Immaculata University is expanding its impact with the introduction of its first Ph.D. program. The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision will launch in the fall of 2025.

The 63-credit program teaches current professional counselors or related professionals the skills needed to be effective counselor educators, clinical supervisors, researchers, advanced clinicians, and client advocates.

As one of the only Ph.D. programs in counselor education and supervision in the region, the new degree responds to overwhelming interest from professionals in the Philadelphia area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Counseling Educator positions are projected to grow 18 percent over the next decade.

“As mental health continues to take priority for many, the need for well-trained clinical mental health counselors is in demand,” said David E. Martinson, Ph.D., LPC LPC/S LAC CCS, Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program and Chair of Immaculata’s Department of Psychology & Counseling. “Our new Ph.D. program in Counselor Education and Supervision at Immaculata University seeks to mentor new counselor educators for the field of training clinical mental health counselors to meet this demand. Doctoral students’ investment in learning to teach, provide clinical supervision, and mentor the new generation of counselors is a privilege with the potential of exceptional results.”

This program builds on Immaculata’s existing CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which meets the prerequisites for admission into the doctorate program. Tuition for the new program is among the lowest in the region.

The program is offered in an executive hybrid delivery format designed to minimize the number of days students are required to be on campus. Students will take a combination of traditional in-person, accelerated weekend, and online synchronous courses throughout the year. This structure allows working adults to balance timely program completion with their professional and personal demands while upholding the academic rigor of a traditional Ph.D. program. The program is capped at 12 students per year to provide for small cohort-style classes where students can build their network.

“We are excited to bring this counselor education and supervision program to the Southeastern Pennsylvania area,” stated Ryan Bowers, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, CAADC, Director for the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program. “For too long, students had no opportunities to study locally, forcing them to either travel long distances or choose online programs. This program has been designed by counselor educators, to train future counselor educators, while also offering opportunities for students to be better clinicians, researchers, supervisors, and advocates.

Find out more about the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision degree and other Immaculata graduate programs at upcoming admissions events.

Learn more at Immaculata University, a comprehensive, co-ed institution of higher learning that has emphasized academic success, student outcomes, and faith-based values for over 100 years. Offering more than 75 in-demand undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, Immaculata University provides attainable education, personal support, and meaningful career pathways to tomorrow’s leaders focused on intellectual, personal, professional, and spiritual growth.