Choose from our General Program and six PhD specializations to expand your counseling knowledge and teaching credentials.
EARN YOUR PHD WHILE WORKING
Walden’s online program gives you the flexibility to balance earning a doctorate with work and personal commitments.
CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITY
The maximum number of students per class for this program is 12, allowing deeper connections with your peers and faculty.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH™
Track your milestones, connect with faculty, and find the right support at the right time with this personalized digital resource.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
In our online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program, you’ll gain the skills to guide future counselors as they grow and develop. You’ll also broaden your perspective by working with diverse faculty, students, and teaching styles.
Featured PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Courses
Students in this doctoral-level course work toward preparing their professional identity as counselor educators and supervisors. They explore the professional orientation and characteristics of counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors as well as related ethical and legal issues encountered in daily work situations. Students engage in discussions and assignments designed to provide practical application of competencies and responsibilities of counselor educators and supervisors. Students also examine the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and other relevant standards of practice as well as multicultural issues related to counselor preparation training. Through this course, students have the opportunity to gain professional awareness and create a professional development plan that can be implemented throughout their degree program.
Clinical supervision of counselors and counselors in training requires in-depth knowledge of major conceptual approaches, methods, and techniques; evaluation; and ethical and legal issues related to supervisory interactions and responsibilities. Students in this course are provided with the opportunity to develop their professional identity and learn the skills of a clinical supervisor. Throughout this course, students engage in experiential applications, discussions, and self-reflective assignments that focus on the strategies for working with supervisees representing diverse backgrounds and developmental and learning styles. After a critical analysis of the purpose of supervision, theoretical frameworks, and models of supervision, students develop and apply their own theory of supervision in a practice setting in which each participant oversees a group of practicum students.
In this research course, students are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing and carrying out quantitative research at the doctoral level, including the application of statistical concepts and techniques. Students explore classical common statistical tests, the importance of the logic of inference, and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. Students approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to derive statistics from quantitative data and interpret and present results.
In this course, students prepare to become competent teachers of counselor education through the examination of various adult learning theories and methods to work effectively with different learning styles, cultural dynamics, and diversity. Counselor educators in training learn how to help counseling students acquire and apply knowledge and skills, and they examine methods to evaluate learning outcomes. Students also have the opportunity to examine effectiveness within their personal teaching practice. Incorporating knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions learned throughout the course, students have opportunities to design curriculum, teach in a variety of settings, evaluate, and receive feedback as a counselor educator in training.
Admissions
Work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through the process—from finding the right degree program to paying for your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
A complicated admissions process should never stand in the way of your education goals. To simplify applying to our online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program, Walden has:
No application fee
No essay or SAT/ACT/GRE requirement
Easy credit transfer
Program Admission Considerations: A master's degree or higher in counseling.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
Cost matters when you’re exploring PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree programs. Walden helps make your goals more attainable with several ways to reduce your tuition:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 70 quarter credits | $615 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $43,050^ | ||
| Tuition-Dissertation | 15–125† quarter credits | $615 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $9,225–$76,875* | ||
| Program Fee | $175 per quarter | $1,750–$5,600* | |||
| Residency Fee | One Residency | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $1,420–$1,520 | ||
| Intensive Labs | Two in Program | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $2,840–$3,040 | ||
| Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year | 8-Year | |||
| $58,285 | $130,085 *+ | ||||
| (assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | ||||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.5-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 80–85 quarter credits | $615 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $49,200–$52,275^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 15–125† quarter credits | $615 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $9,225–$76,875* | |
| Program Fee | $175 per quarter | $1,750–$5,600* | ||
| Residency Fee | One Residency | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $1,420–$1,520 | |
| Intensive Labs | Two in Program | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $2,840–$3,040 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $64,435 | $139,310*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.5-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning a PhD is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCY
Your academic residency focuses on helping you build your professional identity and developing your scholarly writing skills.
Career Opportunities
A PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree can help you meet the pressing need for qualified counseling faculty in many universities.
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Oversee faculty research at universities; counselor educators prepare students for the profession.
Expected growth: 4%1
Estimated annual wage: $62,970–$137,2301
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program, you’ll be prepared to:
Synthesize theories and evidence-based practices across counselor education domains. (Knowledge)
Create counselor education approaches to address diverse counselors-in-training. (Knowledge)
Develop counselor education and supervision interventions to promote social change. (Skills)
Employ professional counselor educator and supervisor behaviors in professional settings. (Dispositions)
Read our PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision CACREP Vital Statistics Outcomes and Program Evaluation Outcome Report (PEOR) on the School of Counseling DATA webpage.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s faculty includes scholar-practitioners and subject matter experts who are committed to helping you develop as a counseling educator and supervisor.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Explore other Walden degree programs related to counseling and social work.
Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision FAQ
Yes. A master’s degree is typically needed to work in the mental health field as a counselor in the United States. You’ll also need to be licensed by your state’s licensing board. However, if your goal is to teach future counselors and mental health professionals, you’ll need to earn your PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree. Since 2013, new faculty members of Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited programs are required to hold doctoral degrees in counselor education and supervision. An online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree from Walden can equip you with the credentials you need to pursue becoming a mentor and educator of future counselors.
With a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree, you’ll be academically prepared to pursue opportunities as a counseling educator-supervisor, including full-time faculty roles in graduate counseling programs.
Yes. All of Walden’s programs are delivered online. Since 1970, we’ve been offering distance learning to meet the needs of working adults who want to continue their professional education. Online learning provides the perfect opportunity to earn your doctorate and grow as a scholar-practitioner while balancing work and other obligations.
The only path to become a professor in the field of counselor education is to complete a doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision. However, the pool of qualified graduates with doctoral degrees in this discipline—a CACREP requirement for core faculty status—has not grown accordingly. This has left many institutions struggling to hire qualified faculty to teach their counseling programs. A PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree from Walden can prepare you to meet this demand.
Below are some of the many reasons students choose our doctoral program:
- Walden students come from all over the world, creating a wealth of perspectives. Our faculty hail from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of expertise.
- You can select a dissertation chair with experience that aligns with your own interests.
- Choose from our General Program and five compelling PhD specializations to align your coursework with your personal and professional goals.
- All our faculty have doctoral degrees and are licensed practitioners.
- Walden is led by its mission of social change. Our curriculum focuses on empowering students to go out in the world and create the change they want to see in their own lives, in their organizations, and in their communities.
- You’ll be supported through every step of your online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program with Walden’s Writing Center, expansive digital library, personal advisors, and more. You also have access to the Doctoral Degree Coach™—a personalized digital resource to help you stay on track toward your academic goals. Finally, our faculty are available to provide one-on-one support for students in their journey to become confident and competent professionals.
Yes. The PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree program at Walden University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation ensures that the content and quality of counselor-preparation master’s and doctoral degree programs have been evaluated and meet standards set by the profession.
Students can complete the online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program in as few as three years. Typically, students complete the degree in less than five years. Talk to an Enrollment Specialist for a personalized estimate on your time to completion.