Advance your expertise and ability to serve others
Whether you're looking to practice, educate or lead in the counseling field, our nationally accredited (CACREP) Counselor Education and Supervision program 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!
Where It Is Offered
Commerce, Dallas, McKinney (CHEC), Mesquite
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling :: SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN COUNSELING 2
SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN Counseling
Career Readiness
We prepare graduates to work as counselor educators, supervisors, researchers and practitioners.
Accomplished Faculty
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.
Education Success
Join the ranks of our graduates who have gone on to work in counseling, Universities, private practices, and agencies
Hands-on Training
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 :: FEATURED COURSES
Featured Courses
Advanced Seminar in Counseling Diverse PopulationsCOUN 622
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.
Counseling Children and AdolescentsCOUN 534
Prepares counselors to address the specific needs of children and adolescents, with emphasis on developmental needs, specific therapeutic interventions, and common emotional issues.
Marital Counseling/TherapyCOUN 615
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.
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
School and Career Counselor
$57,040
Instructional Coordinator
$66,290
Postsecondary Teacher
$79,540
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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?
Faculty members in the department welcome students to join them in publication efforts. Mentoring relationships are developed between faculty and doctoral students as the students prepare their own manuscripts for submission and publication as well.
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.
We use cookies to improve your experience and to understand how you use our site. By continuing to use our site, you consent to our Privacy Policy, including the use of cookies.
