Counselor Education and Supervision
*Ph.D. in Counselor Education
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The CACREP accredited Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D. Program helps excellent counselors shape the future of the counseling profession through teaching, supervision, advocacy, and research. Our program strongly endorses the researcher-practitioner model. Our students receive a strong foundation in research methods that help them to design and conduct research that can be translated into practice.
Counselor Educators and Supervisors are those skilled counselors who supervise, advocate, and teach. Counselor educators support the development of counseling students through direct instruction, as faculty in colleges and universities, and also through the supervision of the work of students and new professionals. Those are central components of ensuring high quality clinical work and protecting the clients who are served by counselors. Counselor educators are also advocates who help to shape the counseling profession, and address issues of injustice and inequity in our schools and communities. Our students have rich and rewarding experiences working in the classroom side-by-side with program faculty, and through teaching and supervising counselors in training.
Our Nationally Recognized Program Faculty include accomplished authors and researchers in the field.
Students who complete the Ph.D. program typically seek employment as counselor educators, higher education administrators, college counselors, clinical mental health supervisors, or K-12 school counseling leaders. Our program graduates have been tremendously successful, and consistently secure appointments to the faculty in colleges and universities across the country. Moreover, they are leaders in the field, serving in elected and appointed roles, and helping to shape counseling policy and practice.
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
It is incredibly rewarding to be able to participate in the development of counseling students as they become professional counselors themselves. In order to be effective in this work, counselor educators must have excellent clinical skills, and be up to date on the latest developments in the field. As a result, counselor educators are actively engaged in research to better understand what works in teaching, supervision, and clinical work.
Research interests can be as varied as issues that may appear in a counseling session, and that research helps inform practice. Finally, because counselor educators are so involved in shaping the future of the profession through the preparation of counselors, they are also ideally situated to be advocates and leaders for the counseling profession.
This degree program is offered at the Blacksburg campus, and is an in-person program, featuring face-to-face classes. The Blacksburg campus offers students the full services of the university, including an extensive library, technology support, and graduate student support.
All doctoral students complete required courses in Counselor Education. These include Professional Counselor Education and Supervision, Clinical Supervision, Advanced Counseling Theories and Multicultural Implications, Researcher Identity Development, Researcher Development in Counselor Education, Leadership and Advocacy Issues in Counselor Education in addition to Practicum and Internships described above.
Students are also minimally required to complete 15 credits in research, including both Quantitative and Qualitative methodologies. Students also complete a cognate of 9 credits in an area of interest outside of Counselor Education. Some of these have included Race and Social Policy, Preparing the Future Professoriate, Gerontology, Human Development and Family Studies. Additionally, 30 credits of Research and Dissertation are required.
Most full time students complete the EDCO doctoral degree in 3 – 4 years.
Questions? Please review our Advising Manual pdf.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Doctoral students complete a clinically oriented Advanced Practicum, a Doctoral Teaching Internship, a Doctoral Supervision Internship, and other doctoral internships as appropriate for the student’s goals, including clinical, research, and advocacy options. Doctoral students in the Virginia Tech program have access to the latest instructional technologies, work closely with the faculty, and often collaborate on research, publications, and conference presentations.
THE COHORT MODEL
This program operates on a cohort model. Members of a given cohort attend all of the same classes in the same sequence and pursue common plans of study.
The benefits of a cohort model are many. It is designed to facilitate social interaction, collaboration, and the formation of a supportive learning community.
Students in cohorts learn from and help each other with the successful completion of coursework and professional networking. They report a strong sense of community and are more likely to complete their programs of study in a timely manner.
Course Descriptions
Survey of the philosophy, scope, purposes, and methods employed in a variety of counseling settings including agencies, private practice, higher education, and elementary/middle/secondary schools with emphasis on services offered and professional identity and ethical issues.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Major theories used to understand and change behavior in a counseling setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of theoretical orientations to understanding and changing behavior of clients. Systematic integration of themes used in the counseling process, including consulting and coordination roles in school and community settings.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDCO 5204 (UG) OR EDCO 5204
Systematic integration of techniques used in the counseling process. Course provides extensive practice, learning, integrating, and practicing skills characteristic of effective helping relationships. Extensive use is made of audio and video feedback in critiquing counseling interviews and techniques.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDCO 5214 (UG) OR EDCO 5214
Introduction to group counseling theory and practice. Emphasis on application of group counseling principles to practical settings. In a laboratory setting, students receive feedback about their personal behavior in a group and supervised practice in the design, implementation, and evaluation of a short term group counseling project.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): (EDCO 5214 (UG), EDCO 5224 (UG)) OR (EDCO 5214, EDCO 5224)
Examination and application of counseling strategies for special client populations including the exceptional; economically disadvantaged; culturally, racially and ethnically different; those with different life styles. Emphasis on the range of human characteristics.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDCO 5204 (UG) OR EDCO 5204
Evolution of how the relationships of work and leisure have evolved into the concept of Career Development. Brief review of the major theories of Career Development and their application to the collection, evaluation, and use of career information in a variety of counseling/student development settings.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDCO 5204 (UG) OR EDCO 5204
Various individual and group tests and informal approaches to better understanding of the individual in counseling. Case study methods examined in detail. Interpretation of test data and role of counselor in testing emphasized. Designed for masters level counselor preparation. 12 additional hours of suitable courses in education, psychology, or statistics required.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDCO 5204 (UG), (EDRE 5404 (UG) OR EDCI 4604 (UG)) OR EDCO 5204, (EDRE 5404 OR EDCI 4604)
Supervised experience in the practice of counseling. Didactic instruction in advanced couseling techniques and methods coupled with practice with clients in a supervised setting. Extensive feedback on counseling practice in individual sessions and group seminar. Must have liability insurance. Previous course work in the field required.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): (EDCO 5204 (UG), EDCO 5214 (UG), EDCO 5224 (UG)) OR (EDCO 5204, EDCO 5214, EDCO 5224)
Use of systems theory in practice of counseling. Influence of systemic factors on human development, theories of family development, and counselors role to remedy institutional and social barriers. Emphasis on counseling skills including systemic case conceptualization and clinical intervention used with individuals, couples or families, and other systems.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDCO 5204
Corequisite(s):
Provides an overview of the strategies, goals, methodologies, programs and types of knowledge and skills necessary for effective identification and treatment of addictions Examines the classifications of drugs and other process addictions; impact of addictions on clients and their family members; components of addiction and recovery; prevention, treatment and relapse prevention resources; and salient legal and ethical guidelines. Graduate Standing required.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Theory and practice of school counseling at the elementary, middle, and high school level, and introductory skills for those settings. Provides understanding of basic services performed by the school counselor; developmental characteristics of the age groups served; ethical, legal and societal issues that affect school counselors; special education terminology; techniques useful in school counseling; and sources of materials available for educational and career counseling at various school levels.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): (EDCO 5204 (UG), EDCO 5214 (UG)) OR (EDCO 5204, EDCO 5214)
Counselor preparation for clinical mental health setting. Wellness, management of services and programs, counselor role and legal issues for a multi-cultural society in clinical mental health. Current controversies and professional issues.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDCO 5204, EDCO 5214
Stages of individual development as they occur in the context of the family life course. Overview of current developmental theories. Impact of race, gender, and class on cultural views of developmental norms.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Assessment of school and community climate and principles of personal and community crisis prevention for counselors, teachers, ans school adminstrators. Preparedness strategies appropriate for typical reactions to crises and relevant to special populations. Prepation and evaluation of crisis response plans that promote mental health and optimize potential for resilience and self-care. Pre: Graduate standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Basic principles and practices of intermodal expressive arts therapy. Integration of expressive theories and techniques in individual and group counseling. Pre: Graduate standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Selected topics in administration, counseling, adult and continuing education, research and evaluation, and community college and other domains of higher education. Emphasis is on interactive discourses on topics not typically included in regularly scheduled courses. (Maximum 3C per course).
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 3
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Clinical experience (minimum 600 hours) under the supervision of a university staff member and a site supervisor in an appropriate field site: school (at least 300 hrs K-6 & at least 300 hrs 7-12), community agency, university counseling center, or other setting. Extensive feedback in individual sessions and group seminar. (12 hours minimum for program). Must have liability insurance.
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDCO 5284 (UG) OR EDCO 5284
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Independent Study
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s):
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Research
A didactic and clinical study of supervision. Training in the differential conceptual approaches and the different methodologies of supervision, as well as the application of the theory and skills to actual supervisory processes with supervisees. Trainees will supervise master's students and document their supervision skills for clinical review. Students will supervise a counselor or intern as a part of the course and document with videotape. Must have liability insurance.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) professional responsibilities and diversity issues. Council for Accreditidation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation standards and process. Pedagogy, curriculum design and evaluation for adult learners relevant to counselor education and supervision. Progam evaluation. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Theories of counseling are examined in the context of contemporary research and practice, with particular attention to diverse populations and cultural influences. Effectiveness of selected past and contemporary counseling theories and practice with different populations is evaluated.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Prerequisite(s): (EDCO 5214 (UG), EDCO 5224 (UG)) OR (EDCO 5214, EDCO 5224)
Researcher identity development through examining design, professional writing, reflexivity, ethical and cultural considerations when designing topics, questions, methodology and dissemination in Counselor Education. Evaluation of counseling and program impact. Pre: Graduate standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Prerequisite(s): EDCO 5214, EDCO 5224, EDCO 5244
Corequisite(s):
Provides advanced graduate students in counseling/student development with in-depth supervision and student personnel experiences in various field settings. Experiences accompanied by intense faculty supervision and evaluation. (Maximum 12C). 30 hours previous coursework in the field required.
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 12
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 12
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Leadership and advocacy theories, skills, and strategies in professional counseling and counselor education as applied to school, clinical mental health counseling, and/or higher education settings. Ethical and cultural strategies and social justice implications of leadership and advocacy. Social and political issues impacting the counseling profession and the individual, systemic, and policy-level skills of advocacy. Pre: Graduate standing.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Provides advanced graduate students in Counselor Education with in-depth supervision and experiences in various field settings for a minimum of 600 clock hours. May include supervised experiences in a clinical setting, clinical supervision, and teaching. Includes most activities of a regularly employed professional in the setting. Experiences accompanied by intense faculty and on-site supervision and evaluation. (12 hours minimum required in program). Must have liability insurance and instructor consent.
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Advanced study of the criteria of mental disorders and standard diagnostic and assessment procedures. Provides students with the extensive knowledge and skills necessary to differentiate abnormal from normal behavior in children and adults, with special emphasis upon the identification and assessment of the mental disorders included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Emphasis will be on the application of the DSM in counseling situations.
Credit Hour(s): 3
Lecture Hour(s): 3
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Advanced applied research and/or evaluation study in one or more educational institutions or agencies. The student is graded on the basis of the design of the study and ability to conduct the study and report the results. (Maximum 12C).
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 12
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 12
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture, Online Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
Corequisite(s):
Planned program of advanced clinical practice in education through assignment under direct supervision of outstanding practitioner for periods of up to two semesters. (Maximum 24C).
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 24
Lecture Hour(s): 1 TO 24
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Lecture
Credit Hour(s): 1 TO 19
Lecture Hour(s):
Level: Graduate
Instruction Type(s): Research
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY
Gerard Lawson, Professor & Interim Director, VT SOE
Harley Locklear, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education
Joanna Collins, Assistant Professor of Practice, Counselor Education
Sarah Henry, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education
Adjunct Faculty
