GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
PhD in Counseling
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
66 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€32k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Accredited by CACREP through 2030Accreditation
- 100% Employment Rate (at 6 months post-graduation)Employment Rate
- Average time to completion: 5.33 yearsProgram Duration
- $1,925 per credit hour (2024-2025)Tuition Rate
- Convenient late afternoon/evening classesSchedule
- Location in Washington D.C.Campus
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling at The George Washington University is designed to prepare you for impactful careers in counselor education, research, and advanced clinical practice. This program emphasizes the scholar-practitioner model, integrating rigorous research training with extensive hands-on clinical experience. Graduates are equipped to conduct research, publish findings, provide clinical services, and teach at the university level. The curriculum fosters skills in clinical work, administration, management, advocacy, and leadership, preparing students for diverse roles in academia and various professional settings. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and benefits from GW's status as a Carnegie R1 institution, offering opportunities for cutting-edge research and cross-collaborative initiatives. Courses are conveniently scheduled in the late afternoons and evenings to accommodate working professionals, and students gain practical experience through supervision of master's students at the university's Community Counseling Services Center.
Curriculum
The PhD in Counseling requires a minimum of 75 credits. This includes core courses, research methodologies, human development studies, specialization courses, and dissertation work. Applicants with a master's degree not accredited by CACREP may need to complete additional coursework. The program also requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination.
- Year 1-3 (Example)
- Advanced Psychopathology and PharmacologyCNSL 8251
- Leadership and Advocacy in CounselingCNSL 8252
- Advanced Multicultural CounselingCNSL 8254
- Supervision in CounselingCNSL 8255
- Doctoral Practicum in CounselingCNSL 8256
- Doctoral Internship in TeachingCNSL 8257
- Advanced Theories of CounselingCNSL 8258
- Doctoral Internship in Supervision ICNSL 8259
- Doctoral Internship in Supervision IICNSL 8260
- Doctoral Internship in ResearchCNSL 8961
- Group Comparison Designs and AnalysesEDUC 8120
- Qualitative Research MethodsEDUC 8122
- Predictive Designs and AnalysesEDUC 8171
- Advanced Human Development Course 1HDEV XXXX
- Advanced Human Development Course 2HDEV XXXX
- Area of Specialization Course 1XXXX XXXX
- Area of Specialization Course 2XXXX XXXX
- Area of Specialization Course 3XXXX XXXX
- Pre-Dissertation SeminarCNSL 8998
- Years 4-6 (Example)
- Dissertation ResearchCNSL 8999
Careers
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in academia, research, clinical practice, and leadership roles. The program aims to equip students with the skills necessary to contribute significantly to the counseling profession.
- University Professor/Faculty
- Counselor Educator
- Clinical Supervisor
- Researcher
- Program Director
- Private Practice Counselor
- Director of Counseling Departments
- Mental Health Treatment Program Leader
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Counseling program?
- You need a master's degree by the program start date. Applicants must also submit an online application, resume or CV, official transcripts from all previous institutions, and a Statement of Purpose (500-750 words). Additional coursework may be required if your master's degree is not CACREP-accredited.
- How much does the PhD in Counseling program cost?
- Tuition is $1,925 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 academic year. The program requires a minimum of 75 credits, making the estimated total tuition $144,375. Estimated annual living costs are approximately $20,000 USD.
- What is the typical duration of the PhD in Counseling program?
- The average time to complete the PhD in Counseling program is 5.33 years. The curriculum includes coursework and dissertation research, with an example timeline provided for Years 1-3 and Years 4-6.
- What are the career prospects after completing this PhD program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as University Professor/Faculty, Counselor Educator, Clinical Supervisor, Researcher, and Program Director. The program emphasizes the scholar-practitioner model to equip students for diverse professional settings.
- How do I apply to the PhD in Counseling program?
- You must submit an online application through the GW graduate admissions portal, along with your resume/CV, official transcripts, and a Statement of Purpose. The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15th.
- Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
- The program offers Graduate Assistantships which may include tuition waivers and stipends for eligible students. Merit-Based Scholarships are also available based on academic achievement, and students are encouraged to seek external funding.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeA master's degree is required by the program start date. If the master's degree is not CACREP-accredited, additional coursework will be required.
Applicants must submit an online application, resume, transcripts from all previously attended institutions, and a Statement of Purpose (500-750 words). There is no application fee.
Fees
Tuition (international)The tuition rate is $1,925 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 academic year. The PhD program requires a minimum of 75 credits, leading to an estimated total tuition of $144,375.
Tuition (home)The tuition rate is $1,925 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 academic year. The PhD program requires a minimum of 75 credits, leading to an estimated total tuition of $144,375.
LivingEstimated annual living costs are approximately $20,000 USD. This is an estimate and actual costs may vary.
Tuition is charged per credit hour. The total cost will depend on the number of credits taken. Information on tuition remission for eligible employees and their dependents is available through HR.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit the online application form through the GW graduate admissions portal. There is no application fee.
2. Prepare Supporting DocumentsGather your resume or CV, official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities, and a Statement of Purpose.
3. Write Your Statement of PurposeThe essay should be between 500 and 750 words, detailing your academic and professional goals, research interests, and reasons for pursuing this doctoral program at GW.
4. Submit TranscriptsEnsure all official transcripts are sent directly from the issuing institutions to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
5. Submit Resume/CVUpload your current resume or Curriculum Vitae to the application portal.
6. Application ReviewThe admissions committee will review all submitted applications and supporting materials.
7. Await Admission DecisionApplicants will be notified of the admission decision after the review process is complete.
Scholarships
Graduate Assistantships—
Merit-Based Scholarships—
External Funding—
Accreditation
The PhD in Counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through 2030. The program has maintained accreditation since 1984.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Counseling program?
+
You need a master's degree by the program start date. Applicants must also submit an online application, resume or CV, official transcripts from all previous institutions, and a Statement of Purpose (500-750 words). Additional coursework may be required if your master's degree is not CACREP-accredited.
How much does the PhD in Counseling program cost?
+
Tuition is $1,925 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 academic year. The program requires a minimum of 75 credits, making the estimated total tuition $144,375. Estimated annual living costs are approximately $20,000 USD.
What is the typical duration of the PhD in Counseling program?
+
The average time to complete the PhD in Counseling program is 5.33 years. The curriculum includes coursework and dissertation research, with an example timeline provided for Years 1-3 and Years 4-6.
What are the career prospects after completing this PhD program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as University Professor/Faculty, Counselor Educator, Clinical Supervisor, Researcher, and Program Director. The program emphasizes the scholar-practitioner model to equip students for diverse professional settings.
How do I apply to the PhD in Counseling program?
+
You must submit an online application through the GW graduate admissions portal, along with your resume/CV, official transcripts, and a Statement of Purpose. The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15th.
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
+
The program offers Graduate Assistantships which may include tuition waivers and stipends for eligible students. Merit-Based Scholarships are also available based on academic achievement, and students are encouraged to seek external funding.