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Counselor Education and Supervision
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision
As a counselor, you know how important mentors and positive professional role models can be. Capella University offers groundbreaking online learning combined with in-person experiences that can help you develop your inner mentor and advance as a leader in counseling.
Our CACREP-accredited PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program can help you advance as a practitioner, leader, clinical supervisor, educator, and researcher. This program offers you a way to practice real-world application of theories with hands-on experience during your practicum and internship courses. You'll build your skills in counseling, teaching, research, leadership, advocacy, and supervision.
Classes start January 6
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online and in-person
- 12 core courses
- GuidedPath
- Practicum
- Internships
- Advanced doctoral phase
- CACREP-accredited
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Explore counselor education and supervision courses
- This program requires a total of 72 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete 12 core courses in addition to two internship courses, a practicum, and dissertation requirements.
Your work toward completion of this CACREP-accredited counselor education and supervision PhD features an in-depth study of doctoral-level instructional delivery in advanced counseling practice/therapy, counseling supervision, teaching, research, leadership, and advocacy.
Show all descriptions
CES8760
Advanced Counseling Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners expand and refine therapeutic skills developed through prior practice and coursework to investigate advanced counseling practice skills. Learners examine the strengths and limitations of various counseling techniques and apply therapeutic models to a variety of contemporary client populations and issues. Learners also conceptualize a clinical case and develop a treatment plan that is consistent with a selected theoretical preference and diverse client needs. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
CES8768
Counselor Education Teaching and Practice
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of major roles, responsibilities, and activities of counselor educators. Learners study instructional theory and methods and evaluate ethical and legal issues associated with counselor preparation training. Learners develop a philosophy of teaching and learning and examine procedures for engaging students, assessing student needs, and effectively delivering the information needed to develop competent counselors. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only.
4 quarter credits
CES8772
Counselor Supervision
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine critical literature in counselor education, including history, standards, multicultural concerns, and legal and ethical issues. Learners analyze theories, techniques, and models of counselor supervision and develop a personal supervision model. Learners also study the major dimensions of supervisions and the roles and relationships associated with them. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only.
4 quarter credits
CES8776
Leadership and Advocacy in Counseling
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course evaluate leadership and advocacy theories, models, and skills and their applications to the professional identity and practice of counselor educators and supervisors. Learners use a social justice lens to assess current topics and multicultural issues. Throughout the course, learners analyze the field of counselor education and supervision as a whole, leadership and advocacy roles in professional organizations and counseling programs, and ways to foster leadership and advocacy competence among counselor trainees and professional counselors. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only.
4 quarter credits
CES8140
Research Theory and Philosophy
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the philosophical assumptions of scholarly research. Learners analyze and synthesize literature as it relates to theoretical frameworks and apply research theory and philosophical assumptions as a foundation for research relevant to the field. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Prerequisite(s): CES8130. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
This program is designed to prepare counseling professionals for advanced clinical practice, leadership, teaching, and supervisory roles. Build your skills in multiple methods of graduate-level instructional delivery in counseling, clinical supervision, leadership, and advocacy.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply principles supporting personal and professional development, modeling exemplary comportment
- Conduct valid, reliable, and ethical research that contributes to the knowledge base for the field of counselor education and supervision
- Evaluate current theories and practices of the counseling profession to promote evidence-based practice, supervision, and teaching
- Advocate for social justice and the advancement of professional counseling
- Apply professional codes of ethics, cultural competence, and legal standards to counselor education and supervision practice
- Communicate professionally and effectively with diverse individuals and groups through written, verbal and electronic formats
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and professional paths to explore.
Students should consult the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD Student Handbook for details about the program.
How much does the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$730 per credit, 60 coursework credits, 0 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Practicum
—
12 credits of practicum and internship included in program costs. Travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.
Practicum
What is practicum and internship?—
12 credits of practicum and internship included in program costs. Travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.
Dissertation
$2,920 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,920
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Amount of time spent working on practicum
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $730/credit 11 quarters |
$43,800.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,920/quarter 6 quarters |
$17,520.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$61,320.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$56,320.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 17 quarters |
$58,245.00 |
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $730/credit 11 quarters |
$43,800.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,920/quarter 8 quarters |
$23,360.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$67,160.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$62,160.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 19 quarters |
$64,085.00 |
Completes dissertation in 10 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $730/credit 11 quarters |
$43,800.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,920/quarter 10 quarters |
$29,200.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$73,000.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est Subtotal with Scholarship*
|
$68,000.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 11 quarters |
$1,925.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 21 quarters |
$69,925.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision admission requirements
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Completion of a CACREP-accredited curriculum equivalent master's degree program
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- 2 Letters of recommendation completed by supervisor, faculty member and professional colleague
- An extended goal statement and writing sample. Your Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Articles and resources
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An overview of similarities, differences, and collaborative opportunities in these related fields.
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.
What can you do with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree?
Graduates of this program are prepared to work as counselor educators, clinical supervisors, leaders, researchers, and advanced practitioners in academic and clinical settings. This specialization requires coursework and clinical experience.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct faculty
- Counseling faculty
- Director of counseling
Employment settings to explore*
- Child and youth services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Management consulting services
- Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
- Outpatient care centers
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.