The doctoral program in Counselor Education is designed to provide advanced-level preparation for counselors in various mental health and school settings as well as preparing counselors for the counselor education professorate in colleges and universities. Preparing counselors to work as counselor educators and supervisors is the program's highest priority. Doctoral students pursuing this degree are expected to demonstrate 1) a wide range of individual and group counseling skills; 2) a sound theoretical foundation in counseling; 3) teaching and supervision competencies; 4) advanced multicultural counseling skills; 5) research and scholarship skills; 6) competencies associated with being an educational leader and social justice advocate, and 7) an understanding of academic program development, curriculum and administration. Students are expected to involve themselves in appropriate activities of the Department, College, University and of relevant professional counseling associations. The doctoral program in Counselor Education is not intended to meet the educational requirements of those who seek to be licensed psychologists. It assumes that applicants have or are about to complete their master's degree in counseling or a closely related field. Persons with a master's degree in a related field may be asked to complete additional course work or an additional master's degree in counseling.
PhD in Counselor Education at Western Michigan University
International students can study the Counselor Education at Western Michigan University at its main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America. This PhD degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 30, 2026.
About PhD in Counselor Education
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Counselor Education at Western Michigan University
Entry Requirements
- Copy of passport identification page
- Proof of English language proficiency*
- Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates.* Unofficial transcripts and other academic documents are acceptable for admission decision-making. Uploaded documents will show as received only AFTER an admissions counselor has completed the evaluation.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) may accept credential evaluation reports from certain credential evaluation services to make admission decision at Western Michigan University for undergraduate and graduate international admissions. Although it is not required, we strongly encourage submission of evaluation reports to expedite application processing and decision-making. Admitted and enrolled students are required to send your official high school or university transcripts and proof of degree before the beginning of the second semester of your studies.
Following are the evaluation agencies that you may use to get your transcripts evaluated:
World Education Services: www.wes.orgEducational Credential Evaluators: www.ece.orgAcademic Evaluation Services: www.academicevaluations.orgGlobal Credential Evaluators: www.gceus.comSpantran: The Evaluation Company: www.spantran.com - $100 non-refundable application fee
- Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance. Proof of sufficient funds is a bank statement in your own name for cost of attendance. If the bank statement is not in your own name, then additionally provide a letter signed by your financial sponsor indicating that they will pay your cost of attendance.
*Official documents are those sent directly to International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) from the issuing institution or testing agency. Hand-carried transcripts will be accepted if in a sealed envelope from the institution. Documents sent by the student cannot be accepted as official.If any original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 54
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Fee Information
How to Apply
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