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Doctoral programs in counseling

EdD deadlines

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

PhD deadline

Applications for PhD will open Fall 2024.

Full and partial assistantships

Specialize in your area of interest

Part-time and full-time options

Program overview

Whether you want to become a counselor educator or faculty in a higher education institution, pursue a leadership role in the counseling profession, enhance your credentials as a private practitioner, or contribute new knowledge about counseling, Warner’s doctoral programs in counseling will help you achieve your goals.

We invite you to check out our Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs-approved doctoral programs, and see how you can benefit from the expertise and support of faculty involved in cutting-edge research and innovative education reform projects, while pursuing your specific interests.

Key program features

  • Minimum credits: 96 graduate credits, including doctoral-level internships; some of the credits can be transferred from previous programs (up to 30 credits for PhDs; up to 36 credits for EdDs).
  • Curriculum: Coursework reflects emerging knowledge about the impact of early life experiences, the effects of chronic stress, clinical supervision, the biological basis of behavior, and the importance of employing an integrated diversity of approaches to psychotherapy.
  • Choice of research methods: Benefit from a vast array of research methods courses, and choose from a variety of research methods for your dissertation.
  • Internship opportunities:  Internships are available in an array of settings, including mental health clinics, healthcare facilities and hospitals, human services agencies, drug and alcohol treatment facilities and higher education settings. Interns can choose whether they want to work with children, adolescents and/or adults of various ages.  
  • Research opportunities: Warner faculty work on research and reform projects that provide opportunities for apprenticeships as well as interesting contexts for your dissertation.
  • Flexible: Programs can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, starting in any semester; minimum one year full-time residency requirement for PhD students only.

Prerequisites:

  • Successful completion of a master’s degree in mental health counseling, school counseling, or a related field in the helping professions (e.g., social work, counseling psychology, creative arts therapy).***
  • Preference is given to applicants with:
    • At least two years of relevant practice experience in a counseling-related profession.
    • A license or certification to practice in a counseling-related profession.
  • Career goals consistent with attainment of a doctoral degree in counseling.
  • Ability to articulate potential avenues for dissertation research.
  • Applicants must display dispositions of health and fitness that will foster healing, growth and change in their clients, such as:
    • Capacity for sound clinical and interpersonal judgment.
    • Ability to deal with critique and conflict in a healthy and productive manner.
    • Reliable completion, even under conditions of stress and emotional challenge, of expected clinical and academic responsibilities.***
    • Respect for diversity of beliefs, practices, appearances and orientations, and a commitment to, and capacity for self-reflection regarding diversity issues.
    • Ability, even in times of extreme stress, to convey empathy and compassion.
    • Display of sound moral and ethical judgment.
    • The ability to relate to supervisees and students in an ethical, non-exploitive manner that prioritizes their welfare.

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

Questions?

PhD in Education with Concentration in Counseling and Counselor Education

Prepares graduates for academic positions in universities and other higher education settings, as well as research positions in government agencies or other educational organizations. Coursework for the PhD in education (with specialization in counseling and counselor education)

EdD with Specialization in Counseling

Prepares and supports experienced counselors for leadership positions in their field, as well as selected higher education faculty positions; can be completed on a part-time basis while maintaining full-time employment. 

  • EdD Accelerated Option: Dissertation must be completed in the span of one year as part of a cohort, supported by a three-semester dissertation seminar. Coursework for the accelerated EdD in counseling and human development.
  • EdD Traditional Option: More flexibility for dissertation and coursework completion. Coursework for the traditional EdD in counseling and human development
  • EdD in Mental Health Counseling: Offers the option of including additional coursework, beyond the 96 credits required for the doctoral degree, that allows matriculated students to become eligible for the New York State mental health counseling license.  Students graduating from this program would be eligible for a New York State limited permit, and would need to complete 3,000 post-graduation supervised practice hours and pass the state examination to become a fully Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Coursework for the EdD in mental health counseling and supervision.

Customize your degree

Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.

EdD deadlines

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

PhD deadline

Applications for PhD will open Fall 2024.

Growing need for mental health counselors

The need for mental health counselors is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations nationwide due in part to the fact that health insurance plans have started providing coverage to mental health counseling services.

Today, the country faces a shortage of mental health professionals while the demand for mental health services has never been higher. In fact, 15 of the nation’s 50 states – including California, Connecticut, Florida, and 12 others – are experiencing a shortage of mental health professionals, as defined by the federal government. This means millions of Americans will continue to struggle with mental health issues as a result of the lack of licensed clinical mental health counselors.

A man who looks stressed is being shown images of meditation by a counselor

Core program faculty

Doug Guiffrida
Constructivist counseling supervision; College retention

Martin Lynch
Self-determination theory

Karen Mackie
Creative arts in counseling; Narrative therapy

Andre Marquis
Integral psychotherapy; Psychotherapy integration

Amanda McLeroy
Mental health of college students; Racial and childhood trauma

Bonnie Rubenstein
School counseling; Grief and loss

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Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.

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