Academics

Counseling

PhD • Doctoral

Students in discussion in a classroom

Montclair State University’s Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) -accredited PhD in Counseling program is designed for experienced counselors ready to take on leadership roles as faculty, administrators, advanced clinicians and supervisors. Whether you aim to teach, lead mental health agencies, consult or shape school counseling programs, this doctoral program offers the expertise and experience to get you there.

Why Choose Montclair’s PhD in Counseling?

  • CACREP accredited for academic and professional excellence
  • Focus on social justice and advocacy woven into coursework and research
  • Diverse, professionally connected faculty and students engaged in impactful research and community work
  • Faculty guide and support each student’s development as a researcher, educator, supervisor, leader and advanced clinician
  • Flexible paths with full- and part-time study options

Students engage in faculty research, develop scholarly expertise, and grow as leaders in local, national, and international counseling communities. This program is not designed for licensure as a psychologist.

Admission Requirement: A master’s degree in counseling is required.
See the curriculum.

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Customize Your Doctorate

Develop an area of focus by selecting two advisor-approved electives within or outside the program and by engaging in research, teaching, supervision, counseling and leadership or advocacy activities. These experiences, supported through program opportunities, allow you to tailor your time at Montclair to fit your academic and professional goals.

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • Applicants who did not take the following courses may be required to take prerequisites prior to enrollment in doctoral counseling core courses.
  • Career Counseling
  • Counseling Techniques
  • Counseling Theories
  • Group Counseling
  • Human Development
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling
  • Research Methods
  • Testing/Appraisal
  • Practicum and Internship
  • Social and Cultural Diversity

Application Checklist

Application Deadline: December 1st – Fall Admission Only .

  1. Deposit Required: An enrollment deposit is required upon admission and will be applied to your first semester’s tuition.
  2. Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  3. Transcript: One from each college attended.
  4. Essays/Personal Statement: A personal statement
    • Describe your past accomplishments, educational, and work experience that serve as foundational activities to your development as a scholar-practitioner.
    • Explain your rationale for selecting Montclair State University’s Counseling PhD program and how it connects with your future career aspirations in 2-3 pages, double spaced.
    • Share your strengths and areas of growth in relation to being a culturally responsive counselor and social justice advocate in 2 pages, double spaced
    • Please discuss your current research interests and how you hope to incorporate them in 2 pages, double spaced.
    • Applicants should follow the APA 7th edition formatting requirements for student papers, no title pages or abstracts needed
  5. Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) professional letters of recommendation from individuals who know the applicant’s clinical work and/or educational abilities. At least one letter from a faculty member and one from a supervisor must be included with the application.
  6. Standardized Test Scores: GRE not required.
  7. Resume: Required.
  8. Interview: Students who are evaluated as potential candidates for our program will be invited to spend a day on campus for a personal interview. The interview day includes a writing sample, interview by faculty and time with current students.

Faculty Profiles

“I came into my own at Montclair in terms of the confidence that I got as a clinician, as a scholar and as a researcher – all of those skills were honed at Montclair.”

Sailume Walo-Roberts ’25

Program: Counseling
Career: Adjunct professor, counselor in private practice

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Office of Graduate Admissions

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Amanda Baden

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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