Top CACREP-Accredited Online Doctoral Programs in Counseling

ASU, a public university in Alamosa, Colorado, offers an online doctorate in counselor education and supervision. Applicants should hold a master's degree from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited program. Students holding non-accredited master's degrees may need to complete remedial coursework before beginning their doctoral program.

The program prepares students for leadership positions in the counseling field and work as practitioners, researchers, or educators. In addition to coursework, the curriculum also includes a practicum, an internship with both teaching and supervision components, and a dissertation. Though classes take place online, all students must participate in four one-week summer residencies.

Courses Include

• Advanced Multicultural and Ethical Issues
• Instructional Theory in Counselor Education
• Advanced Group Counseling
• Seminar in Counselor Education
• Seminar: Program Evaluation and Grant Writing

Unique Features

• Cost: $575 per credit
• Credits Required: 66
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

A private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty offers an online doctorate in counselor education and supervision. Designed for professional counselors who want to expand their knowledge and skills while learning to lead the next generation of counselors, the four-year program integrates a biblical worldview with scientifically proven tools and techniques.

Though courses take place online, hands-on fieldwork experiences form a key component of the program. Students must also attend one-week on-campus intensives with professors and peers as part of their core courses. All students must also pass a qualifying exam and present and defend a dissertation.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in counseling or a closely related field. Licensure or being on track to licensure is also required.

Courses Include

• Supervision and Consultation
• Advanced Multivariate Statistics and Quantitative Research
• Dissemination of Research and Scholarship in Counseling
• Advanced Career Counseling
• Counseling Leadership and Advocacy

Unique Features

• Cost: $595 per credit (full time) / $650 per credit (part time)
• Credits Required: 60-66
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

A private Baptist university located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands offers an online doctorate in counselor education and supervision. Jointly presented by the university's Department of Education and School of Counseling, the research-intensive program prepares students for a wide variety of careers, such as counseling psychologist, clinical psychology professor, or even regulatory affairs director.

Applicants should hold a master's degree from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited program. Others may be admitted pending remedial coursework. Applicants must also hold a current professional certificate or license in their home state.

All students take the same series of core courses. They then choose a specialization such as addiction counseling, advanced counseling, or leadership. Finally, all students must complete a practicum, an internship, and a dissertation.

Courses Include

• Neuroanatomy and Behavioral Medicine for Professional Counseling
• Qualitative Research Design
• Spirituality and Values in Counseling
• Play Therapy
• Change Process: Advanced Human Resource Management

Unique Features

• Cost: $400 per credit
• Credits Required: 66
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges