Doctoral counseling programs develop individuals' ability to consider the delicate and multifaceted factors of counseling practice. Counselors can carry a great deal of responsibility, as their work often involves fragile aspects of their clients' lives. Such aspects include – but are not limited to – age, gender, race, and sexuality. Advanced study can, therefore, be vital in consideration of modern ethical and professional issues in the field.
There are many types of counselors: substance abuse counselors, school and career counselors, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and others. But while there are multiple career paths to choose from, the field of counseling as a whole is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for substance abuse counselors, behavioral disorder counselors, and mental health counselors, who make up a large part of the profession, are projected to grow by about 25% through 2029. That is much higher than the national average for job growth in other fields.
The following 10 Best Online Ph.D.s in Counseling include various perspectives on and approaches to counseling. The list includes programs emphasizing professional, ethical, psychological, and educational factors in the field. Graduates of the program can move into roles in the academic or clinical areas of mental health counseling. Generally speaking, counselors advise people who suffer from various human problems. They may work as behavioral disorder counselors, substance abuse counselors, mental health counselors, or school or career counselors.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
10 Best Online PhDs in Counseling Programs for 2021
CACREP Accredited Programs for a Ph.D. in Counseling
Recognition by an accrediting agency is a vital component for a Ph.D. counseling online program. Employers look for accreditation when hiring, and only accredited programs are eligible for some kinds of financial aid.
When it comes to Ph.D. in counseling programs, there are two national accreditors: the American Psychological Association (APA) and The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP). Accreditation by one or the other ensures that you are entering a program with high standards, accomplished faculty, and a curriculum that will prepare you to be a professional in the field of counseling.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements vary vastly by program and school, so it's important to check with the programs you're interested in to find out what requirements you'll need to meet.
That said, all online Ph.Ds in counseling require you to have at least a bachelor's degree to be admitted into the program, and your undergraduate degree will preferably be in psychology or a related field. Many Ph.D. programs require a master's degree as well. If you do not have a master's, you might be able to earn it on the way to getting your Ph.D. as part of a program that offers a dual-degree track.
You will need to submit transcripts from the colleges you have attended, and may also need to meet a minimum GPA requirement as well. You may also need to write a personal statement for admission, and may also need to provide letters of recommendation. You may also need to take the GRE exam and submit your results for admission, but some schools have waived the requirement for the GRE in light of the pandemic.
Certifications and Licenses
Certifications and licenses for counselors are determined at the state level, so you will need to check with your state licensing board to see what is needed. In New York, for example, you need to be licensed to call yourself a mental health counselor.
Some state licensing requires you to have spent a certain number of hours working on an internship or practicum, and there may be fees involved with licensure as well. A good resource to consult is the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), which publishes a handbook of licensure and certification requirements for those in the U.S. and Canada.
