Doctor of Human Services: Counseling Degree Overview

Learn about human services and counseling. Get information on doctoral programs, course requirements and career prospects to make an informed decision about your future.

View 3 Popular Schools »

Doctorate of Human Services in Counseling

Doctoral degree programs offer students an advanced education in counseling. While enrolled, students may also learn more about counseling specializations in other related departments. These programs allow for some flexibility, through research opportunities and independent studies, but students are typically required to develop and write their dissertation.

Education Prerequisites

Most doctoral programs request that applicants have a master's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited program. Programs may also require applicants to have a certain Graduate Record Examination score and grade point average. Professional accomplishment and work experience are other factors that may be taken into consideration.

Program Coursework

Doctoral students may be allowed to choose elective courses for their own independent studies in addition to required coursework. Students may also have the opportunity to become interns and gain work experience while earning their PhD. Specific coursework may include:

  • Educational research
  • Data analysis
  • Multicultural development and learning
  • Theoretical counseling foundations
  • Multiple aspects of rehabilitation
  • Cognitive development
  • Foundations of counseling

Job Outlook and Salary Information

Individuals with a Doctorate of Human Services in Counseling are qualified to work in a number of fields and services, including school and career counseling. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that educational, guidance, career and vocational counselors, were expected to see a job increase of 19% from 2010-2020 (www.bls.gov). In May 2011, the BLS reported that the median annual wage for these professionals was $54,130.

Certification and Licensure Information

Licensing requirements vary by the type of counseling. The BLS states that counselors who run a private practice are required to be licensed, a process that includes passing an exam and earning sufficient experience. In order to remain certified, counselors must meet continuing education standards. Additionally, voluntary certifications are available. In some states, the National Certified Counselor credential, which is offered through the National Board for Certified Counselors, exempts an individual from having to obtain a license (www.nbcc.org).

Show me popular schools

Related to Doctor of Human Services: Counseling Degree Overview

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Human Services Inspector: Job Description and Requirements

Human services inspectors work with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate and follow up on...

Hospital Chaplain: Job Description and Education Requirements

Chaplains offer ministry and spiritual guidance to patients, family members and caregivers within the hospital...

Online Certification for Minimum Data Set (MDS) Coordinators

Minimum Data Sets (MDS) are rules mandated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) affecting a range...

Careers in Forensic Psychology: Overview of Options

Forensic psychology pairs the study of the human mind with the workings of the legal system. Forensic psychologists...

Behavioral Interventionist: Job Description, Duties and Salary

3 Popular Schools

Other Schools:

  • University of Connecticut

    School locations:
    • Connecticut (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Connecticut include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Cultural Studies
      • Ethnic and Gender Studies
      • Geography and Cartography
      • Human and Social Services
        • Adult Development and Aging
        • Family Systems
        • Human Development and Family Studies
        • Social Work
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Public Administration
      • Religious Studies
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
    » Research University of Connecticut's Degree Programs

  • Loyola University Chicago

    School locations:
    • Illinois (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Loyola University Chicago include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Ethnic and Gender Studies
      • Human and Social Services
        • Child Development
        • Human Development and Family Studies
        • Social Work
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Religious Studies
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
      • Theological, Religious, and Ministerial Studies
    » Research Loyola University Chicago's Programs

  • University of Missouri

    School locations:
    • Missouri (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Missouri include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Cultural Studies
      • Geography and Cartography
      • Human and Consumer Sciences
      • Human and Social Services
        • Human Development and Family Studies
        • Social Work
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Public Administration
      • Religious Studies
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
    » Research University of Missouri's Programs

  • North Dakota State University

    School locations:
    • North Dakota (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at North Dakota State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Ethnic and Gender Studies
      • Human and Consumer Sciences
      • Human and Social Services
        • Human Development and Family Studies
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
    » Research North Dakota State University's Degree Programs

  • University of Kentucky

    School locations:
    • Kentucky (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Kentucky include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Cultural Studies
      • Geography and Cartography
      • Human and Consumer Sciences
      • Human and Social Services
        • Family Systems
        • Human Development and Family Studies
        • Social Work
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Public Administration
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
    » Research University of Kentucky's Degree Programs

Other Related Schools:

  • Iowa State University

    School locations:
    • Iowa (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Cultural Studies
      • Ethnic and Gender Studies
      • Human and Consumer Sciences
      • Human and Social Services
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Public Administration
      • Religious Studies
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
    » Research Iowa State University's Programs

  • University of Michigan

    School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Cultural Studies
      • Ethnic and Gender Studies
      • Human and Social Services
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Public Administration
      • Religious Studies
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
    » Research University of Michigan's Degree Programs

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics