Counseling and Supervision Students

Apply Now - Deadline January 5

The Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision was approved by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) and implemented in 2011 with a cohort of five degree-seeking students. In 2014, the program was fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The 48-credit-hour curriculum focuses on counselor education, supervision strategies, leadership skills, counseling services, and research methods. Eligible applicants are practicing counselors who have completed an advanced degree (M.A., M.S. or Ed.S.) from an entry-level counseling program and 60 credit hours of graduate counseling coursework necessary for licensure as a professional counselor or school counselor, with preference given to graduates of CACREP accredited programs. Its emphasis on crisis counseling and emergency services is also a unique feature of the program.

Our Ph.D. program is now operating as a hybrid/low-residency model of learning. This change allows students to enroll in the program without being required to leave their jobs or uproot and move to Harrisonburg. Students participate in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous online meetings with core faculty members as well as in-person “residency” periods of 2-3 days, that are held twice a semester. The in-person residencies allow for relationship building and intensive depth work that continue each semester through the completion of the required dissertation.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, 20 students were enrolled in the Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision Program. Since the implementation of the program, twenty doctorates have been awarded. During the past year, we admitted a total of 8 students. Our full-time students are expected to complete the program in three years and our part-time students plan to complete the program in four years. During the twelve years of the program, our combined completion rate for full-time and part-time students in the Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision Program has been 89%. All (100%) of our alumni report that they are licensed and working either full-time or part-time in counselor education, supervision, and counseling practice. 

Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision 2022-2023 Annual Report

Our programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). Please visit the CACREP website for more information regarding the requirements and implications of accreditation.

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