Phd counselor education and supervision liberty university

The purpose of the Qualifying Examination (QE) is to determine the “fit” between the student’s aspirations and his/her program and to assess the student’s progress and ability to grasp the knowledge necessary to become a scholar.

A student must earn a grade of B or better in the courses listed below to sit for the Qualifying Examination:

  • Advanced Theory Application (COUC 715)
  • Advanced Research Design (COUC 740)

Register for the QE

Complete the Student Application and the Proctor Application. Email both of these forms to Bonnie Gould (), and include in the email the date when you would like to take your QE. You and your proctor decide the date on which you will take your test.

You will receive a confirmation email of your scheduled date to take the QE.

On the date of your exam, your proctor will present you with the exam in a Word document. You will complete the exam directly in this Word document, on a computer that is not your own. You will not be able to access the internet or any notes during the exam.

Once complete, your proctor will submit your exam, it will be graded, and you will receive an email with your test results. Once you have passed both sections of the exam, you will be registered for COUC 969 with a grade of “Pass.” You do not need to register for COUC 969 prior to taking the exam. You will be registered for it by the department once you have passed your exam.

A student who fails the examination, or certain sections of the exam, may be granted the opportunity to retake it (the section(s) failed) one time. The student cannot continue taking courses until the exam has been passed. Failure on the second attempt will prevent the student from pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

  • Qualifying Exam Manual
  • Qualifying Exam: Student application
  • Qualifying Exam: Proctor application

Phd counselor education and supervision liberty university

Lisa Sosin, Ph.D.

Director of the Ph.D. Program

Lisa S. Sosin, Ph.D., L.P.C., L.L.P. is the Director of the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program and Associate Professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University. Dr. Sosin has over 28 years of clinical and teaching experience and is licensed as both a professional counselor and psychologist. Dr. Sosin’s clinical practice includes the assessment and treatment of children, adults, couples, and families; as well as teaching, supervising, public speaking, and consultation to clinicians in training, physicians, educators, organizations, and clergy.

Dr. Sosin has developed graduate curriculum and community programs covering diverse subjects including qualitative research, family development and functioning, evidence-based practice, and clinical excellence and has published in the areas of psychotherapeutic process, emotional development, burnout, and ethics. Dr. Sosin’s primary research interests include the integration of spirituality and empirically supported interventions, qualitative research related to counseling practice, and emotion regulation. Dr. Sosin has been happily married to her best friend, David, for 28 years and has two wonderful sons, Tim (22) and Josh (16).


Phd counselor education and supervision liberty university

Steve Johnson, Ph.D.

Director of Clinical Training

Steve is an associate professor and department chair for the online program. He began working with Liberty online in 2006 as an adjunct faculty and three years as an IM. For 17 years he was the Director of Behavioral Science at Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency program in Harlingen, Texas, a Christ-centered training program for family physicians. Prior to his position in Harlingen, he served 5 years as the director of Counseling Services and assistant professor of Pastoral Ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary. His areas of interest include Medical Family Therapy, Marital therapy, and online education

Ph.D. Practicum COUC 998

Application Deadlines

Phd counselor education and supervision liberty university
 Deadlines are non-negotiable.

  • Spring 2023 Deadline: October 17, 2022  

*Before a Ph.D. student can apply for the Ph.D. Practicum, the Practicum & Internship office must receive official email communication from the student indicating he/she has passed the Qualifying Exam and is ready to apply for practicum.

Upcoming practicum application deadlines:

  • Summer 2023: January 30, 2023
  • Fall 2023: May 29, 2023

*Students must still apply through the SharePoint portal by the deadline. We advise that students send the email with their passing Qualifying Examination Feedback Form to  no later than one week before the deadline.

  • Student will need to include a copy of the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination Feedback Form issued to them once they have passed the exam.
  • Once the Practicum & Internship Office has received this email, they will then send the student a link to the application portal.

Practicum Manual – Ph.D. (COUC 998)

Hour and Semester Requirements

Changing Site and/or Supervisor

Is a PhD in counselor education worth it?

Is a PhD in counseling worth it? If you picture yourself in a leadership role in the counseling world, then a PhD in counseling is a worthwhile investment. Similarly, if you want to work in higher education, then this degree is the starting point for your educational career path.

How long is the doctoral program at Liberty University?

In general, our online doctoral programs can be completed in 2-3 years while our postgraduate degrees can take as little as 1 year.

Is Liberty Online Cacrep accredited?

Liberty University's Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies' residential M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and residential M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling programs are accredited by CACREP.

Is Liberty University PhD in psychology accredited?

Academic Excellence Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well.