A counseling doctorate can prepare you to teach, supervise clinicians, or lead research - but it may be an expensive detour if your goal is simply to begin counseling clients. This guide helps working counselors and prospective doctoral students compare online degrees by career fit, accreditation, time, cost, and state licensure implications. It also features the 2027 Best Online Doctorate in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which programs are worth considering.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in America
Choose the degree by career goal: a PhD generally emphasizes research and faculty preparation, while an EdD commonly emphasizes leadership and applied practice. Neither automatically grants a counseling license.
Budget for more than tuition. A doctorate often takes several years, and residency visits, internship arrangements, dissertation time, and reduced work hours can materially change its total cost.
Use salaries as occupational context, not a doctoral payoff estimate: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $59,350 for the occupation encompassing mental health and addiction counselors.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in America?
Most counseling doctorates in this comparison focus on counselor education and supervision: preparing experienced practitioners to teach counselors, supervise clinical work, conduct research, or lead services. A PhD usually places greater weight on producing original research; an EdD often centers applied leadership and organizational change. Actual requirements depend on the program, not the degree letters alone.
"Online" describes how much coursework is delivered remotely, not where every requirement occurs. Some programs require campus residencies, synchronous classes, locally arranged supervision, teaching, or an internship. If your primary goal is initial clinical practice, compare a licensure-aligned master's degree first: a doctorate may not replace the master's-level coursework or supervised experience required by your state board.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in America?
Career settings include university counselor-education departments, community mental health organizations, hospitals, school systems, government agencies, and private practices. The setting depends on the work you want to do: faculty roles commonly require research and teaching; clinical leadership roles may depend more heavily on licensure, supervision experience, and management skills.
An online program can let you remain employed in your community, but professional permissions do not travel with the degree. Counseling licenses are issued by state boards, and requirements for coursework, supervised experience, examinations, and practice across state lines differ. Identify the state where you intend to work before committing to a program or arranging fieldwork (state counseling licensing boards).
A doctorate does not carry a single salary. Pay depends on the job, employer, location, licensure, and prior experience. The figures below are occupational medians, not earnings measured for counseling doctorate graduates; they are most useful for identifying the roles you intend to pursue (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections; wages: May 2025).
Career area
U.S. median annual wage
How to use it
Mental health and addiction counseling
$59,350
A clinical-practice benchmark, not evidence of a doctoral wage premium.
School counseling
$64,330
Relevant if your intended role is in a school system.
Marriage and family counseling
$66,940
A separate licensed occupation with its own state requirements.
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
Useful when comparing rehabilitation-focused career plans.
A prospective faculty member should instead investigate pay and hiring conditions for the specific teaching role and institution. To judge whether the doctorate is financially worthwhile, compare likely incremental earnings with debt, forgone income, completion time, and the possibility of remaining in your current occupation.
These programs differ in degree type, academic setting, and delivery model. Use the distinctions below to narrow a shortlist, then confirm current credit requirements, campus visits, accreditation, and total charges directly with each school; a program's inclusion here does not establish that every component is fully online.
Liberty University: Its online PhD is explicitly in counselor education and supervision (Liberty University). It is a clearer starting point for a working counselor seeking a research-oriented doctorate than a program whose catalog listing does not specify online delivery; confirm any required in-person components.
University of Holy Cross: The school identifies its counseling doctorate as a PhD within its counseling program (University of Holy Cross). Applicants drawn to a counseling-focused academic setting should ask how doctoral research mentoring and required attendance operate in practice.
Viterbo University: Its Doctor of Counselor Education and Supervision uses a professionally focused degree title rather than the PhD or EdD label used elsewhere in this group (Viterbo University). Compare its dissertation or other culminating work with faculty-job requirements if teaching is your goal.
Kansas State University: The university presents its counselor education and supervision doctorate through its online-programs division (Kansas State University). That makes it worth examining for employed students who need remote coursework, subject to confirmation of any campus or fieldwork obligations.
Sam Houston State University: Its counseling doctorate is listed as a PhD in the university's graduate catalog (Sam Houston State University). Research-focused applicants should verify which courses can be completed remotely before treating the catalog listing as an online option.
James Madison University: Its catalog identifies a PhD in counseling and supervision (James Madison University). The supervision emphasis merits attention from licensed counselors planning to train or oversee practitioners; confirm the delivery format and admission expectations with the department.
Adams State University: The university houses its doctorate within graduate counselor education (Adams State University). Ask specifically how doctoral field experiences and research advising work for students living outside Colorado.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: Its counseling PhD has a designated non-residential format (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary). Students who want counseling scholarship in a seminary environment should also examine how its institutional mission fits their intended employers and professional goals.
University of the Cumberlands: Its graduate offering is explicitly a PhD in counselor education and supervision (University of the Cumberlands). Working counselors can compare its doctoral research and supervision requirements with more practice-oriented EdD options.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania: It offers an EdD in counselor education and supervision, distinguishing it by degree type from the PhD options listed here (Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania). It may better fit an applied leadership goal, but applicants pursuing research-intensive faculty posts should examine its research requirements closely.
Plan on several years rather than a fixed online-program timeline. Many doctoral students should budget roughly three to five years, with part-time enrollment, internship scheduling, and dissertation progress potentially extending completion. This is a planning range, not a promised completion time; request each school's published time-to-degree and maximum enrollment window.
An accelerated schedule can reduce time away from other goals but may leave less room for paid work or research development. Compare the required course sequence and dissertation support - not just the advertised minimum - when reviewing fastest counseling programs.
The principal difference is where structured coursework and faculty interaction occur. Online study can protect an established job and avoid relocation; campus study may simplify access to in-person research teams, teaching assignments, and faculty. Neither format removes the need for supervision, credible research mentoring, or locally feasible field placements.
Ask an online program which meetings are live, how frequently travel is required, who approves placements, and whether faculty supervise dissertations remotely. For a prospective faculty member, the quality and accessibility of teaching and research opportunities matter more than the delivery label. For an employed clinical director, predictable scheduling and a workable local internship may matter more.
There is no defensible single national average that describes the full price of an online counseling doctorate: schools vary in credits, dissertation enrollment rules, residency requirements, fees, and aid. Published per-credit tuition is therefore a starting point, not a total. Ask for a written estimate through the expected completion date, including continuation fees if research extends beyond coursework.
Public-university rates may depend on residency even for online students; private nonprofit institutions can also differ substantially in aid and fees. When comparing most affordable counseling programs, calculate expected net cost after grants or employer support and add travel, books, borrowing costs, and income you may forgo. A lower sticker price is not necessarily the lower-cost path if completion takes longer.
Potential funding includes university assistantships, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for eligible students at eligible institutions and programs. Ask whether an assistantship is available to online doctoral students, whether it requires campus work, and whether tuition support continues during dissertation enrollment (Federal Student Aid; individual institutions).
Check borrowing eligibility before relying on Graduate PLUS. Federal rules changed for new graduate borrowers beginning July 1, 2026; qualifying students who were already enrolled and had a Direct Loan for that program before the change may have transitional eligibility, subject to federal conditions. Confirm your own status and current loan limits with the school's aid office and Federal Student Aid. Minimize borrowing against an unverified assumption that a doctorate will raise clinical earnings.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
65–69
1
70–74
1
75–79
1
80–84
5
85–89
15
90–94
3
Programs commonly look for a relevant master's degree, prior counseling preparation, academic writing or research readiness, and a clear professional purpose. Some also expect clinical licensure or experience, while others evaluate applicants from related fields individually. Requirements for references, interviews, writing samples, and prerequisite courses are set by each institution (institutional admissions pages).
Before paying an application fee, ask whether your master's coursework qualifies, whether a license is required at entry, and whether your state permits any planned doctoral fieldwork. A program described as having accessible admissions is not necessarily easier to complete or better aligned with your goals; use easiest counseling programs as a comparison tool, then check the actual admission and graduation requirements.
Counselor education and supervision doctorates commonly cover advanced counseling theory, clinical supervision, counselor teaching, research design, statistics or qualitative methods, leadership, and ethics. A dissertation or other substantial research project distinguishes doctoral study from most practice-oriented master's degrees. Curricula vary, so compare required courses and supervised teaching or clinical work against the position you hope to hold.
For prospective faculty, ask how you will gain experience teaching and publishing - not merely whether pedagogy appears in the catalog. For clinical supervisors, ask how supervision practice is assessed. Transfer credit can shorten coursework at some schools, but it may not replace residency, fieldwork, or dissertation requirements.
Doctoral research and electives may emphasize clinical mental health, school counseling, addiction, marriage and family work, rehabilitation, or counselor education. A named concentration is useful only if its faculty, placements, and coursework support your intended role. Ask whether the specialty appears on the transcript and whether its required experiences can be completed where you live.
Do not confuse a doctoral emphasis with professional authorization. For example, school counselor certification and clinical counseling licensure follow state-specific rules; a specialty label alone does not satisfy them (state education agencies and counseling licensing boards).
Start with the job you want, then test whether the credential and program requirements actually lead toward it. The following checks expose common mismatches before you commit tuition or time:
Define the outcome: distinguish faculty research, counselor supervision, agency leadership, and initial clinical licensure; a doctorate is rarely the most direct route to that first license.
Verify recognition: check institutional accreditation and the program's current CACREP status directly with the accreditor, then ask your intended state board how it evaluates the degree (CACREP; U.S. Department of Education; state licensing boards).
Map the full schedule: obtain written details on residencies, live classes, internship approval, dissertation advising, and typical completion - not just the minimum advertised timeline.
Price the likely path: compare net tuition, mandatory fees, travel, aid, forgone income, and what happens financially if the dissertation takes longer.
Test the outcome: request program-level completion, graduate employment, and faculty-placement information with reporting years and definitions; do not substitute institution-wide figures.
Compare most valuable counseling programs against your own baseline earnings and career plan. A sound return-on-investment estimate considers completion probability, debt, aid, opportunity cost, expected earnings change, time horizon, and the value of future income - not ranking position alone.
View the chart data as a table
Projected job growth 2025-2035 - Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (U.S.) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
18
All occupations
3
Counselor educator: teaches and studies counseling, often with expectations for publication and service. Clinical supervisor: develops other practitioners and may need a current license and board-recognized supervision qualifications. Program leader: manages services, training, or evaluation in a healthcare organization, school system, or public agency. Some graduates continue clinical practice alongside these roles.
The best investment depends on whether the doctorate opens a role you could not realistically reach through experience, a master's degree, or a shorter credential. If you principally want to expand a private caseload, first establish what additional benefit the doctorate offers in your state and market.
View the chart data as a table
Projected job growth 2025-2035 by counseling career path (U.S., BLS) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Mental Health Counselors
18
Marriage & Family Therapists
14
Postsecondary Teachers
7
Psychologists
6
School & Career Counselors
3
Rehabilitation Counselors
2
All occupations
3
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for the occupational group encompassing substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That points to demand for counseling services, but it does not measure openings for doctoral faculty or prove that employers require a doctorate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025-2035).
Doctoral applicants should assess two markets separately: the local clinical or leadership market where they expect to work and the faculty market, which may require geographic mobility and a record of teaching and research. Ask programs for recent graduate destinations by role. Strong demand for master's-level counselors alone is not a sufficient reason to borrow for a doctorate.
2027 Best Online Doctorate in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA
Investing in a doctorate is a consequential decision, so Research.com evaluates programs using multiple measures rather than treating price or reputation as a substitute for student results. The ranking draws on the following sources to assess outcomes, accreditation, eligibility, and cost:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completion, and cost data.
Research.com first builds a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score: program completion contributes 40%; employment or doctoral admission, 20%; licensure exam pass rates, 20% where applicable; CACREP programmatic accreditation, 16%; and federal Title IV institutional eligibility, 4%. Shares are adjusted when a measure does not apply. Program cost then contributes about 7% of the final Best ranking score. The method is the same for online and on-campus programs; related rankings emphasize the dimension named in each ranking.
This approach gives readers a starting point for comparing results and affordability, not a substitute for checking a program's current requirements and fit. For more detail, see Research.com's ranking methodology.
# 1 position
Liberty University
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.33
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
79.35%
GPA range
3.25 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 30; Spring: September 30
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree from an accredited institution meeting CACREP entry-level standards, minimum 3.25 GPA; applicants with a related master's (counseling, psychology, human services) may need M.A.-level prerequisite courses first.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, two recommendations, 300-word letter of intent, vita (counseling license or 1+ year clinical experience), 3-5 page APA case vignette, possible interview, TOEFL if needed. Nine required intensive courses are held in Lynchburg, VA.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Liberty University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.33/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 2 position
University of Holy Cross
Doctor
PhD in Counseling: Counselor Education & Supervision
Delivery mode: online
94.17
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling from a regionally accredited university. A completed 60-credit CACREP-accredited counseling master's or equivalent coursework is required; students lacking components must complete missing requirements.
Additional requirements
Online application; two-page application letter on counseling career choice, experience, diversity, goals, and fit for online doctoral study; master's and other graduate transcripts; current resume; three recommendation forms.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Holy Cross earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.17/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 3 position
Viterbo University
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision (EdD)
Delivery mode: hybrid
90.17
/ 100
Final score
Program length
accelerated track: three years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
50%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
A 60-credit master's degree is required: a counseling master's from an accredited institution with LPC eligibility, or another qualifying degree with equivalent license eligibility. Non-counseling master's graduates must complete prerequisites.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; explanation if graduate GPA is below 3.0; 500-word statement of purpose; two recommendations; Financial Responsibility Agreement; faculty interview by invitation; English proficiency if applicable.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Viterbo University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.17/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 4 position
Kansas State University
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision Doctorate (Ph.D.)
Delivery mode: online
88.97
/ 100
Final score
Program length
at least three years of full-time study
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
Acceptance rate
27.4%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: April 1; Spring: November 1 (domestic); International Spring: August 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A qualifying master's degree reduces the requirement to 66 credit hours (otherwise a minimum of 96 hours post baccalaureate is required); general university graduate admission requirements apply.
Additional requirements
Application; $65 fee; transcripts; 3-5 page statement of goals; 5-8 page scholarly writing sample (GRE not required); three letters of recommendation; resume/vitae; interview on request; TOEFL/IELTS/PTE if non-native English.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Kansas State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.97/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 5 position
Sam Houston State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
88.17
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
47.83%
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE General Test required if master's GPA is below 3.5
Prerequisites
CACREP accredited master's degree in counseling (or 60-hour equivalent); must currently have or be eligible to work towards an LPC per Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council requirements.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts showing bachelor's and master's degrees from a CACREP or equivalent institution; master's GPA of 3.5+ (GRE required if below 3.5); personal statement (1000 words max); three professional references; finalist interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Sam Houston State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.17/100, supported by 90% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 6 position
James Madison University
Doctor
Counseling and Supervision, Ph.D.
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.49
/ 100
Final score
Program length
designed to be completed in 3 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
89% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
January 5
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Advanced degree (M.A., M.S. or Ed.S.) from an entry-level counseling program of at least 60 credits meeting counselor licensure coursework requirements. CACREP graduates receive preference.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; counseling-focused resume; three recommendations (incl. academic and clinical supervisor); 10+ page APA writing sample; 2,000+ word personal statement. Top applicants interviewed in late January or early February.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
James Madison University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.49/100, supported by 89% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 7 position
Adams State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
4 year, fixed 60 semester credit program
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
87% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall 2027: November 1, 2026
Class size
12
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited master's in counseling or a closely related field with GPA 3.0+; coursework reviewed against CACREP standards, deficiencies completed before or during doctoral study. CACREP degree, two years' experience and licensure preferred.
Additional requirements
Online application; 3–4-page letter of intent answering six prompts; two reference request forms; current resume/CV; official transcripts from all prior institutions. Required in-person interview and orientation. No international admission.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Adams State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.27/100, supported by 95% program completion rate and 87% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 8 position
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.19
/ 100
Final score
Program length
minimum of three years of full-time study
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
64 semester credits
Acceptance rate
100%
GPA range
3.26 - 4.00
Program completion rate
83% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: February 2; Spring: September 2
Class size
7
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; appropriate master's (e.g., MDiv with Marriage and Family Counseling, MA in mental health, or equivalent); master's-level biblical studies, theology, and counseling courses; 3 hours of graduate research/statistics.
Additional requirements
Completed application, Church Statement, Statement of Call and Purpose, official transcripts, background check; no entrance exam required for Counselor Education and Supervision; required in-person interview with the division.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.19/100, supported by 83% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 9 position
University of the Cumberlands
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: online
87.06
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
60-credit hour CACREP (or equivalent) master's degree in counseling; all CACREP entry-level core and specialty area requirements must be met for full admission.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; minimum 3.5 graduate GPA; satisfactory NCE score; current counseling license; two professional recommendations; writing sample on goals/research interests; resume/CV; English proficiency if non-native; committee interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of the Cumberlands earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.06/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 10 position
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision, EdD
Delivery mode: hybrid
86.88
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3.5 years to graduate
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
Application opens Summer 2027 and closes February 2028 (next cohort Fall 2028)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
An already conferred master's degree in counseling or a related field; stated in the 2017-18 doctoral handbook.
Additional requirements
Online application and official transcripts from every college or university attended, plus a resume; three recommendations from current or former instructors, university staff, or employment supervisors;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 86.88/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 11 position
Waynesburg University
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)
Delivery mode: online
86.79
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3-5 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
54 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
77% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Class size
10
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Additional requirements
Application; undergraduate and graduate transcripts verifying the qualifying master's degree; resume; personal statement; Admissions Committee interview; MAT or GRE scores (waived with NCE scores); writing sample; TOEFL for non-native speakers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Waynesburg University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 86.79/100, supported by 77% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 12 position
Oregon State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counseling – Counselor Education Option
Delivery mode: hybrid
86.47
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
94 quarter credits (62.67 semester credits)
Acceptance rate
34%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
79% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Jan 15
Prerequisites
Program requires 61 quarter credit hours beyond a CACREP-accredited master's degree, indicating an accredited master's degree (in counseling) is required prior to entry.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Oregon State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 86.47/100, supported by 79% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 13 position
East Texas A&M University
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)
Delivery mode: hybrid
85.99
/ 100
Final score
Program length
4-to-7 years (part-time)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring: October 15; Summer: March 1; Fall: July 1
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's degree from a regionally accredited university; applicants must have completed coursework from a master's degree program accredited by CACREP.
Additional requirements
Graduate application (or ApplyTexas), official transcripts meeting GPA thresholds, personal statement on one's philosophy of therapeutic change, official GRE scores; international applicants also submit resume/CV and financial documents.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
East Texas A&M University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.99/100, with 100% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 14 position
Adler University
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education + Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
85.99
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.25 - 4.00
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Nov 2, 2026; Summer 2027: Mar 1, 2027; Fall 2027: Apr 1, 2027 (priority Feb 1, 2027)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Master's in counseling or a clinical/related field from an accredited institution, with counseling coursework and practicum (100 hours) and/or internship (600 hours). Non-CACREP graduates may need equivalency coursework.
Additional requirements
Application fee, completed online application, resume/CV, letters of recommendation/references, official transcripts, and a 2-3 page double-spaced Statement of Intent.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Adler University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.99/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 15 position
Concordia University Irvine
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
85.89
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Designed to be completed in 3-4 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester units
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Doctoral program for licensed professionals in the mental health field; resume/CV with professional experience.
Additional requirements
Application with $50 fee; Student Success Fee $60; official transcripts; further requirements per Ph.D. Admission Guidelines document.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Concordia University Irvine earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.89/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 16 position
Trevecca Nazarene University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
85.82
/ 100
Final score
Program length
can be completed in about three years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's in counseling, MFT, or similar from a regionally accredited institution; most CACREP master's prerequisites, incl. diversity, development, group, career, ethics, research, assessment, and two semesters of practicum/internship.
Additional requirements
Coursework Verification form and program approval before applying; official transcripts; official GRE (V+Q 300+, Analytical Writing 3.5+ expected, 4 preferred); three recommendation forms (one character reference); 400-word Letter of Intent.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Trevecca Nazarene University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.82/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 17 position
Mercer University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
85.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Typical completion: 3-5 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
40%
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
67% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
January 31 for August admission
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a counseling discipline from a regionally accredited institution; minimum graduate GPA of 3.5. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs receive preference.
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts; relevant counseling certifications and licenses; autobiographical goal statement; writing sample on a counseling topic; three professional recommendations; résumé; interview; identity verification.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Mercer University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.27/100, supported by 67% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 18 position
Denver Seminary
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
85.15
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 4 years (full-time study)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall 2027 Early Decision: Nov 15, 2026 (interviews Dec 2026); Fall 2027 General: Dec 15, 2026 (interviews Jan 2027); Rolling Jan-Jun 2027; Fall 2027 Final: Jun 1, 2027 (interviews Jul 2027)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
60-credit CACREP or CORE accredited master's in counseling (or equivalent); minimum 3.0 graduate GPA; hold or be eligible for counseling license; one year of clinical experience. Conditional admission for non-CACREP degrees.
Additional requirements
Degree-seeking PhD application, official transcripts verifying GPA, evidence of licensure eligibility, and participation in an admissions interview (individual and group interviews conducted per admissions cycle).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Denver Seminary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.15/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 19 position
Antioch University-Seattle
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision (Low-Residency)
Delivery mode: hybrid
84.82
/ 100
Final score
Program length
three-year semester-based program
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
63 semester credits
Acceptance rate
55%
Application deadline
Fall: May 1; late complete applications may be considered if space remains.
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or closely related field covering CACREP areas (gaps addressed in the doctoral plan); LMHC license-eligible; master's-level clinical competence and scholarly writing potential.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; resume/CV; essay answering three questions (1-2 double-spaced pages each). Two recommendation letters optional. Selected applicants may interview. International applicants have added requirements.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Antioch University-Seattle earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 84.82/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 20 position
Saybrook University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
83.46
/ 100
Final score
Program length
4 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Spring 2027: December 7, 2026
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or closely related field (CACREP-accredited preferred) with 3.0 GPA; 700-hour practicum/internship; entry-level specialization standards met
Additional requirements
Application, official transcript showing master's degree, professional resume/CV, personal statement, two letters of recommendation (clinical supervisor and academic adviser/faculty)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Saybrook University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 83.46/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in America
Can I become a licensed counselor with an online doctorate?
Not automatically. State boards evaluate qualifying education, supervised experience, examinations, and other requirements. Confirm whether your entire educational path - not just the doctorate - meets the rules where you intend to practice.
Is a PhD or EdD better for counselor education?
A PhD is often the clearer fit for research-intensive faculty goals; an EdD may suit applied leadership. Compare each program's actual research, teaching, and supervision requirements before deciding.
Are online counseling doctorates fully remote?
Not necessarily. Coursework may be online while residencies, teaching, internships, or other experiences require travel or local placement. Request a complete attendance schedule.
Does CACREP accreditation matter at the doctoral level?
It can matter to employers and to how a program demonstrates alignment with counselor-education standards. Verify the specific program's current status with CACREP and check any separate requirements imposed by your intended state board.
Can I keep working during a counseling doctorate?
Many online students plan to, but live classes, field experiences, and dissertation work can compete with employment. Ask for a term-by-term workload and whether required placements can fit your work schedule.
Is an online counseling doctorate worth the cost?
It may be if it supports a specific faculty, supervision, or leadership goal that justifies its full net cost. If your goal is initial licensure or a higher clinical salary alone, compare less costly paths and verify the expected benefit before borrowing.
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