A good fit for individuals who want to fulfill the roles of counselor educators – research, writing, teaching, supervision, counseling and consultation, and leadership and advocacy
The doctoral program prepares students for careers in academia and advanced clinical and administrative positions. Our program aligns with the University of Florida’s mission to prepare the next generation of scholars and professional leaders. The doctoral program is ideally suited for individuals with a previously earned master’s degree in counseling or a related field and clinical experience. Doctoral students complete coursework, a doctoral clinical practicum, a counselor education internship including writing, teaching, and supervision, and conduct research leading to the completion of a dissertation. Students average 3 years to complete the doctorate, many of whom balance work and school commitments.
Years 1 & 2
During the first two years of the program students enroll in a sequence of doctoral level seminars in counselor education and at least 12 credits of research methodology courses. Students also (a) engage in a semester-long advanced counseling practicum, (b) participate in a year-long counselor education internship focused on teaching, supervision, research, and leadership and advocacy, and (c) complete their written and oral doctoral qualifying examinations. Students are also expected throughout the program to (a) hone their research and scholarly writing skills by submitting manuscripts for publication in refereed journals, (b) present at least two presentations at state or national/international conferences, and (c) provide clinical supervision to master’s level students.
Year 3
The third year of the program is devoted to students preparing their dissertation research proposal, formally presenting the proposal to their committee for approval, implementing their dissertation research study, and defending their dissertation and graduating with their Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education.
FAQ for Doctoral Students (Prospective and Current)
What is SHDOSE?
The School of Human Development and Organizational Studies contains 5 programs including, Counselor Education, Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, School Personnel in Higher Education, Research and Evaluation methods. The Main office is 2-114 Norman Hall.
Who are our office staff?
Brittany LeFevers (352-273-4337, b.lefevers@coe.ufl.edu) is the main counselor education contact in the SHDOSE office. She is helpful with registration, paperwork, room availability, etc.
What is the TA Room?
The TA room, 1313C Norman, is available for use for all doctoral students. Students who teach may be given a personal key, but anyone can access the room through the keys available in Patty B.’s office. Several computers are available for use in the room as well as a copier, refrigerator, and microwave. The room also offers resources such as books, past materials such as exams and PowerPoints, videos, etc., for each class that is taught by doctoral students in the program. Doctoral students who teach may also choose to claim one of the file drawers in the room to store materials (just be sure to put your name on the front of the drawer and clean it out when you are done teaching your course).
Where are the mailboxes?
Faculty mailboxes are inside the main office, in the room to your right. Mailboxes for doctoral students (only those who teach are given mailboxes) are in the TA room (1313C).
How do I register for my classes?
After your first semester, all registering is to be done through James Dean. You may register with him through email or in person, but only after your pre-assigned registration date and time. You will be sent a reminder about registration towards the middle/end of each semester.
What is the listserv and how do I sign up?
All master and doctoral students and faculty may have access to the listserv. You will receive instructions on how to join the listser during orientation. The listserv enables you to reach and be reached by all members of the program, though it is not a requirement. Program and departmental announcements such as internship, job, and assistantship availabilities; upcoming seminars and meetings; and off topic discussions and announcements are often sent through the listserv.
What student organizations are available to join?
Both master and doctoral students are eligible to join Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), when other eligibility requirements are met by the individual. There is a link to this student organization on the Counselor Education Program website.
Who will be in my classes?
Most of your classes in the counselor education program will be taken with some members of your cohort and also possibly some doctoral students from other cohorts as well. These classes tend to be quite small. Any classes taken outside of the program, such as research courses, are usually taken with other doctoral students in SHDOSE. These classes usually range from 20-30 students. Most, if not all, of your classes will be held in Norman Hall.
How can I get books for my classes?
You can see which books are required for your class by checking through the UF bookstore website. You may buy or rent them there, or check some of the other bookstores available in town, or websites such as amazon.com or half.com. You may also want to contact current doctoral students through email or the listserv to see if they may be able to lend you books they may have used for the same course.
