Counseling and
Educational Development
Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D.)
The doctoral program is built on the CACREP master's degree program, so that it is assumed that students already have a broad academic foundation and successful clinical experiences, as described above. The doctoral program involves a three-year intentional, developmental sequence of coursework, internships, and research experiences that prepare students for faculty positions as well as clinical, consultation, advocacy, and leadership roles. The program emphasizes high levels of critical thinking, including analysis of empirical research related to counseling theories and practice as well as counselor education and supervision. Students have hands-on involvement in the research process beginning in the first semester and throughout the program, with increasing independence under the supervision of faculty members.
Professional core courses at the doctoral level involve advanced study in the following areas:
- Counseling theories and research, including individual, group, and career theories
- Multicultural counseling and theories of change
- Assessment and appraisal
- Consultation, advocacy, and professional leadership
- Clinical supervision
- Professional, ethical, and legal issues in counselor education
- Pedagogy in counselor education
Doctoral students also complete in-depth study in a cognate area outside the School of Education that encourages an inter-disciplinary perspective of their work. In addition, they complete an extensive sequence of coursework in research methods, program evaluation, and statistics. Comprehensive exams (written and oral) during the second year are based in reading, reflection, and critical analysis of literature related to the students' research interests. During the third year, students work closely with their dissertation committee to plan and conduct their dissertation, including a pilot and the main study, culminating in the oral defense.
Doctoral students complete an advanced practicum experience in the Vacc Clinic during their first semester, which involves direct contact with clients and supervision with two faculty members. Their internships involve at least one semester each of supervised experience in counseling (in an appropriate clinical setting), supervision (of master's students), and college teaching. Several of these experiences typically are part of the doctoral students' assigned graduate assistantship responsibilities.
Throughout their program, doctoral students are encouraged to make presentations at state, regional, and national conferences; write for publication; and become involved in professional service and leadership activities.
A complete listing of Departmental course offerings is available on the UNCG Graduate School Online Catalog