Do you want to learn about counseling theory and the skills needed to interact with individuals and groups in various settings? If so, Walden University's Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program may be right for you. Read on to learn more about the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Program Is It?
Walden University's online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program is designed to teach you about the practice and theory of counseling by having the opportunity to learn about research in the field, teaching and supervision competencies, and individual and group-counseling skills and methods. Additional topics covered in the curriculum include crisis management, teaching in counselor education, and social change, leadership, and advocacy for counseling professionals. The degree program does include a dissertation requirement and a foundation research sequence designed to focus on quantitative and qualitative research skills is also offered.
What Are the Prerequisites?
If you apply to Walden University's Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program, you should be a licensed professional counselor who has graduated from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs-accredited program, and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Additionally, strong analytical skills are beneficial. Applicants to Walden University's programs should be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.
What Are the Course Requirements?
The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision consists of 93 credits. The degree program is divided into core courses, a foundation research sequence, an advanced research course (one is chosen from the list below), elective courses, a practicum, an internship, and a dissertation. Additionally, a 20-day residency is required, which consists of one 4-day and two 8-day residencies.
Core Courses
- Foundations of Graduate Study in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Professional Orientation, Ethics, and Identity
- Advanced Counseling Theories
- Professional Consultation, Program Evaluation, and Leadership
- Teaching in Counselor Education
- Social Change, Leadership, and Advocacy for Counseling Professionals
- Clinical Supervision
- Professional Counselor as Scholar-Practitioner
- Crisis Management
- Writing a Quality Prospectus
Foundation Research Sequence
- Research Theory, Design, and Methods
- Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
Advanced Research Course
- Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
- Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis
Practicum
- Counseling Practicum
Internship
- Doctoral Internship A
- Doctoral Internship B
Dissertation
- Dissertation
What Could I Do After I Graduate?
Career Opportunities
When you have finished Walden University's Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program, you have the opportunity to pursue jobs in the field. Potential employers could include the public school system, community care centers, day treatment programs, community colleges and universities, and hospitals. Additionally, many licensed counselors choose to open their own practice and build a cliental over a period of time. Additionally, you may want to consider certification, which could boost employment opportunities. Currently, the National Board for Certified Counselors offers the National Certified Counselor credential. Some possible job titles could include:
- Educator
- Substance abuse counselor
- Rehabilitation counselor
- High school counselor
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.
Statement on Licensure
The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed counseling professional.
Professional Accreditation
The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is not accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). However, the program was developed to be in line with national standards for counselor education. Since Walden's Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is a new program, the university is not yet able to apply for CACREP accreditation. Students will be notified at such time if the program becomes accredited in the future.
