Jeff Tompkins is a writer and teacher of English as a Second Language living in New York City. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1967 and was educated at Brown University and University College London. His articles and reviews have appeared in CHA Review of Books and Films, the Brooklyn Rail, the Chicago Review of Books, PopMatters, Words Without Borders, and other outlets.
Jeff Tompkins
Jeff Tompkins is a writer and teacher of English as a Second Language living in New York City. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1967 and was educated at Brown University and University College London. His articles and reviews have appeared in CHA Review of Books and Films, the Brooklyn Rail, the Chicago Review of Books, PopMatters, Words Without Borders, and other outlets.
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Reviewed
Brenna Swanston
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
For aspiring counselors, psychologists and therapists, a Ph.D. in counseling is the last rung of the educational ladder—the springboard to an advanced role in the field.
A doctorate in counseling requires specialized understanding and training that can lead to positions in clinical practice, consulting, research and administration. And if you want to teach at a higher learning institution, a Ph.D. can qualify you for prestigious academic roles like tenured professor, department head or dean.
Earning a doctorate is a major commitment that entails years’ worth of classroom study, clinical practice and fieldwork, and researching and writing a dissertation. That’s why an online Ph.D. in counseling can be a practical and attractive option.
Online programs offer learners the flexibility to study at their own pace at their convenience, and they can also be a much more affordable alternative to traditional on-campus learning.
Below, we survey the best online counseling Ph.D. programs as determined by key criteria like affordability, flexibility and student outcomes. We also explain the importance of accreditation and explore factors to consider before earning a Ph.D. in counseling online.
Our Methodology
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Best Psychology & Counseling Degree Programs
Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling Options
Should You Enroll in a Ph.D. in Counseling Online?
Pro Tip
Before you do anything else, decide whether you can thrive in an online learning environment or if you’re better off in a more traditional classroom arrangement.
Several factors will determine whether enrolling in a Ph.D. in counseling online makes sense for you. Important points to consider include:
- Career goals. Weigh whether a Ph.D. in counseling matches your career aspirations. For instance, if you’ve set your sights on academia, clinical practice, research or some other goal in the counseling field, talk to a program representative about how their program will help you get there.
- Accreditation. Confirm that an accrediting body vetted by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education has accredited the online program you’re considering. This ensures the program meets certain quality standards and that your degree will be recognized by licensing boards and potential employers.
- Licensing. If your goal is to become a licensed counselor, make sure the program fulfills the education requirements for licensure in the state where you plan to practice.
- Flexibility. Online college offers flexibility, but not everyone has the self-discipline and time management skills needed to succeed in a distance program. Conduct an objective assessment of whether your learning style would suit online learning. Then research whether your prospective program offers support services like academic advising and counseling.
- Financial considerations. Evaluate the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees and all additional expenses. Explore whether you’re eligible for funding options like grants, scholarships, assistantships or employer tuition reimbursement programs.
- Admissions requirements. Many counseling doctoral programs require applicants to hold a master’s in counseling or a related field. Make sure you meet the admissions criteria for any program you apply to.
Accreditation for Online Doctorate Programs in Counseling
Institutional accreditation verifies the overall quality and effectiveness of an entire college or university. This accreditation status depends on a rigorous third-party assessment of an institution’s mission, educational programs, faculty qualifications, student services and financial governance, among other factors.
To qualify for federal student aid, you must attend an institutionally accredited university. Employers, credentialing bodies and other higher learning institutions may not recognize your degree if it comes from an unaccredited school. You can confirm a college’s accreditation status by looking for the accreditation page on its website or searching the directories on CHEA’s website.
Programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs and departments within broader educational institutions. Any program receiving programmatic accreditation must be part of an institutionally accredited college or university.
CACREP accredits counseling programs in the United States. Check whether your prospective online Ph.D. in counseling program is accredited by using CACREP’s online directory. Some states require counselors to hold a CACREP-accredited degree to qualify for licensure.
How To Find the Right Online Ph.D. in Counseling for You
Pro Tip
Try to gain a sense of the job you’ll want after earning your degree. Then work backward to determine which program will best help you get that job.
Ready to start your search for an online counseling doctorate? Let’s narrow down your options.
Consider Your Future Goals
Several factors will influence your choice of an online Ph.D. in counseling program. Of these, arguably the most important are your career expectations and how they align with what the program provides.
If you intend to pursue counseling licensure after earning your doctorate, make sure the program meets your state’s educational requirements to become a licensed clinical professional counselor.
Do you want to specialize in a particular area of counseling? Prioritize programs that offer coursework focused on your area of interest or whose faculty have similar specialties. Also, consider whether each program helps students find local practicum and internship opportunities in your desired counseling field.
At a more general level, look for facts and figures on student outcomes from your program. Graduation rates, job placement rates and citations in academic research can all indicate a program’s quality and the potential career opportunities it offers.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Total tuition for the online Ph.D. in counseling programs ranked on this page ranges from approximately $27,000 to more than $100,000. Financing possibilities for these programs vary from school to school—and your personal financial situation will determine your eligibility for financial aid. To find out what you may qualify for, you’ll need to do some research.
Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine your eligibility for federal student aid programs, such as direct PLUS loans, direct unsubsidized loans and federal work-study programs. Online students are usually eligible for federal aid, but some programs may have specific eligibility requirements, so check with your school’s financial aid office. (It’s a good idea in general to consult with your school’s financial aid office for personalized guidance.)
Other financing options to consider include:
- Scholarships. Some schools offer scholarships and grants specifically for doctoral students, including those enrolled in online programs. They can be merit-based, need-based or specific to certain disciplines.
- Fellowships. Some Ph.D. programs offer fellowships—financial support in the form of a stipend or tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
- Employer sponsorship. If you currently have a job, check with your employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorships. If your Ph.D. program is relevant to your present role or a potential future role at the company, some employers may be willing to cover part of its cost.
- Private student loans. Private student loans from banks, credit unions and online lenders are available if you need additional funding beyond federal and institutional aid.
Before you commit to any financing option, carefully review all terms and conditions, including interest rates and repayment terms. Stay on the lookout for any potential impact on your financial situation after you graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Ph.D.s in Counseling
Is getting a Ph.D. in counseling worth it?
A Ph.D. can lead to more and better career options. It’s usually necessary, for instance, if you aspire to become a licensed psychologist, counselor educator or leading researcher. If tuition costs seem like an insurmountable hurdle, explore whether you can get funding through research grants, scholarships or an assistant position. Ultimately, only you can decide whether a Ph.D. program’s potential benefits justify the time and money you’ll commit.
Can you do a Ph.D. completely online?
It’s possible to earn a Ph.D. in counseling entirely online through accredited institutions that offer distance learning programs. Programs like those above feature the same rigorous curriculum and academic standards as in-person programs along with the flexibility of distance learning.
What is a Ph.D. in counseling called?
A Ph.D. in counseling is commonly known as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in counseling psychology, general counseling, or counselor education and supervision. The exact degree title depends on its specialization.
How hard is a Ph.D. in counseling?
Earning a Ph.D. in counseling requires a major investment of time and intellectual effort. In advanced coursework, students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of challenging subject material. Many doctoral programs also incorporate clinical training, in which students work directly with clients under the supervision of licensed professionals. Additionally, Ph.D. programs usually require you to complete a dissertation and defend it in front of a committee.
How long does it take to get your Ph.D. in counseling?
Ph.D. programs usually require four to six years to complete, if you enroll full time. Part-time students may need longer. The time needed to research, write and defend a dissertation varies and can impact program length.
