Nelson University Launches a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision for Fall 2027
WAXAHACHIE, Texas (Oct. 26, 2026) – Nelson University’s College of Behavioral Sciences and Community Services announces a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision, currently under development for fall 2027 launch.
“A Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision uniquely prepares graduates to advance the counseling profession through scholarship, pedagogy, supervision, and service,” said Counselor Education and Supervision Program Coordinator, Dr. Nolan Jones.
The program equips graduates for leadership roles in higher education, clinical supervision, and research, extending their influence beyond direct client care.
Graduates may pursue careers in:
- Counselor education at colleges and universities
- Clinical supervision and supervisor training
- Higher education leadership and academic administration
- Counseling research and scholarly publication
- Professional advocacy and policy development
It is intended for professionals who want to invest in the future of counseling with a faith‑centered perspective on research, leadership, and education.
What Makes Nelson’s Ph.D. Distinct
The Ph.D. is designed to meet the needs of professional counselors who want to take their education and service to the next level. Through training in educational theory, supervision, and advanced professional practice, students will be prepared to better train the next generation of professional counselors. The degree also places a strong emphasis on scholarship and expanding the field of counseling research. Students will learn how to conduct well-founded studies that help move the field forward. These skills are taught from a perspective grounded in the Christian faith and a biblical worldview, providing a foundation for students to grow as educators, supervisors, and researchers in the counseling profession.
The program emphasizes four core areas of doctoral development:
- Research and scholarship
- Counselor education and teaching
- Clinical supervision
- Professional leadership and advocacy
The coursework includes:
- Advanced Ethics and Professional Identity Development
- Counselor Supervision and Professional Consultation
- Instructional Theories and Methods in Counselor Education
- Advanced Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Faith‑Informed Doctoral Preparation
At Nelson University, academic rigor and Christian faith work together. Students will explore how their Christian faith, ethical practice, and evidence‑based approaches can promote the well‑being of individuals, families, and communities.
The program’s mission is to equip graduates to serve as educators, leaders, and scholars whose work is informed, shaped, and enriched by a biblically based understanding of human nature.
Why Now?
As the demand for mental health services grows, Nelson University is developing this program to prepare experienced counseling professionals for advanced roles in counselor education, clinical supervision, research, and leadership through a faith-integrated approach.
Building on its CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and strong graduate enrollment, Nelson is designing a doctoral degree grounded in academic rigor, professional excellence, and Christian faith. The program aims to equip graduates to make meaningful contributions to the counseling profession through teaching, scholarship, supervision, and service.
For counseling professionals called to educate, mentor, and research, Nelson’s Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision provides a pathway to expand their influence and advance the future of the profession.
Request information about the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision here.
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About Nelson University
Nelson University is a private Christian institution located in Waxahachie, Texas, just 30 minutes south of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Established in 1927, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs on campus and online. With a mission to integrate faith and learning, Nelson equips students to pursue their God‑given callings within a Spirit‑empowered community. For additional details, Request Information or call 1‑888‑937‑7248.