Advance your expertise and ability to serve others
Whether you’re looking to practice, educate or lead in the counseling field, our nationally accredited Counselor Education and Supervision program (CACREP) will ensure that you are able to explore your specific interests. Elevate your skills in areas such as play therapy, child and adolescent counseling or couples and family counseling. It all starts here. Begin your journey and apply today!
4 to 7 years
None
69-72 hours
Yes, Dissertation
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling :: SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN COUNSELING 2
SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN Counseling
We prepare graduates to work as counselor educators, supervisors, researchers and practitioners.
Enjoy the opportunity to learn at one of our campuses with guidance and mentorship from world-class faculty who are respected educators in their fields.
Join the ranks of our graduates who have gone on to work in counseling, Universities, private practices, and agencies
Whether it’s a full year in the classroom, practicum or internships, you’ll engage in real-world learning experiences that build confidence and skills.
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling :: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
What You Will Learn
A Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision will offer you the opportunity to:
- Learn advanced counseling theories and techniques
- Develop your research and writing abilities
- Apply your knowledge to the real world through hands-on experience
- Receive the guidance you need from faculty
- Gain insight into the doctoral professional identity in areas of counseling, supervision, teaching, scholarship, leadership and advocacy
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling :: Careers
Careers
Our program prepares you to serve a critical role in the workforce. From clinical counseling to academic positions, you’re chance to make an impact is out there.
Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018
Back to menuDoctor of Philosophy in Counseling :: FEATURED COURSES
Featured Courses
This course provides students with a variety of opportunities to increase their level of personal (self-reflective) awareness, and clinical awareness, knowledge, and skills in working with diverse populations. This increased level of cultural competence better prepares students to teach supervise, and mentor counseling trainees and novice practitioner, to conduct culturally sensitive research, and to provide direct services to culturally diverse clients.
Prepares counselors to address the specific needs of children and adolescents, with emphasis on developmental needs, specific therapeutic interventions, and common emotional issues.
A study of counseling theories applied to marital and other dyadic relationships. Emphasis will be placed on the assimilation, integration, and application of information pertaining to such topics as marital/divorce developmental tasks theory, object relations theory, systemic family of origin theory, interaction patterns in marriage, divorce process, and post-divorce adjustment.
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling :: Course Delivery and Resources
Course Delivery
Our part-time program blends academic and experiential components to round out your education. Online courses allow for flexibility in your schedule and the ability to work while pursuing your degree.
Graduate Program Cost
PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking 9 credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS International/Domestic Tabs
Admission
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling :: Program Admission Requirements
Deadlines
Spring admission consideration: October 15
Summer admission consideration: March 1
This program does not have fall admission consideration.
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Step 1. Submit Application
Submit your application through ApplyTexas.
- Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
- Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”
- Select “Counselor Education and Supervision, PHD” as your “Major.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Step 2. Submit Documents
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator, [email protected], unless otherwise specified below.
Official Transcripts
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
You must hold one of the following GPA requirements to be considered for doctoral admission:
- An awarded bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with at least a 3.00 GPA on the last 60 hours or an awarded bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with at least a 2.75 GPA or higher or
- An awarded master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with at least a 3.4 GPA or higher in the field of counseling or closely related field.
Postal Alternative
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Statement of Goals Form
Submit the Statement of Goals Form
- You can find the form in the Application Packet.
- An additional page can be added.
Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Counseling Essay
Submit a one-page essay which closely addresses the following:
- Describe your personal philosophy of the principles which guide therapeutic change. Identify aspects of this philosophy that derive from counseling theorists and those which are your own.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Request three signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.
- Two of the references should hold a doctoral degree.
Those individuals should
- email the letter to [email protected] or
- send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Test Scores
Submit official General Test GRE scores
- Request that your GRE®scores be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Step 4. Register for Classes
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist is here to help you complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- View the Schedule of Classes.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling :: Program Admission Requirements, International
Deadlines
Spring admission consideration: October 15
Summer admission consideration: March 1
This program does not have fall admission consideration.
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Step 1. Submit Application
Submit your application through ApplyTexas.
- Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
- Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”
- Select “Counselor Education and Supervision, PHD” as your “Major.”
- Pay the $75 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Step 2. Submit Documents
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator, [email protected], unless otherwise specified below.
Official Transcripts
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
You must hold one of the following GPA requirements to be considered for doctoral admission:
- An awarded bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with at least a 3.00 GPA on the last 60 hours or an awarded bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with at least a 2.75 GPA or higher or
- An awarded master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with at least a 3.4 GPA or higher in the field of counseling or closely related field.
Postal Alternative
If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce Texas 75428
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Statement of Goals Form
Submit the Statement of Goals Form found in the Application Packet. An additional page can be added.
Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Counseling Essay
Submit a one-page essay which closely addresses the following topic:
- Describe your personal philosophy of the principles which guide therapeutic change. Identify aspects of this philosophy that derive from counseling theorists and those which are your own.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Request three signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.
- At least one of the references should hold a doctoral degree.
Those individuals should
- Email the letter to [email protected] or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Postal Alternative
If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce Texas 75428
Test Scores
Submit official General Test GRE scores
- Request that your GRE®scores be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.
English Proficiency
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce:
- TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
- IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
- PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
- Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Official Sponsor Documents
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
- Official sponsor statement
- Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
Step 4. Register for Classes
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling :: Staff
We are here to help!
Psychology PhD :: FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take any or all of my classes online?
What credentials can I get with the doctorate in counseling?
Every state has different laws governing professional counselor licensure. You should consult with the licensing board of the state in which you plan to practice for specific information.
Generally, those states that have licensing laws for professional counselors require a 48-60 semester hour degree (generally a master’s degree) and post-degree supervision hours to be eligible to practice counseling (licensed professional counseling or licensed marriage and family therapist). Many doctoral students have earned their masters degree and use the doctoral program to advance their skills in specific areas such as play therapy, child and adolescent counseling, couples and family counseling, and/or supervision. You can work with your advisor to tailor your electives to meet your license and practice needs.
What kinds of graduate assistantships are available?
Graduate Assistant Teaching (GAT)
The Counseling Program has an undergraduate minor in counseling, and many of our doctoral students have the opportunity to teach at this level. These meetings provide an opportunity for support, supervision, and mentoring as the GATs develop the courses, interact with undergraduate students, and handle the responsibilities of teaching.
Graduate Assistant Non-teaching (GANT)
The department also has non-teaching graduate assistantships available for qualified students. Generally the GANT works with a faculty member in the supervision of master’s level students as they develop counseling skills. Depending on funding, university entities other than the Counseling Program (such as the university counseling center and academic advising) have graduate assistantships available.
Graduate Assistant Research (GAR)
Funded research projects allow for GAR’s to work with faculty members, which can lead to a manuscript submission or a presentation proposal.
Will I be able to obtain coursework and experiences to apply toward Registration as a Play Therapist?
We have a play therapy course and can provide opportunities for clinical experiences that focus on working with children in the play therapy modality. Supervision in play therapy is a part of the training you can receive in our doctoral program. Our Community Counseling and Psychology Center offers counseling services to the community for all types of clients. In addition, the department has cooperative agreements with several area school districts and non-profits to provide play therapy for students and clients. Those hours can be applied toward your registration as a play therapist.
Will there be opportunities to present at state or national conferences?
The faculty encourages our doctoral students to join them in professional presentations at local, regional, and national conferences. The faculty will also advise doctoral students, helping them to prepare proposals and presentations at local, regional, and national conferences.
What is the residency requirement in the doctoral program?
Doctoral student residency in the A&M Commerce Department of Counseling serves three purposes. First, it is designed to encourage collegial relationships between students and faculty. Second, it introduces students to typical professional expectations they will encounter as they progress through their careers. Finally, activities within the residency enhance student learning by supplementing the academic and experiential components of the program. (Students do not have to live in Commerce during their doctoral residency).
Residency Requirements
- Attend a minimum of six doctoral seminars
- Assist faculty members on two different projects leading to a program proposal or manuscript submission
- Engage in a minimum of two departmental activities, such as assisting with Murphy Day, proctoring master’s comps, etc.
- Actively engage in professional service, such as participating in Chi Sigma Iota or the Doctoral Student Association, or serving on a departmental or college committee.
There is no specified time limit for completing residency.
What opportunities are available to work toward publications?
Is there a way to speak with other doctoral students in the department or university?
The university has a Doctoral Student Association that is actively working to support doctoral students. Current doctoral students in our department would be happy to speak with you concerning their program and education. You can call the department office at 903.886.5637 for contact information.
Are there doctoral seminars or other departmental educational opportunities beyond the classroom?
The department hosts a series of doctoral seminars each semester. These are presented by faculty members and other qualified individuals (sometimes doctoral students). Examples of past topics include: ethics in supervision, play therapy, preparing your proposal/article for submission, conversations with the ACA President-Elect, preparing for doctoral comps, involvement in professional associations, and multicultural issues in the classroom.
Do students and faculty collaborate on professional activities?
The faculty of the Counseling Program has a long tradition of leadership in state, regional, and national professional associations. Faculty members are also involved in ongoing research, publication, and presentation activities. Our doctoral students benefit from involvement and collaboration with faculty members in these endeavors.
Contact Us
- Department of Counseling
- 903.886.5637
- 903.886.5594
- P.O.Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Counselor Education and Supervision(PHD):: Request more info
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