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Thank you for your interest in the University of North Texas Counseling Program.  Our CACREP-accredited programs have consistently ranked #1 in Texas and have frequently ranked among the top 20 Counseling programs nationwide.  Because of this strong reputation, admission to the program is highly competitive. 

The PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program is designed to stimulate student inquiry and to develop advanced knowledge and counseling skills. Graduates are prepared to function as counselor educators, counselor supervisors, advanced counseling practitioners, directors of school counseling programs, researchers, and administrators. Our PhD program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  This accreditation means we meet or exceed strict academic standards for excellence. 

 

Top 5 reasons to choose the UNT Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral Program:

  1. RESOURCES: We have two fully equipped on-site clinics for counseling services and supervision experiences.
  2. FACULTY: We have 15 full-time faculty, specializing in play therapy, addictions, trauma, diversity.
  3. TRAINING opportunities: We have quality course work to prepare as future educators, advanced clinicians and supervisors.
  4. RESEARCH experience: We have established the P.L.A.Y. Research Lab in collaboration with the world renowned Center for Play Therapy to expand on the ground-breaking play therapy work that has been conducted in the past.
  5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: We have over 20+ years of partnerships in the local community to provide service learning and research opportunities.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The doctoral degree in Counseling requires a minimum of 72 semester hours beyond the master’s degree. Students must earn a grade of A or B in all degree plan courses. 

Students select a specialty area at the beginning of their program:

Doctoral Specialty Areas
  • Adolescent/Adult Counseling
  • Career/Vocational Development
  • College Counseling
  • Couple and Family Counseling
  • Group Counseling
  • Play Therapy
  • School Counseling

 

 Additional Requirements 

  • Students may not enroll in COUN core courses until they have been fully admitted to the doctoral program. 
  • Students must meet the UNT doctoral residence requirement during the Fall and Spring semesters of their first year. 
  • Detailed information regarding coursework, required clinical experiences, and the doctoral portfolio can be found in the Counseling Doctoral Program Handbook. 
  • Students are expected to actively pursue Texas counselor licensure while enrolled in the program. 

Employment Opportunities

This program prepares students for work as a(n):
  • Advanced counseling practitioner
  • Counselor educator
  • Counselor supervisor
  • Director of school counseling programs, researchers and administrators
Vision
The UNT Counseling Program aspires to create a student-centered program that models healthy relationships and pursues a collective purpose based on the values of diversity, transparency, integrity, and community engagement. Through maintaining and building on current program strengths, our program will cultivate leaders who positively impact clients, students, and the counseling profession; and thereby, all humanity.
Mission

The Counseling Program promotes human development through education, research, and service that advance the profession of, and scholarship in, counseling.

  • Through education, the Program prepares highly competent counseling professionals – including counseling associates, entry and advanced level counselors, counselor educators, counselor supervisors, counseling researchers, and counseling administrators – for work in schools, communities, colleges, business, and industry.
  • Through research, the Program creates, applies, and disseminates innovative knowledge, especially in the area of counseling for holistic wellness with at-risk and diverse populations.
  • Through service, the Program provides humanitarian assistance to academic, professional, and public communities, including volunteer counseling services to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there any prerequisites to apply?
Yes, you must have a master's degree in a counseling field to apply.
Is the GRE required to apply?
Yes, GRE scores are required to apply, but there is no minimum score requirement.
I’m interested in pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology, is this the right place to start?

No, the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD Program at UNT is designed for individuals who already hold a master's degree in a counseling field and wish to become counselor educators, counselor supervisors, advanced counseling practitioners, directors of school counseling programs, researchers, and administrators.  If your goal is to become a counseling psychologist, we recommend exploring the PhD in Counseling Psychology offered through the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at UNT.

I’m interested in Sports Psychology- is this the correct program for me?
No, the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD is not aligned with goals related to becoming a counseling psychologist or pursuing licentsure as a psychologist.  We recommend you look into the PhD in Counseling Psychology offered through the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at UNT.
Counseling Program Main Office
940-565-2910
COE-Counseling@unt.edu
Welch Street Complex 2, Room 101