Top CACREP-Accredited Online Doctoral Programs in Counseling

November 13, 2020 | Staff Writers

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As any Ph.D. student can tell you, pursuing a doctoral degree is a significant commitment. These programs generally take at least 3-4 years to complete, although part-time students may spend up to a decade pursuing their degrees. For counselors who want to become experts in their field, however, counseling doctoral programs offer enormous value.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits master’s and doctoral degrees in counseling in the U.S. When searching for programs, students should make sure to look for CACREP-accredited degrees.

The CACREP also accredits online doctoral programs in counseling. Many students prefer to pursue their Ph.D. in counseling online, especially if they live far from campus or work full time. Online degrees give distance learners the flexibility to log on and watch lectures at their own convenience. Students can also save time and money by avoiding a commute to campus (there is even free PH.D. programs online). You can find a list of the best online Ph.D. counseling programs below.

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Best CACREP-Accredited Online Doctoral Degrees in Counseling

Rank	School	Location
1	Adams State University	Alamosa, CO
2	Liberty University	Lynchburg, VA
3	University of the Cumberlands	Williamsburg, KY

Adams State University

Location
Alamosa, CO

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Located in Alamosa, Colorado, ASU offers a CACREP-accredited Ph.D. in counseling online for students seeking a doctorate in counselor education and supervision. Learners proceed through the four-year program as a cohort, attending online classes and four one-week in-person summer residencies, along with onsite practicums and internships. Graduates become academic and clinical counselor educators, practitioners, researchers, and supervisors.
Admission to the program requires a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program and eligibility for state licensing or one year of postmaster's counseling experience. Applicants should submit a letter of intent, three references, and a CV or resume. Admitted students can join the Chi Sigma Iota counseling honor society, which offers global networking opportunities with other students, educators, and practitioners.
Liberty University

Location
Lynchburg, VA

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Students interested in earning a CACREP-accredited doctorate in counseling onlinecan earn their Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision at Virginia's Liberty University. Rooted in Christian principles, the program takes around four years to complete and consists of asynchronous online classes and required in-person intensives. Ideal for those who wish to develop advanced clinical skills and/or teach and conduct research, the curriculum prepares graduates to shape the next generation of counselors.

Program applicants must hold a master's degree with a 3.25 GPA and a professional counselling license. Application materials include official transcripts and MAT or GRE test scores, two letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, and an APA-formatted research paper.
University of the Cumberlands

Location
Williamsburg, KY

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Based in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands offers a CACREP-accredited counseling doctoral programleading to a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision. The online curriculum prepares students for careers in academia or high-level clinical administration. Courses are delivered in a blend of asynchronous and synchronous formats. The three-year program includes onsite clinical practicums and internships, and allows candidates to specialize in addiction, advanced counseling, or leadership.

Prospective students must hold a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program with a 3.5 GPA and submit NCE or NCMHCE scores, a writing sample, and two recommendations.

Applying to a CACREP-Accredited Online Doctoral in Counseling Program

Just like traditional on-campus programs, online doctoral programs in counseling come with the same rigorous admission requirements.

First, applicants should possess a master’s degree in a field like counseling or psychology. Most counseling Ph.D. programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Since doctoral programs are competitive, students should strive to earn high GPAs during their undergraduate and master’s degrees to increase their chances of admission.

Some schools might look for candidates with licensure or certification and work experience, although this is not a standard requirement. Many doctoral programs also require students to submit GRE or MAT scores.

Finally, prospective students may need to submit additional materials like a personal essay, writing samples, or recommendation letters. For doctoral programs, applicants should expect to participate in an interview as part of the admission process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a doctorate degree in counseling?

Many choose to earn a terminal degree, like a doctorate, because they want to work as faculty members at universities, teach college students, and conduct research. For others, a doctorate can open up leadership opportunities or otherwise advance their counseling career.

What is accreditation and why is it important?

When looking for any academic program, it’s vital to pay attention to the program’s accreditation status. Accredited programs guarantee that students will receive a valuable education and be adequately prepared for their career. An accredited degree is a requirement for obtaining licensure, and employers look for job candidates with accredited degrees.

Is a doctorate degree in counseling a good degree?

A counseling Ph.D. can lead to higher salaries, leadership positions, or jobs at colleges and universities. However, a doctorate doesn’t fit everyone. These degrees can take several years to complete — especially for part-time students — and demand a considerable amount of work. Students should make sure they feel dedicated to their Ph.D. program before they begin.

How much do counselors make with a Ph.D.?

It’s difficult to know exactly how much counselors make with a Ph.D. According to data from the BLS, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors made a median salary of about $46,240 per year. However, individuals with higher degrees tend to earn above the median income. In fact, PayScale data shows that counseling psychologists with Ph.D.s earned an average salary of about $82,000.

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