Five‐Year Follow‐Up of Doctoral Graduates in Counseling

Abstract

Doctoral graduates in counseling nationwide were surveyed 5 years after earning their degrees to examine the trends in work life, income, professional activities, credentials, and future professional planning.

The Doctorate in Counselor Education

“…An interesting finding of this study was that counseling psychology did not appear to be the "degree of choice" for either faculty or clinical positions: counseling psychology appeared to trail counselor education in faculty positions, as well as clinical psychology in clinical positions. These results challenged Zimpfer's (1993Zimpfer's ( , 1996 findings, and suggested that the graduate degree choice could be an important factor for later occupational possibilities. They also challenged the perception of counselor educators being "less than" found by Magnuson and colleagues (2003) and argued the value of a counselor education doctoral degree.…”

“…Additionally, counseling psychology graduates were more likely to express interest in clinical work, while counselor education alumni were evenly divided among practitioner, professor, and administrator positions. Although changes in participant reports were seen in a follow-up survey 5 years later (see in Zimpfer 1996), they were found to be non-significant. Bernard (2006) explored position announcements for an 18-month period to find if there were any differences in graduate degree requirements in U.S. job postings for faculty and clinical positions.…”

“…In three studies exploring post-graduate occupations, professional behavior, and salary among counselor education and psychology doctoral graduates, Zimpfer (1993Zimpfer ( , 1996 and Zimpfer and DeTrude 1990 found that across most outcomes (i.e., salary, professional activities, and future goals) counselor education and counseling psychology graduates were more similar than different. Both groups were found to be comparable in number of publications, involvement in professional organizations, number of professional presentations and salary, as well as number of licenses and certifications.…”

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology: Where are the Jobs?

“…It does not reflect the data found here; that is, although the terminal degree for entry-level practice within counseling is the master's degree, this study found no support that additional clinical employment opportunities are afforded the graduate of a CE doctoral program. Zimpfer (1996) and Zimpfer et al (1997) called for planned CACREP standards revisions based on the career goals of a significant number of CE graduates. Perhaps CACREP should consider the development of two tracks at the doctoral level, one specifically for future practitioners.…”

“…This led Zimpfer (1996) to challenge CACREP to be more deliberate in revising standards that would accommodate this development. Swickert's (1997) qualitative study found 10 CEs in private practice to be disillusioned and angry that "their education and their credentials were not respected" (p. 339).…”