The Ph.D. program in Counselor Education focuses on preparing future counseling educators, researchers, and professionals. To build their credentials, Ph.D. students teach two graduate courses in the master’s program in Counselor Education. In addition, students participate in a biweekly doctoral seminar that includes other Ph.D. students as well as full-time faculty.

Location

• Storrs Campus

Modality

• In Person

Requirements

The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in two to four years, depending on experience as a school counselor. Due to course sequencing, students are normally only admitted for the Fall semester. Before entering the program, all students must possess at least a Master’s degree in counseling, preferably school counseling. This degree in counselor education is geared towards students finding jobs in academia as a faculty member, or in other capacities on a college or university campus. Students choose from among the following specializations based on their interests and career goals: social justice and educational equity; program evaluation; qualitative and quantitative research methodology; gifted and talented education; positive behavioral supports; primary prevention; and licensure as a professional counselor.

Teaching

To build their credentials as future professors, all Ph.D. students will be encouraged to teach (under supervision) in order to gain skills in this area.

Seminar

Doctoral students will be expected to participate in a bi-weekly repeating doctoral seminar.

Required Courses

Ph.D. students are required to complete 15 credit hours in measurement, research and evaluation. These courses include:

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
EPSY 5605	Quantitative Methods in Research I	3
EPSY 5607	Quantitative Methods in Research II	3
EPSY 6601	Methods and Techniques of Educational Research	3
EPSY 5510	Learning: Its Implication for Education	3
Total Credits		12

Dissertation

Ph.D. students must complete a comprehensive examination, prepare a dissertation proposal, and then conduct, write, and defend their dissertation research.

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate Advanced Knowledge in Counseling Theory and Practice: Students will be able to critically analyze and apply advanced counseling theory, techniques, and ethical practices to diverse client populations.
2. Conduct Independent and Ethical Research: Students will demonstrate the ability to design, conduct, and interpret original research that contributes to the field of counselor education, using rigorous methods while adhering to ethical guidelines.
3. Exhibit Leadership and Advocacy in the Counseling Profession: Students will develop leadership skills, advocate for systemic changes, and contribute to policy development in counseling to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities.
4. Enhance Cultural Competence and Social Justice: Students will demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations, integrating cultural humility and social justice principles into counseling practice, research, and teaching.