Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision

The Counselor Education Program offers graduate study leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision. The doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which ensures the highest educational standards are met. Graduates of our programs are trained to be leaders in teaching, clinical supervision, counseling practice, research, and advocacy. The culture of the doctoral program is highly relational and individualized to meet diverse students' needs. Faculty members admit a small number of students each year, so that we may build strong relationships with students and support their educational aspirations. The counselor education faculty members have a wide variety of theoretical orientations and areas of expertise.

The doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision requires a minimum of 60 semester credits beyond the master's degree. Students must successfully complete required courses, electives, a 600 hour doctoral internship, comprehensive exams and a disquisition.

The Counselor Education Program welcomes applications from all persons who meet the entrance requirements and highly encourages members of culturally-diverse groups to apply.

Required documents for graduate admission application for the NDSU Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program include:

A completed application (including official transcripts from all colleges/universities where coursework was completed)
Curriculum vitae or resume
Personal and professional references
A detailed statement of purpose

Admission Criteria
In order to be considered for admission to the program, applicants must:

Meet graduate school minimum requirements for admission and have evidence of academic aptitude for doctoral-level study.
Have a master's degree in counseling, or a closely related field that closely aligns with CACREP standards. Graduates from CACREP-accredited programs receive preference. Students with master's degrees from non-CACREP accredited programs may be considered, but they must meet all CACREP requirements for a master's degree prior to taking related core doctoral classes.
Previous professional experience.
Show evidence of fitness for the counseling profession, including self-awareness and emotional stability during interactions with faculty and other students that occur in the interview process.
Show evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, and professional potential by submitting a statement of purpose essay. The applicant's statement of purpose should address: (1) goals for obtaining a doctoral degree, (2) professional experience, (3) research interests, and (4) potential for scholarship, professional leadership, and advocacy.
Show evidence of cultural sensitivity and awareness.
Understand and comply with the American Counseling Code of Ethics or ASCA ethical standards where appropriate).
Sign a disclosure statement regarding activities which may be deemed inappropriate by professional and/or ethical standards.
Complete all international student requirements, where appropriate.

TOEFL iBT 71, IELTS 6, Duolingo 105, 525 (paper-based)

At the baccalaureate level, the applicant must have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, or equivalent, to attain full standing in a graduate degree program. Applicants whose last degree completed is a graduate degree may be admitted in full standing if the final GPA of that degree is at least 3.0 or equivalent.