2023 Most Affordable Online Colleges for a Doctorate in Counseling

The University of the Cumberlands (UC) is a private, nonprofit, and Christian institution offering an online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision, which requires 66 credit hours. The program offers three specializations: (1) Addiction, (2) Advanced Counseling, and (3) Leadership. It can take full-time students three years to complete.

At UC, online students complete coursework in synchronous formats on Blackboard, meaning that they have fixed class schedules. This online doctorate is designed for professionals who want to expand their counseling expertise. Sample courses include Online Counseling and Supervision, Leadership and Advocacy in Professional Counseling, and Play Therapy. Students must complete field experience coursework, a seminar, an internship, and a dissertation. Potential career paths for graduates are clinical researchers, direct support professionals, and mental health counselors.

At Mississippi College (MC) — a private, nonprofit, and Baptist institution — prospective students can pursue an online Doctor of Professional Counseling totaling 72 credit hours. The program is divided into five components: (1) Core Courses, (2) Application Courses, (3) Specialization Courses, (4) Clinical Courses, and (5) Concluding Courses. This program may take 4-5 years for full-time students to complete.

MC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through Canvas, the school's chosen learning management system. A doctoral in counseling can expand career opportunities for counselors as they gain expertise through courses, such as Psychotherapy Integration, Advanced Lifespan Development Process, and Mental Health Crisis Services. Clinical work, a comprehensive exam, and a capstone project are also required. Prospective careers for graduates include health educators, social services managers, and children’s therapists.

The University of Louisiana - Monroe (ULM) is a public institution that offers an online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy - Systemic Studies requiring 60 credit hours. This is a nonclinical Doctor of Philosophy in marriage and family therapy. Full-time students can expect to spend three years completing this program.

At ULM, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Moodle. This program explores the concepts, theories, and practices of systemic family therapy through courses, which include The Art of Creative Transformation, Social Ecology, and Ecology of Psychopathology. Additionally, a dissertation is required for graduation. Alums may pursue careers as child development specialists, marriage and family counselors, or grief counselors, to name a few options.

Regent University Online is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution offering an online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision that totals 66 credit hours. While all coursework is available online, students must attend three in-person residencies during the program. This full-time program can take about four years to complete.

Regent Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via Canvas. The program helps counselors build upon their skills to pursue leadership roles. The program’s courses are Preventive Counseling, Multicultural Issues in Counseling, and Advanced Counseling and Career Theories. A supervised practicum, internship, and dissertation are also required to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates may include clinical practitioners, licensed professional counselors, and workplace wellness counselors.

Saybrook University Hybrid Online is a private, nonprofit institution where students can pursue an online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision requiring 54 credit hours. Students are required to attend an in-person five-day residential conference at the university. Full-time students may take anywhere from 3-4 years to complete this graduate degree online.

Saybrook’s online students complete coursework through the software Canvas, where classes are delivered asynchronously and synchronously. A doctoral in counseling from Saybrook prepares students to pursue academic and clinical leadership roles. Community Engagement and Leadership, Instructional Theory and Practice, and Supervision and Consultation are some sample courses. In addition to online classes, a practicum, internship, comprehensive exam, and dissertation are required. Potential career paths for graduates include social workers, clinical researchers, and adjunct professors.