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Pursuing a doctorate in counseling requires careful consideration, especially regarding your career goals, schedule and financial backing. Counseling doctoral programs often require a master’s degree for admission, plus coursework, a dissertation and an internship to earn the degree.
In this article, we overview the two types of doctorates in counseling, along with common admission and course requirements and potential careers for graduates.
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What Does a Doctorate in Counseling Entail?
Like most doctoral degrees, a doctorate in counseling requires a significant time commitment. Program length and credit requirements vary by institution. However, many programs allow candidates to complete their doctorates in three to eight years. Subjects covered typically include counseling and research, practicum training, an internship and a dissertation.
Doctorate in Counseling Admission Requirements
Competition is fierce among doctoral programs, which carry more stringent admission requirements than bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While certain admission requirements are common for counseling doctoral programs, exact requirements vary by institution.
Requirements typically include a master’s in counseling or a mental-health-related field, professional letters of recommendation, official transcripts from previous coursework, a resume or curriculum vitae, GRE scores, a personal statement and an interview.
As previously stated, however, requirements may vary. Some universities may ask that applicants hold a master’s degree accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). You might have a traditional or online master’s in counseling, a master of education in counseling or a similar degree. Applicants with other master’s degrees may need to complete additional coursework.
Some programs may have minimum GPA standards or require applicants to complete oral and written admission exams or submit a writing sample.
Types of Doctorate in Counseling Degrees
You can earn two types of doctoral degrees in counseling: a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctor of education (Ed.D.). Most states require licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs) to hold CACREP-accredited degrees. CACREP accredits both Ph.D.s and Ed.D.s, meaning either degree type can lead to an LCPC license or the equivalent licensure.
Counseling Ph.D. Programs
Ph.D. in counseling programs are more common than Ed.D.s. and tend to be highly competitive, often accepting fewer than 10 graduates annually.
A Ph.D. program typically involves four to six years of full-time learning. Ph.D. programs emphasize research or teaching experience rather than working directly with patients. Still, Ph.D. in counseling programs generally include a year-long internship and may lead to licensure.
Ph.D. programs often provide students with various opportunities for tuition reduction or stipends through teaching or research assistantships, scholarships, fellowships or even tuition remission.
Counseling Ed.D. Programs
Since an Ed.D. is an education degree, counseling Ed.D. programs typically cater to education professionals who work or want to work in the counseling space.
These degrees examine the ways in which counseling and education intersect. Graduates might go on to work in research, education administration, higher education or clinical practice.
Many Ed.D. programs take just three years for full-time students to complete, but completion times vary widely depending on enrollment status and other factors.
CACREP accredits Ed.D. programs much less frequently than Ph.D. programs. However, several CACREP-accredited Ed.D. programs exist. For example, National Louis University’s Ed.D. in counselor education and supervision and Shippensburg University’s Ed.D. in counselor education and supervision are both set to receive CACREP accreditation within two years.
Common Requirements for Counseling Doctoral Programs
Courses in counseling doctoral programs vary by university, but certain courses, such as those below, are common among most programs.
Advanced Theories of Counseling
An effective counselor can meet the unique needs and circ*mstances of each client. This course prepares students with a variety of traditional and contemporary counseling theories and methods, including psychoanalytic, cognitive, humanistic and constructivist.
Advanced Multicultural Counseling
In addition to advanced theories of counseling, doctoral students study the implications of counseling in our multicultural society. Learners engage in in-depth study of various oppression models, racial and ethnic identity development and practices for counseling culturally diverse clients.
Counseling Internship
Near the end of their program, doctoral candidates put theory into practice. They are expected to complete a supervised internship in which they meet a specified number of practice hours. The internship is often in addition to a practicum or externship requirement. In some cases, doctoral candidates must have a dissertation proposal approved and complete all required examinations before they qualify to pursue an internship.
Dissertation
Typically the final requirement of a doctorate program, the dissertation is a research project that entails a significant amount of original research. Students develop and present a prospectus—a preliminary document that overviews their thesis, means of research and expected outcomes—to their dissertation committee for approval. Once approved, doctoral candidates carry out their research, write their dissertation and defend it in front of the committee.
The dissertation is often the most time-consuming part of a doctoral program and can take over a year to complete. In their final semesters, candidates can expect to enroll in a dissertation advisem*nt course for a year, followed by dissertation extension courses as allowed by their program.
Careers for Doctorate in Counseling Graduates
Licensed Professional Counselor
Median Annual Salary: $48,520
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +22%
Job Description: Licensed professional counselors evaluate clients’ mental and physical health, create treatment plans, help clients identify detrimental behaviors that inhibit their progress and assist with developing coping skills. Job specifics may vary depending on a counselor’s specialty. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, for example, may work with clients who are court-ordered or in crisis situations.
Postsecondary Education Administrator
Median Annual Salary: $96,910
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +7%
Job Description: There are many postsecondary administrative roles within colleges and universities, and two of the most common are provost and dean. A provost oversees all departments and works directly with the college president on policy development, budget management and tenure decisions. An academic dean typically oversees academics, research and budget for a particular department.
Postsecondary Psychology Teacher
Median Annual Salary: $77,860
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +10%
Job Description: Postsecondary psychology teachers may teach various higher education courses either online or in person. Their responsibilities include developing syllabi, designing lessons and assessing student learning. Additional duties may include supervising graduate students, conducting and publishing research and serving on committees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Counseling Doctoral Programs
Is it worth it to get a Ph.D. in counseling?
If you are interested in working in postsecondary education as a professor or dean at a university, a Ph.D. is often required and therefore worth the investment. On the other hand, if you’re wondering how to become a mental health counselor, a master’s degree in counseling suffices for licensure, so you may not need a doctoral degree.
What does a Ph.D. in counseling look like?
A Ph.D. in counseling typically takes at least four years of full-time study. This degree often takes longer to complete, however, depending on the time required to write and defend your dissertation. Doctoral students can expect to complete core coursework in areas like counseling, research practices and general psychology.
