phd school counseling online

Home / Counseling Degree / Online School Counseling Programs / Best Online Ph.D. and PsyD in School Counseling Degree Programs

Best Online Ph.D. and PsyD in School Counseling Degree Programs

What will i study in an online school counseling doctorate program, admissions requirements for an online school counseling doctorate program, list of online or in-person school counseling doctorate programs.

There are many reasons students may choose to go the extra mile and get their doctorate in school counseling online. Not only will a doctorate give you an edge when it comes to starting your career as a school counselor but with the emergence of online options across academia, it’s never been easier to get a doctorate from the comfort of your home. As the demand for highly skilled and empathetic school counselors reaches new heights, these programs provide a flexible yet rigorous path for individuals aspiring to not only navigate the academic, social, and emotional intricacies of students within educational environments but also to lead in shaping the future of school counseling.

An online school counseling doctorate program is an intensive and specialized curriculum typically spanning several years, contingent on the program’s structure. Tailored for professionals seeking the highest level of expertise, this advanced program is meticulously designed to equip students with the cutting-edge knowledge and skills essential for addressing the intricate challenges faced by students in educational settings. The curriculum spans an extensive spectrum of school counseling , emphasizing advanced assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies aimed at fostering not only academic but holistic personal development.

Practical experiences are seamlessly integrated into online doctorate programs to deepen students’ comprehension and practical application of counseling principles. These experiences may include virtual practicums, internships, or observation periods, providing students with hands-on engagement in a supervised educational environment. Given the online nature of the program, participants can seamlessly integrate these experiences within their local school communities.

Throughout the program, students will engage in a blend of advanced required and elective courses, meticulously curated to deliver a comprehensive and cutting-edge education in school counseling. Key courses within this program may include:

• Advanced Leadership and Innovation in School Counseling
• Program Evaluation and Assessment in Educational Settings
• Advanced Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Care
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Advanced School Counseling
• Advanced Supervision and Consultation in School Counseling
• Applied Research in Counseling Practice
• Advocacy and Social Justice in Education
• Dissertation or Doctoral Project

These courses are strategically designed to prepare students for leadership roles in school counseling, enabling them to address not only academic challenges but also the complex social and emotional well-being of students within educational environments.

For an online school counseling doctorate program, the admission requirements typically include the following:

• Master’s Degree: Prospective students must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in school counseling , general counseling, or a related field.
• GPA of at least 3.5: A minimum grade point average (GPA) is often specified, with a typical requirement of 3.5 or higher. This criterion assesses the academic excellence of applicants.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores: Standardized test scores, such as those from the GRE, may be part of the admission criteria. These scores provide insights into a student’s readiness for advanced doctoral education.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants may be asked to submit letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or other individuals who can speak to their qualifications and character.
• Statement of Purpose or Personal Essay: A statement of purpose or personal essay is typically required, offering applicants the opportunity to articulate their passion for advancing their career in school counseling at the doctoral level. This is a chance to showcase personal experiences, motivations, and the unique contribution they intend to make to the field.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Submission of a current resume or CV is a standard requirement, detailing relevant education, work experience, and accomplishments.
• Interview: Some programs may require applicants to participate in an interview, either in person or virtually. This interview serves as an additional assessment of the candidate’s suitability for the doctoral program.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all prior educational institutions attended are generally required to assess academic background.

Prospective students should carefully review the specific admission requirements of the online school counseling doctorate program they are considering, as these criteria can vary between institutions. As doctoral programs are highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to invest time and thought into their application materials. Crafting a compelling statement of purpose and demonstrating a clear vision for their doctoral studies can significantly enhance the competitiveness of their application.

Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in school counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

University of arkansas.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Campus

University of Georgia

• PhD in Education (Counselor Education and Supervision-Gwinnett Campus only) Campus

Northern Illinois University

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision Campus

Western Illinois University

• Counselor Education Graduate Program: School Counseling Campus

Michigan State University

• School Psychology Ph.D. Campus

University of Minnesota

• Counseling Psychology Campus

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

• Counselor Education, Ph.D. Campus

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

• Recent Posts

Related Articles

• Couples in These U.S. States Have the Happiest Relationships
• Alternative Career Opportunities for MFT Graduates Who Don't Want to Enter Private Practice
• The Nation's Most Needed Counseling Specialists
• Comprehensive Divorce and Co-Parenting Resource
• See all Articles

Best Online Doctorate in School Counseling Programs

BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

• Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
• Provide specific, corrective feedback.
• Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

School counselors provide a valuable resource to children. These mental health professionals help students deal with everyday stress and life events that impact their ability to learn and thrive in school. In the U.S. the average student-to-counselor ratio in schools is 464-to-1, according to the American School Counselor Association. About eight million U.S. students don’t have access to a school counselor at all.

The profession is in high demand, especially after 2020 when millions of students transitioned to online learning because of COVID-19. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 11% job growth for school and career counselors between 2020 and 2030.

Most doctorate in school counseling programs take 3-7 years to complete. Online programs can provide some flexibility for students hoping to finish more quickly.

According to the BLS, school counselors made a median annual salary of $58,120 as of May 2020. However, a doctoral degree can help graduates land high-paying leadership, research, and postsecondary teaching positions.

What Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in School Counseling Program?

School counselors play a vital role in helping students with their mental and emotional health. They must be flexible and adaptable, as well as friendly, empathetic, and tolerant of diverse viewpoints. Good communication skills are critical for working with people of all ages, from district superintendents to elementary school children.

School counseling doctoral programs prepare graduates for this environment through rigorous coursework and research. The programs require varying amounts of credits and take several years to complete. Graduate students can choose to pursue the following two degree types:

• Ed.D.: Graduates usually find jobs in schools, districts, or communities, working directly with students and educators.
• Ph.D.: Graduates usually work in academia and research at a university or create policies at the state and federal government levels.

Degree-seekers can also choose an area of emphasis for study, such as counseling education, educational psychology, organizational change, or research and statistics. In addition to coursework, students in a school counseling doctoral program must often complete a dissertation and practicum.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

Featured online programs in school counseling.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Doctorate in School Counseling Program?

Counseling research design.

This course introduces methods and designs for conducting counseling research. Students learn various design options for studies, including experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, and subject-based research. When the course is complete, students are prepared to set up and conduct their own research and evaluate the results.

Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Theories

This course instructs students in an advanced analysis of cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT). Many mental health professionals use CBT to help people recognize how they perceive specific situations and how their thoughts can impact the way they feel. It is an evidence-based psychological treatment with thousands of studies showing its effectiveness in treating mental health issues.

Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling

School counselors who work directly with students and academic researchers who create policies must understand how cultural values, biases, and beliefs can impact students. In this course, graduate students evaluate how these issues have historically affected counseling programs and research and how to effectively lead and advocate for students from all backgrounds.

Practicum and Internship

Doctorate in school counseling programs include multiple practicum experiences to apply course theory in real-world settings under the supervision of licensed counselors. Practica can be in teaching, advanced counseling, counseling supervision, and research, depending on the student’s educational focus and career goals. Students also complete an internship where they gain on-the-job experience.

Research and Dissertation

Students must complete a research dissertation related to school counseling training, practice, advocacy, professional development, or addressing a specific issue or concern affecting the profession. Students develop a dissertation proposal, then work with a professor to conduct research and present it to a committee. Committee members ask questions, and the student defends their dissertation.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctorate in School Counseling Program?

Online doctorate in school counseling programs mostly maintain the same admission requirements as an on-campus program. Most programs ask for the following materials:

Application

Online and on-campus programs both require students to fill out an application and pay an application fee. These applications are usually available on the school’s website, and students can submit them electronically along with any supporting documents.

Test Scores

Doctoral programs usually require students to take and submit a standardized test score . The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is the most common for school counseling programs. If a student already completed the GRE or other standardized test prior to completing a master’s degree, they can usually use that score.

Letters of Recommendation

Students applying for a Ph.D. or Ed.D. program should request letters of recommendation from colleagues or professors who can speak to their research abilities and personality traits. Recommendation letters can come from multiple sources, but for doctoral programs it’s best to ask for academic letters from past professors or research colleagues.

Resume and Work Experience

Most students who apply for a doctoral degree in school counseling have extensive academic experience, including a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. Some also have research experience or work experience in a school setting. Applicants should include a curriculum vitae and cover letter detailing relevant work, research, and publications (if applicable).

Most doctoral programs in school counseling require students to submit 1-3 short essays. Grad school application essays allow admissions departments to get to know applicants on a more personal level. Students should expect to explain their motivations for enrolling in a doctorate in school counseling program and detail their professional aspirations.

Official Transcripts

To apply for a doctorate in school counseling, students must generally hold an undergraduate degree and possibly a master’s degree. If the master’s degree is not in school counseling, it should be in a related field of study, such as psychology. The application should include official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs.

What Can I Do With an Online Doctorate in School Counseling Degree?

Career outlook.

School counselors are in high demand everywhere in the U.S. With a doctorate, you can pursue positions working directly with students or leadership roles at individual schools or in school districts.

Graduates can also work at state and federal education offices developing policies that improve mental health and emotional support for students. Ph.D. graduates often work in research and academia, working to improve counseling practices and professional development for those in the field.

See where a doctorate in school counseling degree can take you. Learn more about school counseling careers .

Career Paths

Education counselor.

These counselors work directly with students in an educational setting to provide mental health counseling and career services. School counselors are in demand in multiple settings, including elementary schools, middle and high schools, and universities. Some states may require school counselors to have an education background and licensure.

Median Annual Salary: $58,120

Professor of School Counseling

A professor of school counseling works at a university teaching other students who want to become school counselors. These professionals can work only as classroom teachers or can also perform research to improve the counseling profession. Faculty positions are available at community colleges, four-year public and private institutions, and research universities.

Median Annual Salary: $80,560

Community Service Program Managers

Many community organizations can benefit from the clinical and leadership skills students learn in a doctorate in school counseling program. These managers work in a variety of settings, including nonprofit organizations, state government agencies, and federal agencies. They create and administer social programs that benefit students needing counseling.

Median Annual Salary: $69,600

School Guidance Counseling Supervisor

A guidance counselor supervisor oversees other counselors who work in a school. A doctoral degree that focuses on organizational leadership can prepare graduates for jobs supervising others who work directly with students to improve their academic success and emotional health.

Average Annual Salary: $59,780 (Payscale, as of Dec. 2021)

Department Administrator

Department administrators oversee research, academics, and student services in school counseling programs at universities. They help professors and other school counselors develop programs to aid students and shape the next generation of school counseling professionals.

Average Annual Salary: $65,570 (Payscale, as of Dec. 2021)

School Counseling Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing education.

A doctorate in school counseling is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest level of education you can pursue in this field. However, some students may choose to attain an additional doctoral degree in a related field after completing a doctorate in school counseling.

Once you are working in the field of school counseling, you must participate in continuing education and professional development to stay current in the latest research and theories.

How Do I Choose an Online Doctorate in School Counseling Program?

Tuition rates vary widely among online doctorate in school counseling programs. To find the best rates, consider enrolling at an in-state, public university as opposed to an out-of-state, private university. In some online programs , you may qualify for in-state tuition regardless of where you live.

It’s also important to factor in other costs like housing and fees to get a picture of the total costs to attend a doctoral program. Online students save on many of these costs.

Program Format

Online programs use different teaching methods. Some deliver coursework synchronously, meaning students attend online classes at a designated time. Others deliver coursework asynchronously , where students complete coursework on their own time. Students should understand their own learning styles to determine if they prefer the more structured option or need more flexibility.

Since doctoral programs take several years, most students choose to attend full time to graduate in the shortest amount of time possible.

School location matters more for on-campus doctoral programs than online programs. However, since students must often complete at least one practicum and an internship, it can prove easier to live near campus since schools can often assist with placements. Students who must defend a research dissertation may also need to travel if they attend an online program at a faraway school.

Accreditation

Accreditation demonstrates that a school meets rigorous academic standards. Graduating from a non-accredited university might make it harder to get a job as a researcher or school counselor in the future, especially if a student wants to pursue a career in academia. Furthermore, you cannot receive federal financial aid unless you attend an accredited school .

Student Support

Doctoral programs should offer a high level of support to students. These programs require in-depth research study, as well as a lot of real-world experience in practicum and internship settings. Students need ongoing student support to conduct and submit quality research and coordinate valuable practicum experiences. Look for online programs with extensive services for graduate students.

Best Accredited Online Doctorate in School Counseling Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

• Collapse All

OSU's doctorate in counseling uses a hybrid delivery method where learners take some weekend courses on the university's Portland campus. The curriculum consists of 150 quarter credits and emphasizes supervision, assessment, and counselor education. Additional requirements include a 630-hour internship.

OSU provides distance learners with several resources, including Aurora — a specialized platform that helps users prepare for a career in academia. The university also provides Ph.D. students with a guide covering networking best practices.

Prospective students can apply for the summer term and should hold a master's in counseling or a related field. Other admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA and three recommendation letters. All learners pay the same cost per credit.

Students can earn Regent's online doctoral degree in educational psychology by completing an entirely online curriculum. This program prepares degree-seekers for careers as professors and educational assessment specialists. The curriculum requires 75-77 credits and features courses in collaborative research, advanced study of theories in learning, and the psychological underpinnings of learning. The doctoral program culminates in a dissertation.

Regent provides distance learners with resume templates and interview preparation tips — both essential for learners preparing for a career in academia.

Admission requirements include an academic paper and transcripts. Some applicants must also complete an interview. This Christian university does not charge out-of-state tuition. Doctoral students should contact Regent's Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to learn about institutional aid opportunities.

Aspiring school counselors may be interested in UWG's doctor of education in professional counseling and supervision . The 60-credit program uses a cohort learning model, in which a group of 12 students progress through classes together. The curriculum includes a practicum, an internship, and a dissertation.

UWG offers learners resume critiques, online networking best practices, and an etiquette guide. The university also helps graduate students create and follow through on a career development plan.

Admission requirements include a school counseling license, a minimum 3.5 graduate GPA, and GRE scores. The program also offers a 39-credit track for learners who already hold an education specialist degree. UWG does not charge out-of-state tuition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in School Counseling Programs

Is a doctorate in school counseling worth it.

A doctoral degree in school counseling is definitely worth it for students interested in pursuing research or working in an academic setting. This degree can also help graduates interested in working directly with students in a school setting gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively help them navigate social, emotional, and academic challenges for better outcomes.

While graduate school takes a long time, it provides valuable experience and expertise in this high-demand field.

What can I do with a doctorate in school counseling?

Graduates with a doctorate in school counseling can work in schools, helping create individual learning plans and implementing policies to improve the learning environment.

They can work as researchers or in academic settings, teaching the next generation of school counselors. They can also help create high-level policies by working in federal education agencies or state agencies to influence legislation and conduct research.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in school counseling online?

Most programs take 3-7 years, although timelines can vary. Many programs involve practicum experiences and internships, as well as research dissertations.

How much money can I make with a doctorate in school counseling?

If you earn a Ph.D. in school counseling, you can compete for postsecondary teaching positions, which pay a median annual salary of $80,560, according to BLS data from May 2020. School and career counselors made a median annual wage of $58,120 as of May 2020.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a doctorate in school counseling?

The highest-paying jobs in school counseling are in research, administrative roles, and teaching jobs in higher education. According to the BLS, postsecondary teachers made a median annual salary of $80,560 as of May 2020. Keep in mind that salary potential for professors depends on factors like location, experience, and tenure.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

Feature Image: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images

Explore More College Resources

Master’s in School Counseling Program Guide

School counselors can make a positive, long-term impact on students’ lives. Learn more about master’s in school counseling programs.

by Thomas Broderick

Updated September 9, 2024

Master’s in Addiction Counseling Program Guide

Improve your expertise in substance disorder treatment and counseling with a master’s in addiction counseling.

by Doug Wintemute