Online Ph.D. Degree in Counseling
A doctorate degree is known as a “terminal” qualification. That is, you cannot go higher than this – it’s the top qualification for experts in any field. It can take many years to complete, is research heavy (though there will be some degree of seminar discussions and teaching), and is student-led. Doctorate degrees are typically taken after a master’s degree, though some exceptional students can jump straight to a doctorate from a bachelor’s degree. To enter into the most prestigious counseling careers, completing a doctorate degree such as a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology is an excellent pathway.
2026 Best Online Doctorate in Counseling
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI - Public 4-Year - oakland.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Education: Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oakland University's online doctoral program in Counseling offers a comprehensive 64-credit hybrid learning experience designed for aspiring counseling leaders. CACREP-accredited, the program provides robust training across five specialization areas including addiction, career, child and adolescent, couple and family, and mental health counseling. Students engage in advanced clinical practice, research methodology, and ethical issue exploration. The program requires a master's degree in counseling, GRE scores, and professional experience. Uniquely structured as a cohort-based curriculum, it prepares professionals for high-level roles in mental health care administration and counseling research.
- 64-credit hour program
- CACREP accredited
- Hybrid learning format
- Five cognate areas
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Requires master's degree
- GRE scores needed
- Professional experience required
- Cohort-based program
- Focus on research methodology
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Education: Counseling (Addiction counseling)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Addiction Counseling, Oakland University's online doctoral program delivers a transformative 64-credit hybrid learning experience. This CACREP-accredited program focuses intensively on addressing complex addiction challenges across diverse populations. Participants develop advanced clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and research expertise specifically tailored to addiction intervention strategies. Admission requires a master's degree, GRE scores, and professional background. The curriculum emphasizes advanced practice, research methodology, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates to become innovative leaders in addiction counseling and mental health care administration.
- 64-credit hour program
- Hybrid learning format
- CACREP accredited
- Concentration in Addiction counseling
- Requires master's degree
- GRE scores needed
- Professional experience required
- Focus on clinical practice
- Leadership in mental health care
- Research methodology included
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Education: Counseling (Mental health counseling)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oakland University's online Mental Health Counseling doctoral program provides an advanced 64-credit hybrid learning pathway for aspiring counseling professionals. CACREP-accredited, the program offers intensive training in mental health counseling theories, research methods, and ethical practices. Designed for practitioners seeking leadership roles, students explore sophisticated clinical interventions and administrative strategies. Admission requires a master's degree, GRE scores, and professional experience. The curriculum cultivates advanced clinical expertise, research proficiency, and strategic thinking, positioning graduates to make significant contributions in mental health counseling and healthcare administration.
- 64-credit hour program
- Hybrid learning format
- CACREP accredited curriculum
- Mental health counseling concentration
- Requires master's degree
- GRE scores needed
- Professional experience required
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Research methods training
- Ethical issues covered
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT - Public 4-Year - southernct.edu
Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision, Ed.D.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Connecticut State University's Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision offers a robust hybrid online program targeting mental health professionals seeking advanced leadership training. Strategically designed for working counselors, the program integrates comprehensive clinical training with academic rigor. Students explore specialized counseling domains including clinical mental health, school, and college counseling settings. The three-year curriculum features an intensive 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, emphasizing hands-on experience. With CACREP standards alignment and a strong social justice framework, the program prepares doctoral candidates for supervisory and educational leadership roles. Admission requires a master's degree, 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and 3.5 graduate GPA, making it highly competitive for dedicated professionals.
- Hybrid program format
- Focus on counseling specialties
- 100-hour practicum required
- 600-hour internship included
- Aligns with CACREP standards
- Master's degree required
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA needed
- 3.5 graduate GPA preferred
- Designed for working professionals
- Combines online and evening classes
Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision, Ed.D. (school counseling)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Connecticut State University's Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, specializing in school counseling, provides a transformative doctoral pathway for educators and mental health professionals. This innovative hybrid program uniquely combines online flexibility with advanced leadership training. Focused specifically on school counseling, the curriculum prepares scholars to develop sophisticated supervision skills across educational environments. Students engage in comprehensive coursework, supervised fieldwork, and dissertation research, emphasizing social justice and professional development. The three-year program welcomes working professionals with a master's degree, requiring a 3.0 undergraduate and 3.5 graduate GPA. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, the program cultivates exceptional school counseling leaders.
- Hybrid program format
- Three-year completion possible
- CACREP alignment process
- Working professionals welcome
- Multiple counseling concentrations
- 100-hour practicum included
- 600-hour internship required
- Social justice framework
- Master's degree prerequisite
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY - Private 4-year - ucumberlands.edu
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of the Cumberlands offers a comprehensive online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision designed for licensed professionals seeking advanced academic and clinical leadership roles. Spanning 66 credit hours, the CACREP-accredited program emphasizes cutting-edge research, supervision techniques, and multicultural counseling competencies. Students develop advanced clinical skills through synchronous online coursework, preparing for impactful careers in academia and mental health leadership. With a competitive tuition rate of $449 per credit hour, the program provides an accessible pathway for counselors to expand their professional expertise through rigorous doctoral-level training.
- Online program format
- 66 credit hours required
- $449 per credit hour
- CACREP-accredited curriculum
- Focus on research and dissertation
- Advanced clinical skills training
- Leadership and advocacy emphasis
- Prepares for academia and clinical leadership
- Requires professional counseling license
- Synchronous online courses
Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of the Cumberlands' online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision empowers experienced mental health professionals to become transformative educators and researchers. This innovative 66-credit program cultivates advanced competencies in professional writing, ethical practice, and multicultural counseling strategies. Designed for ambitious counselors, the curriculum prioritizes comprehensive research methodologies, leadership development, and sophisticated supervision techniques. Participants engage in a dynamic learning environment that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates to make significant contributions to counseling education and clinical practice.
- 66 total credit hours
- Fully online doctoral program
- Comprehensive research focus
- Advanced clinical training
- Leadership in counseling emphasized
- Multicultural counseling coursework
- Dissertation research sequence
- Advanced supervision techniques
- Ethical and legal counseling training
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - regent.edu
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regent University's hybrid Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision offers a comprehensive doctoral pathway for mental health professionals seeking advanced leadership development. CACREP-accredited, this program uniquely integrates scientific research with biblical principles, preparing students for transformative roles in counseling education and clinical supervision. With three mandatory residencies and a robust 66-credit curriculum, students explore multicultural competencies, advanced research methodologies, and professional development strategies. The program targets licensed professionals with master's degrees, emphasizing full-time engagement, mentorship opportunities, and a rigorous dissertation capstone experience that cultivates exceptional academic and clinical expertise.
- CACREP-accredited doctoral program
- Hybrid online with residency
- 66 total credit hours
- Christian worldview integration
- Advanced research training
- Leadership development focus
- Three required residencies
- Full-time enrollment
- Mentorship opportunities
- Dissertation capstone experience
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
Online Learning - Visit Website
Regent University's fully online Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision provides an innovative doctoral track for aspiring mental health leaders. Requiring a 3.5 GPA and 60-credit master's degree, this CACREP-accredited program blends cutting-edge research with faith-based perspectives. Students navigate a comprehensive 66-credit curriculum designed to enhance multicultural competencies, ethical practice, and advanced research skills. The program mandates full-time enrollment, incorporates strategic residencies, and prepares graduates for dynamic roles in academia, clinical practice, and research. Comprehensive exams, dissertation requirements, and professional networking opportunities distinguish this program's commitment to comprehensive professional development.
- CACREP-accredited
- Online with residencies
- 66 credit hours
- Full-time enrollment required
- Focus on multicultural competencies
- Integration of science and faith
- Prepares for academia and clinical roles
- Advanced research methodology
- Requires 60-credit master's
- 3.5 GPA minimum
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI - Public 4-Year - wmich.edu
Doctorate - Counselor Education—Doctoral Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Michigan University's online and hybrid Doctoral Program in Counselor Education offers a comprehensive pathway for mental health professionals seeking advanced roles in counseling, academia, and supervision. Meticulously crafted to develop robust research, teaching, and clinical skills, the CACREP-accredited program provides exceptional flexibility through hybrid learning formats. Students explore multicultural counseling competencies while preparing for leadership positions in educational and clinical settings. The program strategically combines online coursework with periodic in-person sessions in Kalamazoo, ensuring robust academic engagement. Candidates benefit from competitive financial support through scholarships and assistantships, with a remarkable post-graduation employment trajectory. Admission requires a master's degree, demonstrating the program's commitment to advanced professional development.
- Hybrid program format
- CACREP accredited
- Focus on counselor education
- High employment rate
- Multicultural counseling skills
- Teaching and supervision competencies
- Research skills development
- Flexible course locations
- Scholarships available
- Assistantships offered
Doctorate - Counselor Education—Doctoral Program (School Counseling)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Michigan University's School Counseling doctoral concentration represents an innovative online program designed for advanced professionals targeting educational leadership roles. Emphasizing comprehensive skill development in individual and group counseling, the curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical research methodologies. Students engage in sophisticated training that prepares them for university-level counselor education and advanced practice. The program's strategic design focuses on multicultural competencies, supervision techniques, and educational leadership, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for complex counseling environments. With an impressive 98% graduate employment or continued education rate, the program offers courses across Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, providing geographic and scheduling flexibility for working professionals.
- Accredited counselor education program
- 98% graduate employment rate
- Courses in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids
- Advanced counseling skills development
- Research and leadership focused
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, CO - Private 4-year - ccu.edu
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Online Learning - Visit Website
Colorado Christian University's online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision provides a transformative doctoral experience for mental health professionals aspiring to leadership roles. The 60-credit program, nearly 100% online with two Colorado-based residencies, can be completed in three years. CACREP-aligned and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the curriculum uniquely integrates biblical principles with advanced counseling practices. Students engage in comprehensive research through a dissertation-embedded curriculum, preparing for academic, supervisory, and educational careers. The program requires a master's degree, professional experience, and offers selective admission with comprehensive evaluation including interviews, recommendations, and background checks.
- 60 credit hours
- Nearly 100% online
- Two in-person residencies
- Dissertation integrated into curriculum
- Accredited by HLC
- Aligned with CACREP standards
- Christ-centered education
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Requires 600 internship hours
- Can be completed in 3 years
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - Public 4-Year - oregonstate.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling (Counselor Education)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oregon State University's hybrid online Ph.D. in Counseling offers a specialized Counselor Education concentration that uniquely prepares professionals for advanced leadership roles. Designed for working counselors, this CACREP-accredited program emphasizes research, social justice, and diversity through a part-time curriculum. Students benefit from a flexible format blending online coursework with bi-quarterly in-person meetings. The program distinguishes itself by not requiring GRE scores and maintaining a robust focus on antiracism and inclusion. With a median completion time of 48 months, candidates can simultaneously advance their careers while pursuing doctoral-level education, making it ideal for practitioners seeking transformative academic and professional development.
- Hybrid online/face-to-face format.
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Part-time, designed for working professionals.
- Focus on antiracism and social justice.
- Requires Master's in Counseling or related.
- 3.0 GPA minimum for admission.
- Cohort-based learning model.
- Faculty-student mentoring relationships.
- No GRE required for admission.
- 150 credits to graduate.
Auburn University
Auburn, AL - Public 4-Year - auburn.edu
Doctorate - Counselor Education
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Auburn University offers a dynamic hybrid online Counselor Education Ph.D. program designed for aspiring counseling professionals seeking advanced academic and leadership training. Spanning three years and requiring 64 credit hours, the program uniquely integrates research, teaching, and professional development with a strong emphasis on social justice and diversity. Students benefit from graduate assistantships providing financial support through stipends and tuition waivers. Entrance requires a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program, positioning graduates for impactful roles in counselor education, mental health, and school counseling settings. The program's comprehensive curriculum includes advanced counseling techniques, supervision training, and a robust 600-hour internship experience.
- 64 credit hours
- Hybrid program type
- Post-masters requirement
- Graduate assistantships available
- Focus on social justice
- February 1 deadline
- CACREP-accredited masters needed
- Stipends and tuition waivers
- Advanced counseling focus
- Research and teaching practica
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA - Public 4-Year - jmu.edu
Doctorate - Counseling and Supervision
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
James Madison University's Online Doctorate in Counseling and Supervision delivers a pioneering hybrid learning experience tailored for practicing counseling professionals. The CACREP-accredited program uniquely combines flexible online coursework with periodic in-person residency sessions, enabling students to advance their careers without interrupting professional commitments. With a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum, the program emphasizes crisis counseling, emergency services, leadership development, and advanced research methodologies. Students benefit from a robust educational model featuring a 89% program completion rate and 100% alumni employment, making it an exceptional pathway for counselors seeking doctoral-level expertise and career advancement.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Hybrid/Low-Residency Learning Model
- 60-Credit Hour Curriculum
- Crisis Counseling Emphasis
- 89% Program Completion Rate
- Full-Time: 3 Years Completion
- Part-Time: 4 Years Completion
- 100% Alumni Employment
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu
Doctorate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University's online Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program offers a transformative educational experience for aspiring therapists seeking comprehensive professional development. Uniquely designed for working professionals, this COAMFTE-accredited program eliminates GRE requirements and enables full-time students to complete their degree in just 21 months. Students benefit from immersive clinical training, gaining 400 practicum hours and 125 relational clinical hours. The program's integrative systemic therapeutic approach emphasizes multicultural competence and advanced therapeutic skills. With intimate class sizes of 15 students, learners receive personalized attention and support from placement specialists, preparing them for licensure and successful careers helping individuals, couples, and families navigate complex relational dynamics.
- Online MFT Master's degree
- 24 months full-time completion
- COAMFTE accredited program
- No GRE required
- 400 hours clinical fieldwork
- 125 relational clinical hours
- 15 students per classroom
- Placement specialists assist
- Integrative systemic therapeutic model
- Immersive experience included
What Are the Various Doctorate Degree in Counseling Specialties?
Ph.D. doctorate degrees in counseling come in several specialty areas. These include:
- Doctorate in Addiction Counseling
- Doctorate in Biblical Counseling
- Doctorate in Genetic Counseling
- Doctorate in Marriage & Family Therapy
Can I Get a Ph.D. Doctorate Degree in Counseling Online?
You can complete a doctorate via distance learning. In fact, it's highly suited to attaining a terminal degree due to the level of self-guidance and research. Seminars and contact time with professors can be accomplished via the internet.
If you've worked in the field for many years and now have a family or full-time job that you wish to work the doctorate around, it's entirely possible. Again, with the flexibility of a counseling Ph.D. program, you can spread this over eight or many more years.
The main disadvantage, as with any other type of qualification, is the lack of contact time with peers and other doctorate students.
What Can I Expect in an Online Doctorate Degree in Counseling Program?
Doctorates (or doctoral degrees) are targeted to specific niche areas. They go even deeper than a master's degree to develop expert-level knowledge of niches. Doctorate research subjects are chosen by the student who has identified either a gap in the knowledge or a problem that they think they can research and answer.
Counseling Ph.D. programs don't follow the typical pattern of study through coursework – most of the work is self-guided with professors on hand. However, most will have group seminars and one-on-one guidance.
What Are the Doctorate Degree in Counseling Admission Requirements?
Doctoral programs expect applicants to have minimum entry requirements which differ slightly from other degree types:
- A master's degree (bachelor’s degree in exceptional circumstances) in a relevant subject – counseling, psychology etc.
- Academic transcripts
- A GRE may be required in some cases
- Letter of recommendation for a Ph.D. from a university professor
- A statement of purpose detailing what you intend to research (and how) to obtain your doctorate
- You may be required to submit your MA dissertation and any other project work
- Applicants from outside the US will be required to provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) unless they come from an exempt country
- International students may also be asked to formally translate their qualifications to equivalents relevant to the U.S. education system
What Is the Length of a Doctorate Degree in Counseling?
A Ph.D. in counseling can take many years, though five or six years is fairly typical for doctoral candidates working at a regular pace. The most commonly cited term is seven to eight years. Due to its flexible nature, you may work around full-time employment and family commitments while your thesis progresses.
How Much Does a Ph.D. Doctorate Degree in Counseling Cost?
Doctorate programs are the highest level of qualification in any field. Due to their intensity and earning capability, they are therefore the most expensive programs you can study. Typically students pay per year, or a total amount spread out over the duration of the program.
Students can expect to pay anywhere from $35,000 to upwards of $100,000 for a counseling Ph.D. program, with most falling in the $50,000 range. Tuition costs fluctuate based on school, location, in-state or out-of-state residency, specialty/concentration, and many other factors. Military veterans may be eligible for discounted tuition rates.
There are many ways for doctoral students to pay for their counseling Ph.D. program. Most of the funding will come in the form of research grants and funding from the university. The figures are high, but you will rarely pay the total cost yourself – you may also "pay" in the form of your labor, working for the university in teaching support or as a research assistant.
There are also full scholarships that will essentially cover everything – living costs, research funding, and other necessary expenses for those who are eligible. Check your school of choice for scholarship and financial aid information.
Popular Counseling Specialties
Counseling careers are available in a range of specializations, whether you are interested in working with groups, individuals, couples, and more. The following are some popular specialties - visit our Counseling Careers page for more.
School Counselor
School Counselors provide academic, career, and personal counseling services to students in elementary, middle, and high schools. They also collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to promote student success and support their emotional and social well-being.
Couples Counselor
Couples Counselors help partners through difficult life periods such as infidelity, separation, divorce, and other relationship strains.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Those needing help with addictions to alcohol, drugs, and more can find help and support by working with a Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor.
List of Counseling Doctorate Degree Programs
Find an online or campus-based Ph.D. doctorate degree program in Counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.