Counseling and Counselor Education, Ph.D.

The Counseling and Counselor Education doctoral program requires 96 graduate credits beyond the undergraduate degree, and 9-15 credits of dissertation work. Students typically complete the program in 4 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), 9-12 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 3-6 credit independent study.
• Individualized assessment plan developed with advisor.
• Doctoral Qualifying Exam.
• Dissertation proposal, writing, submission, and defense (within 5 years of exam).

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