UNT Home | Graduate Studies | College of Education | Counseling - Doctoral Degree Program
The Counseling program at the University of North Texas has a national reputation for developing highly competent professionals through education, research and service.
Our Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling stimulates student inquiry and develops advanced knowledge and counseling skills. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to work as a(n):
Our academic core focuses on counseling and counseling-related areas while providing flexibility for you to develop a specialization.
A recent emphasis in the program is on preparing counselor educators to work at the university level.
The program is both theoretical and experiential. You'll participate in a six-semester, on-campus clinical experience to complete doctoral-level practicum and internship experiences. You'll also complete a portfolio that demonstrates your teaching, supervision, research and leadership skills.
All students are required to be state-licensed or seek licensure as professional counselors.
Many faculty members are recognized experts in their field. They've earned recognitions from the American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Texas Counseling Association and Chi Sigma Iota international honor society. Their research interests include:
The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (1001 N. Fairfax St., Suite 510; Alexandria, Va. 22314; telephone 703-535-5990). This accreditation means we meet or exceed strict academic standards for excellence. We've also received the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision's Outstanding Program Award and its Publication in Counselor Education and Supervision Award multiple times.
The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 500; Washington, D.C. 20036; telephone 202-223-0077). The college is also one of the top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors and other school professionals in Texas.
You'll need to meet the admission requirements for the graduate school (available in the catalog) and the following program requirements:
After the written and oral doctoral admission exams, faculty members conduct a holistic review of all applicants. You'll receive a letter regarding your admission within one month of the orientation and interview. A satisfactory criminal history background check is required prior to enrollment. If you're granted provisional admission, you should contact the counseling program for academic advising before registration.
In addition to the following requirements, the doctoral degree also requires 9 credit hours of a research tool that's not included in the degree plan.
Our department funds many assistantships and scholarships to help you pursue a graduate degree. Students interested in an assistantship should submit an application with the doctoral program application. Visit our website for more information on scholarships. Information about other financial assistance programs is at the graduate school website or the financial aid website.
The center offers individual counseling as well as couple, family and group counseling. Low-cost counseling services are provided by counselors-in-training supervised by faculty members using the latest in audiovisual technology.
The clinic provides counseling and assessment services to children, adolescents, adults and families experiencing difficulties at home or school. Graduate students supervised by faculty members acquire valuable field experience by providing the clinic's low-cost services.
The center encourages children's development and emotional growth through play therapy, a dynamic interpersonal relationship between a child and a trained therapist. The center provides training, research, publications, counseling services and scholarships. It also acts as a clearinghouse for literature in the field.
The consortium trains professionals and volunteers to work with their pets to facilitate the mental health, well-being and development of adults, adolescents and children through positive human-animal interactions. Workshops and courses are offered throughout the year.
Each year, our program offers conferences where nationally known speakers present current perspectives on counseling issues. Licensed professional counselors, nationally certified counselors and licensed chemical dependency counselors may earn continuing education credit by attending these conferences.
Caitlyn Bennett, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University of Central Florida. Neurofeedback training for anxiety, depression and stress for college students.
Angie Cartwright, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Sam Houston State University. Underserved populations in counseling & counselor education including legal offenders, single-parent families, and communities of color.
Peggy Ceballos, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of North Texas. Effectiveness of CPRT on immigrant latino parents and their children.
Cynthia Chandler, Professor; Ed.D., Texas Tech University. Animal-assisted therapy; biofeedback therapy; women's emotional health; counseling supervision.
Janice Holden, Professor; Ed.D., Northern Illinois University. Transpersonal/spiritual issues in counseling; couple counseling; sexuality and sexual dysfunction therapy; cognitive therapy; screening counseling program applicants.
Kimberly King, Clinical Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Ed.D., University Of North Texas. Play therapy, clinical supervision, group and assessments.
Leslie Jones, Clinical Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of North Texas. Play therapy; expressive arts; supervised practice.
Natalya Lindo, Associate Professor and Department Chair; Ph.D., Georgia State University. Career development and life planning; counselor supervision; filial therapy; play therapy; teacher-child relationship building.
Kristin Meany-Walen, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University Of North Texas. Gay men's experiences with disordered eating.
Elizabeth Prosek, Associate Professor; Ph.D., Old Dominion University. Clinical mental health counseling; counselor education and supervision; diagnosis and assessment; underserved populations.
Dee Ray, Professor; Ph.D., University of North Texas. School counseling; play therapy; counselor supervision.
Matthew Lemberger-Truelove, Professor; Ph.D., University of South Carolina. Evidence based school counseling practice.
LaKaavia Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Ph.D., University of North Texas. Social emotional competencies of African American children: Impact of child centered play therapy.
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