Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling

University of North Texas

The Ph.D. program in counseling is designed to stimulate student inquiry and to develop advanced knowledge and counseling skills. Our PhD program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Why Earn a Counseling Ph.D.?

Our Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling stimulates student inquiry and develops advanced knowledge and counseling skills. Graduates are prepared to function as counselor educators, counselor supervisors, advanced counseling practitioners, directors of guidance and counseling programs in schools, researchers, and administrators.

Our academic core focuses on counseling and counseling-related areas while providing flexibility for you to develop a specialization.

Many faculty members are recognized experts in their field. They’ve earned recognition from the American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Texas Counseling Association and Chi Sigma Iota international honor society. Their research interests include:

Addictions counseling
Animal-assisted therapy
Crisis intervention
Multicultural issues
Near-death experiences and spiritual transformation
Play therapy
Professional issues in counselor education
Veterans' issues

A recent emphasis in the program is on preparing counselor educators to work at the university level.

The program is both theoretical and experiential. You’ll participate in a six-semester, on-campus clinical experience to complete doctoral-level practicum and internship experiences. You’ll also complete a portfolio that demonstrates your teaching, supervision, research and leadership skills.