PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education

Western Michigan University

The doctoral program in Counselor Education is designed to provide advanced-level preparation for counselors in various mental health and school settings as well as preparing counselors for the counselor education professorate in colleges and universities. Preparing counselors to work as counselor educators and supervisors is the program’s highest priority. Doctoral students pursuing this degree are expected to demonstrate 1) a wide range of individual and group counseling skills 2) a sound theoretical foundation in counseling 3) teaching and supervision competencies 4) advanced multicultural counseling skills 5) research and scholarship skills 6) competencies associated with being an educational leader and social justice advocate, and 7) an understanding of academic program development, curriculum and administration. Students are expected to involve themselves in appropriate activities of the Department, College, University and of relevant professional counseling associations. The doctoral program in Counselor Education is not intended to meet the educational requirements of those who seek to be licensed psychologists. It assumes that applicants have or are about to complete their master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. Persons with a master’s degree in a related field may be asked to complete additional course work or an additional master’s degree in counseling.

College of Education and Human Development