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Online Ph.D. Doctorate Degree in Counseling

A doctorate degree is known as a “terminal” qualification. That is, you cannot go higher than this – it’s the top qualification for experts in any field. It can take many years to complete, is research heavy (though there will be some degree of seminar discussions and teaching), and is student-led. Doctorate degrees are typically taken after a master’s degree, though some exceptional students can jump straight to a doctorate from a bachelor’s degree. To enter into the most prestigious counseling careers, completing a doctorate degree such as a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology is an excellent pathway.

2024 - Best Ph.D. Doctorate Degree in Counseling Programs

What are the various doctorate degree in counseling specialties, can i get a ph.d. doctorate degree in counseling online, counseling degrees at every level, what can i expect in an online doctorate degree in counseling program, how much does a ph.d. doctorate degree in counseling cost, popular counseling specialties, list of counseling doctorate degree programs.

Researching and applying to online psychology doctorate degree programs can get pretty exhausting pretty fast. College websites aren’t always the easiest to scan for information, and even after reading about a particular program, you may still be left with many questions. Luckily, we’ve been doing this for a while and we’ve developed a few methods along the way that make researching programs a little easier. If you’re interested in the ways we accomplish our research, feel free to take a look at our Rankings Methodology page for more information.

Georgia State University

Learners seeking to teach in the counseling profession can obtain their Counselor Education and Practice Ph.D. from Georgia State University. The on-campus offering includes experiences in human growth and development, psychological assessment, and multicultural counseling.

University of the Cumberlands

Practicing counselors looking to teach or lead can transition careers with an Online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands. The research-heavy doctorate program includes clinical supervision and leadership components.

Florida Atlantic University

Experienced, licensed counselors seeking to advance to leadership roles within their larger profession can attain their PhD in Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. The degree has specialties in Leadership and Supervision, School Counseling, Children and Family, and more.

Ph.D. doctorate degrees in counseling come in several specialty areas. These include:

• Doctorate in Addiction Counseling
• Doctorate in Biblical Counseling
• Doctorate in Genetic Counseling
• Doctorate in Marriage & Family Therapy

You can complete a doctorate via distance learning. In fact, it's highly suited to attaining a terminal degree due to the level of self-guidance and research. Seminars and contact time with professors can be accomplished via the internet.

If you've worked in the field for many years and now have a family or full-time job that you wish to work the doctorate around, it's entirely possible. Again, with the flexibility of a counseling Ph.D. program, you can spread this over eight or many more years.

The main disadvantage, as with any other type of qualification, is the lack of contact time with peers and other doctorate students.

From entry-level to advanced, there's a counseling degree for your needs.

Learn more about the different online and campus-based counseling degrees available to you.

All Counseling Degrees

Doctorates (or doctoral degrees) are targeted to specific niche areas. They go even deeper than a master's degree to develop expert-level knowledge of niches. Doctorate research subjects are chosen by the student who has identified either a gap in the knowledge or a problem that they think they can research and answer.

Counseling Ph.D. programs don't follow the typical pattern of study through coursework – most of the work is self-guided with professors on hand. However, most will have group seminars and one-on-one guidance.

What Are the Doctorate Degree in Counseling Admission Requirements?

Doctoral programs expect applicants to have minimum entry requirements which differ slightly from other degree types:

• A master's degree ( bachelor’s degree in exceptional circumstances) in a relevant subject – counseling, psychology etc.
• Academic transcripts
• A GRE may be required in some cases
• Letter of recommendation for a Ph.D. from a university professor
• A statement of purpose detailing what you intend to research (and how) to obtain your doctorate
• You may be required to submit your MA dissertation and any other project work
• Applicants from outside the US will be required to provide proof of English proficiency ( TOEFL , IELTS , etc.) unless they come from an exempt country
• International students may also be asked to formally translate their qualifications to equivalents relevant to the U.S. education system

What Is the Length of a Doctorate Degree in Counseling?

A Ph.D. in counseling can take many years, though five or six years is fairly typical for doctoral candidates working at a regular pace. The most commonly cited term is seven to eight years. Due to its flexible nature, you may work around full-time employment and family commitments while your thesis progresses.

Doctorate programs are the highest level of qualification in any field. Due to their intensity and earning capability, they are therefore the most expensive programs you can study. Typically students pay per year, or a total amount spread out over the duration of the program.

Students can expect to pay anywhere from $35,000 to upwards of $100,000 for a counseling Ph.D. program, with most falling in the $50,000 range. Tuition costs fluctuate based on school, location, in-state or out-of-state residency, specialty/concentration, and many other factors. Military veterans may be eligible for discounted tuition rates.

There are many ways for doctoral students to pay for their counseling Ph.D. program. Most of the funding will come in the form of research grants and funding from the university. The figures are high, but you will rarely pay the total cost yourself – you may also "pay" in the form of your labor, working for the university in teaching support or as a research assistant.

There are also full scholarships that will essentially cover everything – living costs, research funding, and other necessary expenses for those who are eligible. Check your school of choice for scholarship and financial aid information.

Counseling careers are available in a range of specializations, whether you are interested in working with groups, individuals, couples, and more. The following are some popular specialties - visit our Counseling Careers page for more.

School Counselor

School Counselors provide academic, career, and personal counseling services to students in elementary, middle, and high schools. They also collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to promote student success and support their emotional and social well-being.

Couples Counselor

Couples Counselors help partners through difficult life periods such as infidelity, separation, divorce, and other relationship strains.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Those needing help with addictions to alcohol, drugs, and more can find help and support by working with a Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor .

Find an online or campus-based Ph.D. doctorate degree program in Counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

Eastern university.

• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Online

Texas Wesleyan University

• Marriage and Family Therapy, Ph.D Campus

University of Minnesota.

• PhD in Couple & Family Therapy Specialization Campus

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universit

• Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration Campus

Amridge University

• Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy II Online
• Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I Online
• PhD in Professional Counseling Online

Huntingdon College

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy Campus

University of West Alabama

• Education Specialist (Non-Certification) Counseling Online

Fuller Theological Seminary

• Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy Campus

Loma Linda University

• Systems, Families, and Couples (PhD) Campus

Atlantic Coast Seminary

• Doctor of Pastoral Counseling Campus

Colorado Theological Seminary

• PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling Online

Florida State University

• Marriage and Family Therapy Campus

Nova Southeastern University

• Serious Mental Illness Concentration Campus

University of Georgia

• Behavioral and Brain Sciences Doctoral Program-Health Psychology Concentration Campus

Atlantic International University

• Doctorate in Addiction Counseling Online

Chaminade University of Honolulu

• Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology - Mental Health Counseling Online

Boise State University

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Campus

Northern Illinois University

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision Campus

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision Online

Indiana State University

• Counselor Education & Supervision (Ph.D.) Campus

Iowa State University

• Counseling Psychology Campus

University of Iowa

• Couple and Family Therapy Campus

Murray State University

• EdD in P-20 and Community Leadership Online

University of Kentucky

University of louisville.

• Ph.D. in Counseling & Personnel Services (College Student Personnel) Campus
• Ph.D. in Counseling and Personnel Services: specialization Counselor Education and Supervision Campus
• Ph.D. in Counseling & Personnel Services (Educational Psychology, Measurement, and Evaluation) Campus
• Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision Online

University of Louisiana at Monroe

• Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Systemic Studies Online

Loyola University Maryland

• Pastoral Counseling, PhD Hybrid

Massachusetts

Lesley university.

• Counseling & Psychology: Transformative Leadership, Education, & Applied Research Campus

Capella University

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Online

The University of Montana

• Counselor Education & Counseling PhD Campus

Kean University

• Counseling and Supervision (Ph.D.) Campus

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

• Counselor Education, Ph.D. Campus

North Carolina

Gardner-webb university.

• Doctorate of Pastoral Care and Counseling Campus

North Carolina A & T State University

• Rehabilitation Counseling and Counselor Education Campus

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

• Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy and Human Development with a-Concentration in Counseling and Counselor Education Campus

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision i Campus

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Counseling and Counselor Education, Ph.D. Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus

• Counselor Education, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies Campus

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

• Counselor Education PhD Campus

University of Toledo

• Counselor Education Program Campus

Oregon State University

• PhD in Counseling Campus

Pennsylvania

Indiana university of pennsylvania-main campus.

• Counselor Education and Supervision, PhD Campus

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

• Counselor Education and Supervision, EdD Campus

University of Pittsburgh

• PhD in Human Genetics with a focus in genetic counselingU Campus

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

• Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Campus

South Carolina

University of south carolina-columbia, belmont university.

• Mental Health Counseling, Ph.D. Campus

Lee University

• Doctor of Philosophy, Marriage and Family Therapy Campus

Tennessee Technological University

• Counseling & Supervision Ph.D. Campus

Trevecca Nazarene University

• Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision Online

University of Memphis

• Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Campus

Christian Bible Institute and Seminary

Sam houston state university.

• Ph.D. program in Counselor Education Campus

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

• Counselor Education, PhD Campus

Texas Christian University

• Ph.D. in Counseling & Counselor Education Campus
• Educational Studies: Counseling and Counselor Education Ph.D. Campus

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

• Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Counseling Campus

The University of Texas at San Antonio

University of houston, brigham young university.

• Marriage, Family, & Human Development Campus
• Marriage & Family Therapy Campus

Hampton University

Liberty university.

• Counselor Education and Supervision Campus

Old Dominion University

• Ph.D. in Education - Counseling Concentration Campus

Regent University

• Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Addictions Counseling Online
• Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Biblical Counseling Online
• Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Pastoral Counseling Online
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision Campus
• Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Marriage & Family Ministry Online

University of Virginia-Main Campus

• Community Psychology Campus

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral Program Campus

William & Mary

• Ph.D. - Counselor Education Campus

Antioch University-Seattle

• PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision Campus

Mount Mary University

University of wyoming.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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2025 Fully Funded Online PhD Programs [Doctorate Guide]

If the cost of an advanced degree has discouraged you from furthering your education, fully funded online PhD programs may be the answer.

These doctoral programs provide students with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in their field without paying high out-of-pocket expenses. They typically cover your tuition and may also pay for fees, living expenses, and course materials.

Schools offer affordable PhD programs in many specializations, so students can pursue their goals no matter their area of interest. Earning a free doctorate degree online could help you grow your career prospects and become an expert in your field.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Universities Offering Fully Funded PhD Degree Program Online

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer fully funded PhD programs online or in a hybrid format.

Boston University

Boston University typically offers free tuition, a stipend, and a health insurance credit to eligible PhD students. Students have 5 years to complete a PhD program. Funding details are based on the specific program. Programs include Behavioral Neuroscience, Astronomy, and Theological Studies. Most programs are available online and on campus.

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Brown University

PhD students at Brown University may be eligible for financial support, including free tuition, a stipend, and medical assistance. Brown requires participation in a teaching assistantship, fellowship, or research assistantship to be eligible for these benefits. These benefits are available for 5 to 6 years. Programs include Anthropology, Political Science, and Physics.

Brown University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University works with students to make getting a hybrid PhD more affordable. Those who have earned a master’s through Johns Hopkins may be eligible for free tuition and a stipend for 3 years, while transfer students may be eligible for 4 years. Programs include International Policy and Regions of the world.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

New York University

New York University PhD students may be eligible for funding, including full tuition, stipends, and health insurance credits. Aid is typically available for up to 5 years. NYU currently offers a PhD in Hebrew and Judaic Studies, with the option to add a History degree.

New York University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Northwestern University

PhD students at Northwestern University usually receive total funding for at least 5 years. Students who wish to earn more can take on teaching or research assistant roles. Courses are in quarter semesters and are offered 4 times each year. Northwestern offers over 60 PhDs, including Music and Linguistics.

Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Temple University

Temple University offers full tuition remission and a stipend to all eligible PhD students. Programs require participation in research or teaching assistant projects for up to 20 hours each week to receive this funding. The funding is renewable for up to 5 years. Programs include Business Administration, Statistics, and Decision Neuroscience.

Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo’s PhD Excellence Initiative helps highly qualified students earn a fully-funded PhD Students work as a research or teaching assistant in exchange for a yearly stipend. UB offers multiple PhD programs online including Nursing and Information Science. All courses are completed online with synchronous and asynchronous coursework.

The University at Buffalo is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan provides several opportunities to fun joint PhD programs in Social Work and Social Science. Students work as teaching or research assistants and receive tuition, a stipend, and healthcare. Students are eligible for up to 5 years and may not work over 10 hours per week outside of university commitments.

The University of Michigan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University offers the opportunity to earn a PhD in Nursing. The school offers full tuition and a stipend for up to 4 years of the program. Most of the program is online with a short residency required each semester. The program begins each fall and follows a semester schedule.

Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Yale University

PhD students at Yale University may have tuition covered along with a 12 month stipend. These services are available for up to 5 years. There is also the possibility of funding for an additional year. Programs include Environmental Science and Comparative Literature.

Yale University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Fully Funded Online PhD Programs

Earning a fully funded PhD online sounds like it’s too good to be true, but it’s a realistic possibility if you’re prepared to invest time and effort into the application process and your studies.

Most colleges and universities require students to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to enroll in a PhD program. Others will only accept students who have earned a master’s degree in a relevant field. Professional experience may also help strengthen your application.

If you’re admitted to a fully funded online PhD program, you’ll have the chance to earn your degree without taking out excessive loans. Many of these doctoral degree programs pay for most or all of the costs of attendance—including tuition, fees, and living expenses.

In exchange for this funding, some programs employ students as teaching or research assistants. In these roles, PhD candidates provide support to current faculty and balance this work with their own classes and research.

An online PhD may help prepare you for a career with desirable employers, such as:

• Colleges and universities
• Research labs
• Government agencies
• Private businesses
• Healthcare facilities

These organizations hire graduates of PhD programs to work in prominent roles, including analysts, researchers, policy developers, and engineers. If you’re currently working in your field of choice, a PhD may also help you advance into a position as an executive or administrator.

Many graduates of these programs also work in higher education as professors, academic deans, and presidents. A PhD helps you build a foundation of knowledge that allows you to conduct research and teach upcoming undergraduate and graduate students.

PhD Careers & Salaries

You can earn a PhD in a wide range of fields, and the degree you complete will determine what career paths are available. Many job paths for PhDs offer healthy salaries and opportunities for advancement.

Students often enroll in PhD programs because they want to enter academia. Universities typically require that college professors have a PhD and are capable of conducting advanced research and publishing articles and books related to their work.

A PhD is also an asset if you hope to build a career in science or technology. These specialized fields involve the sophisticated skills and technical knowledge that a PhD program typically provides.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , these are some of the most common careers for graduates of PhD programs, depending on their specialty.

In addition to paying above-average salaries, many of these careers are also expected to experience accelerated growth. For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth rate for epidemiologists over the next ten years is 26%.

The growth rates for computer and information research scientists (21%), medical scientists (17%), and postsecondary teachers (12%) over this period are also much higher than the average rate for all occupations.

How to Get a Fully Funded PhD Program Online

Gaining admission to a fully funded PhD program can be more challenging than enrolling in bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. Here are some tips to consider:

• Consider STEM programs . PhDs in science, technology, engineering, and math often offer full funding to students. You may have more schools to choose from if you complete a STEM degree.
• Check accreditation status . It’s strategic to avoid any online PhD program that isn’t accredited. A lack of accreditation could indicate that the program is of low quality or will not properly prepare you for the professional world.
• Apply for fellowships or assistantships . International students may qualify for fellowships that pay for tuition and provide a stipend. Many fully funded programs require students to participate in an assistantship focused on teaching or research.
• Fine-tune your application . Most fully funded PhDs only accept a few students for each academic year, and they base their admissions on your application materials. It’s beneficial to look closely at each program’s requirements and adhere to them as closely as possible.

When you research fully funded PhDs, be wary of any program that makes exaggerated promises or cannot provide job placement or graduation data for recent students.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fully Funded Online Doctoral Programs

Prospective PhD students may struggle to decide whether a fully funded program is the right path. Fully funded online doctoral programs offer a variety of benefits and drawbacks, including:

When deciding whether a fully funded online PhD is a good fit for you, you might consider your learning style, preferences, and goals.

Admissions Requirements

Fully funded PhD programs are usually selective, so it’s important to carefully follow their application process. Admissions requirements for online PhD programs for working professionals may include:

• Test scores . While it’s not always required, some schools have you submit current scores from the GRE or other standardized tests.
• Transcripts . Request official transcripts from schools you previously attended, including undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Statement of purpose . You can describe your motivation for pursuing a PhD, why you selected this particular program, and your specific research interests.
• Recommendations . You can ask former professors or supervisors to explain why you would excel in an online PhD program.
• CV . It’s beneficial to list all relevant professional, publishing, and volunteer experience.

Some universities also require students to participate in a virtual interview or provide a portfolio that demonstrates the strength of their past work.

Fully Funded PhD Programs Online Accreditation

When selecting an online PhD program, it’s vital to determine whether it has regional accreditation . Some online schools offer degrees with little to no academic value, but a regionally accredited institution must meet certain standards of excellence.

Attending a program that has met the high bar of a regional accrediting board usually provides you with a better educational experience that includes the most current practices and theories in the field. For this reason, most employers only accept PhDs from accredited schools.

If you end up changing programs before graduating, it’s generally easier to transfer credits from programs with regional accreditation.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

The cost of PhD program tuition varies widely based on the school you attend. Rates generally range from $500 to $2,000 per credit hour. In addition, students often have to pay for materials and fees on top of their base tuition.

A PhD program could range between 60 and 120 required credits, so the total cost of tuition and fees could easily reach top dollar. A fully funded PhD reduces or removes much of this cost by allowing students to complete their degrees without paying tuition.

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

Fully funded means that a PhD student doesn’t pay any of the costs of attending a doctoral program. This generally includes all tuition and fees required for full-time enrollment in the program. In many cases, the university covers these costs. Students may also receive funding from private businesses or sponsors.

To ensure that students can focus solely on their studies during the program, a fully funded PhD may also include a stipend to cover living expenses and housing. Some colleges require students to complete teaching or research assistantships to receive their funding.

What Is Funded in Fully Funded Doctorate Programs?

A fully funded PhD program essentially covers the costs associated with attending school. This typically includes:

• Full-time tuition for the duration of the program
• Fees required by the university
• Living and housing expenses
• School-provided health insurance

This funding is usually only provided for 3 to 5 years of study. This helps ensure that students complete their programs in a timely manner. If a fully funded PhD doesn’t completely address the cost of a student’s degree, the school may also offer additional financial opportunities. Scholarships, grants, and loans are possible avenues to fill the gaps in funding.

What Can You Get a PhD in?

There are PhD programs available for practically every field. Popular doctoral specializations include:

• Educational administration and leadership
• Physical therapy
• Electrical engineering

Although there are PhD programs available for each of these disciplines, some may be more suitable for online study. A PhD program that involves hands-on learning or lab work may not be as ideal for an online format.

Some online PhD programs that require in-person components allow students to participate in fieldwork in their communities. Other disciplines that focus primarily on research and writing can more easily be completed online.

What Are Some of the Highest Paying PhDs?

Your future earnings ultimately depend on your employer, geographic location, and professional experience, but some PhDs tend to have better pay than others.

Many of the highest paying PhDs are related to science. For example, medical scientists earn median annual salaries of $95,310, physicists make a median of $152,430, and the median for computer and information research scientists is $131,490 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Postsecondary education administrators also have competitive salaries, with median earnings of $96,910 per year.

Depending on their specific field and whether they have tenure, college professors may earn salaries above six figures. For example, $104,940 is the median salary for engineering professors.

What’s the Difference Between a Doctorate vs. PhD Degree?

People sometimes use the terms doctorate and PhD interchangeably, but there are differences between them.

All PhD programs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.

Getting Your Fully Funded PhD Online

Earning a fully funded PhD online can open doors to new career opportunities that are professionally and personally rewarding, all without draining your financial resources.

This type of PhD may cover your tuition, fees, and expenses, allowing you to graduate with very little debt. Because they offer low-cost or no-cost degrees, universities with fully funded PhDs tend to enroll a small number of students with proven skills and experience in the field.

Once you decide that you want to earn a fully funded degree, you can begin by researching accredited universities that offer free PhD programs online.