PhD in Counselor Education and Practice

Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta is a large, dynamic public research university with a strong commitment to student success. With a wide range of programs across business, arts, sciences, education and health fields, GSU combines academic rigor with practical, career-oriented opportunities. Its urban campus places students at the heart of a major metropolitan economy, offering unparalleled access to internships, industry partners and cultural institutions.

International students benefit from comprehensive support services, personalized advising and numerous scholarship and financial-aid options that help make study more accessible. GSU’s faculty are active researchers and practitioners who integrate real-world projects into the curriculum, while the city’s business ecosystem supports hands-on learning and networking. Student life is lively, with multicultural organizations, career fairs and experiential learning embedded across disciplines.

Graduates from Georgia State enter the workforce with practical experience, professional connections and industry-relevant skills. The university’s emphasis on community engagement and social impact also prepares students to lead change locally and globally. For students seeking an affordable, well-connected urban university with broad program choices and strong career pathways, GSU presents a compelling option.

The PhD in Counselor Education and Practice at Georgia State University is a 4-year program for students who want to become leaders in the field of counseling. It's designed for those with a Master's degree who want to educate, train, and supervise future counselors.

The curriculum allows students to select a cognate area, such as Multiculturalism, Health and Wellness, or Trauma and Crisis, to enrich their preparation as a counselor. This program helps students develop skills in teaching, clinical supervision, and research, and nurtures them to generate their own research and advance new skills.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as University Professors, Clinical Directors, Research Institute Directors, or Community Agency Administrators. They can work in settings like universities, community agencies, or practice and research institutes, and can become leaders in the counseling profession. With this degree, students can also become experts in social justice and advocacy.