Mark Pope, Ed.D., Chair
Division of Counseling & Family Therapy
R. Rocco Cottone, Ph.D.
Division Coordinator of Doctoral Training

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Overview
In 1998, the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri and the Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education approved the Ph.D. in Education as a collaborative degree program across several University of Missouri system campuses. The Division of Counseling & Family Therapy (the Division) in the College of Education at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis has developed a formal degree emphasis in the area of Counseling. Two doctoral degree programs are offered by the Division: (1) the Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Counseling, and (2) the Ed.D. in Behavioral Developmental Processes with an emphasis in Counselor Education and Supervision. The degree programs are quite distinct and designed for different purposes. The Ph.D. program is based on a researcher practitioner model; it is primarily designed to train researchers, scholars, and academicians. Because the mental health service field is quickly becoming a field primarily employing master's level practitioners (counselors and social workers) the faculty members of the Division felt that individuals seeking Ph.D. training should be trained well to perform activities valued in academic and research settings. The Ph.D. deepens a graduate's understanding and provides refined research and scholarship skills (marketable skills beyond those required to practice in the mental health field). Graduates of the program will have a degree that clearly distinguishes them from the entry-level practitioner - to the level of research expert in the field of counseling. For example, the internship required of the Ph.D. emphasizes research-based inquiry in addition to the provision of mental health services. At internship sites, Ph.D. students are expected to take a researcher's role as well as to provide mental health services. In this way, the Ph.D. program prepares graduates for roles anticipated in the 21st Century. The Ed.D. program, on the other hand, is designed to hone a practitioner's skills, to build on a counseling knowledge base, and to provide practitioner's with a research foundation for directed enquiry and interpretation of research findings. Both the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. programs are designed around the model of the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The Ph.D. is designed to train or to enhance the credentials of professional counselors, and therefore, its intention is to provide training which can lead to licensure in counseling. (Note: licensure standards vary by state, and the acceptability of the Ph.D. program for counselor licensure should be explored in the state of relevance before enrollment, if a specific license is sought.) The Ed.D. is designed to enhance the training of those already holding or near holding credentials for licensure as professional counselors.

The Ph.D. program is based on a researcher practitioner model, with the researcher part of the equation emphasized. Each student is expected to be a contributing member of a professor's research group during the entire doctoral student program. Theory, research, and practice are integrated throughout the program.

The University Campus
The University of Missouri-St. Louis prides itself on being an urban campus of a state land-grant university. Approximately 16,000 students are enrolled at the University. By enrollment, the University of Missouri-St. Louis is the largest urban university in the State of Missouri. It is committed to intellectual, professional, and cultural diversity. It is an equal opportunity and an affirmative action institution. It is located in the suburbs of metropolitan St. Louis, an urban and cultural center of nearly 4 million people. As with other major urban areas in the United States, living conditions within the greater St. Louis metropolitan area vary. Students are generally able to find affordable and acceptable housing on campus or within a short commuting distance from the University. While mass transit is available, with Metrolink (light rail) and bus service on the campus, most students find a car necessary.

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Philosophy
Ph.D. training in counseling at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is designed to prepare researcher practitioners with a firm understanding of factors affecting human development. Although the study of theory, research, and practice in counseling is oriented to both normal and abnormal human development, emphasis is given to practices that enhance and promote optimal psychological and social development. The program does not adhere to any one theory of human development or any one theory of counseling or psychotherapy. The interests of the faculty members reflect many theories currently used by counselors (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family/ social systems, constructivist, person-centered, etc.). The study of diverse theories, research methods, assessment techniques, and therapeutic techniques is encouraged. The interdependence of theory, research, and practice is emphasized.

Students completing the Ph.D. in counseling will be knowledgeable about counseling's knowledge base; will be competent in research, measurement, and statistical methods; and will possess a high level of applied research and clinical skills. The goal of the program is to prepare professionals adept at theory development, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and integration of research with practice in counseling settings. The larger program intent is to produce researcher practitioners who can provide and assess services designed to enhance the lives of individuals facing extraordinary challenges throughout the lifespan.

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Specific Program Objectives

• To build upon and enhance the knowledge base in core counseling areas through successful completion of advanced doctoral seminars in research and clinical practice.
• To refine clinical practice skills and enhance the supervised experience base through successful completion of an advanced doctoral practicum and doctoral internships.
• To emphasize the ethical practice of counseling, counseling research, and counselor education through targeted course work emphasizing the researcher educator role.
• To enhance the identification of complex but manageable problems in education and counseling.
• To train counselor educators and supervisors of counselors-in-training.
• To provide and assess services designed to enhance the lives of individuals from all walks of life facing extraordinary challenges throughout the life span, through advanced training in inclusive theories of counseling and multicultural/ethical sensitivity.
• To prepare professionals adept at (a) theory development; (b) qualitative and quantitative research methods; (c) integration of research with practice in school and non-school counseling settings through advanced training in qualitative and quantitative research methodology and an advanced counseling research seminar.
• To apply counseling theory to the process and practice of individual and team consultation in various counseling and educational contexts, learned primarily through the doctoral practicum and doctoral internship, but proceeded by classroom instruction on organizational climate, ethical climate, and problem solving.
• To provide a firm theoretical foundation in educational psychology focusing on personal and social development and assessment as a foundational "related area discipline."
• To provide a context for skill development and practice in individual, career, and group assessment (including intelligence, aptitude, achievement, interest, and personality assessment) through a supervised advanced doctoral practicum and doctoral internship.
• To train researchers, scholars, and academicians (counselor educators) and to develop and to refine scholarship skills for anticipated entry into the academy through advanced coursework in research methodology and counseling research.
• To encourage and facilitate linkage to the counseling professional community and academy through organizational involvement and efforts to present scholarly findings at professional conferences or in professional journals. Students in doctoral seminar and advanced courses will be encouraged to submit their work for publication or presentation through professional and academic outlets.

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General Requirements
Each student's program of study will include coursework in the counseling core: (a) Counseling Theories; (b) Human Growth and Development; (c) Social and Cultural Foundations; (d) The Helping Relationship; (e) Professional Orientation; (f) Career and Life Planning Theory and Practice; (g) Assessment and Evaluation; (h) Group Counseling; (i) Research and Evaluation; and (j) Practicum and Internship.

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The Degree Program: Ph.D. In Education with an emphasis in Counseling
*Revised and Approved by the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy, September 26, 2000. The program is subject to revision without additional notice, and some program provisions may be in the administrative approval process. All students must take the listed courses (or equivalent courses, as approved by the doctoral program advisory committee).

(12) FOUNDATIONS (12 hrs. Minimum Required by Degree)

• Ed Psy 6113, Psychopathology and Diagnosis OR Ed Psy 6532, Psycho-Educational Differences in Childhood
  
• Cns Ed 6000, Personal and Professional Development in Counseling
  
• Cns Ed 6010, Theories of Counseling
  

(15) RESEARCH METHODS (12 Minimum Required by Degree)

• Ed Rem 6710, Educational Research Methods and Design
  
• Ed Rem 7771, Quantitative Research Methods I
• Ed Rem 7772, Quantitative Research Methods II
• Ed Rem 7781, Qualitative Methods in Educational Research I
• Ed Rem 7782, Qualitative Methods in Educational Research II

(6) FOREIGN LANGUAGE OR RESEARCH TOOL (6 hrs. Required by Degree)

• Cns Ed 7020, Seminar in Counseling Research (all students must take this course)
  And either:
  
• Cns Ed 6497 Problems (Research) OR Foreign Language Proficiency

(39) EMPHASIS AREA (PEIMARY DISCIPLINE) COURSES 21-27 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)
All listed courses are required by the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy:

• Cns Ed 6050, Individual Inventory
  
• Cns Ed 6040, Group Procedures in Counseling
  
• Cns Ed 6400, Career Information and Development
  
• Cns Ed 6030, Foundations for Multicultural Counseling
  
• Cns Ed 6370, Community Counseling Practicum or Cns Ed 4 6270, School Counseling PracticumI)
• Cns Ed 486 Community Counseling Field Experience I (or Cns Ed 483 School Counseling Field Experience I or Cns 494 Counseling Practicum II)
  
• Cns Ed 487 Community Counseling Field Experience II (or Cns Ed 484 School Counseling Field Experience II or Cns Ed 490 Internship)
  
• Cns Ed 7030, Counselor Education and Supervision
  
• Cns Ed 7000, Advanced Theories and Foundations of Counseling Psychology (3 sem. cr. hrs)
  
• Cns Ed 6410, Advanced Career Development (3 sem. cr. hrs)
  
• Cns Ed 7010, Advanced Multicultural Counseling (3 sem. cr. hrs)
  
• Cns Ed 7770, Doctoral Practicum
  
• 3 semester hours of electives in counselor education approved by the doctoral advisory committee

(12) RELATED (SECONDARY DISCIPLINE) COURSES (12-15 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)

• Ed Psy 6310 Psychology of Learning Processes
  
• Ed Rem 6718, Psycho-Educational Assessment II
  
• Ed Psy 6113, Psychopathology and Diagnosis
  
• 3 sem hrs of electives from Educational Psychology, Research or Evaluation

(6) EXIT COURSE (3 hrs Required by the College of Education)

• Educ 7950 Research: Implementing Change in Educational Systems

(6) RESEARCH INTERNSHIP (6-9 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)

• Cns Ed 7780, Doctoral Internship (1 - 6 sem hrs)
  

(12) DISSERTATION (12 hrs Minimum Required by the Degree)

102 Semester Hours Total

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Foreign Language or Research Tool Requirement
Ph.D. students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. Students may meet the language
requirement in one of the following ways:

1. Completion of 13 semester hours (or equivalent) of college credit in a single foreign language relevant to doctoral studies with a grade of "C" or better;
   
2. Basic language proficiency (equivalent to 13 semester hours of college coursework) in a single foreign language as assessed by a language expert acceptable to the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy.
   
3. Basic language proficiency (equivalent to 13 semester hours of college coursework) in a single foreign language as assessed by an objective measure designed to assess language proficiency at a passing score acceptable to the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy.

Students may choose to complete one "research tool" course in lieu of the foreign language.

Residency Requirement, Full Time Study, and Class Times

Residency. Students are required to enroll in at least two contiguous terms of "residency." Residency is defined as at least two consecutive semesters (terms) in which the student is enrolled for 15 semester credit hours over the two semester (term) period. Residency should be completed during the last two-thirds of the course work phase of the program, but not during the dissertation phase. If employed, the student is encouraged to work less than full-time. Delayed grades during this period should be avoided if at all possible. Courses offered at sites approved by the Division off-campus may meet residency requirements.

Full-time Study. Students are encouraged to enroll in full-time studies. Full-time studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is enrollment in 9 semester hours of course work in a semester - the Fall and Winter semesters. Summer enrollment is optional.

Class times. The majority of courses in the program are offered in evenings at or after 4:15 PM. The degree may be accomplished through evening enrollment.

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Advisement, Examinations, and Dissertation Requirements

1. All students are referred to the University of Missouri-St. Louis Bulletin and the Graduate School Rules and Regulations. Both contain important information regarding general and specific doctoral requirements. EACH STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE PUBLICATIONS.
2. Upon Admission to doctoral study, the student is assigned an advisor. The student should consult with the advisor before registration and it is the responsibility of the student to maintain close communication with the advisor throughout the program. During the first or second semester of attendance, an advisory committee of three faculty is appointed (determined by the student and the advisor), a "qualifying examination" is accomplished (see the next section), and a formal "program" of study is developed with the faculty members serving on the student's "advisory" committee. Of primary importance is the provision of a unified, intensive series of learning experiences under the close supervision of a carefully selected advisory committee. After program approval, a copy is returned to the student, the advisor retains a copy, and another copy is placed in the student's permanent file. The program should be filed by the end of the first or second semester of study.
3. A "qualifying examination" by the advisory committee is required and is scheduled in the first or second semester of enrollment. This examination is an oral discussion and question-and-answer period (usually about two hours) which covers the major field of study. The intent of the qualifying examination is to assess the student's knowledge base in order to tailor the degree program to remedy weaknesses and build strengths. A student who fails the qualifying examination may be allowed to retake it upon the recommendation of the advisory committee. The successful qualifying examination will end with delineation of a formal "program" for the Ph.D. degree.
4. Upon completion or near completion of the coursework required in the program for the degree, the student must sit for written comprehensive examinations (usually scheduled over two days), which cover the knowledge bases delineated in the program for the degree. Upon successful completion of the written comprehensive examinations, an oral examination will be scheduled to address any weaknesses defined during the written examinations (usually about a two-hour oral examination). Passing the comprehensive and oral examinations leads to "candidacy" status for the degree, and allows the student to constitute a dissertation committee and to begin work on the dissertation, an independent research project that earns 12 semester hours of credit.
5. Upon completion of the dissertation, a formal public defense of the dissertation is held. Students are asked to describe their research project and to answer questions about the research intentions, design, findings, or conclusions. Successful defense of the dissertation leads to graduation.

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Admission Prerequisites and Procedures

Prerequisites
To be considered for admission, an applicant must meet all of the prerequisites listed below. It should be noted that meeting these prerequisites assures that the applicant will be considered for admission. Since the number of new students accepted into the doctoral program is limited, not all qualified applicants can be accepted for admission. Applicants should focus on presenting the strongest application packet possible, rather than meeting the minimum requirements.

1. Master's degree in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution including the following courses or their equivalents: (a) Counseling Theories; (b) Human Growth and Development; (c) Social and Cultural Foundations; (d) The Helping Relationship; (e) Professional Orientation; (f) Career and Life Planning Theory and Practice; (g) Assessment and Evaluation; (h) Group Counseling; (i) Research and Evaluation; (j) Practicum and Internship. Any of these courses, or equivalents, not completed before admission will be required as part of the doctoral program of studies. Students will be expected to complete the prerequisite coursework before beginning doctoral level work.
2. Good standing at the institution of higher learning last attended.
3. Significantly above average grade point averages: at least a 3.0/4.0 undergraduate GPA or a 3.5/4.0 graduate GPA.
4. Three letters of support (forms are supplied with the application form) from persons who can knowingly evaluate the applicant's leadership potential and probable success in doctoral studies. Individuals asked to make recommendations should be informed of the purpose and type of information needed. At least two letters should be from individuals with earned doctorates.
5. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude section; the minimum required scores are 1500 on the Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic sections within the last 5 years. The G.R.E. locator code for the University of Missouri-St. Louis is 6889; please advise the examiner when taking the test. Other standardized tests cannot be substituted for the GRE.
6. Completion of the personal statement from the Application for Admission to Graduate School requesting the following: "Attach a statement … describing the graduate program you hope to follow, your reasons for undertaking graduate work, and the strengths and weaknesses of your preparation for graduate study." Take special care to include a clear statement of personal goals and professional plans for the next 5 to 10 years. Also explain how doctoral study, in general, and this doctoral program, in particular, will help in the achievement of personal and professional goals. The faculty admissions committee members will weigh this statement heavily in their deliberations.
7. A current professional resume showing past educational and professional experience.

Procedures

1. For U.S. citizens or residents, for general information on the program, application forms, and specific guidance through the application process, please contact: University of Missouri-St. Louis, College of Education, Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (123 South Campus Classroom Building), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5483. Applications may also be obtained from: University of Missouri-St. Louis, Graduate School Admissions (120 Woods Hall), 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121-4499; phone - 314.516.5458; FAX - 314.515.5310, e-mail: gradadm@umsl.edu.
2. Any student who is not a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident, must first apply to: University of Missouri-St. Louis, International Admissions Officer, Office of International Student Services, 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, Missouri (MO) 63121-4499; phone - 314.516.5229; FAX - 314.516.6757; e-mail - intelstu@umslvma.umsl.edu
3. Completed application forms, official Undergraduate and Graduate transcripts, the official Educational Testing Service score report of the G.R.E., letters of recommendation, a personal statement (of goals and objectives), and a professional resume should be sent directly to: University of Missouri-St. Louis, Graduate School Admissions (120 Woods Hall), 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121-4499; phone - 314.516.5458; FAX - 314.515.5310, e-mail: gradadm@umsl.edu. Questions or concerns may also be address to: University of Missouri- St. Louis, College of Education, Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (123 South Campus Classroom Building), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5483.
4. An applicant should be available for an interview on campus with a committee of faculty members. (In extraordinary cases, alternatives to the on-campus interview may be used. This decision is the responsibility of the faculty.) The committee will ascertain leadership potential, communication skills, knowledge of the field, educational goals, and commitment to pursue the degree. Applicants will have an opportunity to seek clarification of any of the program components and will be given names of faculty members who might serve as possible advisers. Applicants are encouraged to speak with potential doctoral advisers in an area of interests before the interview and may request a specific faculty member's attendance at the interview (such attendance is the prerogative of the faculty member). Interviews are conducted Tuesday through Thursday the first week of March (subject to adjustment around the University semester break). Applicants should plan to be available on these days. Specific dates for the current year can be obtained by calling 314.516.5483.
5. The deadline for applications is January 15th for consideration for the following Academic year (beginning in August). Transcripts and letters of recommendation should be requested well in advance of this deadline. Consideration of applicants cannot be undertaken until all materials are received. Applications from minorities and students with disabilities are encouraged.
6. The Graduate Admissions Office will inform applicants of the decision on admission by letter approximately three weeks after the interview. Successful applicants then have the opportunity to accept or to reject admission to the program.

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Financial Assistance
A. For student financial aid, including student loans, students are directed to: University of Missouri-St. Louis, Student Financial Aid (209 Woods Hall), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5526.

B. For information regarding graduate assistantships and fellowships, students are directed to: University of Missouri-St. Louis, College of Education, Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (123 South Campus Classroom Building), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5483.

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Services for Students with Disabilities
Students who have disabilities needing accommodation should contact the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Student Support Services Program (121 Woods Hall), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.6554; FAX: 314.516.5221.

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Child Care
Information on childcare can be obtained from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, University Child Development Center (130 South Campus Classroom Bldg.), 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121-4499. Phone: 314.516.5658; FAX: 314.516.5227.

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