The Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Counseling is intended to prepare professional counselors to provide leadership in the profession of counseling. Counseling leaders must be excellent counselors, supervisors, teachers, researchers, and scholars. The program is designed to enhance the counseling skills of doctoral students, prepare counselors for the roles of clinical and administrative supervision, develop the teaching skills of students, teach students to conduct research, and prepare students to become counseling scholars. The program prepares doctoral students to become university faculty members in counselor education programs and leaders in a variety of counseling specializations (e.g., clinical mental health counseling, school counseling).

PhD in Counseling at Old Dominion University
The Counseling at Old Dominion University is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 28, 2027.
About PhD in Counseling
- Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Study full-time or part-time
- Full-time students usually complete their degree in three years
- Part-time students usually complete their degree in four years
- Opportunities for research collaboration with nationally-known counseling faculty
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Counseling at Old Dominion University
Entry Requirements
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Application and $50 fee
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Equivalent U.S. Bachelor's Degree
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All prior Secondary/High School or College/University transcripts along with Diploma or Leaving Certificate.
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Demonstrated English Language Proficiency
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Financial Documentation (seeking F/J visas only)
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Passport identification
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Requirements & deadlines vary by program
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Standardized Test Results (GRE, GMAT, MAT, MCAT, PRAXIS)
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Essay/Personal Statement/Resume
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Letters of Recommendation
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Send all materials & correspondence to
International Admissions
Old Dominion University
2101 Dragas Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
Required Credentials
As a service to applicants, the Office of International Admissions evaluates all foreign academic credentials. All documents submitted during the application process become the property of Old Dominion University and cannot be returned.
- Transcripts, translations and standardized tests must be official, sealed, stamped by the institution or testing agency and sent directly to the Office of International Admissions at Old Dominion University.
- Testing authorities may include the Registrar or the Principal/Controller of Examinations.
- When English is not the language of instruction, academic transcripts are required in both English and one's native language. Certified official translations by a licensed or professional translator must accompany academic documents not written in English. Translations of official documents completed by the student will not be accepted.
- Once submitted, no additional documents can be uploaded through the online application. If you wish to include additional credentials, attach and send them directly to [email protected]. Please be sure your name and date of birth are clearly indicated in the email subject line.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 53
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Counseling
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn–half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Survey Researchers
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services, and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Counseling at Old Dominion University
How to Apply for PhD in Counseling at Old Dominion University
Your Choice
The Common Application, which allows you to complete one application and designate it to be used for multiple institutions, OR the new Old Dominion University Application. The choice is yours.
Our Commitment
Whichever method you choose, the admissions staff at Old Dominion University is committed to processing your application in a timely manner. Questions concerning the admissions process may be directed to [email protected], 757-683-3685. Questions relative to The Common Application need to be directed to the Help Center found at commonapp.org
Old Dominion University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Visit https://www.odu.edu/equity for more information.

United States of America, Aberdeen