Counseling Schools and Program Guide
Many colleges and universities offer counseling programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, to serve the growing number of prospective counselors in the United States. In order to meet the needs of all students, counseling schools can be attended both traditionally (on campus) and online, or in a hybrid of both.
Since all states require a master’s degree in counseling for most types of licensure, the majority of programs offered are master’s in counseling programs. However, it is also possible to find counseling schools at the associate and bachelor’s levels for those who wish to start their education with an undergraduate degree in counseling or to enter the field before obtaining a master’s. Some certificate programs are also offered, mostly at the graduate level for those wishing to add a specialization in a certain focus area or to complete the graduate-level coursework needed for licensure.
Counseling School Facts
- There are 897 not-for-profit four-year colleges and universities that offer a counseling program in marriage and family therapy/counseling, mental health counseling, school counseling, substance abuse counseling, and/or vocational rehabilitation counseling in the United States.1
- 604 of these schools offer an advanced degree in these areas of counseling.1
- 228 of these schools offer a certificate program in these areas of counseling.1
- 61 of these schools offer a bachelor’s degree in these areas of counseling.1
- 175 of these schools offer an associate’s degree in these areas of counseling.1
- 145 of these schools offer a degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling.1
- 239 of these schools offer a degree in mental health counseling.1
- 457 of these schools offer a degree in school counseling.1
- 382 of these schools offer a degree in substance abuse counseling.1
- 72 of these schools offer a degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling.1
- Over 880 counseling programs are accredited by CACREP.2
Table of Contents
- Counseling Schools and Programs by State
- Best Value Counseling Schools with On-Campus Programs
- US News Top-Ranked Graduate Schools with Student Counseling Programs
- US News Top-Ranked Graduate Schools with Rehabilitation Counseling Programs
- School Accreditation
- Admission Requirements
- Select Schools with Traditional Counseling Programs
- Select Schools with Online Counseling Programs
- What to Expect with a Counseling Major or Concentration
- Frequently Asked Questions
Counseling Schools and Programs by State
To find the counseling schools offered near you, click on your state below to learn more. There you will find information on the types of counseling programs offered as well as top-ranked schools with counseling programs in each state. In addition, you can find program profiles of select graduate and undergraduate counseling programs in each state.
- Select One
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Best Value Counseling Schools with On-Campus Programs
To help you find the best counseling school, we have put together the following table with best value schools offering counseling programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, school counseling, substance abuse counseling, and/or vocational rehabilitation counseling across the US. The colleges and universities that made our list have a graduation rate of 80% or above and a net price of less than $20,000 per year. A high graduation rate is usually an indicator of student success at a given school, and when coupled with a low net price, it can mean a higher return on your investment. We have also indicated in the table whether each school offers a counseling program in mental health, marriage and family therapy (MFT), rehabilitation (Rehab), substance abuse counseling (Subst. Abuse), and/or school counseling (Sch. Couns.).
School | Mental Health | MFT | Rehab | Subst. Abuse | Sch. Couns. | US News Nat. Rank4 | Grad Rate*1 | % Tenured Faculty3 | Net Price**1 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Florida | M.Ed./EdS & MAE/EdS; PhD | M.Ed./EdS & MAE/EdS | PhD | Grad Cert^ | M.Ed./EdS & MAE/EdS | #34 tie | 90% | 50% | $11,313 |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | MS | — | MS | Grad Cert; MA | Grad Cert; MA | #29 tie | 89% | 43% | $11,649 |
Purdue University-Main Campus | BS; MPH; PhD | MS | — | Grad Cert | — | #57 tie | 81% | 43% | $11,898 |
Brigham Young University-Provo | PhD | MS; PhD | — | — | — | #77 tie | 86% | 46% | $13,120 |
Florida State University | EdS; MS; PhD | BS; MS; PhD | — | — | MS/EdS; PhD | #57 tie | 83% | 43% | $13,318 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | MS; PhD | — | BS; MS; PhD | Grad Cert | — | #46 tie | 87% | 49% | $14,169 |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh | M.Ed.^ | — | — | — | M.Ed.^ | #84 tie | 81% | 52% | $14,771 |
University of Georgia | M.Ed.; PhD | Grad Cert | — | — | EdD; EdS | #50 tie | 86% | 54% | $15,539 |
College of William and Mary | M.Ed.^; PhD | M.Ed. | — | M.Ed. | EdS; M.Ed.^ | #40 tie | 91% | 47% | $15,622 |
Michigan State University | MA | — | MA; PhD | Grad Cert^ | EdS; PhD | #84 tie | 80% | 46% | $16,227 |
Rutgers University-New Brunswick | EdM; MS | — | MS | Grad Cert | EdM | #62 tie | 80% | 26% | $16,295 |
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | PhD | BS; Min.; MA; MEd; PhD | MS; PhD | MPS | MA | #70 tie | 80% | 59% | $16,691 |
University of Maryland-College Park | Grad Cert; PhD | BS; MS; PhD | MS | — | MA; M.Ed.; PhD | #64 tie | 86% | 44% | $16,790 |
Harvard University | — | — | — | — | EdM/Grad Cert | #2 | 98% | 45% | $17,590 |
James Madison University | MA/EdS | — | — | — | M.Ed. | NR | 84% | 41% | $17,753 |
University of Virginia-Main Campus | — | — | — | — | M.Ed.; PhD | #28 | 94% | 54% | $17,845 |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | MAEd | BS; Grad Cert; MS; PhD | — | — | MAEd | #74 tie | 84% | 51% | $18,349 |
Clemson University | M.Ed./EdS | — | BA | — | M.Ed./EdS | #70 tie | 83% | 45% | $19,508 |
US News & World Report’s Top-Ranked Graduate Schools with Student Counseling Programs
US News & World Report has ranked the best schools for graduate programs in student counseling and personnel services programs of 2021, which includes schools with doctoral programs in school counseling, college student counseling, and personnel services. All of the schools ranked below offer counseling programs at the master’s level as well as the doctoral level.5
- University of Maryland–College Park (#1)
- University of Georgia (#2)
- University of Wisconsin Madison (#3)
- University of North Carolina-Greensboro (#4)
- Ohio State University (#5 tie)
- University of Florida (#5 tie)
- University of Missouri (#7)
- Indiana University-Bloomington (#8)
- Pennsylvania State University-University Park (#9)
- Boston College (#10)
US News & World Report’s Top-Ranked Graduate Schools with Rehabilitation Counseling Programs
US News & World Report has ranked the best rehabilitation programs of 2019, which is based on a survey of peer institutions.6
- Michigan State University (#1 tie)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (#1 tie)
- George Washington University (#3)
- Pennsylvania State University-University Park (#4 tie)
- San Diego State University (#4 tie)
- University of Arizona (#4 tie)
- University of Wisconsin-Stout (#4 tie)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (#4 tie)
- University of Kentucky (#9 tie)
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (#9 tie)
- Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (#12 tie)
- University of North Texas (#12 tie)
School Accreditation
One of the most important criteria you should consider when choosing a school is accreditation. Not only does a school’s accreditation status indicate that it meets regional or national standards for quality of education, but most state licensure boards require counseling license candidates’ qualifying degrees to be from a regionally-accredited institution. Regional accreditation is also a qualifier for students to receive federal financial aid. A school should be accredited by one of the seven regional accrediting agencies in the US, which are divided into six accreditation regions:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC): AZ, AR, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, NM, ND, OH, OK, SD, WV, WI, and WY
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE): DE, DC, MD, NJ, NY, and PA
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE): CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU): AK, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, and WA
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC): AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, and VA
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC): CA and HI
In addition to schools being regionally accredited, counseling programs may be nationally accredited by counseling-specific bodies such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation is voluntary and ensures the counseling program you attend meets a stringent set of standards set by the Council. While most states do not require counseling programs to be CACREP-accredited to qualify you for licensure, many states prefer these programs and may waive or reduce other requirements if your qualifying program was CACREP-accredited.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for counseling programs vary widely depending on the level and focus of the program as well as other factors, so you should check with each individual school to understand their requirements. In general, associate and bachelor’s programs require a high school diploma or GED with a minimum grade point average (GPA), personal statement, and letters of recommendation. At the undergraduate level, many schools require SAT or ACT standardized test scores for admittance. Schools offering master’s degrees in counseling typically require an undergraduate degree from a regionally-accredited school. Admittance to master’s programs is generally more competitive than undergraduate programs due to the more specialized nature of the degree and smaller class sizes. As such, many quality schools look for highly-motivated students who are most likely to complete the program and with a history of success demonstrated by high GPAs, competitive GRE or GMAT scores, strong in-person interviews, related work experience, and persuasive letters of recommendation.
Select Schools with Traditional Counseling Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Lesley University
Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Counseling with optional specializations in Expressive Arts Therapy or Holistic Psychology that prepares graduates for careers in human services or counseling or for graduate programs in the field. The BS is a four-year program comprised of 120 credits and includes courses such as Foundations and Systems in the Helping Profession; Theories of Personality; and Social Policy. Lesley also offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology: School Counseling and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for prospective licensed mental health counselors (with optional specializations in Holistic Studies; School and Community Counseling; or Trauma Studies). Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will complete an internship in the Greater Boston area for their 700 hours of field training to the educational requirements to become a mental health counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts.
Tiffin University
Tiffin University, located in Tiffin, Ohio, offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions Counseling offered on campus in a 15-week semester format and start dates in January and August, as well as online. The BA program teaches students hands-on skills that qualify them to become licensed as Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC III) in Ohio and certified at the international level. An optional internship is offered that students can count toward the required 220 hours of practical experience in 12 core areas for CDC licensure, leaving them only one year of experience to accrue upon graduation to qualify them to sit for the exam. Before graduation, students will be eligible to apply for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) license, allowing them to work in entry-level positions if they so choose.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a CACREP-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Services with an applied emphasis and grounding in counseling research and theory that prepares graduates to work in administrative counseling positions in mental health, to work as substance abuse counselors, to work in child and adolescent services, or to pursue a related master’s degree. The main learning objectives of the BS in Human Services program include the ability to demonstrate the paraprofessional skills needed for entry-level counseling and human services positions; to deliver professional services ethically and professionally; and to exhibit an understanding of how factors like community development and public policy can impact social change. UNLV also offers a Minor in Human Services; an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Counseling with options in Community Counseling and School Counseling; a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling; a Minor in Addictions Prevention; a Minor in Addictions Treatment; a Minor in Problem Gambling; and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies with both con-current and post-master’s tracks.
Master’s Programs
Oklahoma City University
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program is offered at Oklahoma City University in Applied Behavioral Studies: Professional Counseling for students who wish to become professional counselors in a variety of settings. The M.Ed. degree requires students to complete at least 60 credit hours including field experience. The program meets the educational requirements that the Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health has set for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). The core of the master’s degree is the 33-credit hour M.Ed. in Applied Behavioral Studies (ABS), but with five more courses, including field experience, students can obtain the designation in Professional Counseling and the 60 total credit hours needed for licensure. OCU’s M.Ed. program admits students in the fall only and is considered “fast-track” as courses are offered in accelerated eight-week sessions, allowing students to complete the program in two years. Select non-clinical courses may be offered online.
Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College in Providence offers several counseling programs at the graduate level, including a CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Certificate of Graduate Study (CGS) in Advanced Counseling. The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling comprises 60 credits and is designed to prepare graduates to become licensed mental health counselors through the integration of research and practice. Internship possibilities include placements at mental health centers, adoption agencies, psychiatric hospitals, and alternative education programs. The CGS in Graduate Studies in Advanced Counseling is available for students with a master’s degree in counseling or a related field who need to complete additional coursework to meet the educational requirements to become a licensed mental health counselor. Students in this program can consult with an advisor to take the number of credits they need to become licensed, but a core of 12 credits in counseling practica and internship is required of all CGS students.
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland (UMD) School of Public Health’s Department of Family Science offers a Master of Science (MS) in Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) that prepares graduates for licensure as MFTs in most states. The MS degree, which is completed in an average of two to two and a half years (including the two-year internship), requires 48 credits for the non-thesis option and 51 for the thesis option. The CFT degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Preferred applicants have a bachelor’s degree in family studies or a related field, a minimum GPA of 3.0, strong GRE scores, and relevant work experience. UM’s Department of Family Science also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Family Science, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Family Science, and a PhD in Maternal and Child Health. UMD’s Eastern Shore campus (UMES) offers Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in Rehabilitation Services and Rehabilitation Psychology as well as a 48-credit MS in Rehabilitation Counseling.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The master’s degree in clinical rehabilitation and mental health (CRMH) at the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine’s Department of Allied Health Sciences is CACREP-accredited. Specialty tracks for the Master of Science (MS) degree in CRMH include Mental Health Counseling: Developmental Disabilities; Mental Health Counseling: Psychiatric Disabilities; or a dual-track option. Graduates are prepared to pursue national professional certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in North Carolina. The coursework has both a theoretical and applied approach, focusing on teaching graduates to assess the “whole person” by addressing their psychological, spiritual, vocational, and physical needs, along with their relationships. Letter grades are not given at UNC’s graduate school; instead, grades of High Pass, Pass, Low Pass, and Fail are earned, with the majority of students earning a grade of High Pass or Pass.
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers several CACREP-approved graduate degrees for those interested in counseling careers. A Master of Arts (MA) is available in School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The School Counseling program prepares graduates to support school-age students with their personal, academic, and developmental needs, while the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track prepares graduates to be clinical counselors, supporting clients as they work to overcome difficulties. A thesis and a non-thesis option are offered; the former is 64 credit hours and the latter is 60 credit hours. USD also offers a joint Education Specialist (EdS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education aimed at future counseling professors and a fully-online postgraduate Online Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Counseling for those who wish to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health (LPC-MH) and need additional coursework to meet the required 60 hours of training for licensure. USD also offers an MA, EdS, and PhD in Counseling and Psychology in Education.
PhD Programs
Barry University
Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, offers a CACREP-accredited counseling Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program focused equally on prospective practitioners, educators, and researchers that teaches skills in counseling and counselor education, supervision, leadership, and research. With classes held once a week in the evening, the program is ideal for working professionals who want to hone their research skills. The doctoral program also requires all candidates to complete an advanced counseling practicum in marital, couple, and family counseling as well as three internships in supervision, teaching, and leadership/advocacy. Barry also offers a unique on-campus training clinic called the CARE Center, which provides supervised counseling training as well as clinical supervision. Another opportunity unique to Barry is its College Reach-Out Program (CROP), which allows PhD candidates to work on enhancing resources for students and families. Those who hold a master’s in counseling or a related field are encouraged to apply. An optional specialization is offered in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling.
Florida State University
The College of Health and Human Sciences at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) that emphasizes programmatic research and advanced clinical preparation for scholars and leaders in MFT. COAMFTE-accredited, the PhD program requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and recommended GRE scores in the 50th percentile or above. Completion of a clinical master’s degree program is also required for admission. During their first two years in the program, students will provide supervised therapy at the on-campus Center for Couple and Family Therapy (CCFT) facility. The research component of the program is focused on family processes, distressed families, intimate relationships, and implementing best practices in psychoeducation and therapy. A minimum of 85 credit hours comprise the PhD in MFT program at FSU, with nearly half of these credits spent in research and statistics coursework. FSU also offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Family and Child Sciences.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, offers a CACREP-accredited Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education with a concentration in Counseling for prospective counselor-educators who wish to work in higher education institutions, for clinicians who wish to provide mental health and counseling services, and for counseling leaders in schools. Students enrolled in the Old Dominion Department of Counseling and Human Services PhD program can choose to study on a full-time or part-time basis depending on their needs. Full-time students are eligible for assistantships and tuition waivers and complete the program in three years, while part-time students usually complete the program in four years. Admissions requirements include a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program or equivalent. Students are admitted one time per year to start in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. A Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Counseling; and School Counseling is offered at Old Dominion, as well as an Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Counseling. In addition to these degrees, a Certificate in Addiction Prevention and Treatment and a Minor in Addiction Prevention and Treatment are offered.
Certificate Programs
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia’s (UGA) School of Social Work offers a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Certificate program that is comprised of 21 credit hours, including 15 hours of core courses like Counseling Children and Adolescents; Theories of Family Relationships; and Professional Practice in the Field of Intimate Partner Violence, and six hours of practicum, usually completed over at least two consecutive semesters. The certificate program has an applied focus for those interested in practicing MFT and prepares students for further supervised clinical training, though it does not meet all the requirements for state licensure as an LMFT. For the practicum component of the program to count towards licensure, you must see couples and/or family clients under supervision for 500 client contact hours over 12 consecutive months. Involving three units of UGA (the College of Education, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the School of Social Work), the certificate program may be completed in tandem with a master’s degree program with departmental approval. UGA also offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work.
Select Schools with Online Counseling Programs
Undergraduate Programs
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati Online (UC Online) has a 100% online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Substance Abuse Counseling that prepares graduates to work with people struggling with addictions to drugs and/or alcohol. The fully-online bachelor’s degree can be completed in as little as two years with an accelerated approach or over a traditional four-year schedule. Graduates are prepared to continue their studies at the graduate level or pursue licensure if this degree satisfies the educational requirements. In Ohio, for example, graduates of the program will be academically qualified for the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professional Board’s Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II and III (LCDC II and LCDC III). Start dates are available in the summer, fall, and spring. UC Online also offers undergraduate Certificates in Substance Abuse Counseling and Substance Abuse Prevention.
Master’s Programs
College of William and Mary
The College of William and Mary offers an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), Military and Veterans Counseling, and School Counseling. The School Counseling concentration prepares graduates to become community leaders, contributors, and school counselors at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The 60-credit program includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, and, from start to finish, the program can be completed in three years of full-time study. Graduates will be equipped to support students’ mental, emotional, and physical development as school counselors. Courses can be completed in as few as 17 “minimesters,” or seven-and-a-half-week semesters, and students can begin in August, January, or May. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher and GRE scores in the 40th percentile or higher are strongly preferred.
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with emphases in Marriage, Family, and Child or Clinical Mental Health that can be completed online or through a hybrid format. The online master’s in counseling program trains graduates to become licensed mental health professionals and California graduates are prepared to pursue the state’s Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licenses. Online students can take two to three classes each quarter, with all classes offered in the evening in an interactive, synchronous (real-time) classroom format. Online students can complete the degree in less than three years. Learning outcomes include knowledge of human growth and development, group counseling and effective leadership, and research and program evaluation.
University at Buffalo
At the University of Buffalo’s Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, you can earn a CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Rehabilitation Counseling completely online. The clinically-focused 48-credit hour program is also offered in a traditional format at the Buffalo campus. Students in the program are prepared to practice rehabilitation counseling or to become nationally-certified rehabilitation counselors, working with clients to overcome physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. With an average of three semesters of field placement training, the online master’s program can be completed in less than three years when attending part-time, while the on-campus program can be completed part-time or full-time. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required to apply, along with transcripts, a statement of intent, and an admission interview. The University of Buffalo also offers an MS in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Education (EdM) in School Counseling as well as Advanced Certificates (AC) in Mental Health Counseling, Mindful Counseling for Wellness and Engagement, Rehabilitation Counseling, and School Counseling.
PhD Programs
University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands (UC) in Williamsburg, Kentucky, offers an online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision that is accredited by CACREP. This accelerated program comprises 66 post-master’s credit hours and takes about three years to complete. Coursework covers areas such as advanced counseling theories, clinical supervision, ethical and legal issues in counseling, teaching online, neuroanatomy, behavioral medicine, and developing research skills. There are three main components of coursework: leadership core courses (27 hours), professional research (18 hours), and specialty area content (12 hours in addiction, advanced counseling, leadership, assessment, or Christian ministries). UC also offers master’s degrees in Addiction Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
What to Expect with a Counseling Major or Concentration
At the undergraduate level, counseling is one of many academic majors students can choose from; majors are groups of courses required to receive your degree in a given subject, usually comprised of core courses and electives. For counseling majors at the undergraduate level, coursework will be more generalized, providing students with a foundation in counseling and a broad understanding of the field’s subspecialties. Due to graduate programs’ focus on specialized knowledge in a particular subject area, counseling at the master’s and doctoral level is ordinarily referred to as a concentration, emphasis, or specialization area. Students concentrating in counseling at the graduate level will typically focus on one specific area of counseling, such as addiction counseling or mental health counseling. Below are some examples of courses you may encounter at each degree level.
Undergraduate Level
- Abnormal Psychology
- Applied Group Dynamics
- Child Psychology
- Contemporary Issues in Counseling
- Counseling Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
- Counseling Internship & Seminar
- Counseling Procedures and Strategies with Addicted and Disordered Populations
- Counseling and Therapy
- Crisis Management Skills
- Ethics in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Family Interventions
- Group Process and Techniques Working with Addicted Populations and Disordered Populations
- Group Skills in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Interpersonal Relationships and Interview Skills
- Introduction to Addiction Theory and Practice
- Introduction to Counseling
- Maintenance Strategies for Long-Term Substance Abuse Recovery
- Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
- Rehabilitation Foundations
- Research Methods in the Social Sciences
- Theories of Personality
- Understanding Statistical Research
Master’s Level
- Administration of Counseling Services in Educational Settings
- Advanced Clinical Internship in Counseling
- Advanced Counseling Techniques
- Assessment & Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders
- Biological Perspectives in Mental Health
- Career Development for School Counselors
- Career and Life Span Development
- Counseling Children & Adolescents
- Counseling Issues in Culture, Diversity, and Advocacy
- Counseling Theories
- Cross-Cultural Counseling
- Human Development Across Cultures
- Marriage/Family Therapy
- Mental Health in Schools
- Psychopharmacology for the Nonmedical Mental Health Professional
- Practicum: Clinical Interviewing & Treatment Planning
- Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice
- Quantitative Measurement and Test Interpretation
- Socio-cultural Foundations
- Theories & Methods Of Counseling
- Vocational Counseling and Placement
PhD Level
- Advanced Counseling Research Design and Assessment
- Advanced Family Systems Theory
- Advanced Group Counseling
- Advanced Counseling Techniques with Families
- Advanced Counseling Theory and Practice
- Advanced Multicultural Issues in Counseling
- Change Process: Advanced Human Resource Management
- Christian Leadership Development
- Cognitive Assessment
- Counseling Leadership and Advocacy Internship
- Counseling Teaching Internship
- Current Issues in Counseling and Counselor Education
- Dissertation Seminar
- Human Sexuality
- Introduction to Applied Statistics and Data Analysis
- Leadership, Advocacy, and Advanced Professional Issues in Counseling
- Mindfulness Based CBT Counseling
- Multicultural Perspectives in Counselor Education, Supervision, and Research
- Psychopharmacology
- Quantitative Methods of Inquiry
- Teaching in Counselor Education
- Trauma Counseling: Etiology, Treatment, and Interventions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there CACREP-accredited online counseling programs?
Yes, CACREP accredits counseling programs based on their performance in a variety of areas including foundational standards in the program, the learning environment, coverage of specialty areas, and practicum/internship requirements. Some CACREP-accredited programs are traditional and others are offered in a hybrid or online format. Online counseling programs may be ideal for those who are working or those who do not have time to attend regularly-scheduled classes at a traditional campus and who need more flexibility in their schooling.
What type of counselor schooling do I need to have in order to become a counselor?
If you aim to become a licensed professional counselor, you will need a minimum of a master’s degree with a mental health counseling major or a closely-related major no matter which state you are in. If you get an undergraduate counseling degree, you may qualify for lower license types, administrative roles in counseling, or some substance abuse counseling licenses.
How long will it take me to complete a counseling program?
Master’s in counseling programs usually take at least two years of full-time study to complete; bachelor’s in counseling programs take around four years to complete; associate’s programs in counseling take around two years to complete; and doctoral and certificate programs vary in length. Part-time attendance will increase the amount of time it will take you to complete your program.
Should I get my counseling degree on campus or online?
Traditional (on-campus) counseling programs can be found at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD, but since most states require a master’s degree in counseling to become licensed, the majority of counseling programs are at that level. Counseling programs offered in a traditional format give students an on-campus experience in a classroom setting. Some students prefer this format for the structure and guidance it provides and for its in-person interaction with fellow students and teachers.
Other students need more flexibility while attending school, whether they are working or have other obligations that keep them from attending traditionally. Some simply prefer the autonomy of an online learning format or live in a different state than their school of choice. For these students, there are plenty of online counseling programs offered at all degree levels. Keep in mind that most counseling programs require a lengthy supervised practicum or internship, which will have to be completed in-person with clients.
Do I need to attend an accredited counseling program?
If you are pursuing state licensure as a professional counselor, you will need to make sure you attend a counseling program from a regionally-accredited school, as all states require this and it ensures that your school meets quality benchmarks recognized by experts in education. While the counseling program doesn’t necessarily have to be nationally accredited, many states prefer CACREP accreditation for professional licensure and some states waive part of the supervised experience requirement for candidates who have attended a CACREP-accredited program.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP): https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
3. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/
4. US News & World Report National University Rankings 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
5. US News & World Report Best Student Counseling Programs, 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/student-counseling-rankings
6. US News & World Report Best Rehabilitation Counseling Programs, 2019: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/rehabilitation-counseling-rankings