The doctor of philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in counselor education prepares students for careers in community agencies, schools, colleges, universities, and private practice. Opportunities exist within this program to create areas of specialization that are relevant to the academic, professional, or research interests of the student. The program objectives and curricular experiences of the doctoral program reflect an extension of those offered in the master’s programs.

Persons applying for admission to doctoral study must meet the admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, the College of Health and Human Services, and the counselor education program. These requirements include an application for graduate admission, one set of official transcripts from each institution attended showing any and all undergraduate/graduate credits and degrees attained, three letters of recommendation, and a non-refundable application fee that must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies to begin the admission process.

In addition, counselor education program requirements for admission to the doctoral program are:

• A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale for all graduate-level academic work
• A master’s degree in counseling from a program that is approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Applicants with degrees from non-accredited programs must demonstrate their equivalency to approved programs or make up any deficiencies that may be present in their training.
• GRE scores (taken within the last five years).
• A résumé and statement of purpose three-to-five pages in length.
• One writing sample. This is typically fulfilled by submitting a copy of your best academic work completed in previous graduate courses. 
• A personal interview with program faculty to determine the personal and professional suitability and leadership potential of the applicant. Applicants will be notified if they are selected for an interview.
• Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which must address the applicant’s academic potential (i.e. from a university faculty member).

Applicants are interviewed and admitted to doctoral study during the fall or spring semesters of each academic year.

For more information or to ask questions, contact:

Madeline Clark
Doctoral Program Coordinator
419.530.4775
madeline.clark@utoledo.edu

or contact:

Sue Martin
School Secretary
419.530.2718
suzanne.martin@utoledo.edu

The curriculum leading to the doctor of philosophy degree in counselor education consists of a minimum of 61 semester hours. While the degree allows the student to focus on areas of interest, scholarly preparation resulting in a culminating research dissertation is required.

61 Semester Hours beyond Master's in Counseling