A counseling doctorate can open a path toward teaching, supervision, or research - but the right program depends on your license, career goal, and budget. This guide accompanies the 2027 Most Popular Doctorate in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. It explains how to compare doctoral options, check state requirements, estimate the full investment, and judge whether another credential would serve you better.
Key findings about Counseling degrees in South
A counseling doctorate is generally a better match for counselor education, supervision, or research than for someone whose sole goal is to begin clinical practice; that goal usually starts with a qualifying master's degree and state licensure.
National median pay was $75,350 for the counselor-education-and-supervision occupation in May 2025, but that occupational figure is not a salary estimate for every doctoral graduate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
South-based applicants must check the state where they intend to practice: a doctoral program's location, online delivery, or accreditation does not by itself establish eligibility for a particular counseling license.
What can I expect from a Counseling degree in South?
Most programs in this comparison are doctorates centered on counselor education and supervision: preparing experienced counselors to teach future counselors, supervise clinical work, conduct research, or lead programs. A PhD usually places substantial weight on research and a dissertation. It is not interchangeable with a master's program designed as the initial route into licensed counseling practice.
Expect advanced study in counseling theory, supervision, teaching, research methods, and ethics, followed by a dissertation or other program-specific doctoral requirements. Compare those requirements with the work you actually want to do. If your goal is primarily to see more clients rather than teach, supervise, or research, the time and cost of a doctorate may have a weaker payoff than targeted training or a clinical specialization.
Where can I work with a Counseling degree in South?
Potential settings include university counselor-training programs, community mental health agencies, school systems, health organizations, and private practices. The role - not the degree title - determines what additional credentials you need. Teaching positions may emphasize research and instructional experience; clinical or supervisory positions may require an active state license and experience beyond the doctorate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; relevant state licensing boards).
Location affects the search. A candidate seeking university work can compare faculty opportunities near large academic centers, while someone planning to keep a clinical practice should prioritize the rules and professional network in the state where clients will be served. An online program can widen school choice, but it does not remove state-specific practice requirements.
There is no single "doctoral counselor" salary: pay depends on the occupation, employer, location, license, and experience. The following national occupational medians are useful comparisons, not estimates of what graduates of any listed program will earn. The wages refer to May 2025; the projections cover 2025-2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections).
Career area
Median annual pay, May 2025
Projected growth, 2025-2035
Counselor education and supervision
$75,350
2.5%
Clinical mental health counseling
$59,350
18%
School counseling
$64,330
3%
Marriage, couple, and family counseling
$66,940
14%
Use the counselor-education figure when considering an academic or training-oriented path, and a practice-area figure when considering clinical work. Neither measures a doctoral earnings premium. Before borrowing, compare likely post-degree roles with your current earnings rather than assuming that a higher credential automatically raises pay.
These program-level distinctions can help you build a shortlist, but they are not substitutes for confirming current curriculum, tuition, funding, and delivery details with each university. In particular, compare whether a program supports your intended research and supervisory work - not just whether its degree title sounds relevant.
Liberty University: Its counselor education and supervision PhD is presented as an online program, making delivery format a central consideration for counselors who cannot relocate. Confirm any required in-person activities and where supervised work may be completed before treating it as fully remote (Liberty University).
Lindsey Wilson University: Its PhD offering gives Kentucky-based applicants a regional option to investigate. Ask for the precise counseling specialization, research expectations, and degree requirements before comparing it with programs explicitly titled counselor education and supervision (Lindsey Wilson University).
University of North Texas: Its PhD explicitly focuses on counselor education and supervision. That focus makes it relevant to applicants targeting counselor-training faculty roles; compare faculty research interests before choosing it over a broader counseling doctorate (University of North Texas).
East Texas A&M University: Its counselor education and supervision PhD is another Texas option, but prospective students should compare its delivery and supervision arrangements with other programs in the state rather than assuming the same attendance model (East Texas A&M University).
University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Its PhD in counselor education gives Tennessee applicants a route to investigate without first limiting their search to Texas or Virginia programs. Ask how doctoral teaching and supervision experience is structured if those are your career goals (University of Tennessee, Knoxville).
Mercer University: Its counselor education and supervision offering is housed among its counseling programs. Georgia-based practitioners should compare how its doctoral study fits alongside ongoing clinical work and verify any campus attendance requirements (Mercer University).
University of Texas at San Antonio: Its doctorate is identified specifically as counselor education and supervision. For applicants intending to work in the San Antonio area, the practical comparison is whether its faculty and research opportunities match their interests better than other Texas options (University of Texas at San Antonio).
Virginia Commonwealth University: Its counselor education and supervision PhD is situated in its school of education. Applicants interested in preparing counselors should examine its teaching and research expectations alongside Virginia licensure rules if they also intend to practice (Virginia Commonwealth University).
George Washington University: Its degree is titled a PhD in Counseling rather than explicitly counselor education and supervision. That makes the curriculum and dissertation fit especially important to verify for applicants seeking a particular faculty or supervisory career (George Washington University).
James Madison University: Its PhD is titled Counseling and Supervision. Applicants should compare its emphasis on supervision with their intended work and confirm how doctoral requirements accommodate counselors already employed in Virginia (James Madison University).
A popularity ranking is one lens, not a verdict. Use it alongside comparisons of the best counseling programs and the individual program requirements you can verify.
Plan on roughly three to five years for a counseling doctorate after a qualifying graduate degree, with part-time study or dissertation delays potentially extending the timeline. This is a planning range, not a published completion estimate for every school. Ask each program for its required credit hours, normal course sequence, residency rules, dissertation milestones, and limits on time to degree.
A shorter advertised schedule is useful only if it fits your employment and research capacity. Compare the full-time alternative with lost income, and ask whether transfer credits actually replace required doctoral coursework; accepting credits does not necessarily shorten dissertation work.
Online delivery may let a working counselor remain employed and avoid relocating. Campus-based study can make regular in-person contact with faculty and peers easier. Neither format inherently establishes better research preparation or licensure eligibility; the meaningful differences are scheduled attendance, access to supervision and teaching experiences, faculty fit, and where any fieldwork must occur.
Ask an online program whether it requires campus visits and how it supports research mentorship. Ask a campus program whether assistantships offset the income you would give up by attending. If you plan to practice across state lines, check the destination state's licensing board before enrolling, regardless of format.
There is no defensible single regional average to apply to these doctorates: public-resident, public-nonresident, private, online, and funded doctoral offers can produce very different bills. Published institutional tuition is not necessarily the price of this particular degree, and a per-credit rate does not include every fee or dissertation term (National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS).
Request a written estimate covering required credits, mandatory fees, any residency or travel, dissertation enrollment, and expected years of study. Then subtract funding you are actually offered - not funding described as merely available. The most affordable counseling programs can start a cost comparison, but your likely total cost matters more than the lowest advertised tuition.
Ask first about funded teaching or research assistantships, tuition waivers, employer support, and scholarships. Funding terms can differ by department and year; confirm whether an award renews and whether it requires full-time enrollment. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans may also be available to eligible graduate students who meet federal aid rules (Federal Student Aid).
Do not build a new doctoral budget on an assumption that Graduate PLUS will cover any remaining balance. Under rules taking effect July 1, 2026, new graduate borrowers generally cannot use Graduate PLUS; a limited transition applies to eligible students already enrolled in a program who received a Direct Loan for that program before that date. Confirm your status and current borrowing limits with your financial aid office (Federal Student Aid). Compare offers by total projected borrowing and time to completion, not just first-year aid.
View the chart data as a table
Graduates (2024-25) distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
0-4
16
5-9
14
10-14
0
15-19
0
20-24
1
Doctoral counselor-education programs commonly seek a relevant master's degree and evidence that applicants can undertake advanced counseling and research work. Depending on the school, an application may call for transcripts, recommendations, a statement of research interests, interviews, or documentation of clinical preparation. A counseling license or specific prior coursework may matter for some programs and roles, but requirements must be checked with the institution (individual university admissions offices).
Before paying an application fee, ask whether your master's curriculum qualifies, whether a current license is expected, and which faculty could supervise your proposed topic. Applicants whose prior degree is outside counseling should not assume that a doctorate will replace a qualifying licensure-track master's degree.
Expect advanced work in counselor supervision, counselor education, research design, statistics or qualitative methods, ethics, and the dissertation. Programs may also include leadership or specialized clinical topics. The course titles matter less than what you will actually produce: supervised teaching, a research portfolio, supervisory experience, or a dissertation aligned with the jobs you want.
Request a current degree plan and ask which courses are offered regularly. An appealing elective is less useful if it is rarely scheduled or cannot be taken within your expected completion period.
A doctoral research focus might address clinical mental health, addiction, school counseling, rehabilitation, marriage and family work, or the preparation and supervision of counselors. These are not automatically formal concentrations: a program may support a topic through faculty mentorship without naming it on the transcript.
Choose by the work you intend to do. A future faculty member should investigate supervisors, teaching opportunities, and research methods; a practitioner seeking a particular clinical population should establish whether advanced doctoral study offers more value than a focused credential or supervised training. Verify any specialty's separate certification or licensure rules with the relevant authority.
Begin with the career decision, then test each school against the constraints that could prevent you from finishing or using the degree. These checks are more informative than ranking position alone:
Define the target role: Decide whether you need preparation for faculty research, supervision, leadership, or licensed practice.
Check credentials separately: Verify institutional accreditation, any relevant CACREP programmatic status, and requirements with the licensing board in the state where you intend to work; a doctorate does not itself confer a license.
Test academic fit: Identify faculty who could supervise your research and ask what teaching and supervision experience students can obtain.
Model the investment: Compare full-program cost, likely aid, foregone earnings, debt, completion time, and plausible post-degree earnings against your current career path.
Verify logistics: Confirm residency, fieldwork, transfer-credit rules, dissertation support, and whether required courses fit your work schedule.
A common mistake is treating a low tuition quote, online label, or high ranking as proof of value. The most valuable counseling programs provide another comparison point, but your own return depends on costs, funding, completion probability, career change, and how long you expect to benefit from it.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Mental Health Counselors (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
State
Value
AK
80,770
AL
47,310
AR
51,580
AZ
65,300
CA
59,250
CO
62,390
CT
63,590
DC
60,450
DE
56,020
FL
56,790
GA
58,960
HI
60,090
IA
60,880
ID
63,360
IL
60,730
IN
53,760
KS
59,470
KY
54,190
LA
37,910
MA
59,890
MD
59,530
ME
59,970
MI
61,690
MN
58,780
MO
56,910
MS
46,990
MT
59,000
NC
55,490
ND
68,630
NE
63,770
NH
54,840
NJ
62,820
NM
74,100
NV
57,210
NY
59,450
OH
58,360
OK
59,350
OR
74,590
PA
52,010
PR
46,790
RI
65,120
SC
52,370
SD
53,650
TN
49,580
TX
62,630
UT
63,890
VA
59,880
VT
61,810
WA
68,910
WI
62,220
WV
49,430
WY
62,980
Possible paths include counselor educator, clinical supervisor, counseling researcher, program leader, and licensed practitioner with doctoral training. They have different entry conditions. Faculty hiring may depend heavily on teaching and publications; clinical supervision may depend on state rules, licensure, and professional experience; independent practice depends on the applicable practice license rather than the PhD alone (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; relevant state licensing boards).
If you are entering counseling for the first time, compare qualifying master's programs before doctoral programs. If you already practice and want to train other counselors, seek direct evidence that a doctorate offers the teaching, supervision, and research experience your desired employers request.
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Mental Health Counselors (U.S., BLS May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
38,940
Median
59,350
90th percentile
97,590
The national outlook varies sharply by occupation: clinical mental health counseling is projected to grow 18% during 2025-2035, while counselor education and supervision is projected to grow 2.5% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections). Stronger demand for clinical services does not imply equally strong growth in doctoral faculty jobs. It is a reason to distinguish the practice market from the smaller set of roles for which doctoral training is central.
The South is not one labor market. Compare openings in the states and communities where you would actually accept work, and distinguish university hiring from demand at clinics, schools, and health systems. For a faculty goal, ask programs about recent graduates' positions and verify what those positions were; for clinical work, check the destination state's licensing pathway before committing to a degree.
2027 Most Popular Doctorate in Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South
Investing in a doctorate is a consequential decision. Research.com developed its counseling rankings to give readers a more consistent starting point for comparing programs, drawing on education databases and checking factors such as outcomes, accreditation, eligibility for federal aid, and cost where applicable. The ranking can narrow a search; it cannot establish that a program fits your license, finances, or research interests.
The ranking draws on these data sources:
IPEDS database: institutional information, including enrollment and completion reporting.
Peterson's database: program and institutional information used in comparisons.
Research.com's Best counseling ranking combines graduate outcomes and accreditation, then factors in program cost as a smaller component. Its outcomes-and-accreditation calculation weights completion at 40%, employment or doctoral admission at 20%, licensure-exam passage at 20% where applicable, CACREP programmatic accreditation at 16%, and institutional Title IV eligibility at 4%; inapplicable criteria are renormalized. Cost accounts for about 7% of the final Best score. Other rankings order programs by the dimension named in their titles. Popularity should therefore not be mistaken for evidence of the best personal fit or a guaranteed outcome. See Research.com's methodology for more detail on how the rankings are created.
# 1 position
Liberty University
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
44.80
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 44.8/100, supported by 24 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 2 position
Lindsey Wilson University
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
32.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
12 consecutive semesters (Year 1 Fall - Year 4 Summer)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
69 semester credits
Acceptance rate
14.29%
Employment or doctoral admission
86% (2024-25)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a related profession (CACREP graduates preferred; those with fewer than 48 graduate semester hours and/or from non-CACREP programs may need additional hours).
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).
Lindsey Wilson University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 32.1/100, with 9 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 3 position
University of North Texas
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
30.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3-4 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
72 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90.9% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Nov 15
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's degree in a counseling-related field (expected to meet requirements of a CACREP-accredited master's degree in counseling; deficiency coursework / CACREP equivalency worksheet required if not CACREP-accredited)
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 North Texas earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 30.6/100, supported by 8 graduates (2024-25) and 90.9% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 4 position
East Texas A&M University
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)
Delivery mode: hybrid
30.60
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 30.6/100, with 8 graduates (2024-2025) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 5 position
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
28.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3-4 years full-time
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
73 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
November 1 (Fall entry only)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling or a closely related profession, preferably from a CACREP-accredited program, prior to beginning the program
Additional requirements
Resume/CV, Letter of Introduction, Ethical Integration Statement, transcripts, three completed references (at least two by deadline); GRE not required; if invited, on-campus interview including a 2-3 page written response to a case study
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).
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 28.9/100, supported by 7 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 6 position
Mercer University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
28.90
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 28.9/100, supported by 7 graduates (2023-24) and 67% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 7 position
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years full-time (estimated completion time)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
69 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
67% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall 2027: February 1 (priority/international)
Class size
15
Application process
UT San Antonio Graduate Application (Liaison/CAS)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution; adequate completed credit hours or foreign institution equivalent coursework as preparation for the program.
Additional requirements
Transcripts from all institutions attended, credential evaluation (if foreign credit), English language proficiency scores (if applicable), Purpose Statement, Resume, 2 letters of recommendation.
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).
The University of Texas at San Antonio earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, supported by 6 graduates (2024-25) and 67% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 8 position
Virginia Commonwealth University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Education – Counselor Education and Supervision Concentration
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (average, full-time)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.40 - 4.00
Program completion rate
43% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 1 (required interview in late January/early February)
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
60 hours of CACREP-accredited master's counseling coursework (or curricular and clinical experiences equivalent to CACREP entry level standards), and a master's level statistics course (can be taken during the doctoral program, e.g. STAT 508)
Additional requirements
Online graduate application, transcripts, references (letters of recommendation including one from a professional colleague), statement of intent (~2 pages), writing sample (up to 20 pages), required 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).
Virginia Commonwealth University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, supported by 6 graduates (2024-25) and 43% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 9 position
George Washington University
Doctor
PhD in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
27.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5.33 years (average)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Offers with funding
100
Application deadline
Priority: Nov 2, 2026; Program Deadline: Dec 1, 2026 (Fall 2027 entry)
Class size
9
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Master's degree required prior to matriculation; if the master's degree is not CACREP-accredited, significant master's-level coursework is added to the program plan.
Additional requirements
Online application form, resume, transcripts from all previously attended institutions, statement of purpose (500-750 words), 3 letters of recommendation; GRE optional. No application fee.
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).
George Washington University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 27.1/100, with 6 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 10 position
James Madison University
Doctor
Counseling and Supervision, Ph.D.
Delivery mode: hybrid
24.90
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 24.9/100, supported by 5 graduates (2025-26) and 89% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 11 position
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Doctor
Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Average of 3.5 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
66 semester credits
Acceptance rate
76.92%
GPA range
3.25 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall (Domestic priority): August 5; Spring (Domestic priority): January 5; Fall (International priority): June 1; Spring (International priority): October 15
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related degree; minimum 3.25 GPA in graduate work; 2 years of professional experience working with people with disabilities.
Additional requirements
GRE scores.
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).
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 24.9/100, with 5 graduates (2024-2025) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 12 position
University of Florida
Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling and Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years full-time
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
November 15
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Ideally suits individuals with a previously earned master's degree and at least two years of clinical experience
Additional requirements
Completed application, $30 application fee, official transcripts, resume/CV, proof of immunizations, GRE scores, plus any additional materials required by the academic unit
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 Florida earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 24.9/100, with 5 graduates (2023-24) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 13 position
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
24.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3–4 years (full-time)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Acceptance rate
31.6%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: November 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's in Counselor Education or closely related field with practicum and internship; other counseling degrees may require CACREP core courses; minimum 3.0 master's GPA; two years of post-master's experience preferred.
Additional requirements
Counseling master's (practicum/internship); 3.0 master's GPA; online application; transcripts; three recommendation letters; CV; short-answer responses; faculty interview; TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants; GRE not required.
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).
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 24.9/100, with 5 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 14 position
Sam Houston State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: hybrid
22.40
/ 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 Student Interest Score of 22.4/100, supported by 4 graduates (2022-23) and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 15 position
North Carolina A & T State University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
22.40
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
63 semester credits
GPA range
3.25 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
November 20 (priority, for Fall admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Students entering with a master's degree in a field other than counseling must complete prerequisite/entry-level counseling courses (e.g., COUN 708, 743, 764) required by CACREP standards.
Additional requirements
Online application, application fee, official transcripts (undergraduate and master's), GRE score, professional/personal statement outlining career plans, resume, and three professional letters of recommendation.
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).
North Carolina A & T State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 22.4/100, supported by 4 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 16 position
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Doctor
Counselor Education, PhD
Delivery mode: campus
22.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
69 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
72% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
75% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Priority: April 1; Fall: July 15
Class size
10
Application process
ApplyTexas Application
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree equal or equivalent to a CACREP-accredited program
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, resume documenting work experience, essay (500-700 words on educational/professional goals), three letters of recommendation via Counselor Education Reference Form, admission 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).
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 22.4/100, supported by 4 graduates (2023-24) and 72% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 17 position
University of Georgia
Doctor
Ph.D. in Education: Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: campus
22.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3-4 years (designed for students working full time)
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
72 semester credits
Acceptance rate
27.3%
Program completion rate
11% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
75% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 1
Class size
9
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Completed master's degree from an accredited university; the handbook describes the program as intended for applicants with master's degrees in counseling or a related field.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, statement of purpose, CV/resume, and three recommendation letters; TOEFL or IELTS for applicants from non-English-speaking countries, with native-language and English transcripts for international applicants.
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 Georgia earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 22.4/100, supported by 4 graduates (2024-25) and 11% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 18 position
The University of Alabama
Doctor
Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D.
Delivery mode: campus
19.30
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
0% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Priority: December 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in Counseling by initial enrollment, preferably CACREP-accredited; non-CACREP graduates must complete supplemental master's-equivalency courses.
Additional requirements
CV/resume; statement of purpose (reasons for the Ph.D., aptitude for online study, approach to diverse populations); at least two letters of recommendation (three preferred); pre-admission doctoral interview with the Admissions Committee.
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).
The University of Alabama earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 19.3/100, supported by 3 graduates (2024-25) and 0% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 19 position
Florida Atlantic University
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
19.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years of full-time study
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
79% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
72% (2021-22)
Application deadline
Fall: November 1, 2026 (priority admission); November 15, 2026 (all other consideration)
Application process
GradCas
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
M.Ed. or master's degree in Counseling (minimum 60 semester hours), licensure/certification as a professional counselor, GPA of 3.5
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, resume, statement of objectives, GRE General Test scores; international students also need course-by-course transcript evaluation and TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores
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).
Florida Atlantic University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 19.3/100, supported by 3 graduates (2022-2023) and 79% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 20 position
William & Mary
Doctor
Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
15.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Three years, full-time
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
69 semester credits
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree in counseling (CACREP-accredited preferred); foundations in educational research
Additional requirements
Unofficial transcript(s), a personal statement, a resume/CV, and three recommendations; interview (on-campus or online format) required for top candidates.
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).
William & Mary earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 15.3/100, with 2 graduates (2024-2025) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Counseling degree in South
Do I need a doctorate to become a licensed counselor?
Usually, the initial route centers on a qualifying master's degree, supervised experience, examinations, and the applicable state board's requirements. Check the state where you plan to practice; a doctorate does not automatically grant a license (relevant state licensing boards).
Is a PhD in counseling worth it for someone already in practice?
It may be if your goal requires substantial research, teaching, or supervisory preparation. If you mainly want to expand clinical skills, compare the doctorate's full cost and time away from work with narrower training options.
Can I earn a counseling doctorate online and practice in another Southern state?
Online study does not establish practice eligibility. Ask the program about required in-person work, then confirm your education and licensure pathway directly with the board in the state where you intend to serve clients.
Does CACREP accreditation guarantee licensure?
No. CACREP is programmatic accreditation; state boards set licensure requirements, which may also address degree content, supervised experience, and examinations. Verify the specific program and state pathway before enrolling (CACREP; relevant state licensing boards).
Should I choose the most popular program?
Use popularity to identify options to investigate, not as a substitute for comparing research mentorship, funding, completion requirements, state licensure fit, and the jobs you want.
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