The Best Online Doctorate in Family Counseling

by Timon Kaple

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Online marriage and family unit counseling degrees position students for clinical, teaching, and research careers in healthcare facilities, individual counseling practices, and colleges and universities.

An online doctorate in family counseling prepares individuals for rewarding careers. Marriage and family unit counselors may work every bit therapists and help clients manage their relationships and personal issues in mental health centers, hospitals, and substance abuse treatment centers. An online doctorate in counseling also prepares learners for enquiry positions or instruction careers at colleges and universities.

Many counselors secure lucrative positions with telehealth or remote components, which became specially useful amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The chore outlook for marriage and family counselors looks bright, as well. The Agency of Labor Statistics projects a 16% employment growth rate for these professionals from 2020-2030.

This page includes a not-ranked list of spousal relationship and family counseling doctorate programs. They are listed in alphabetical lodge.

The Best Online Doctorate in Family Counseling Programs

University of Florida truthful View School Profile Gainesville, FL UF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

UF offers an online Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction that features a concentration in educational applied science which emphasizes integrating various tools and applications into uncomplicated, secondary, postsecondary, and corporate learning environments. Most courses are delivered online, though students must attend 2 summer session on the school'south Gainesville campus.

This online doctorate plan in educational technology includes courses on topics like research in curriculum and instruction, instructional design, educational statistics, and a practicum in digital media. Students conclude their studies by completing a dissertation. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Applicants must accept a master's caste from an accredited institution and submit a argument of purpose, a writing sample, at to the lowest degree two letters of recommendation, and GRE scores to be considered.

Michigan State University true View Schoolhouse Profile Due east Lansing, MI MSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

MSU offers a hybrid Ph.D. in educational psychology and educational technology program that provides students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to employ technology to transform K-12, academy, and virtual learning environments. The five-year program features mostly online coursework combined with a two-week, on-campus summer session.

This Ph.D. in educational engineering science online program includes coursework on enquiry blueprint, data assay, and the creation of engineering-rich learning. Students can work alongside experienced faculty on inquiry projects, which typically focus on professional development and teacher education. Before graduating, all students must create and successfully defend a dissertation, a process that comprises the entirety of the fifth twelvemonth. Applicants must have at least a available'south caste from an accredited institution and significant bookish and professional accomplishments to be considered. They must also submit several strong recommendations and GRE scores.

University of Due south Carolina-Columbia true View Schoolhouse Contour Columbia, SC USC is regionally accredited past the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

USC offers a doctor of education in curriculum and education with an educational engineering rail. This 36-month programme was designed to set students to become the next generation of K-12 and postsecondary school leaders. The majority of coursework can be completed online, but students must visit the schoolhouse'south Columbia campus for a cursory orientation at the beginning of the program.

This 60-credit online doctorate plan in educational technology covers topics like diversity in curriculum, applications of learning principles, instructional design, educational technology research, and technology resource direction. The final 12 credits heart on preparing a dissertation. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Applicants must have a master's caste in a related field earned from a regionally-accredited establishment to be considered. They must besides submit a letter of intent, GRE or GMAT scores, a resume, and samples of academic writing.

University of Memphis truthful View School Profile Memphis, TN Memphis is regionally accredited past the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Committee on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Memphis offers an online Ed.D. in instructional pattern and engineering program that prepares students for successful careers as professors, corporate trainers, human resource professionals, researchers, and schoolhouse administrators. This caste emphasizes both inquiry and examining practical applications of various technologies in the learning environment.

This 54-credit online Ed.D. program in educational technology features a cohort learning model, with students taking most classes with the same group of their beau learners. Each semester includes ane xiv-calendar week and 2 vii-week classes, creating a manageable schedule for working professionals. Each student must complete a research project and dissertation, which will be presented to a faculty committee at the end of the plan. Applicants must take a main'due south degree from an accredited institution and submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume to be considered.

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus truthful View Schoolhouse Profile Stillwater, OK Oklahoma State is regionally accredited by the College Learning Commission (HLC).

Oklahoma State offers a Ph.D. in education with a concentration in educational engineering. This 60-credit program features a multifariousness of online courses, with some on-campus classes completed at the academy'due south Stillwater or Tulsa campuses. This Ph.D. in educational technology online plan includes coursework on advanced reckoner applications, digital media production, facilitation of online learning, instructional development, and library networks.

Students must research, create, and present a dissertation at the end of the program. Available educatee resources include It assist, a digital library, and financial aid help. Applicants must have a master's degree earned with a minimum GPA of 3.5 to exist considered. They must likewise provide evidence of their writing abilities, GRE or GMAT scores, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Applications are accepted on a rolling footing.

Indiana Academy-Bloomington View School Contour Bloomington, IN Indiana is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Committee (HLC).

Indiana offers one of the best online Ed.D. programs in educational technology in the U.Due south. This 60-credit program takes a hands-on approach to education, preparing students to develop instructional materials applicable to various settings. This program is ideal for those who want to become applied researchers and includes courses on topics such every bit doctoral readings, intermediate statistics, qualitative enquiry in education, adult learning, and learning and cognition.

The last nine credits of the curriculum includes a dissertation, which each educatee presents to a committee before graduating. Applicants must take a master'southward caste earned from an accredited postsecondary institution and submit GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement to exist considered.

Duquesne University View School Profile Pittsburgh, PA Duquesne is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Duquesne offers a 57-credit online doctoral program in instructional applied science and leadership that teaches students to apply technology to create positive change in various educational settings. All courses emphasize access to opportunity and equality. This online doctorate program in educational technology includes courses on topics like instructional technology, digital media, electronic literacy, and classroom design.

Classes are delivered online through Blackboard Mon through Thursday evenings each week. This schedule is ideal for working professionals who are typically not available during the twenty-four hours. While most coursework is delivered online, students must attend a 2-week residency on Duquesne's campus to begin the program. Applicants must have a main'southward degree in a technology- or pedagogy-related field earned with a minimum GPA of 3.five to be considered. They must also be proficient in using engineering, have high-speed internet admission, and submit official GRE scores.

The University of West Florida View School Contour Pensacola, FL University of West Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

UWF offers an online Ed.D. in instructional design and technology that emphasizes projection direction, critical thinking, communication, and ideals. This plan is ideal for those who desire to use applied science to drive innovation, change, and productivity in teaching.

This online Ed.D. program in educational technology offers two concentrations: distance learning and operation technology. The distance learning track emphasizes online learning methods in Thou-12, postsecondary, and business organization settings. The operation engineering concentration focuses on using technology to enhance the performance of individuals and organizations. All students must consummate a research project and dissertation, which takes upward the concluding 18 credits of the plan.

Applicants must have a master'southward degree earned from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of three.v to be considered. They must also submit GRE or GMAT scores, a resume, three professional references, and a argument of intent.

Old Rule University View School Profile Norfolk, VA Old Dominion is regionally accredited by the Southern Clan of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

ODU Online offers a Ph.D. in education with a concentration in instructional design and engineering. This flexible 60-credit program allows students to explore a variety of topics, including technology-mediated instruction, human performance technology, research, altitude teaching, and instructional message pattern.

Although courses in this online doctorate program in educational technology take place at scheduled times, students can also admission digital content at their convenience. The curriculum includes core courses on instructional systems pattern, cognition and instruction, and multimedia design. The concluding 15 credits consist of each student's dissertation. Applicants must have a master's degree from an accredited institution and must submit a writing sample, a personal essay, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores to exist considered.

Concordia Academy-Chicago View School Profile River Forest, IL CUC is regionally accredited past the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

CUC, located in the suburban community of River Forest, Illinois, offers a doctorate degree in leadership with a specialization in educational technology. This program emphasizes learning in the digital age while preparing the next generation of K-12, university, and other educational leaders.

This online Ed.D. programme in educational engineering science includes 61-67 credits of courses on topics such as data direction, learning environment blueprint, technology section direction, school commune improvement, and curriculum development. Students may also choose from electives that emphasize learning in K-12, higher didactics, or corporate settings. Applicants must have a master'southward caste in a related field of study from a regionally accredited institution, forth with a 3.0 GPA or better. They must also demonstrate familiarity with commonly used word processing spreadsheet, and presentation applications.

Regent University View School Profile Virginia Beach, VA Regent is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Committee on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Located in Virginia Embankment, Regent offers a Ph.D. in education with a concentration in educational technology and online learning. In this plan, students deport their own enquiry, utilise enquiry and belittling methods to address problems, and seek publication in journals. This Ph.D. in educational applied science online program features courses on advanced leadership do, strategic planning and evaluation, instructional design, research design and analysis, and educational statistics.

The terminal year of the program focuses largely on a dissertation, which students must present to a committee earlier graduation. Applicants must have both a bachelor'south and chief's degree earned from regionally-accredited institutions. They must too provide GRE scores, a electric current resume, and a peer-reviewed scholarly newspaper along with the completion of an admissions questionnaire.

Boise Country Academy View Schoolhouse Profile Boise, ID Boise State is regionally accredited past the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Boise State offers a doctor of educational technology degree that teaches students how to incorporate emerging technologies into One thousand-12 and university settings. The plan covers various topics, including academic technology leadership, software development, mobile applications, and digital games and activities.

Students enroll in courses focused on instructional pattern, website creation, research, statistics, and contemporary theories of learning and technology. Before graduating, all students must consummate a thesis and final portfolio that they present to a faculty committee. Students can seek limited funding opportunities, including total- and part-time assistantships. Applicants must hold a main's caste from an accredited institution and must submit a scholarly paper, 3 professional person references, and official GRE scores to be considered.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago View Schoolhouse Contour Chicago, IL The Chicago School is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The Chicago School offers an online Ed.D. in educational psychology and technology degree that immerses students in the cut-edge technologies and advancements that influence teaching and learning across multiple contexts. This caste covers a wide diverseness of topics, including interactions betwixt computers and cognition, technology in the learning surroundings, and philosophical and upstanding problems in educational technology.

While most classes are delivered online, students must attend 2 residency sessions at the school's campus in downtown Chicago. These residencies cover include the study of special topics, exams, and collaborative inquiry projects. Applicants to this online Ed.D. program in educational applied science must have a master'south caste and submit a personal essay and resume to exist considered. Those with a chief'due south caste in not-related subjects should have at least three years of professional person experience.

Best Online Doctorate

Online Doctorate in Family unit Counseling Programs Ranking Guidelines

Nosotros selected these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers go authentic, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions most online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and middle.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — every bit nerveless past the federal regime — for each school or programme. What data nosotros use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, only in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy amend rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration tin can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break downwards our algorithm to help you lot sympathize what you lot're getting when you utilise ane of our rankings.

  • Academics
  • Affordability
  • Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and clarify this information to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its information comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Didactics Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal fiscal assist must participate in these surveys, which include questions nearly enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly bachelor information, which y'all can access yourself through the Higher Navigator.

Additionally, because nosotros value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Informational Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings every bit necessary based on our collected noesis of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, nosotros may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a item ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, nosotros value what you lot value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further cleaved downwards into weighted subfactors. For instance, memory rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. Yet, students should always remainder our rankings against their personal priorities. For case, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you brand a decision — not to make a conclusion for you.

Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - ten%

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Featured Online Doctorate in Family Counseling Programs

What Is an Online Doctorate in Matrimony and Family unit Counseling?

Marriage and family counseling doctorate programs typically require each applicant to possess a master's degree in counseling or a related expanse with a three.0 or higher GPA. Schools may also expect candidates to concord advisor or therapist licensure.

A doctorate in spousal relationship and family counseling requires classes such as research in counseling, intermediate statistics, qualitative research methods, and adolescent intervention research. These degrees ofttimes accept 4-seven years and almost 60 credits to complete. Program length varies based on how long it takes degree-seekers to finish their dissertations.

Students can earn a physician of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctorate of psychology (Psy.D.) in matrimony and family counseling. Learners in Ph.D. programs tend to develop skills in research, teaching, and academic writing. Psy.D. students focus more on clinical exercise.

Choosing an Online Doctoral Family Counseling Plan

Prospective doctoral students should consider program length, toll, and the availability of concentrations when selecting their schools. Specialty tracks affect the management of your studies and competitiveness for specific jobs upon graduation. If you prefer to piece of work in couples therapy, mental health administration, or other specialized areas, seek out programs that offer these concentrations.

Tuition and living expenses increase with program length. Doctoral students in family unit counseling consummate field experience and a dissertation, in addition to coursework. Degree-seekers should factor in these requirements when estimating the length and cost of a plan.

Accreditation for Online Family Counseling Caste Programs

While virtually schools possess regional accreditation, you should also research each prospective programme'south programmatic accreditation status. Marriage and family counseling programs with programmatic accreditation bear witness that they accept gone above and beyond to meet rigorous education standards.

For marriage and family counseling programs, look for accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or Commission on Accreditation for Matrimony and Family unit Therapy Education.

What Else Can I Await From a Ph.D. in Family Counseling Plan?

Each wedlock and family unit counseling program offers courses that reflect the strengths of its faculty. Depending on the school, you tin expect to complete classes in research methods, systemic family therapy, group psychotherapy, and professional ethics.

Enrollees pursuing concentrations in clinical counseling, drama therapy, or school counseling focus on these subject areas after completing core classes. Your practicum and dissertation will also focus on this chosen specialty runway.

Common Courses for an Online Doctorate in Family Counseling

  • Qualitative Inquiry Methods: This course helps students develop foundational research skills that marshal with ethical standards in qualitative methods. Instructors focus on common research practices in wedlock and family unit therapy, including ethnographic analysis, clinical inquiry applications, and methodological design. Enrollees may engage with some practical learning and experimentation in ethnographic methods.
  • Quantitative Research Methods: Learners develop the necessary skills to clarify measurable data gathered through research. They also larn to utilize manufacture software, including SPSS, Jamovi, and OpenStat. This course too typically features a research planning and implementation component.
  • Theories of Matrimony and Family Therapy: This class explores the major theoretical aspects of family counseling. Coursework covers practical counseling skills, clinical practise issues, and interview and assessment skills. Enrollees typically complete several written assignments on course readings, in-class presentations, and final reflection papers.
  • Human Sexuality: Faculty help students explore the biological, cultural, psychological, and social aspects of sexual expression and practices. Students focus on research findings from professionals in spousal relationship and family therapy, including studies of attraction, honey, intimacy, and sex activity education. Learners develop a strong agreement of sexual wellness for individuals, couples, and families.
  • Assessment and Treatment of Addictions: Learners explore how to identify and care for addictions, especially amidst patient populations with mental health challenges. Faculty cover foundational applied and theoretical aspects of marriage and family therapists' approaches to this type of specialized treatment. Students investigate the long-term effects of substance abuse among couples, families, and society.

How Long Does It Accept to Complete an Online Doctorate in Family unit Counseling Program?

The elapsing of doctoral marriage and family counseling programs varies among programs. In many cases, learners take 4-vii years to finish their doctoral degree. The dissertation component often plays a pregnant factor in how much fourth dimension students spend in school.

Additionally, learners in accelerated, self-paced, or asynchronous programs can sometimes finish more speedily than students in synchronous learning formats.

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Family Counseling Caste

Paying for a graduate caste presents a significant financial claiming for virtually students. Thankfully, learners can pursue aid to help offset the price of their online doctorates in family counseling, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.

Each student must complete a Free Awarding for Federal Student Assist (FAFSA) to receive consideration for near forms of financial assistance. Doctoral programs may offer students graduate assistantships or fellowships, which oft come up with tuition and living stipends. In other cases, scholarships, grants, and loans can assistance yous pay for schoolhouse.

The money yous receive through a scholarship or grant does not demand repayment. Yet, you must repay private and federal student loans, plus interest. Federal loans frequently offer better interest rates than private loans, assuasive learners to take on less debt.

Family Counseling Jobs

Online family unit counseling degrees prepare graduates for careers beyond customer-facing therapy positions. Professionals with a doctorate in union and family counseling tin obtain employment at research institutions, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and unlike types of health clinics.

Degree-holders qualify for many positions in social services. Depending on the career, some learners may demand to consummate further study in other areas or earn specialized certification. Here is a list of careers you can pursue with a doctorate in marriage and family counseling.

Wedlock and Family Therapist

Median Annual Bacon (2020): $51,340
Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): xvi%

These professionals run across face-to-confront or online with clients to provide communication and guidance on managing their problems or difficult relationships. They may focus on specific patient populations or issues such as marriage conflicts, schoolhouse counseling, addiction and substance abuse, or customs programming. These workers typically possess fantabulous listening, interpersonal, and advice skills.

All marriage and family therapists need licensure to practice professionally. To sit for the state-recognized licensure exam, each candidate needs a main's degree and 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical feel.

Psychology Professor

Median Annual Salary (2020): $78,180
Projected Chore Growth (2020-2030): 12%

Matrimony and family unit counseling degree-holders who enjoy teaching tin can pursue careers as psychology professors. These professionals may work in public or private universities and colleges, professional schools, and customs colleges.

Most psychology professors conduct research and publish their work. Professionals in full-time lecturer positions, nonetheless, normally focus solely on teaching undergraduate or graduate courses.

Most colleges and universities require professors to hold doctorates and relevant teaching or enquiry experience. Successful professors oftentimes possess strong organizational, writing, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.

Psychologist

Median Annual Salary (2020): $82,180
Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 8%

These professionals examine man behavior through cognitive, social, and emotional lenses. Psychologists employ their data and research findings to contribute to advancing their field. They may specialize in item areas, including clinical, developmental, forensic, or rehabilitation psychology. Most psychologists in patient-facing roles ain their ain counseling practices or work in school settings.

Psychologists demand a doctoral degree in psychology. Licensing laws vary among states, but near professionals must earn licensure to do. Professionals with training in union and family counseling may wish to pursue specialty certifications in couple and family psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Substance Corruption Advisor

Median Annual Bacon (2020): $47,660
Projected Task Growth (2020-2030): 23%

Substance abuse counselors help people with challenges such as drug addiction, eating disorders, behavioral bug, and alcoholism. They may also focus on helping particular demographics, similar teenagers or veterans. These professionals primarily work in substance abuse centers or private practices.

Successful substance corruption counselors possess compassion and patience, along with fantabulous interpersonal, listening, and speaking skills. Licensure requirements vary amidst states, only a substance abuse advisor typically needs at to the lowest degree a master's degree and 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience to work in private do.

Each counselor must pass a state examination to receive their license. To maintain their licenses, they need to earn continuing education credits every year.

Mental Health Counselor

Median Annual Salary (2020): $47,660
Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 23%

These counselors work with patients experiencing psychological challenges, including low. Mental wellness counselors too provide guidance on family or parenting problems, relationship programs, stress direction, anger management, and grief. They often work one-on-one with patients to help identify the unique root causes of their atmospheric condition.

In well-nigh cases, mental health counselors need master'south degrees and supervised clinical experience to detect employment. These professionals usually work in outpatient mental health centers, private practices, individual or family services, or hospitals. Mental health counselors typically possess fantabulous interpersonal, listening, and speaking skills.

Frequently Asked Questions Near Wedlock and Family Counseling Degrees

What Does a Family and Matrimony Counselor Exercise?

Marriage and family counselors work directly with clients in short-term therapy settings to help them process marital issues, feet, psychological challenges, and parent-child concerns. They can likewise help treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia, melancholia mood disorder, and substance abuse.

How Do I Become a Family Counselor?

A family counselor needs a primary'south degree and a state-issued license to practice professionally. Licensure requires each candidate to laissez passer a state-recognized exam and complete a clinical internship.

How Many Years Do You Take to Go to Higher to Be a Family unit Therapist?

Master's degrees in psychology, marriage and family unit therapy, and other mental health fields usually accept two years. A Ph.D. in this field normally takes 4-vii years to complete.

Timon Kaple is a writer and ethnographer specializing in the study of music, language, and American culture. His contempo work explores how people understand their daily experiences and how those beliefs influence their actions, engagement with social media, language, work, and art. He conducts ethnographic fieldwork and teaches students of all ages about music and culture. Timon also holds the Ph.D. from Indiana Academy-Bloomington.

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