Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Application Deadlines
- December 15
Description
For information on this Degree and Program, please contact the Department of Individual, Family and Community Education.
PhD Degree
The PhD in Counselor Education Program is intended to enable qualifying master’s level counselors to extend their career opportunities. It is designed to facilitate the developing of requisite competencies for careers in academic and professional service settings. Coursework and research requirements prepare graduates to seek for faculty positions in graduate-level counselor education programs and as educators, researchers, supervisors, and consultants in government, education, and community agency/school settings. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Students generally enter the PhD program having earned a master’s degree in counseling, developed their counseling skills, and attained licensure as a professional counselor. The PhD program prepares students to demonstrate proficiency in research, counseling theory and practice, teaching, supervision, consultation, leadership, advocacy, and diversity studies beyond the requirements of master’s level counselors. Doctoral students work toward articulating a theory of professional counseling; engaging in counseling supervision, teaching, and consultation; and developing an understanding of the variety of social-ecological factors that advance individuals’ mental health adjustment. The PhD program prepares students as counselor educators. It is not a psychology program and does not prepare students for licensure as a psychologist.
Program Information
Application and Admissions
Admission to the program is based on scholarship, academic background, work experience, letters of reference, an optional writing sample, a statement of intent, and culturally diverse experience (the Counselor Education program no longer requires submission of GRE scores). Final decision on an applicant is made following an interview with faculty members. Students are accepted to begin fall semester only. Deadline for applications is December 15; only complete applications will be reviewed. Applicants invited to interview are encouraged to meet faculty in person on campus; interviewees outside New Mexico may request a video interview. Applicants will be notified by February 15 of acceptance decisions. Potential students must accept or decline by March 15. Admission to the Ph.D. program in no way guarantees placements (e.g., practica, internship), licensure, and/or employment. Additionally, fingerprinting and background checks may be required.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Our program has determined it meets professional licensure requirements in the state of New Mexico. It has not determined it meets professional licensure requirements in any other state.
