Counselor Education, Ph.D.
Program Description
The University of South Carolina offers the Ph.D. degree with a major in counselor education. It emphasizes the training of professional counselor educators and counselors who will have competence in teaching, counseling, research, and supervision. Program objectives are centered around a primary goal, which is the education of outstanding counselor educators and counselors. Graduates are prepared to assume leadership roles in settings that provide counseling, teaching, and research with and about populations who are experiencing problems in daily functioning. The program is 63 post-master's degree semester hours in length and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Learning Outcomes
- Students critically examine theories relevant to counseling.
- Students describe theoretical frameworks and models of clinical supervision and demonstrate skills of clinical supervision.
- Students implement pedagogy and methods relevant to counselor education.
- Students effectively use research designs appropriate to quantitative and qualitative research questions
- Students describe ethical and relevant leadership and advocacy practices.
Admission
In addition to The Graduate School’s application requirements, applicants must submit:
- proof of masters or specialist degree from an accredited college or university.
- verification of the 30 semester hours of prerequisite work in the CACREP core and clinical areas of instruction.
- a current resume documenting two years’ minimum work experience related to the field of counseling and related achievements, professional affiliations, and activities.
- a letter of intent, which should include:
- long-term goals in terms of benefits (to self and society).
- skills or competencies needed to achieve the goals.
- a timeline for completion of your degree.
- barriers to achievement of those goals.
- a statement clarifying when you expect to meet the residency requirement.
Degree Requirements (63 Post-Masters Hours)
The total number of hours required may vary depending on prior graduate coursework completed, but must be no less than 63 hours beyond the masters degree. Based on the curriculum described below, a program of study will be developed with the student's advisor and must be approved by the College of Education Graduate Director and the Dean of the Graduate School. Courses listed on the program of study must be completed no more than 10 years prior to graduation.
Qualifying Examination
Students must achieve a grade of B or better in the 18 hours of core courses. Once the student has applied for candidacy, the faculty reviews the application and votes whether to recommend the admission of the candidate. Admission recommendations are determined by a majority vote.
Coursework
Area 1: Core Courses (18 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDCE 723 | Counseling Supervision Theory | 3 |
| EDCE 813 | Professional Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| EDCE 820 | Advanced Transcultural Counseling | 3 |
| EDCE 823 | Advanced Counseling Theory | 3 |
| EDCE 830 | Pedagogy in Counselor Education | 3 |
| EDCE 832 | Practicum in Counseling Supervision | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Area 2: Clinical Requirements (12 Hours)
Practicum (3 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDCE 822 | Advanced Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 3 | |
Internship (9 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDCE 855 | Internship in Counselor Education (must successfully complete 3 times for one credit hour each) | 3 |
| EDCE 856 | Supervised Internship in Counselor Education - Teaching (must successfully complete 2 times for three credit hours each) | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 9 | |
Area 3: Research (18 hours)
Area 4: Dissertation (15 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDCE 825 | Empirical Basis of Counseling | 3 |
| EDCE 899 | Dissertation Preparation | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Foreign Language Requirement
Students must meet the Foreign Language and/or Research Methods Requirement as defined by the Graduate School. The 18 hours of research meet this requirement.
Comprehensive Examination
A written and oral comprehensive examination is required.