Online Ph.D. In Counseling

You do not need a Ph.D. in counseling to prosper in clinical practice, but this terminal degree can offer greater distinction, along with opportunities to work in administration, research, and academia. An online Ph.D. in counseling can provide the flexibility and convenience of pursuing the highest degree in counseling with less disruption to your personal and professional obligations.

Explore this guide to see if you'd make a good candidate for an online Ph.D. in counseling program. Also, discover tuition estimates, common course structure, and career options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Counseling Ph.D.s

Are online Ph.D. in counseling programs legitimate?

Reputable colleges and universities offer fully online Ph.D. in counseling programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. In addition, the American Psychological Association accredits Ph.D. in counseling programs that offer online courses. These programs have the same amount of legitimacy as their on-campus equivalents.

Are online Ph.D. programs worth it?

Yes — if you have the dedication and ability to study independently, an online Ph.D. in counseling program can be a worthwhile pursuit. You can often earn an online Ph.D. in counseling quicker than in a traditional program without having to step foot on campus. Both online and traditional Ph.D. programs can provide a high return on your investment.

How long does an online Ph.D. in counseling program take?

Expect to spend 3-5 years of full-time enrollment earning an online Ph.D. in counseling. You'll need to complete between 50-70 credits. Exact timelines depend on your prior educational experience and the given program.

Is a Ph.D. worthwhile for counseling professionals?

The degree you pursue depends on your career objectives, salary expectations, and the academic challenge you desire. Online Ph.D. in counseling programs may provide opportunities to work in small cohorts and contribute to research.

Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Counseling?

Pursuing an online Ph.D. in counseling offers a convenient format to study the advanced theories and practical applications of working with specific client groups. Other benefits of an online Ph.D. in counseling include:

• Flexible coursework
• Practicum and internship opportunities
• Potential research funding
• Leadership opportunities
• Specialized counseling training
• Opportunities to teach
• Higher salary expectations
• A worthwhile challenge
• Convenient learning format

Choosing an Online Counseling Ph.D. Program

How can you choose the right online counseling Ph.D. program for you? These considerations can help you to find a program that meets your expectations.

• Faculty Reputation: Beyond prestige, having a supportive Ph.D. advisor can significantly benefit enrollees' experiences. A study of 409 Ph.D. candidates found that advisor support influenced student satisfaction the most.
• Research Opportunities: A Ph.D. in counseling allows you to craft original research. The availability and variety of additional research opportunities — such as fellowships and assistantships — can influence your Ph.D. program choice.
• Cost and Funding Availability: Ph.D. programs may extend full funding to candidates, including tuition and stipends provided by the school. If a program is not fully funded, consider the cost of tuition and the availability of scholarships, paid internships, and/or work-study programs.
• Program Format and Length: How long do you need to dedicate to an online Ph.D. program? Schools may offer accelerated Ph.D. programs or distance programs. Make certain that the length of a program and required in-person or set class times work with your schedule.
• Graduate Outcomes: Prospective students review an online Ph.D. in counseling program by researching the graduate outcomes, including the percentage of graduates who secured post-doctoral research positions and those who earned Ph.D. degrees.

How Much Does an Online Counseling Ph.D. Cost?

Online Ph.D. candidates do not always have fully funded positions. You can offset the cost of tuition for graduate school by receiving grants, assistantships, and/or tuition remission.

Expect to see cost differences when comparing public and private institutions. Because of the variations in tuition prices, you could pay between $595-$900 or more per credit for your Ph.D. Rates may differ depending on part-time or full-time enrollment choice.

Additional Cost Considerations for Online Students

In addition to tuition, you need to factor in additional costs associated with online learning. Online Ph.D. candidates need a stable internet connection and reliable computers. Many schools charge additional technology fees for distance learning. Also, you'll need transportation for internships and practicum experiences, if required.

How to Fund an Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Ph.D. programs often provide full funding through the school if students teach undergraduate courses or agree to assistantships. Institutions may limit funding for online Ph.D. candidates because of the non-traditional nature of remote learning. For instance, online learners may not be able to teach on campus.

You can subsidize your Ph.D. education through various institutional and government grants and scholarships. Before committing to a program, contact the school's financial aid office to discuss potential funding opportunities.

Curriculum and Course Structure

Ph.D. programs have more competitive admission processes and accept fewer students than master's programs. With smaller cohorts, Ph.D. candidates have more opportunities to collaborate with faculty and their peers. The courses provide comprehensive training in teaching, leadership and advocacy, clinical counseling procedures, and counseling supervision.

Specializations and Concentrations

You can gain in-depth knowledge of specific areas of counseling through various specializations. The entire Ph.D. program may focus on an area of counseling or offer specialized courses in areas like:

• Education and supervision
• Grief counseling
• Marriage and family counseling
• Mental health counseling
• Pastoral counseling
• Rehabilitation counseling
• School counseling
• Substance misuse counseling

Internship and Practicum Opportunities

Field experiences offered in online Ph.D. in counseling programs complement coursework, providing direct clinical practice and experience in your specialized field area. For instance, if you focus on teaching counseling, your internship may consist of working as a college lecturer. If you concentrate your studies on counselor education, your internship may include supervising counselors during group sessions.

Many programs require a practicum and/or internship, which you must complete in person on campus or at a nearby site. However, some online Ph.D. in counseling programs have neither practicums nor internships. When required, the internships usually include a teaching and supervisory component of about 600 hours. Practicum experience may require 100 hours.

Research Opportunities

Along with opportunities for independent research, Ph.D. candidates take courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Traditional Ph.D. in counseling programs offer more opportunities to join research apprenticeships with advisors.

At regional and national conferences for professional organizations, Ph.D. candidates can present their findings and make connections. In contrast, online Ph.D. in counseling programs may limit research opportunities compared to on-campus programs.

Admission Requirements for Online Ph.D. in Counseling Programs

At a minimum, you need a master's degree in counseling or a similar major to qualify for admission. Candidates are screened by admissions committees, which consider factors like work experience and academic achievement. You may need a minimum 3.0-3.25 GPA and a counseling license to receive admission. Some Ph.D. programs require interviews, as well.

Career Opportunities and Salary Potential with an Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Individuals with Ph.D. and/or master's degrees in counseling often pursue the following careers.