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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The CACREP-accredited Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision degree program is designed for counseling and therapy professionals seeking to advance their careers within the counseling profession or gain leadership positions in academic, clinical, and consultative settings. Learners develop expertise in independent research, graduate-level instruction, clinical supervision, and advanced clinical practice. Successful graduates of this degree program are prepared to pursue positions as counselor educators, supervisors, researchers, and advanced practitioners in academic and clinical settings. These degree program requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the counseling or psychology professions.

Personal Suitability and Fitness for the Profession

Capella embraces the principles and guidelines set forth by the American Counseling Association (ACA) related to professional counseling programs in that the faculty, training staff, supervisors, and administrators within the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree program have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to ensure, insofar as possible, that all learners have the competence to manage professional relationships in an effective and appropriate manner and that they possess the emotional maturity, interpersonal stability, and intellectual judgment required to work with vulnerable populations. Personal suitability and fitness for the profession includes but is not limited to demonstration of sufficient interpersonal and professional competence; self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation; openness to processes of supervision; and resolution of issues or problems that interfere with professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner. Throughout the graduate training of each learner, faculty and staff are responsible for educating and assessing learners with regard to their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.

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Residency Requirement(s):

Learners satisfy residency requirements through completion of CES8920.


Practicum/Internship Experience Requirement(s):

Minimum of 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours. See the Practicum/Internship Experience section, below, for more information.

CES8001
Orientation to Doctoral Studies in Counselor Education

This course is designed as an introduction to the profession of counselor education and supervision and to doctoral research and ethics. Learners analyze the dissertation process, procedures, and resources and identify a potential topic appropriate for independent scholarly research in counselor education and supervision.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
CES8130 *
Advanced Scholarly Inquiry

In this course, learners critically analyze research literature and apply academic writing expertise to develop a scholarly discourse. Learners use a systemic approach to evaluate and analyze current literature on a topic and develop a research topic appropriate for the field.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Prerequisite(s): CES8001. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
CES8140 *
Research Theory and Philosophy

In this course, learners examine the philosophical assumptions of scholarly research. Learners analyze and synthesize literature as it relates to theoretical frameworks and apply research theory and philosophical assumptions as a foundation for research relevant to the field.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only.  Prerequisite(s): CES8130.  Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
CES8150 *
Research Design

Learners in this course build and demonstrate their understanding of how to design research for both quantitative and qualitative studies with additional focus on the learner's dissertation research design. Learners examine procedures, describe the research population and sample, establish the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and apply ethical considerations for the research.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Prerequisite(s): CES8140.  Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
CES8160 *
Qualitative Research Methods

In this course, learners investigate qualitative and emergent research designs and methods. Learners analyze ethical and cultural issues associated with the qualitative research process. Learners develop skills used to conduct qualitative research, such as evaluating qualitative data collection methods, designing qualitative instruments, analyzing data, and examining results for future research and professional practice.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Prerequisite(s): CES8150.  Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
CES8170 *
Quantitative Research Methods

Learners in this course examine univariate and multivariate research methods, designs, and statistical procedures used in counselor education and supervision. Learners formulate appropriate quantitative research questions, design and evaluate approaches to data analysis, and identify models and methods of program evaluation as well as instrument selection and design. Throughout the course, learners enhance their research as well as statistical and data analysis skills using the latest version of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Prerequisite(s): CES8150. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
CES8746
Program Evaluation in Counselor Education and Supervision

Learners in this course apply procedures used to conduct and evaluate counseling programs to build their knowledge of program evaluation models and methods. Learners also examine outcome assessments as tools for evaluation.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
CES8760
Advanced Counseling Practice

In this course, learners expand and refine therapeutic skills developed through prior practice and coursework to investigate advanced counseling practice skills. Learners examine the strengths and limitations of various counseling techniques and apply therapeutic models to a variety of contemporary client populations and issues. Learners also conceptualize a clinical case and develop a treatment plan that is consistent with a selected theoretical preference and diverse client needs.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
CES8768
Counselor Education Teaching and Practice

This course provides an overview of the major roles, responsibilities, and activities of counselor educators. Learners study instructional theory and methodology, as well as the integration of ethical, legal, and multicultural issues associated with counselor preparation training. Learners develop a philosophy of teaching and learning; examine procedures for engaging students and assessing student needs; and gain an understanding of the effective course design, delivery, and evaluation methods needed to develop competent counselors.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only.

4 quarter credits
CES8772 *
Counselor Supervision

Learners in this course examine critical literature in counselor education, including history, standards, multicultural concerns, and legal and ethical issues. Learners analyze theories, techniques, and models of counselor supervision and develop a personal supervision model. Learners also study the major dimensions of supervisions and the roles and relationships associated with them.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only.

4 quarter credits
CES8776 *
Leadership and Advocacy in Counseling

Learners in this course evaluate leadership and advocacy theories, models, and skills and their applications to the professional identity and practice of counselor educators and supervisors. Learners use a social justice lens to assess current topics and multicultural issues. Throughout the course, learners analyze the field of counselor education and supervision as a whole, leadership and advocacy roles in professional organizations and counseling programs, and ways to foster leadership and advocacy competence among counselor trainees and professional counselors.  ​For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
CES9100 *
Research and Scholarship

In this course, learners refine independent research skills. Learners produce a comprehensive research proposal for their dissertation that applies a scholarly literature review and research questions supported by research designs appropriate for professional research in the field. Learners also refine the research proposal to focus on scientific merit and ethical and culturally relevant research processes guided by the university's institutional review board.  For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Department consent is required for registration.​ Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): CES8170, CES8746, CES8760, CES8768, CES8772, CES8776, CES8800, CES8930, CES8940, CES8950. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

The courses listed below are 10-week online courses. Each includes specific clinical experiences. Learners must complete prerequisites and clinical experience requirements to be eligible to complete each course in the sequence.

CES8800 *
Counselor Education and Supervision Practicum

Learners in this course participate in an advanced counseling practice experience during which they apply a range of counseling skills and knowledge bases related to evidenced-based practices to individuals, couples, and groups. Learners strengthen their case conceptualization, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning skills and demonstrate the ability to develop ethical, therapeutic relationships with clients. This course requires 100 hours of clinical experience and no fewer than 40 hours of direct client contact. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): CES8001, CES8130, CES8140, completion of or concurrent registration in CES8760. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

2 quarter credits
CES8910 *
Counselor Education and Supervision Teaching Internship 1

This is the first course in a sequence of five required internship courses, throughout which learners complete 600 required hours in the areas of teaching, supervision, and research. In this internship, learners teach a 10-week online didactic course under the supervision of a Capella University instructor. Learners apply teaching methods and effective approaches to online learning while promoting gatekeeping relevant to counselor education and supervision. This course requires no fewer than 120 hours of supervised teaching related practice. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): CES8800, completion of or concurrent registration in CES8768. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

2 quarter credits
CES8920 *
Counselor Education and Supervision Teaching Internship 2

This is the second course in the sequence of five required internship courses. Learners in this internship teach a ten-week online counseling course with an embedded four-and-a-half-day face-to-face residency under the supervision of a Capella University instructor. Learners apply teaching methods, effective approaches to adult learning, and gatekeeping relevant to counselor education and supervision. This course requires no fewer than 120 hours of supervised teaching practice. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): CES8800, CES8910. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

2 quarter credits
CES8930 *
Counselor Education and Supervision Teaching Internship 3

This is the fourth course in the sequence of five required internship courses. Learners in this internship act as the primary instructor and teach a 10-week online course under the supervision of a Capella University instructor. Learners apply teaching methods, effective approaches to adult learning, and gatekeeping relevant to counselor education and supervision. Learners also demonstrate effective evaluation methods that are ethically and culturally appropriate. This course requires no fewer than 120 hours of supervised teaching practice.  For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): CES8800, CES8910, CES8920, CES8940. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

2 quarter credits
CES8940 *
Supervision Internship

This is the third course in the sequence of five required internship courses. Learners engage in clinical supervision for the duration of a 10-week course with a cohort of master’s-level internship learners and act under the supervision of a Capella University instructor. Learners apply theoretical frameworks and models of supervision to practice their own personal style of clinical supervision. In addition, learners engage in gatekeeping responsibilities and administrative procedures related to clinical supervision. Learners also demonstrate effective evaluation methods that are ethically and culturally appropriate. This course requires no fewer than 120 hours of supervised teaching practice. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): CES8800, CES8910, CES8920, completion of or concurrent registration in CES8772. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

2 quarter credits
CES8950 *
Research Internship

This is the fifth course in the sequence of five required internship courses. Learners in this internship apply relevant ethical research practices to all aspects of the research proposal including design, procedures, recruitment, data collection, and analysis. Learners articulate the ethical considerations and processes in an application for review by the university’s institutional review board. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): CES8130, CES8140, CES8150, CES8160, CES8800, CES8910, CES8920, CES8930, CES8940, completion of or concurrent registration in CES8170. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

2 quarter credits

Learners must register for CES9960 a minimum of three times to fulfill their program requirements.

CES9600 *
Counselor Education and Supervision Dissertation

This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support as they complete their dissertation with emphasis on the following sections: recruitment, data collection, data analysis, discussion of results, and implications and recommendations of future research. For PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of three times to fulfill their program requirements. Prerequisite(s): CES9100 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

 

 

Total

 

 

At least 72 quarter credits

* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

Practicum/Internship Experience 

Learners enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision degree program complete professional practice courses as a requirement of their program. The practicum and internship experiences consist of the following online courses and supervised laboratory practice/client interactions:

The practicum (CES8800) is an online course that requires a 100-hour clinical experience. Learners apply the skills developed throughout the course of the program in a counselor education and supervision setting where the practicum is completed.

The internships (CES8910, CES8920, CES8930, CES8940, and CES8950) are five online courses that require 600 total hours of hands-on site-based learning experience in teaching, research, supervision, and leadership and advocacy. The internships represent a significant time of learning and applying clinical supervisory/teaching proficiencies that are critical to the provision of counselor education, supervision, and advanced clinical practice.

Learners should consult the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD Learner Handbook for details about the practicum/internship experience.