Enhance Your Career With PhD in Counselor Ed., Supervision

Many know Grand Canyon University for its exceptional doctoral studies programs, including our Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision. We combine world-class student support services with flexible learning options, including online and evening classes. With this degree from GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies, you will be equipped to pursue career advancements in academic or clinical environments.

Driving Positive Change in the Counseling Field

This doctoral program offers an ideal combination of theory and application. The requirements for degree completion include original research, residency, internship and practicum, all of which will empower you to drive positive change in the counseling field. As a supervisor of counselors or educator of aspiring counselors, you will be well positioned to foster a healthy clinical setting in which clients enjoy acceptance and receive non-judgmental interventions. You may also decide to become an advocate for your profession by getting involved in leadership roles in professional organizations. As a leader/advocate, you could contribute to the shaping of policies that enrich the counseling field for the benefit of the clients.

Furthering the Field With Original Research

You will complete two residency requirements during this doctoral program. The first offers guidance on academic research skills. You will learn how to develop your research topic, design a scientific study or test, and use quantitative and qualitative analysis software. During the months ahead, you will work closely with your advisor as you explore your own original research for your dissertation. When your dissertation is completed and accepted, you will publish it for the benefit of other professionals in the counseling field. Another way you will contribute to the academic community is by acquiring the skills necessary to review academic papers submitted by your peers for publication in professional journals.

Pursuing an Advanced Position

Counselors can certainly find rewarding work with a master’s degree or even with a bachelor’s degree. However, in order to pursue positions that are at the pinnacle of your profession, you need to earn your doctoral degree. When you earn your Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision degree, you will be qualified to pursue any of the following career paths:

• Director of counseling agencies: This position is a hybrid job that combines the roles of therapist and manager. You will work one-on-one with clients. You will also supervise, evaluate, and train other counselors, develop and implement agency policies and delegate the workload.
• Director of school guidance: A director of school guidance is typically responsible for coordinating and implementing a school system’s elementary, middle and high school guidance programs. If you choose to become a director of school guidance, you will be responsible for supervising guidance counselors at multiple schools. You will act as a consultant or liaison between the faculty and the guidance program, and you will report to the Board of Education. You may also organize pupil conferences with college admissions personnel.
• Faculty member: Some counselors with doctoral degrees choose to stay in academics. If you have a love of teaching, you may decide to join the faculty at a university or college and further your professional field by educating the next generation of counselors.

Are you ready to take your career in counseling to the next level? Grand Canyon University offers both master’s and doctoral degrees for individuals who have chosen psychology and counseling their life’s work. Click on Request More Information to find out about our Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision degree program.