On-Campus Ph.D.

Pursue Your Ph.D. in Counseling at UF

Expand your skillset and expertise in our on-campus counseling doctoral program. Named the #1 counselor education program in the 2025 U.S.  U.S. News and World Report rankings, our doctoral program offers a dynamic blend of advanced academic coursework, practical experience and advanced research opportunities.

Being part of our program means more than earning a degree; it’s about making a significant impact in the counseling field and beyond. Our graduates go on to become thought leaders, policy shapers, and foremost educators in counseling.

Program Overview

Tailored for individuals with a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, the Ph.D. in counseling program develops skilled scholars, innovators, and leaders in the counseling field. It is a good fit for those who want to fulfill the roles of counselor educators with a career that incorporates research, teaching, supervision, counseling, consultation, leadership and advocacy.

Our students take counseling education core courses and electives. They also gain hands-on experience in practicums and internships before moving on to research coursework and their dissertation. This approach creates well-rounded graduates equipped for successful leadership roles in academia and clinical settings.

Ph.D. in Counseling Program of Study

Our students average three years to complete the Ph.D. in counseling, with many balancing work and school commitments. The first two years of our program focus on deepening knowledge and practical skills, while the third year emphasizes research and the dissertation process.

• Engage in a semester-long advanced counseling practicum.
• Participate in a year-long counselor education internship focused on teaching, supervision, research, leadership and advocacy.
• Complete their written and oral doctoral qualifying examinations.

• Honing their scholarly writing skills and submitting manuscripts for publication in refereed journals.
• Sharing at least two presentations at state or national/international conferences.
• Providing clinical supervision to master’s level students.

• Prepare their dissertation proposal.
• Formally present their proposal to their dissertation committee for approval.
• Implement their research study.
• Write and defend their dissertation.

Step into Leadership with a Ph.D. in Counseling 

Being part of our program means more than earning a degree— it’s about positivley benefitting everyone you work with along with the counseling field. Are you ready to advance your career and contribute to the future of counseling? Apply for our Ph.D in counseling program or contact us for more information.

Advance your career with a Ph.D. in counseling from UF, ranked #1 for counselor education. Gain expertise through hands-on experience and research opportunities!