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

Join a nationally-ranked, CACREP-accredited program with the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the UGA Gwinnett Campus.

Social justice and multicultural values guide our degree in counselor education and supervision. We have designed the program with a flexible schedule ideal for full-time school counselors, mental health counselors, and student affairs professionals.

Highlights

1. Evening Classes at Gwinnett Campus to Accommodate most work schedules
2. Department nationally ranked No. 2 by U.S. News & World Report
3. CACREP-accredited program with a strong multicultural and social justice emphasis
4. Uses a cohort model to help students develop academic relationships
5. Graduates find rewarding careers in academia, community, and P-16 settings

Mission Statement

This CES doctoral program has the specific purpose of preparing graduates to be counselor educators and supervisors to assume leadership roles in creating healthier communities, schools, institutions, colleges, and systems. The program also focuses on the integration of multiculturalism and social justice, emphasizing ways that counseling professionals can become leaders and advocates for systemic changes in the settings in which they work. The program is grounded in a scientist-practitioner-advocate model, where students develop further understanding of counselor identity across research, clinical, advocacy awareness, knowledge, skills, and contexts.

Program Objectives

1. To prepare students to be effective counselors across settings and modalities through the use of evidence-based practices and culturally responsive interventions.
2. To prepare students to work effectively as a clinical supervisor for practicing counselors and preservice counseling graduate students.
3. To prepare students to be effective teachers in counselor education programs.
4. To prepare students to conduct rigorous, original research that contributes to the professional knowledge base and appropriately disseminate research findings.
5. To prepare students to become effective leaders and advocates and to use those skills to promote equity and inclusion in p-12 schools, universities, communities, and the counseling profession.
6. To develop within students an understanding of and commitment to multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice (Program Focus).
7. To prepare students to work in a variety of counseling settings upon graduation, including research institutions, teaching universities, p-12 schools, community agencies, and other school and community leadership positions (GA Professional Standards Commission).

Annual Report

The 2022-23 academic year was another exciting year for the doctoral program. In the Spring of 2023, the program admitted a new cohort of ten students, who begin the program in June 2023. As of the Fall of 2022, there were 33 students in the Ph.D. program, including 25 who were actively taking courses and 8 students who were completing a dissertation, having completed the curriculum. Additionally, nine students passed comprehensive exams and thus became doctoral candidates, while seven students successfully defended their dissertations during the 2022 -23 academic year. More details on admissions, graduation, and student progress follows.

Annual Report 2022-23 (PDF)

Curriculum

The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the UGA Gwinnett Campus is geared toward school counselors, clinical mental health counselors, and college counselors.

As a participant, you will have the chance to enhance your skills and content knowledge as well as gain opportunities for professional advancement.

The doctoral program focuses on:

• Training you to become a “scholar-advocate-practitioner” in counseling
• Preparing you to address issues of social justice in P-12 and higher education settings
• Helping you to become more effective in advocacy and implementing systemic change

During your first year of coursework, the department will assign you an individual faculty advisor who complements your research and professional interests. During the second Summer, you will select major professors and committee members to direct your program of study and your dissertation.

Your coursework may include:

• Supervised counselor education and supervision practice, such as teaching and clinical experiences
• Practicum and internship experiences tailored to your interests
• A selection of courses that allows further specialization

Through your coursework, practicum, internship, and research experiences, you will work closely with nationally and internationally renowned faculty mentors. Their varied academic interests will provide perspective in your dissertation research.

The program at the UGA Gwinnett Campus offers a cohort model. As you progress in the Ph.D., you will have the opportunity to develop relationships with other students of diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .

Downloads

• School Counseling Annual Report 2018-2019 (PDF download)
• Student Handbooks

How to Apply

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the Ph.D. in Education (Counselor Education and Supervision-Gwinnett Campus only)

The GRE is not required for admission.

To apply, submit the following:

• Graduate School application
• TOEFL or IELTS Applicants from non-English speaking country only
• Official transcripts Native language and English for international applicants
• Statement of purpose
• Curriculum vita/Resume
• 3 letters of recommendation

Admission is based on the following:

• Undergraduate and graduate academic achievement
• References
• Professional contributions to the field
• Quality and extent of professional work experience
• Personal goal compatibility with program goals
• Potential for success as a professional scholar/practitioner
• Demonstrated commitment to the field

Applicants must have completed a master’s degree from accredited universities.

Applications to the program are due by December 1st each year.

Deadline To Apply

December 1

Log Into Existing Application

Useful Links

• Georgia Safe Schools Coalition
• Newsletter (PDF download)
• School Counseling Annual Report 2018-2019 (PDF download)
• Student Handbook (PDF)