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The Graduate School at Hood College is set to introduce an inaugural doctoral program in counselor education and supervision this autumn, marking a significant milestone as the first doctoral offering at Hood.

Aligned with the guidelines established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), this program aims to equip counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators with advanced skills and knowledge.

Led by Shannon Shoemaker, Ph.D., an accomplished professional with extensive clinical counseling experience and dual licensure in Maryland and Massachusetts, the program will encompass a comprehensive curriculum covering areas such as research, leadership, and advocacy. Candidates will engage in practical training through internships at the NeighborHood Counseling Training Center (NCTC), where they will work directly with clients and oversee students in the counseling and clinical health Master of Science program.

Operating under The Ruth Whitaker School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, the doctoral program will not only enhance the existing counseling master’s program but also provide invaluable support through teaching assistants, clinical supervisors, and research mentors. This strategic addition will further strengthen the counseling master’s program, known for its specializations in clinical mental health and school counseling, which currently stands as one of the most sought-after graduate programs at Hood College. By establishing a pathway for master’s students to seamlessly transition into doctoral studies within their academic institution, the new program aims to cultivate a continuous learning environment for aspiring professionals in the field.