counseling Program has a solid reputation for preparing mental health professionals with an understanding of faith integration in the practice of counseling. PhD students will benefit from our record of excellence and our team of esteemed faculty.

Scholarship funding is available for students. Learn more about PhD funding opportunities .

Quick Facts

66  credit hours

Available primarily online in a cohort format

Travel to our main campus once each year

Complete in  4 years (full-time study)

Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools

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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

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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

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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.

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

Duquesne University  

This CACREP accredited, the Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision program prepares graduates to acquire faculty positions and assume leadership positions in mental health and school settings. Students receive intense training in counseling, teaching, supervision, research, and advocacy. Classes are held during weeknights and some weekends. The coursework is completed within two-and-half-years.

Strengths of the 60-credit Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision program include:

CACREP Accredidation: The Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision program accredited by the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which means that the program has a nationally recognized and rigorous curriculum. Programs that receive CACREP accreditation have demonstrated a commitment to high admissions, academic and fieldwork standards and current best practices in counselor preparation and program improvement. Counselor preparation programs that are accredited by CACREP must hire faculty who have earned a doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision, preferably from a CACREP-accredited program. This has increased the marketability of graduates of CACREP accredited doctoral programs. Counseling psychology or clinical psychology graduates are generally not eligible for counselor education faculty positions

Graduate Assistantship (GA) Positions: Some full- and part-time graduate assistant positions are available

Success of Graduates: Graduates have been very successful in obtaining faculty and leadership positions in the region and nationally

Executive Model: Courses are held during weeknights and Saturdays, which permits for employment, and many of the students maintain full-time employment

Time to Degree: The coursework is completed within two-and-a-half (2.5) years. Some students have earned their degree within three years. The curriculum involves 9 credits during the fall and spring semesters and 6 credits during the summer semesters

Faculty: The faculty members have considerable professional experience and are active within the profession as scholars, supervisors, counselors, and consultants. The faculty members have extensive relationships with the community agencies, universities, and schools in the Pittsburgh area

Focus: Students receive extensive training in counseling, supervision, teaching and research

Research Orientation: The Program emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative research

University’s Reputation: Duquesne University has a national and growing reputation. Duquesne is ranked as a Top tier university (US News & World Report, 2018)

Campus/City: Duquesne University is situated in the heart of Pittsburgh, a vibrant and safe city that has been recognized world-wide for its livability, welcoming atmosphere and professional opportunity. In 2014, The Economist again named Pittsburgh the most livable city in the contiguous United States, and The Travel Channel has called Pittsburgh “… bubbling over with young people helping to redefine the city.”

Institution Location

600 Forbes Avenue 109 Canevin Hall Pittsburgh PA, US 15282 View on Google Maps

Counselor Education and Supervision

Program Degree

Program contact, program website.

https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/education/programs-and-degrees/graduate-programs/phd-counseling/index.php#:~:text=Our%20CACREP%2Daccredited%20Ph.,supervision%2C%20research%2C%20and%20advocacy.

Accredited Under Standards

• Graduates of this program are considered CACREP graduates beginning October 1, 1996
• Accreditation Start Date: January 4, 1998
• Accreditation Expiration: March 31, 2025
• Accreditation Status: Accredited

Program Outcomes Report

https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/education/programs-and-degrees/graduate-programs/phd-counseling/index.php

Status Information

The  program was found to meet all standards in a satisfactory manner.

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Doctor of Philosophy

PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision (Low-Residency)

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

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PhD CES-Student Handbook

Sample Syllabi

Counselor Education Degrees

The low residency PhD program in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) is a 72-credit doctoral degree program designed for counselors who wish to enhance their professional competencies in research and evaluation, supervision, teaching, leadership/advocacy, and counseling. As a low residency program, this PhD is primarily composed of online coursework with two four-day residencies. Now accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling Related Education Programs (CACREP), this degree is designed to prepare doctoral students for advanced competency in, a) graduate-level teaching and counselor training, b) research and contributing new knowledge to the field, c) counseling supervision, d) leadership and advocacy, and e) multicultural sensitive counseling practice. This degree is offered by AU Seattle.

Degree Program Overview

The goal of the program is to expand student abilities in adult learning pedagogy specific to counselor training and supervision while developing critical thinking skills toward a focused research agenda. With a greater emphasis on multicultural counseling competence, the program will also equip students with the leadership and consultation skills needed to address community and institutional inequities and racism consistent with a social justice counseling orientation. These goals are accomplished through a combination of required coursework, practical experience, and a supervised internship. Developed with the working professional in mind, the PhD in CES is a unique low-residence, three-year, and year-round cohort model. In addition to the online coursework, students will attend two four-day residencies (winter and summer quarters) per academic year, in Seattle (Summer) and Santa Barbara (Winter). The residential experiences will provide opportunities for intensified face-to-face training and supervision, community enrichment, and a seminar format for rich discourse and meaning-making. This collective experience is consistent with an infused emphasis on multicultural discourse, resilience, civil enrichment, and social justice. As such, active learning through service delivery and research is emphasized as well as an integration of the following curricular themes:

• A counselor education curriculum that exceeds national and state standards by requiring core coursework in advanced clinical practices, supervision, trauma, and crisis response, ethical and legal issues, advocacy and social justice, and counselor education specific to counselor training, program development, assessment, and outcome evaluation.
• A multicultural emphasis on leadership and supervision encouraging a multicultural counselor identity that seeks an appreciation of diversity and human growth in context to social dynamics while also advocating for community justice, equity, and civil discourse. This is concurrent with an emphasis on systemic leadership, and supervisory skills needed to assist with organizational change and transformation.
• A research model that emphasizes not only the rigor of quantitative and qualitative methodologies consistent with doctoral-level inquiry but also program evaluation procedures and outcome-driven decision-making related to “best practices”.
• A competency-based program where adult learners are invited into collaborative learning experiences and placed into their roles as professional counselors, counselor educators, supervisors, and systemic leaders early and frequently focused on reflective practice, experiential learning, and shared inquiry.
• A cognate area of Multicultural Discourse, Resilience, and Civil Enrichment focused on the skills and knowledge competencies needed for bringing diverse individuals and groups together in ways of knowing, understanding, and enriching the communities in which they live.
• A low residence and cohort model tailored to the working professional seeking to expand their scope of practice while maintaining residence in their home state. In addition to the online coursework, students will attend two four-day residencies, either in Seattle or in additional locations that may be named later. The CES faculty will also assist students in completing their required fieldwork in their home state.
• Professional Mentoring to assist students toward the role induction of counselor educators and supervisors by partnering with experienced faculty throughout their tenure in the program.

Doctorate Degree in Counseling Requirements

Program Length: Students with a master’s degree in counseling from a Council of Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program (or equivalent) may be able to transfer up to 72 quarter credits towards this 144-credit doctorate program in Counselor Education and Supervision. Requirements: The rigorous academic PhD curriculum is designed based on the national standards for counseling education as recommended by the Council of Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), as well as those standards consistent in the clinical practice and supervision of creative arts counseling (e.g. art therapy, drama therapy, play therapy, etc.).

• COUN 7200: Advanced Clinical Theory
• COUN 7610: Professional Identity, Leadership, Liberation & Multicultural Discourse
• COUN 7340: Global Mental Health Issues & Professional Sustainability
• COUN 7100: Research in Counselor Education
• COUN 7120: Research Methodology: Quantitative
• COUN 7400: Multicultural Supervision
• COUN 7140: Research Methodology: Qualitative
• COUN 7300: Instructional Design & Adult Learning
• COUN 7980/7981: Practicum/Case Consult
• COUN 8000/8010: Internship/CES Supervision

Second Year

• COUN 7440: Advanced Legal & Ethical Issues
• COUN 7620: Civil Enrichment, Public Policy, and Resilient Narratives
• COUN 7420: Advanced Counseling Supervision
• COUN 7520: Consultation & Organizational Change
• COUN 7210: Advanced Group Counseling
• COUN 7220: Advanced Trauma Counseling & Crisis Response
• COUN 7320: Counselor Education & Clinical Training
• COUN 7180: Program Development and Evaluation
• COUN 8000/8010: Internship
• COUN 7500: Advocacy, Social Justice
• COUN 8000/8001: Internship
• COUN 8950: Advanced Professional Seminar & Inquiry
• COUN 8100: Dissertation

For detailed curriculum, degree requirements, and course descriptions, please visit the Antioch University catalog.

CES Research

Career Outlook

The PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Antioch University Seattle the most comprehensive degree of its kind in the state of Washington. This program provides professional counselors with the degree, knowledge, and credentials to become counseling educators and leaders in the field of mental health. It is designed to prepare counselors for advanced competency in:

• Graduate-level teaching and counselor training
• Research and contributing new knowledge to the field of counseling and mental health
• Counseling supervision
• Counseling Leadership
• Professional Counseling
• Learning Outcomes
• Diversity and change
• Counselor Education
• Counseling Supervision
• Advanced Counseling Practice
• Counseling and Mental Health Research
• Leadership and Advocacy of Counseling and Mental Health
• Creative Arts Therapy

Take  your  next step – talk to our admissions team.

Colin Ward, PhD, LMHC

Chair and Core Faculty

Katherine Fort, PhD

Associate Chair

View Our Faculty

Admissions / Cost / Aid

How to apply.

• Complete the online admissions application
• Applicants must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field that includes the competency areas required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Those areas not covered in the student’s master’s program or through continuing education must be addressed with their doctoral plan of study. Submit official transcripts from ALL colleges/universities you have attended to the Admissions Office. Transcript evaluations are required for all coursework completed outside of the U.S. or Canada (except Quebec). See the Transcript Evaluation section on International Students webpage for details.
• Two letters of recommendation: one from a professional who supervised you in a clinical or academic setting; one from an academic instructor who can best assess your capabilities and readiness to enter a counseling doctoral program. Recommendations from friends or relatives are not acceptable.
• Current resume/CV detailing educational, work, and volunteer experience as well as relevant skills. Include documentation of professional affiliations, publications, and licensure.
• Prerequisite course, Introduction to Statistics (or other statistics course) completed within 10 years with a minimum grade of B.
• Admission Essay. Submit a typewritten, double-spaced, one- to two-page response for each question and clearly number your response for each question: 1. Why are you interested in pursuing a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision? 2. In what ways has your academic and practical experience prepared you for becoming a counselor educator and supervisor? What do you see as your potential strengths and areas of growth? 3. Why do you wish to attend Antioch for your doctoral study? What will be your areas of greatest challenge in undertaking doctoral study at this time? What forms of support will you use to meet those challenges?
• International Students have additional admission requirements. See the International Students page for details.
• Select applicants may be invited to participate in an interview with faculty.

Requirements

Applicants are assessed for judgment, potential, cultural sensitivity, and openness, not achievement alone. Admitted students enter an educational environment that emphasizes rigor, nurtures a desire to learn, and fosters collaborative relationships between faculty and students. To enter the program, applicants must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field that includes the competency areas required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Those areas not covered in the student’s master’s program or through continuing education must be addressed with their doctoral plan of study. Furthermore, Doctoral candidates are also expected:

• To be license eligible as a counselor (LMHC)
• To have achieved a master’s level of competency in counseling or other mental health fields of practice (e.g., couples and family therapy, clinical social work, or creative arts therapies)
• To have the potential to write at a scholarly level
• To enter the program with competency in the use of technology.

Finally, applicants to the program must demonstrate a commitment to and capacity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and adhere to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics.

Application Deadline

Scholarships and fellowships.

CES Fellowships: These positions are available to second-year PhD students in the CES program. There are two fellowships available (Research and Social Justice) and are one-year appointments.

Financial Aid is also available to most students. LEARN MORE

Start your application

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• Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 112 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.

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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Counselor Education and Supervision Doctorate (Ph.D.)

Kansas State University has offered CACREP-accredited counseling programs since 1999. As our programs transition from in-person modalities to 100% digitally delivered, our programs will undergo review for CACREP standards compliance. The content of the Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision program is fully compliant with CACREP standards, and the online modality will be reviewed for accreditation consideration in 2024.

The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision prepares graduates for professional leadership roles in counselor education, supervision, advanced counseling practice, and research. The doctoral program is designed for those who aspire to careers in counselor education at colleges and universities; teaching, counseling, and supervision at community colleges; director of counseling programs in P-12 programs; consultation to community agencies, business/industry, and/or state departments; counseling and supervisory positions in student development; and/or, mental health private practice counseling. Graduates will complete the program with the coursework to apply for a mental health counseling license.

The program requires a minimum of 96 hours post baccalaureate and includes coursework in counseling, supervision, teaching, leadership, and research, culminating in a dissertation that is a unique contribution to the field. Students develop an area of focus of 6 hours of courses outside of the department planned with concurrence of the committee. The program includes a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation research.

Program Fast Facts (PDF)

See the Cashiers and Student Accounts website for tuition and fee schedules .

Admission Requirements

Admission to graduate study is granted by the Dean of the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the faculty in the graduate program. Applicants seeking admission to this degree program must submit the information noted below. Before starting the online application, gather all information and documents for all of the admission requirements so that they can be uploaded into the application system. All materials must be received before review will begin.

• Completed Online Graduate School Application . (Follow the prompts for completing the application process.)
• April 1 for fall enrollment
• November 1 for spring enrollment
• August 1 for spring (January) enrollment
• Domestic Students: A $65 application fee is required for all domestic students; the application will not be processed without this fee. The fee can be paid by credit card when completing the online application.
• International Students: A $75 application fee is required; the application will not be processed without this fee. The fee can be paid by credit card when completing the online application.
• You must upload into the online application system a scanned copy (PDF preferred) of the official transcript(s) from each college or university where you received your bachelor's degree(s) and completed any post baccalaureate course work or degrees. Transcripts become part of your records at Kansas State University and cannot be returned. Please be aware that printouts from university student portals are not considered a copy of your official transcript.
• If you are admitted, you will be required to submit an official transcript for GPA and degree conferral verification from the institution(s) where you received your degree(s) and completed any post-baccalaureate credits.
• Students whose transcripts are not in English must furnish a translation by an appropriate authority. Failure to list any colleges or universities attended may result in dismissal from the university.
• Career and professional goals and aspirations, and how being accepted to the program will benefit the goals and aspirations;
• Evidence of commitment to the counseling profession;
• Competencies and experiences related to the program (e.g., counseling skills and experience, interpersonal skills, teaching skills, program development experience);
• Evidence of motivation, leadership, and strong work ethic;
• Knowledge, competencies, and experience related to research;
• Research interests;
• Evidence of experience with diversity and, if applicable, fluency in languages other than English; and
• Professional experiences that support application.
• The paper is to be well written and thoughtfully presented. For resources to help writing the paper, see the Purdue Writing Lab (OWL) . An additional writing sample(s) that is independently authored may be submitted as part of the application process (e.g., graduate course paper, thesis, published article).

An important aspect of doctoral work is to advance and apply scholarship on educational issues within the context of the academic program. For the purpose of this application, please consider a complex issue related to counselor education and supervision that you find important and compelling, and develop a scholarly essay (approximately 5-8 pages) which includes:

• an overview of the issue you’ve chosen to explore (e.g., research, practice, ethical, cultural considerations),
• a presentation of the current state of knowledge in the literature related to the issue (citing sources as appropriate), and,
• conclude with a possible interpretation of the critical issue from at least two different perspectives, including a first stab at the potential for future research on the topic. How could you further study this issue?
• The essay should be uploaded as a MS Word document or PDF file, double-spaced, formatted in APA (7th ed.) style, and include a minimum of 5 scholarly (peer-reviewed) sources. The essay will be assessed according to the following elements: overview of the issue, incorporation of existing literature, interpretation of the critical issue, articulation of future research ideas, and overall coherence and readability.
• Three letters of recommendation are needed from college or university educators and/or colleagues or supervisors who are qualified to address your professional skills and your potential for success in the graduate program. Enter the names and email addresses of the recommenders into the appropriate area in the online application.
• You must upload into the online application system a professional resume/vitae that includes previous academic degrees, past and present employment, professional activities and roles, and other pertinent information.
• An interview with faculty members in this program may be requested before an admission decision is made (e.g., phone, video conference, on campus).
• To demonstrate competence in the English language, an official report of scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System – academic exam (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE) must be sent to Kansas State University for all applicants whose primary language is not English. Enter your scores in the online application and upload the report of your scores.
• Learn more about English proficiency requirements

International applicants must meet the same academic standards for admission as those required of domestic students. When applying for admission, international applicants must provide an Affidavit of Financial Support and documentation of English language proficiency . Detailed information about these issues is provided at the Graduate School's International Students web page.

* Course is synchronous

Professional courses (24 credit hours)

• EDCEP 821 - Fundamentals of Program Evaluation (3)
• EDCEP 953 – Multicultural and Social Justice Issues in Counselor Education (3)
• EDCEP 955 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling (3)*
• EDCEP 957 – Teaching and Learning in Counselor Education (3)
• EDCEP 958 - Advanced Group Counseling (3)*
• EDCEP 962 – Leadership & Advocacy in Counselor Education & Supervision (3)
• EDCEP 967 - Appraisal and Psychopathology (3)
• EDCEP 985 - Advanced Counseling Theory (3)

Cognate area (6 credit hours)

Students will develop an area of focus of courses outside of the department planned with concurrence of the committee.

Research Courses (12 credit hours)

• EDLEA 838 - Qualitative Research in Education (3)
• EDLEA 938 - Advanced Data Analysis in Qualitative Methods (3)
• EDCEP 817 - Statistical Methods in Education (3)
• EDCEP 917 - Experimental Design in Educational Research (3)

Practicum/Internship (12 credit hours)

• EDCEP 977 - Advanced Counseling Practicum (3)*
• EDCEP 987 - Counseling Supervision Practicum (3)*
• EDCEP 991 - Internship in Counseling and Educational Psychology (6)*

Research (12-15 credit hours)

• EDCEP 999 - Doctoral Research (12-15)

During the coursework phase of the program, all doctoral students are required to attend one on-site residency experience in Manhattan, Kansas. Such residency opportunities will be offered annually in early August starting in 2025 and will be scheduled as a Friday evening through Sunday morning experience.

Student Learning Outcomes

Please see the Assessment Alignment Matrix (PDF)

SLOs Aligned with 2016 CACREP Standards Program Outcomes

• Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skill in scholarly examination of theories relevant to counseling, ethically integrate evidence-based theories to counseling practices recognizing culturally relevant needs in multiple settings, and evaluate effectiveness of methods.
• Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skill in legal, ethical, culturally relevant, and theory-based supervisory instruction implementing technology as appropriate and grounded in relationships that promote the development of skills in evaluation, remediation, and gatekeeping.
• Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skill in accreditation standards and processes, ethical online and on-campus curriculum design, assessment, and evaluation methods relevant to counselor education.
• Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skill of the roles and responsibilities and ethical and culturally relevant pedagogy and teaching methods for adult development and learning in counselor education.
• Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skill in ethical and culturally relevant processes and strategies for designing and conducting research and scholarship inclusive of program evaluation; qualitative and quantitative, univariate, multivariate, and emergent designs, methods, and analysis, research questions for professional writing for journals, grants, and conference proposals.
• Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skill in theory-based ethical leadership and advocacy in professional organizations and on behalf of the profession and professional identity; response to crisis and disasters; practices related to multicultural and social justice issues; and engagement and consultation with local, state, national, community policymakers.
• Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and application of professional dispositions including professional behaviors; adherence to site, course, and program tasks and policies; multicultural competence in counseling; flexibility and adaptability; openness to feedback and change; congruence and genuineness; integrity; emotional stability and self-control; and initiative.

Course Syllabi

• EDCEP 810: Mental Health in Schools
• EDCEP 815: Using Tests in Counseling
• EDCEP 816: Section A: Research Methods in Education
• EDCEP 817: Section ZA: Statistical Methods in Education
• EDCEP 822: Counseling Adolescents
• EDCEP 823: Counseling Theories
• EDCEP 824: Lifespan for School Counselors
• EDCEP 832: Counseling Techniques
• EDLEA 838: Qualitative Research in Education
• EDCEP 852: Career Development
• EDCEP 855: Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
• EDCEP 856: Counseling Children
• EDCEP 857: Program Management
• EDCEP 858: Group Processes
• EDCEP 860: Trauma & Crisis Counseling
• EDCEP 867: Counseling Mental Health Disorders
• EDCEP 871: Leadership, Advocacy, and Consultation for Counselors
• EDCEP 877: Practicum
• EDCEP 887: School Counseling Intership
• EDLEA 938: Advanced Data Analysis in Qualitative Methods
• EDCEP 951: Multicultural Counseling
• EDCEP 953: Multicultural & Social Justice Issues in Counselor Education
• EDCEP 958: Advanced Group Counseling
• EDCEP 962: Leadership & Advocacy in Counselor Education & Supervision
• EDCEP 967: Appraisal & Psychopathology
• EDCEP 977: Advanced Counseling Practicum
• EDCEP 985 ZA: Advanced Counseling Theory
• EDCEP 987 ZB: A dvanced Counseling Supervision Practicum
• EDCEP 991: Advanced Counseling Internship

Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision Program Objectives

• PO-CES1 - Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in counseling theories and evidence-based counseling practices (CACREP Standards VI.B.1)
• PO-CES2 - Provide high-quality clinical supervision of counselors in a variety of settings (CACREP Standards VI.B.2)
• PO-CES3 - Educate, evaluate, and mentor students in counselor education programs (CACREP Standards VI.B.3)
• PO-CES4 - Engage in scholarly research and professional writing for publication in counseling journals (CACREP Standards VI.B.4)
• PO-CES5 - Assume leadership roles in counselor education programs, professional associations, and counseling organizations (CACREP Standards VI.B.5)

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Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision

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Online Program Requirements

The School of Behavioral Sciences offers an  online  Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision . This is an online program with residential  intensive courses . Each will require you to come to campus for a week of instruction.

Additionally, you will complete a three-credit-hour practicum and a nine-credit-hour internship. Both may be completed wherever you are. Your proposal for your dissertation may also be completed elsewhere, however, you will need to come to Liberty to defend your dissertation.

• Go to the online  Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision  degree page
• Get more information about this program

Degree Completion Plan

• Counselor Education & Supervision (Ph.D.) DCP

The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is CACREP accredited. The  Council for Accreditation of Counseling Related and Educational Programs (CACREP)  is an independent accreditation agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The vision of CACREP is to provide leadership and to promote excellence in professional preparation through the accreditation of counseling and related educational programs. CACREP is committed to the development of standards and procedures that reflect the needs of a dynamic, diverse, and complex society.

Counselor Education & Supervision Handbook

• Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision Handbook (pdf)

The policies and procedures found in this 2023-2024 Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision (CES) Handbook supersede all policies and procedures found in previous Ph.D. Counseling Handbooks and apply to all present Ph.D. students on all degree completion plans.

Student Documents

• Liability Insurance Information (pdf)
• Background Check (pdf)
• School of Behavioral Sciences Catalog with Course Descriptions

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Interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision?

There is a shortage of those trained as counselor educators, a vital component of growing the mental health workforce in professional counseling. The need is clear.

• Multiple reports consistently rank Nevada 51st for youth mental health access. 
• Before the pandemic, only 40 percent of Nevada’s youth in need of mental health services received the help they needed. 
• According to the Office of Suicide Prevention, suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth 8-17 years of age in 2020.
• With just over 1,000 school counselors in Nevada, the American School Counselor Association estimates a student-to-counselor ratio of 449:1 (their recommendation is 250:1).

This is why UNLV’s Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services is working on plans for a new doctoral program in counselor education and supervision beginning in Fall 2024. The proposed program aspires to:

• Inform the counseling discipline through grant-funded research, especially in key shortage areas (e.g., addictions, school counseling), to expand our understanding and develop best practices in mental health
• Respond to the shortage of available counselor education and supervision doctoral programs, especially in the western region
• Address the shortage of mental health professionals in Nevada, including advanced professionals serving in administrative and leadership positions in schools, as well as mental health and other public health settings

Career Possibilities

If approved, graduates of this doctoral program will be prepared to work as counselor educators, supervisors, researchers, and practitioners in academic and clinical settings. 

Program Structure

Students can enroll as part-time or full-time students. Full-time students may complete the program in three years, and part-time students will have a five-year program option. Only-full-time students are eligible for funding. 

Admissions Requirements

If approved, interested applicants must have earned (or will have earned by the time they enroll) a master’s degree from an accredited institution in counselor education, psychology, or other mental health-related field. Preference will be given to those who have graduated from a CACREP-accredited master’s program.

Financial Support

If approved, the program is prepared to offer seven graduate assistantships to admitted students. Graduate assistantships are 20 hours per week and include up to nine credits of in-state tuition per semester (and an out-of-state tuition waiver for the duration of the assistantship), and a $21,500 yearly stipend. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Assistant Handbook . 

Please add your information to our contact form . The department’s graduate coordinator, Heather Dahl-Jacinto , will be in touch to share the latest information and, if the program is approved, application instructions. 

Please note: This is a new program for the 2024–2025 academic year. Prospective students should apply for this program by July 1, 2024 for the fall 2024 semester . Most graduate classes for new programs will begin on August 14. See  umgc.edu/calendar  for more information.

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Online Master's Degree: Clinical Professional Counseling

Clinical professional counseling, degree at a glance.

• Transfer up to 12 credits
• All courses available online
• Program-specific admission requirements
• Available to MD residents
• Limited spaces for fall 2024

TUITION RATES

• $534 per credit (in-state)
• $659 per credit (out-of-state)
• $336 per credit (military)
• Other fees may apply

Earn a Master of Science in Clinical Professional Counseling at University of Maryland Global Campus and build the skills, knowledge, and expertise to help you become a trained professional in an important field. Benefit from a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum designed to help you access career-focused information in a  convenient online program . Learn from expert faculty members who blend practical experience with theory and techniques to help you develop a solid foundation in mental health and wellness. Become a professional mental health counselor who can help serve this critical field. Apply to UMGC today!

Please note:  You must satisfy all  program-specific admission requirements  before enrolling in this degree program.

Build a Solid Foundation for a Career in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

At its core, this online master's degree program emphasizes UMGC’s goal of helping students develop an understanding of ethics and civic awareness alongside personal, theoretical, and professional competencies; job-seeking skills; and capacity for lifelong learning. As you progress through the online program curriculum, you will take increasingly specialized coursework in crucial clinical mental health counseling-related subject areas. 

In this program, you’ll benefit from a curriculum that begins with a self-paced onboarding course and continues to help you build career-focused skills in the following course groupings: 

• Foundational courses in professional orientation, applied counseling theory and techniques, human development, and multicultural/diversity knowledge and awareness. 
• Core courses in advanced theory, application, and techniques that incorporate psychopathology and diagnosis, group counseling, and research methods and program evaluation. 
• Specialized courses to help you build advanced knowledge and practical applied skill-development in clinical mental health counseling specialties, including substance use and dependency; career development; behavioral disorders; and marriage, couples, and family.

See Courses & Program Info

View a complete list of program courses; eligibility requirements; field experience details; NCE, LGPC, and LCPC information; and more.

Fulfill Program Admission Requirements

Review the program-specific admission requirements carefully, as you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements and submit documentation to be considered for admission to the program.

Program Admission Requirements

For fall 2024, this program is only available to Maryland residents .

You will need to meet the following requirements in order to be considered for admission to this program.

• Apply by July 1, 2024 for the fall 2024 semester.
• Meet UMGC’s graduate admission requirements .
• Hold an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
• Submit official transcripts from previous colleges or universities.
• Two recommendation letters: These should ideally be from previous professors or someone who can comment on your academic ability and/or potential for success as a professional counselor.
• Essay/statement of purpose: Describe your relevant professional experience and education, your interests, and your goals in pursuing this counseling degree. The essay should be a maximum of two typed pages, single-spaced.
• Resume or CV: Please attach this to your essay/statement of purpose.
• Signed attestation: Signed attestation of Maryland residence and intent to seek licensure and employment in the State of Maryland. You are expected to remain a Maryland resident throughout the duration of the program.

You will receive specific formatting guidance and submission instructions when you apply to the program.

As you advance through this counseling program curriculum, you’ll need to meet additional requirements before beginning the first supervised fieldwork in the practicum course. Within the first 120 days of program enrollment, you will need to complete a criminal background check . Submission of these required materials will be part of the practicum site approval process.

Experience Recommended for Success

While this is not required, previous work or volunteer experience in health or human services, social work, counseling programs, or a related educational program may help you 

• Understand and apply concepts you’ll encounter throughout the counseling degree curriculum.
• Gain exposure to a variety of professions in the clinical mental health counseling field.
• Build your interpersonal skills.
• Develop an understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and communities.

View Clinical Professional Counseling Courses

This program requires a total of 60 credits.  You'll begin by taking an Onboarding Program Orientation before starting your coursework.

• Required foundation courses: 12 credits 
• Required core courses: 39 credits 
• Elective courses: 9 credits 

Foundation Courses 

• Professional Orientation in Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 604) 
• Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practices in Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 606) 
• Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 611) 
• Lifespan and Development: Perspectives and Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 612) 

Core Courses 

• Research Design and Program Evaluation in Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 614) 
• Applied Theories of Counseling  (3 Credits, CNSL 621) 
• Counseling Techniques: The Helping Relationship  (3 Credits, CNSL 622) 
• Psychopathology and Diagnosis (3 Credits, CNSL 624) 
• Group Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 626) 
• Advanced Techniques of Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 627) 
• Assessment and Appraisal in Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 628) 
• Foundations of Substance Use and Addictions Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 631) 
• Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 632) 
• Career Development and Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 633) 
• Practicum (3 Credits, CNSL 690) 
• Internship 1: Professional Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 691) 
• Internship 2: Professional Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 692)

Elective Courses

You’ll need to take three elective courses (for a total of 9 credits) from our approved list in the "Select Clinical Professional Counseling Electives” section.

Select Clinical Professional Counseling Electives

This program requires a total of 9 elective credits . To fulfill this requirement, take three courses from the following approved list:

• Introduction to School Counseling  (3 Credits, CNSL 634) 
• Introduction to Psychopharmacology (3 Credits, CNSL 641) 
• Substance Use and Dependency Treatment Delivery (3 Credits, CNSL 643) 
• Co-Occurring Disorders (3 Credits, CNSL 644) 
• Special Topics in Addiction Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 648) 
• Relationships Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 651) 
• Sexual Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy (3 Credits, CNSL 653) 
• Counseling Children and Adolescents (3 Credits, CNSL 661) 
• Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3 Credits, CNSL 663) 
• Expressive and Creative Arts in Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 668) 
• Military Culture (3 Credits, CNSL 671) 
• Counseling Military Families (3 Credits, CNSL 673) 
• Trauma, Crisis, and Disaster Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 678) 
• Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health, Behavioral Health, Aging and Disability (3 Credits, CNSL 681) 
• Counseling the Older Adult (3 Credits, CNSL 683) 
• Biopsychosocial Approach to Sexuality Across the Lifespan (3 Credits, CNSL 685) 
• Diversity and Sexuality: Sociocultural, Medical, Technological, and Ethical Influences (3 Credits, CNSL 687) 
• Sex Therapy in Action: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Psychosexual Issues and Dysfunction (3 Credits, CNSL 688) 
• Seminar: Special Topics in Counseling (3 Credits, CNSL 689) 
• Internship 1: Substance Use and Addictions (3 Credits, CNSL 693) 
• Internship 2: Substance Use and Addictions (3 Credits, CNSL 694) 
• Internship Bridge (3 Credits, CNSL 696) 

Explore the Supervised Clinical Field Experience

The clinical professional counseling program requires 100 hours of supervised clinical field experiences embodied in practicum and 300 hours in each of two internships. These experiences are devoted to practicing specific clinical skills, including interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and consultation in clinics, agencies, and other organizations that provide clinical mental health counseling services.

You will pursue site experiences that can provide the types of activities, numbers of clients, and supervision needed to meet counseling degree fieldwork requirements, as well as any specific fieldwork requirements of your state licensure board. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the licensure and supervised fieldwork requirements for your state.

See Overall Master’s & Course Sequencing Requirements

Course progression & prerequisites .

You may take courses in any order, provided that you meet the prerequisites and corequisites supporting appropriate course sequencing. You can find this information in the individual course descriptions. 

General Master's Degree Requirements

• You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times.
• All degree requirements must be fulfilled within five consecutive years.
• Any transfer credits must have been earned within the above five-year time frame to be applied toward a graduate degree.
• Please review the  overall master’s degree requirements  for additional considerations.

Prepare for the NCE Exam & LGPC Requirements

This program is structured to prepare you for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) , administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. This exam is used by the state of Maryland and other states as a requirement for licensure as a professional mental health counselor. Each state also sets additional requirements related to post-degree supervised counseling experience as part of the licensing process.

The program is designed to prepare Maryland residents to meet the state’s requirements to become a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) . If you are a Maryland resident, you may apply to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) once you have completed 2,000 clinic hours post-graduation.

Read Important Information on Accreditation Standards

All aspects of the courses and practicum have been designed to align with Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) 2024 accreditation standards. However, at the present time the CPC program is not eligible for accreditation. The program will seek accreditation from MPCAC once MPCAC's standard of a minimum of four graduates within the prior two years has been achieved. In addition, this program has been carefully designed to meet the requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Maryland, but students are encouraged to contact the MD Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists directly to determine if other requirements are necessary. Maryland does not require accreditation by MPCAC or CACREP to be eligible for licensure.

Review Course Catalog

This information is for students who enroll in the 2024–2025 academic year. As this is the first year this program is offered, there will be no differing UMGC program requirements for previous years. To review information about other programs, visit our program catalog archive .

Gain Guided Experience in Mental Health & Counseling Services

This program is designed to help learners like you become clinical professional counselors equipped with therapeutic, progressive diagnostic, and consultative skills. We aim to promote personal and professional growth through coursework and supervised field experiences, enhancing your ability to deliver client-centered, culturally responsive, and ethically competent mental health counseling services.

Our program focuses on helping students achieve the following: 

Lead with Knowledge, Ethics, & Empathy

This online master's degree program is designed to help you prepare for mental health counseling-related employment as a licensed practitioner. Graduates may be prepared to work in various settings, including mental health centers, drug and alcohol treatment programs, correctional institutions, healthcare settings, social service agencies, private practice, and business and industry.

Practice Real-World Skills in Your Coursework

Throughout the online master's degree program, your instructors will assign coursework that will help you prioritize real-world skills and hands-on experiences. You may engage in course projects that include the following:

• Interviewing practicing mental health counselors that work in different contexts (e.g., school, community, private practice) gaining insights into their use of assessment tools and current trends in the field of practice.
• Role-playing and simulations, readying you to conduct intake interviews or create treatment plans.
• Experiential modules like mock counseling sessions and group exercises that help you apply what you learn in a practical context.
• Program evaluations, working collaboratively with classmates to evaluate, analyze, and generate actionable recommendations for program enhancement.
• Case studies that apply professional standards and develop ethical decision-making

Explore UMGC Insights

Gain insight and delve deeper into a range of topics, including clinical mental health counseling, mental health and wellness, psychology, student networking, and more.

How to Network as a Student

Learn about the importance of networking as a student and the multiple opportunities UMGC offers.

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Studying Psychology Can Open the Door to Many Career Opportunities - Video

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You might be interested in similar programs

Compare All Programs

Get answers to questions that current and prospective students are asking about program-specific admission, credibility, taking courses in counseling online, and more.

What is an online master's degree in clinical professional counseling?

The online master's degree in clinical professional counseling is a career-focused graduate program that is designed to prepare you to meet the growing need for clinical mental health counseling professionals in community, business, and school counseling settings.

In this 60-credit online program, you’ll benefit from a counseling degree curriculum that begins with a self-paced onboarding course and continues to help you build career-focused skills in professional orientation, applied counseling theory and techniques, human development, and multicultural/diversity knowledge and awareness. 

You will also build knowledge in advanced theory, application, and techniques that incorporate psychopathology and diagnosis, group clinical mental health counseling, and research methods and program evaluation. Specialized and elective courses will help you focus on specific subject areas, including substance use and dependency; career development; behavioral disorders; and marriage, couples, and family therapy.

Be sure to check with your state's licensure board for any additional information about clinical mental health counseling careers in your state and any requirements you must meet after successful completion of this program.

How long does it take to get a master’s degree in clinical professional counseling online?

As a 60-credit graduate program, UMGC's online master's degree in clinical professional counseling is one of our larger programs. If you take 12 credits of coursework each fall and spring term and 6 credits in the summer, you may be able to graduate in two and a half years. With a more conservative approach of 9 credits each fall and spring term and 6 credits in the summer, you may be able to graduate in less than three and a half years.

These estimates can change depending on how many credits you complete each term and the number of credits you may be able to transfer  to UMGC.

Please note that you will have to pursue professional experience after successful completion of the program to receive licensure. Be sure to check with your state's licensure board for any additional details.

How much does a master’s in clinical professional counseling cost?

UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The online master's in clinical professional counseling follows the standard graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships  for eligible students and an interest-free monthly payment plan .

Costs associated with textbook rentals, purchases, and special technology needs will be minimized when possible, and should be expected by learners of this program. As a professional preparatory program, the need for specialized content that is current and aligns with professional standards of practice is essential.

What background do I need to get a master’s in clinical professional counseling online?

You don't need to have majored in a specific area to be successful in the online master's degree in clinical counseling program at UMGC. However, you will need to meet specific admission requirements to be accepted into this counseling program and also pass a background check to complete supervised fieldwork during practicum and internships.

Plus, previous coursework (e.g., introductory psychology, introductory statistics, research methods, and lifespan development) or experiences in related helping professions may be beneficial. These experiences will familiarize yourself with course concepts and professional counseling environments in different industries.

All program-specific admission requirements and recommended experiences are listed in the counseling degree courses section of this page.

Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current UMGC student, please visit the Help Center .

Personal Information

Contact information, additional information.

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you intend to sign this form electronically and that your electronic signature is the equivalent of a handwritten signature, with all the same legal and binding effect. You are giving your express written consent without obligation for UMGC to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using e-mail, phone, or text, including automated technology for calls and/or texts to the mobile number(s) provided. For more details, including how to opt out, read our privacy policy or contact an admissions advisor .

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Join the exciting world of school counseling and make a lasting impact!

Become a part of our dynamic School Counseling Profession to empower students in diverse settings. Our comprehensive counseling and counselor education program is designed to train school counselors to excel in urban, suburban, and rural K-12 educational environments. With an urban-focused approach, we address opportunity gaps based on socioeconomic background and race/ethnicity. Our program will allow you to gain exceptional skills in counseling, consultation, leadership, and outreach for success in any setting.

Join the Indiana University Indianapolis, School Counseling Graduate program!

If you have any questions, learn more here!

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Special program announcement.

* Attention Applicants: We are excited to announce that the 2016 CACREP Standards require programs in all specialty areas to be 60 credit hours by July 1, 2023.

Requests for LMHCA and LMHC verification documents will be taken in order they are received. Requests can be expected to be answered within 1-3 weeks.

Counselor education program stats

22 Graduates From the Counselor Education Master's program in the past year, 73 active students

60% Job placement rate of graduates actively seeking employment

80% Completion rate of Counselor Education Master's students

96% INDIANA SCHOOL COUNSELOR LICENSURE EXAM PASS RATE OF STUDENTS GRADUATING FROM THE IU INDIANAPOLIS PROGRAM

Information is based on 2021-2022 data

What do school counselors do?

Welcome to our Counseling Program! School counselors play a vital role in fostering students' holistic development and well-being. As professionals dedicated to creating a positive and supportive school environment, our counselors engage in a range of tasks, including:

Academic Guidance

Providing guidance on academic planning, course selection , and career pathways to empower students in their educational journey.

Emotional Support

Offering a listening ear and emotional support to help students navigate personal challenges, fostering resilience and mental well-being.

Counselor education program philosophy

We are committed to graduating counselors who can respond to the needs of all students.

We believe you must respect the dignity of others. To do so, you must provide leadership in issues related to social justice, diversity, inclusion, and oppression.

We teach you to function as an advocate for students and to be an agent of individual and group-level change within school and community environments.  You learn to develop, implement, and sustain programs for students that enable them to effectively participate in and contribute to our diverse society.

We ensure you know how to use preventive, developmental, and remedial interventions to effectively deliver a comprehensive school counseling program that facilitates academic, personal/social, and career development.

School Counseling Program Mission Statement

The mission of the IU Indianapolis School Counseling Program is to prepare highly competent professional counselors for Indiana, the nation, and beyond, who can work effectively with people in school, community, mental health and related settings. We:

• are committed to the training of students who represent diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, and disability status;
• promote a strong sense of professional identity in students;
• prepare professional counselors who understand counseling and related theories and can effectively translate such theory into effective practice with diverse client populations;
• prepare reflective, ethical, and highly skilled practitioners who are knowledgeable and skilled in the most current and effective methods of counseling, consultation, collaboration, leadership, and advocacy;
• prepare professional counselors who are committed to helping others fulfill their human potential though the use of facilitative, consultative, and collaborative skills.
• aid students to earn appropriate licensure and/or certification in their chosen area;
• emphasize a commitment to the value of inquiry and best practices in the counseling field; and
• work in partnership with a range of constituents to effect thoughtful change at local, national and international levels.

School Counseling Objectives

Graduates of the School Counseling Program:

• understand the Indiana School Counselor Educator standards and the eight core content areas which comprise the Professional Counseling Identity and the foundations, contextual dimensions and skills standards of the School Counseling specialty area identified by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP);
• understand the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels and the impact of contextual factors on development with particular emphasis on urban populations;
• can design, implement and evaluate transformative school counseling programs and/or components of a transformative school counseling program;
• have effective communication skills that can be utilized to advocate for student well-being at multiple ecological levels and promote counseling programs and counselor roles;
• understand the process of individual counseling and are effective counselors with individuals;
• understand the process of group counseling and can effectively facilitate diverse groups, both small and large;
• understand the process of consultation and can effectively consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and relevant constituents;
• understand individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation, including appropriate uses and !imitations of the various assessment strategies;
• have knowledge of and continually demonstrate ethical and legal behaviors consistent with the counseling profession, particularly among the needs of historically marginalized groups;
• stay abreast of current research and apply empirically supported interventions in counseling practice in a pluralistic society;
• continue to search out avenues to increase their effectiveness through community, civic and professional involvements; and
• understand theories and models of vocational and career development, counseling, and decision making in relation to preparing college and non-college bound students for employment in a global economy.

Counselor Education program highlights

The Counselor Education program requires you to complete 48 credit hours—but not all of them will be in the classroom.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a number of field experiences designed to meet your academic and career goals. Students will be placed primarily in urban settings with a talented group of licensed supervisors who work closely with program faculty and staff.

Throughout the program, you'll learn from a diverse, highly experienced faculty dedicated to improving education in urban environments. 

And, of course, you'll graduate ready to take your career to new heights.

About our accreditation

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the School Counseling M.S.Ed. degree program, a specialty area housed in the School of Education at Indiana University Indianapolis.

Accreditation is effective immediately through March 31, 2030. 

Due to accreditation site visits being delayed because of COVID-19, the CACREP Board approved additional retroactive recognition for program graduates. Retroactive recognition of graduates of the IU School of Education in Indianapolis School Counseling specialty area extends back to July 14, 2019.

The CACREP online directory of accredited programs is currently in the process of being updated and will include IU Indianapolis' program once the update is completed.

Annual Report School Counseling

Annual Report School Counseling 2022-2023

Annual Report School Counseling 2021-2022

Annual Report School Counseling 2020-2021

Download the counseling advising sheet

Revised as of June 2023

Download the program guide

Get advising appointment information

Contact a graduate advisor

Hear from past students and faculty about the program

School of Education resources and social media channels

• Student Portal

University of Bridgeport News

How to Choose a Master’s in Counseling Program

Individuals interested in human behavior and personal growth with a desire to help others often pursue a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program . This is a excellent career path, given employment for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors is expected to grow eighteen percent by 2032 , much faster than the average for all occupations.

As a result, with an average of about 42,000 job openings projected each year, many candidates choose to invest time and effort in a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program . Yet, with so many Counseling Master of Science (MS) programs out there, prospective students often wonder how to choose a Counseling MS program in the first place.

So below, we’ll unpack the basics and discover the process of choosing the right counseling graduate program for you.

What is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program?

Firstly, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to become mental health counselors by teaching and training them to work with patients on healthy communication, coping mechanisms, and interrupting trauma cycles.

Students in these typically sixty-credit degree programs take foundational courses in psychopathology, addiction treatment, clinical skills, and psychotherapeutics.

Common course titles include:

• Appraisal Processes
• Career and Lifestyle Development
• Human Growth and Development
• Research Methods
• Social and Cultural Foundations
• Theories of Counseling
• Topics in Behavioral Medicine
• Trauma and Crisis Intervention

Students should also expect to complete supervised training through internships which are typically completed over two semesters (or the course of a full academic year). In addition to these two 300-hour semester internships, students are required to complete a 100-hour practicum.

While the amount of time it takes to complete a Counseling MS program varies, it generally takes four academic semesters or two years of full-time enrollment. Part-time students generally complete this degree in three or more years.

How to choose a Master’s in Counseling program

There are many different Master’s in Counseling degree programs, each with its own approach and curriculum. So, how can prospective students know how to choose a Master’s in Counseling program? We’re glad you asked!

Consider asking yourself the following questions when researching and choosing a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

1. Is the degree program reputable/accredited?

In order to become a licensed counselor, candidates must earn their degree from an accredited Counseling MS program. These programs are accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs ( CACREP ).

The CACREP develops and maintains standards and procedures that ensure students in counseling and related programs receive the highest-quality education. This ensures that they are fully prepared for their state’s licensing exam and find success in their professional careers.

Additional benefits include:

• An advantage when applying to doctoral degree programs
• A program focused on professional counseling (not psychology or education)
• A wider range of employment opportunities
• CACREP-accredited programs are professionally and financially stable

Counseling programs seeking CACREP accreditation must complete a self-study process, submit a comprehensive report demonstrating how it meets each CACREP standard, and undergo an on-site visit.

University of Bridgeport’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS degree program in the College of Arts and Sciences is accredited by the CACREP.

Make compassion your calling. Download our free informational guide today and get started with University of Bridgeport!

2. does the program specialize in clinical mental health counseling.

Though all accredited programs must cover mandated topics, every college and university’s Counseling MS program will vary.

For example, some programs integrate spiritual perspectives in their coursework, while others offer opportunities for students to specialize in topics like drama therapy, grief counseling, and wellness counseling. So students should consider opportunities to integrate personal and professional interests and goals when choosing a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

If you are passionate about helping others navigate life’s mental and emotional challenges, look for a program that offers courses and internships focused on mental health. At University of Bridgeport, for example, students intern in mental health and substance abuse clinical settings , including hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, outpatient programs, and residential treatment facilities.

3. What format is the program offered in (online, on-campus, hybrid)?

The amount of time it takes for someone to complete a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program varies depending on the area of counseling an individual is interested in, where they want to work, and the state’s requirements.

Moreover, when choosing the right counseling graduate program, candidates should consider what program format will best fit their needs and schedule. Do you thrive in an in-person environment where you can ask questions of the professor directly? Or, do you need a more flexible program, and choosing a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that is online is the best option? Or, maybe you want a combination of the two, and enrolling in a hybrid program is the way to go?

University of Bridgeport’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers daytime and night courses to fit students’ specific needs and schedules.

4. What is the flexibility of the program?

Similar to the learning format, the flexibility of the program is another important factor in determining how to choose a Counseling MS program. Online pathways or flexible options for MPH programs can be vital if you plan on working during the semester or need flexibility for other reasons.

Students should contact their chosen university directly or visit its official website as part of their research. Note that depending on the program’s design and flexibility, full-time Counseling MS students typically take between three to five courses per semester, and part-time students can expect to take one to three courses per semester.

5. Does the program promise strong career outcomes?

Counseling and other mental health care careers are in high demand as these jobs are available in various settings , including inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, correctional facilities, hospitals, residential treatment centers, and private practices.

Students should look for programs that will prepare them for a personally and financially rewarding career in mental health. Graduates of Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs, including the one at University of Bridgeport, go on to counseling careers as:

• Chemical dependency counselors
• Crisis counselors
• Marriage and family therapists
• Mental health counselors
• Private practice mental health counselors

6. Does the curriculum, faculty, and clinical experience align with your goals?

Students should be sure that their chosen Clinical Mental Health Counseling program’s curriculum, faculty, and clinical experience align with their goals. Coursework should cover the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, techniques and methods for conducting assessments on clients, and the step-by-step process of developing clients’ individualized treatment plans.

For example, at University of Bridgeport, we use evidence-based practices, comprehensive, collaborative coursework, and relevant hands-on learning experiences to turn students’ dedication to helping diverse patient populations into meaningful work.

And lastly, ensure that your school’s faculty consists of counseling experts with decades of experience in the field, and that students can take advantage of connections with mental health care providers locally as well.

Apply to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at University of Bridgeport

Choosing the right counseling graduate program is not easy, but these questions should help you make the right decision. At University of Bridgeport, we are committed to helping students in our Counseling MS program get through college and into a great career with our comprehensive support services .

Review our admission requirements and apply today . Or, contact us for more information. Your future starts today!