The Ph.D. Program in Counseling
CACREP accredited until March 31, 2032.
The Ph.D. program in Counseling is a research-orientated degree that is designed for those who have completed a 60 hours master’s degree in counseling, hold licensure or certification as a professional counselor, and demonstrate potential for assuming major leadership roles in the counseling profession at the regional or national level in university, clinical or research settings. This program degree is not a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology modeled after APA guidelines, but rather is modeled after CACREP guidelines. Even though it primarily emphasizes research and leadership, the program will enhance the student’s clinical, supervisory, and consultation skills.
The program consists of a minimum of 60 credit hours including general required courses and specialized coursework in one of the following areas: Leadership and Supervision; School Counseling Outcome Research; Children, Adolescent, Couples and Family Intervention; and Optimizing Human Development and Health. Students are mentored in research, including their dissertation.
It is a selective and intensive program that can be completed in three years of full-time study. The program enrolls up to 6 incoming students per semester. An inaugural class begins in the fall semester. Graduate Assistantship support is available.
Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic
Graduate Degrees:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling
How to Apply
Admission to the program is competitive and includes: high GRE scores including a minimum of 4.5 on the Analytic section, potential for leadership in the counseling profession, and research experience.
Deadlines for applications for Fall Admittance (no spring or summer admittance)
Effective for Fall 2022 and onwards, our program is using GradCas, a new online application submission portal, which only opens up for Fall submissions in early September. For more information about the new process, please visit: /graduate/applyonline/
Please note the following deadlines and resources:
Fall 2027 Application Deadline: November 1, 2026 (priority admission), November 15, 2026 (all other admission consideration). The GradCas application site will begin taking applications in September 2026.
For further requirements and the admission process, see the Graduate College's Program Description
Contact Information
Kelly Emelianchik-Key
Mikaela Kursell
Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes
2. Develop advanced research skills for contributing new knowledge to the field.
3. Enhance clinical, supervisory, and consultation expertise.
4. Foster the ability to design and evaluate counseling programs and interventions.
2. Conduct original research and present findings to professional audiences.
3. Apply leadership and supervision skills in academic or clinical settings.
4. Collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
5. Uphold ethical and professional standards in all aspects of counseling.