Counselor Education and Supervision PhD
- Doctoral
- PhD
- In-Person
- Greeley
Full Time: 3.5 to 4 years Part Time: 5 to 6 years
Program Overview
Lead the future of counseling with a doctoral program that combines hands-on training, research, and mentorship to prepare you for leadership roles in diverse counseling settings. Work closely with expert faculty in small, interactive classes, gaining personalized guidance every step of the way. Tailor your studies with an area of emphasis that fits your goals, including children and adolescents, school counseling, couples and family counseling, or gerontological counseling.
Graduates are prepared for careers as counselor educators and supervisors and are also eligible for licensure as professional counselors, couples and family counselors, or school counselors. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Students gain hands-on experience while serving the university and local community through the Psychological Services Clinic, a research and training facility that supports local mental health needs. This combination of rigorous training, mentorship, and real-world experience equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and connections to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.
83 – 92 required credits for graduation
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Choose your focus: Couples and Families, Play Therapy, or School Counseling.
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Hands-on research: Complete a dissertation or doctoral proposal, with opportunities to present at conferences and contribute to publications.
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Customize your path: Interest Areas and optional doctoral minors let you tailor your studies to your goals.
Applicants must first apply to the Graduate School at the University of Northern Colorado before the program can review their application. Missing or incomplete materials may delay evaluation.
To be considered, applicants must:
- Hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university (or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution).
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for the most recent or current degree.
If you are completing your master’s degree at the time of application:
- Admission will be based on your current GPA.
- You must submit your official transcript showing your conferred degree and final GPA during your first semester.
- If your final GPA is below 3.0, the academic program may assign additional requirements that must be completed within one year to remain enrolled at UNC.
Entering doctoral students should have completed graduate courses in the following areas:
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
- Career Counseling and Theory
- Counseling Theories
- Lifespan Development
- Family Systems
- Group Counseling/Guidance
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling
- Substance Abuse
- Appraisal and Assessment
- Introduction to Graduate Research
Students who have not completed coursework in these areas must complete these courses as deficiency coursework not to be counted toward the hours required for the degree.
Prospective applicants can request sample syllabi from jennifer.murdock@unco.edu
The Graduate programs in Counseling at UNC have a long history of accreditation. The Counseling programs (Professional Counseling and Counselor Education and Supervision) in the Department of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education (APCE) are accredited with CACREP.
Your Future in Counselor Education and Supervision
Advance your counseling career with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. You’ll gain access to research and hands-on learning opportunities while benefiting from the close mentorship of dedicated faculty committed to your success.
- Hold a master’s degree and want to take your counseling career to the next level
- Are passionate about helping others and contributing to society through teaching, research, and service
- Apply supervision theory and develop your own style of guiding future counselors
- Design, deliver, and evaluate graduate-level counselor training curriculum
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to advance the field
- Lead professional organizations and counseling programs
- Practicum in Counseling
- Practicum in Group Facilitation
- Seminar in Counselor Supervision and Theory
- Professional Development Seminar in Counselor Education
- Seminar in Advanced Multicultural Perspectives in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Advanced Research Methods
Why Choose UNC
WICHE Tuition Advantage
Students from 14 participating states can attend at the resident tuition rate, thanks to the program’s approval by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).
Hands-On Clinical Training
Gain practical experience in individual, group, and couples/family therapy at our on-site Psychological Services Clinic.
Diverse Career Outcomes
Alumni work in university counseling centers, private practice, health care, community agencies, VA settings, and academic roles.
Professional Licensure
UNC’s professional licensure programs are designed to lead to Colorado licensure.
Each state sets their own requirements, so a UNC program might not lead to licensure in other states. Visit the UNC Professional Licensure page to learn more about which states UNC programs meet educational requirements for licensure. It’s important to understand requirements in the state where you plan to work. Visit the State Licensure Boards page to find each state’s licensing agency and contact information.
Have questions? We're here to help!
Applied Psychology Counselor Education
Want to become a professional counselor psychologist, move into counselor education and supervision, or build a career in counseling psychology? Our programs are APA and CACREP accredited, designed to help you reach your goals and stand out in the field.
- 970-351-2817
- McKee 248
Jennifer Murdock-Bishop
Interim Chair and Professor