Counseling and Counselor Education, Ph.D.

The Counseling and Counselor Education doctoral program requires 96 graduate credits beyond the undergraduate degree, and nine to 15 credits of dissertation work. Students typically complete the program in three years of full-time study; part-time study is also available. If students have not completed a CACREP-accredited master’s degree, you may be required to make up missing courses as part of the doctoral program.

Coursework areas may include:

• Advanced Practicum in Counseling
• Theory and Practice of Clinical Supervision
• Seminar in Ecological Counseling
• Advanced Pedagogy and Teaching of Group Work
• Statistical Thinking and Applications
• Introduction to Qualitative Research

The curriculum follows standards established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) regarding:

• Advanced study of theory and practice of counseling, systems analysis, and consultation
• Theory and practice of clinical supervision
• Instructional theory and practice within the counselor education context
• Social and cultural contexts for practice
• Advanced research methodologies and assessment
• The application of technology to the teaching and practice of counseling
• Leadership and advocacy practices
• Technical competence in teaching and service delivery

Additional Requirements

• Required cognate (minor), nine to 12 credits in a specialized area of expertise, chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor.
• A Doctoral Research Seminar provides movement into a scientist-practitioner model by involving first year students in the research apprenticeship and/or dissertation activity of advanced doctoral students, and providing advanced doctoral students a setting in which they can examine and develop strategies for research topic selection and proposal writing.
• Research apprenticeship, typically in the context of a required or elective course or as a three to six credit independent study.
• Individualized assessment plan developed with advisor.
• Doctoral Qualifying Exam.
• Dissertation proposal, writing, submission, and defense (within five years of exam).

More information on academic requirements available in the Syracuse University Course Catalog.