The 3 Best Online CACREP PhD Programs | Complete 2024 Guide

CACREP PhD programs online have gained demand, offering a flexible path to an advanced counseling career. If you’re here, we know you are passionate about human behavior and psychology. Or, more specifically, you are pursuing a career in counselor education and supervision. Of course, counselors and therapists fulfill a vital role within our society. Their importance extends across aspects of people’s lives, communities, and the broader healthcare system. But what exactly does this career path entail?

The premise behind it is simple: To contribute to and to help aspiring counselors successfully enter the field. In fact, graduates of CACREP accredited PhD programs are behind the institutions, research, and principles of counseling.

It’s expected that applicants of these unique doctoral programs possess at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. With a foundation in social science they could pursue a CACREP accredited master's degree. For example, a master’s in substance abuse, clinical mental health, etc. A master’s degree in counseling or a related field allows students to complete necessary coursework and supervised clinical experience to pursue licensure.

But CACREP’s accreditation also extends to doctoral programs. Unlike a master’s, though, it exclusively accredits Counselor Education and Supervision doctorates. These CACREP accredited online PhD programs meet rigorous quality standards. They enhance your credibility regarding practice, licensure, and other certifications.

Article Navigation: What Does It Mean When a Program is CACREP Accredited? | The Top 3 CACREP PhD Programs Online | CACREP Standards for a Doctoral Program | How CACREP Online PhD Counseling Programs Work | Admission Requirements | Is a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Worth It? | Typical Trajectory | Step Into Counseling Excellence with a CACREP Doctoral Program

What Does It Mean When a Program is CACREP Accredited?

So what is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)? CACREP assesses and evaluates master’s and online doctoral counseling programs based on high academic standards. CACREP accredited online PhD counseling programs meet standards such as:

• Faculty with doctoral degrees in counselor education & supervision
• Best-practice fieldwork reflecting industry standards
• Commitment to high admissions
• Rigorous curriculum

Moving on, the following are the top four CACREP accredited counseling PhD online programs. Online degrees can be more flexible than on-campus programs. Their content may come in formats ranging from hybrid and fully online to asynchronous, synchronous, etc. But none of this detracts from their weight in the counseling field. These programs still offer qualities like hands-on experiences, essential courses, and more.

The Top 3 CACREP PhD Programs Online

Are you seeking to advance their careers in counseling and supervision? Then keep in mind that CACREP accreditation is a hallmark of excellence. CACREP PhD programs offer rigorous academic training in the field of counselor education and supervision. Just as important, they provide a path for you to excel in the dynamic and rewarding counseling field.

1. Liberty University

   Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $37,193

   Liberty University offers an excellent online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision program. Aside from prospective educators, this degree can benefit those developing advanced clinical skills through research in theory and practice.

   At the core of LU’s Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies lies a powerful mission. The department strives to nurture the growth of spiritual and ethically grounded counselor educators. This doctorate program develops experts with the knowledge, skills, and a personal commitment to promoting the mental health of those they serve.

   Back to the degree, this PhD online creates a dynamic avenue to acquire knowledge and impart what you’ve learned. This makes it one of the best CACREP accredited online PhD counseling programs available today.

   The Curriculum

   The program prerequisites include a minimum of 60 hours of post-master’s coursework. This coursework includes:

   – Program orientation
   – Core courses
   – Examination
   – Dissertation proposal and defense

   Students must also undergo hands-on experiences. This program offers practicum and internship experiences to connect with experts in the field. Through this program, you can equip yourself with knowledge and skills in essential areas such as:

   – Advanced Counseling
   – Leadership and Advocacy
   – Counselor Education
   – Research and Scholarship
   – Supervision

   Tuition Breakdown

   The tuition for this counselor education and supervision PhD online program is about $37,193. However, Liberty offers plenty of financial aid. For example, military tuition discount to current and former service members and their spouses. Liberty University delivers these courses in a blended learning format. It consists of semester-long online participation and either a one-week virtual intensive or a one-week residential intensive for three core courses. Dissertation courses also feature regular synchronous meetings with the student’s dissertation supervisor. This flexibility allows students to balance personal and professional commitments while receiving quality mentorship.

   As a student, you can develop collaborative ties with faculty and other specialists. The program also prepares you to pursue academic or clinical careers in education and supervision settings. LU integrates a biblical worldview in preparing students to ethically serve different cultures.

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   Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision

2. Walden University

   Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $54,535

   If you’re looking to get your PhD in counseling online, then Walden University is another ideal option. Walden’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program prepares students for careers in research, counseling, education, and leadership. Also featuring a CACREP accreditation, this program meets the highest standards of quality and relevance in the counseling profession.

   The Curriculum

   Walden’s online program allows you to balance school work with personal and professional commitments. It features small class sizes. Also, regular synchronous components, ensuring students connect with each other and the faculty. The program offers a general track and five specializations. Each allows you to focus on an area of interest and develop advanced skills and knowledge. As a student, you can opt for any of the following areas of focus:

   – General Program
   – Addiction Counseling
   – Clinic Mental Health Counseling
   – Trauma and Crisis Counseling
   – School Counseling
   – Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

   Walden’s Counselor Education and Supervision PhD online program consists of 85 quarter credits. These combine 12 core courses, a practicum, two internships, and a dissertation. Alongside the coursework are 100 hours of clinical experience for the practicum and 600 hours for both internships. Other requirements for completing this program include one virtual or in-person residency and two pre-practicum labs.

   Through the content of this doctoral program, students can develop the competencies necessary to become effective counselor educators and supervisors. More specifically, they have the credentials to teach in CACREP accredited online PhD counseling programs. They also develop the necessary skills for contributing to the profession’s advancement. This could be through leadership roles in counseling groups or field research that informs counseling practice and policy.

   Tuition Breakdown

   The average tuition for this degree is $54,535 in-state & out-of-state. For students who have graduated from a CACREP accredited program, the tuition is $615 per quarter credit hour for 85 quarter credits. Otherwise, students will have to pay for 95 quarter credits.

   Applicants must have a CACREP accredited master’s degree. Typically, applicants also have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. You must provide a personal statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. If you are applying before completing a CACREP accredited program, you must demonstrate curricular experiences equivalent to CACREP standards.

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   Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision

    

3. Regent University

   Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $60,500

   This Regent University PhD prepares students for leadership positions in mental health counseling. That includes clinical practice, supervision, education, research, and program development. The CACREP accredited online doctoral program in counseling provides rigorous guidance in consultancy fields relevant to education and clinical practice.

   The Curriculum

   The program comprises 66 credit hours, including core courses, specialized courses, an internship, and a dissertation. The specialized courses allow students to choose from six areas of focus:

   – Addiction Counseling
   – Advanced Counseling
   – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   – School Counseling
   – Trauma and Crisis Counseling

   The required internship offers supervised experience in counselor education and supervision settings. The dissertation represents an original research project. As part of the program’s coursework, students must attend two one-week campus residencies. The residencies help enhance students’ learning experience, foster professional development, and facilitate networking.

   Regent University takes a Christian faith-based approach to education. In other words, this program incorporates a Christian perspective into every aspect of the curriculum. It teaches students to apply biblical and spiritual principles as a teacher, scholar, or practitioner. It also drives home strong multicultural competencies in the field.

   Tuition Breakdown

   The average tuition in-state and out-of-state for this CACREP accredited doctoral program is $60,500. Regent University is also one of the most military-friendly colleges. It offers admission pathways and academic benefits for military service members, veterans, and military spouses or dependents.

   This is one of the best counselor education PhD programs due to its flexibility, cost, and rigorous coursework. It takes three years of full-time online study. However, the completion time may vary depending on different factors. For example, a student’s progress to transfer credits, course load, and dissertation topic.

   Applicants must hold a licensure-track, 60-credit hour master’s degree in counseling or a related field. They must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA. You can still apply if you have less than 60 hours or a non-CACREP accredited degree. In this case, you take additional coursework as a prerequisite to admission. In addition, Regent prefers their PhD students to have at least one year of experience in a mental health field.

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   Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision

    

CACREP Standards for a Doctoral Program

All four universities in the list above feature similar learning elements and requirements. This is because each doctoral program meets specific CACREP standards. In this section, we explore the particular standards of CACREP accredited doctoral counseling programs.

First, CACREP accredited PhD programs must equip students with the knowledge and skills in specific core areas. These areas represent the foundational knowledge of doctoral graduates in counselor education:

• Counseling: This area encompasses the study of counseling theories and their integration. Also, client conceptualization from various perspectives and advanced counseling skills. Students with this focus work with diverse populations and assess counseling outcomes.
• Teaching: Teaching theories and methods, as well as ethical and legal issues in education. This area also includes evaluating teaching effectiveness and developing a personal teaching philosophy.
• Supervision: Theoretical foundations, techniques, and ethical considerations in supervision. Graduates can apply supervision skills, evaluate outcomes, and develop personal supervision models.
• Research and Scholarship: Every CACREP doctoral program must train students in theory, ethics, design, analysis, report finding, and development of a research agenda.
• Leadership and Advocacy: This is the final core aspect of CACREP online doctoral programs. It covers the foundation of leadership and advocacy, its models and strategies, ethical issues, and the skill application for developing a personal vision.

Practicum and Internship Requirements

Aside from these core areas, CACREP accredited PhD programs must also feature hands-on experiences. These can practicum and internships. Supervised learning experiences help bridge the gap between abstract learning and practical application. Doctoral students must complete at least 100 hours of practicum, of which 40 hours must provide direct counseling. After completing the practicum, students also complete a supervised counseling internship. This consists of 600 hours, with 240 hours spent providing direct counseling services. Some other CACREP standards for PhD counselor education and supervision include:

• Core faculty qualifications (they must possess a CACREP accredited PhD as well)
• Assessment processes
• Diversity and multicultural competence
• Continuous program improvement

How Do CACREP Online PhD Counseling Programs Work?

CACREP PhD programs online are innovative. They combine elements from traditional doctoral education and online learning to create a flexible learning format for nontraditional students. But how do the key elements and operational aspects of CACREP accredited doctoral programs online work?

CACREP PhD programs online require at least 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours of doctoral-level credits. They must, of course, cover the five core areas identified earlier. These programs must also include coursework in the following topics:

• Counseling theory and practice
• Supervision theory and practice
• Teaching theory and practice
• Research methods and statistics
• Leadership and advocacy theory and practice
• Doctoral-level electives

By the end of their program, students must complete dissertation research. Online degrees are predominantly remote. However, in-person elements of online PhD counseling programs exist. In-person requirements like practicum and internships allow students to complete clinical hours in core counseling areas. In addition, some programs require a short residency on-campus to better connect students with faculty and research.

The typical duration of CACREP accredited online PhD counseling programs is three to five years. This varies, however, depending on prior coursework, research interests, credits transferred, and progress.

Admission Requirements for CACREP Accredited Online PhD Programs

To pursue CACREP accredited online PhD counseling programs, it is ideal to know the admission requirements. In general, most schools request proof of a master’s degree in counseling from a CACREP accredited program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Alternatively, applicants could present evidence of completion of a CACREP equivalent curriculum.

Other standard requirements for doctoral CACREP programs include:

• A current license or certification
• Letters of reference
• Applicant’s GRE scores
• Official transcripts
• A criminal background check

CACREP online doctoral programs also require applicants to hold licensure in their state of practice. In some cases, eligibility to apply for licensure as a counselor in their state of residency is enough to apply as well.

Is a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Worth It?

There is plenty to gain from exploring CACREP accredited counseling PhD online programs. Doctoral counseling programs are the highest academic level in the counseling field. Plus, obtaining a doctoral degree in counseling is purposefully challenging. Ultimately, your pursuit of online doctoral counseling programs should come from a passion for the field and a commitment to development.

Why Should I Get a PhD in Counseling?

There are many benefits of earning a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision. Online counseling PhD programs increase your prospects in the field. You can advance in positions in counselor education and supervision area. Also, CACREP doctoral programs position you to make a positive change in the counseling profession and society. You can contribute to the knowledge base, train the next generation of counselors, or enhance your practice to become evidence-based.

Does CACREP Accreditation Make a Difference?

While the requirements seem like a lot, sticking with CACREP accredited online PhD programs is crucial. A CACREP accreditation makes a significant difference in counseling and related programs. You will receive a high-quality education that aligns with the standards of the counseling profession. CACREP’s commitment to excellence extends to licensure and long-lasting, fulfilling counseling careers.

Typical Trajectory with CACREP PhD Programs

Navigating CACREP accredited online PhD programs requires commitment to the profession. It’s equally important to understand the trajectory of these programs. It provides more insights into the processes, challenges, and rewards of doctoral-level studies in counseling. CACREP doctoral graduates may pursue different licensures depending on their professional goals. For instance, some graduates may seek licensure as professional counselors, school counselors, family therapists, mental health counselors, or addiction counselors during residency.

Online counseling PhD program graduates also explore several career paths across different settings. These career paths could cover any of the key areas of counseling. Here are some career paths graduates generally explore:

• Professor: They plan and deliver instructions at the post-secondary level, including undergraduate and graduate students. The average salary is about $80,840 annually.
• Administrator: They oversee programs, manage schedules, and make critical decisions for their institutions. Administrators earn about $99,940 annually.
• Counselor Educator: These professionals train future counselors in graduate programs like online PhD counseling programs. They earn $68,122 annually.
• Counselor Supervisor: Supervisors provide guidance and feedback to counselors working toward licensure or certification. The average salary is about $69,271 annually.
• Researcher: They engage in every aspect of studies that contribute to the field’s knowledge base. The average salary for researchers is about $77,471 annually.
• Practitioner: A PhD in counseling online can also qualify you to become a practitioner, providing counseling services to individuals, families, or groups. Practitioners earn an average of about $82,575 per year.

Step Into Counseling Excellence with a CACREP Doctoral Program

CACREP accredited online PhD programs represent a pinnacle of excellence in counseling education. Aspiring counselor educators, practitioners, and researchers who go down this pathway advance their careers and contribute to improving the counseling field. Consider CACREP doctoral programs today and foster a brighter future for yourself and those you serve.