Most counseling programs offer students a variety of psychology and clinical classes to choose from. Some typical topics include theories and approaches to counseling, research methods, group facilitation skills, ethical issues, counseling families and couples, and trauma counseling.

The PhD is a doctoral degree, specifically called a "doctor of philosophy" degree. This is misleading because PhD holders are not necessarily philosophers (unless they earned their degree in philosophy!). That said, PhD recipients are able to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways.

Online or distance learning refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. With online learning, one can access education at any time and from any location with an available internet connection.