Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling (PhD)
The College of Arts and Sciences, in cooperation with Liberty Theological Seminary, offers a PhD in Counseling with specializations in Professional Counseling and Pastoral Care and Counseling.
This program is of particular interest to those with either a master's degree in counseling or seminary degree who are seeking to extend their professional standing in the community. A flexible practicum allows students to pursue work in their particular area of interest, while continuing to work in their current situation.
The program also provides for an internship that gives the student experience in the academic teaching field.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Develop a Christian worldview by studying God's revelation in counseling and personal relations.
- Enhance communication skills.
- Provide an understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels.
- Provide an understanding of issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society.
- Provide an understanding of the counseling and consulting process.
- Provide an understanding of group development dynamics, group counseling skills and other group work activities.
- Provide an understanding of career development.
- Provide an understanding of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation.
- Provide an understanding of various types of research methods, basic statistics, and ethical considerations in research.
- Provide an understanding of all aspects of the function of professional counseling including history, roles, structures, ethics, standards and credentialing.
- Provides a pedalogical experience that introduces the student to the academy.
Program Format
The PhD in Counseling is a 63 credit hour program. All courses are offered as one-week, residential intensives with a convenient schedule that requires students to be on campus only a few times a year.
Many courses are offered in six half-day blocks, allowing students to complete two courses in a seven-day period. Students complete both pre- and post-course work from home.
The practicum, internship and dissertation can also be completed in the student's hometown.
