Top 50 Online Master’s in Counseling Programs

Counseling is a growing field with more demand than ever. A master’s degree is generally required to become a counselor. Master’s Programs Guide is pleased to offer this list of 50 Online programs to help aid in the decision process. Each entry includes specific programs available from the schools.

The methodology for this ranking was to generate a list of schools that offered 100% online master’s programs specifically in counseling. This list was then sorted using the following data points: number of different programs available, enrollment, and overall cost. The overall student to faculty ratio determined any ties (student care and engagement). All criteria were given equal weight. The results are designed to assist degree seekers in their decision-making process.

See Also: 50 Best Online Master of Psychology Degree Programs

50. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University is a private, Catholic institution of higher education and is one of 16 Sisters of Mercy colleges and universities in the United States. Located in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, the University’s private, 160-acre campus is just thirty minutes away from Philadelphia. More than 2,700 students are enrolled, and the University maintains an average 11 to 1 student to faculty ratio. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Gwynedd Mercy University comprises five academic schools, namely the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing & Health Professions, and the School of Graduate & Professional Studies. Rooted in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, the University’s mission is to be a learning community that “prepares students for successful careers and meaningful lives in a global society.”

Program Details

Gwynedd Mercy University offers an Online Master of Science in School Counseling degree program. The program is fully aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and is designed to prepare students to pursue certification as an Elementary and Secondary School Counselor (PreK-12) within the state of Pennsylvania. The program’s curriculum focuses on helping processes and behavioral sciences with the goal of equipping students to offer children and teenagers support with various social, academic, emotional, and career development issues. All coursework can be completed 100% online, and the required in-person practicum experiences are supervised by the support and personal guidance of the University’s expert faculty members. Outcomes of the program include the ability to “apply theoretical and practical knowledge in support of [student’s] professional practice; articulate school counseling history and theory; develop a comprehensive school counselor curriculum; recognize stages of human development and identify the best practices in working with differing stages of development; apply career development models and guide career development” and more.

• Master of Science in School Counseling

Admissions

See Also: 10 Most Popular and Cheap Online Master’s Degree Programs

49. Medaille College

Medaille College is a private, nonsectarian four-year college and one of the top accredited colleges in New York. With campuses in Buffalo and Rochester, New York, as well as online, the College is chartered by the Board of Regents of The University of the State of New York. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Medaille College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with departments covering the areas of Business, Management & Leadership; Education; Social Sciences; Counseling & Clinical Psychology; Communication & Sport Studies; Interdisciplinary Studies; Science, Mathematics & Technology; and Veterinary Technology. The College’s mission is to “educate and develop empowered individuals for academic achievement, career success, and civic engagement, thereby contributing to a healthy, diverse democracy.” Its vision is to “be known as a leader in providing inspiration and opportunity for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community by supporting academic development, positive personal transformation and a strong sense of civic-mindedness.” And the College’s core values include Curiosity, Excellence, Integrity, and Community.

Program Details

Medaille College offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program available both on-campus and online. A 60-credit hour program, the core program duration typically lasts two years. Designed to prepare graduates to sit for New York State Licensure, the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) degree program is accredited by the CACREP (The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). The online program schedule follows a fixed sequence of 17 seven-week classes; there are no scheduled class times, students may log in to view each lesson on their own schedule, though there are weekly due dates when coursework must be completed. There are also three semesters of practicum and internship, and new students can begin the program during either the fall or spring semester.

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Admissions

48. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a private, nonprofit, comprehensive university located in Marion, Indiana on a 320-acre main campus. Affiliated with the Wesleyan Church,  the University’s mission is to serve as a “Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership.” Indiana Wesleyan University is classified as a Master’s Colleges and Universities with more extensive programs by Carnegie and the University is committed to offering students a liberal arts and professional education. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Indiana Wesleyan University offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Adult and Professional Studies, the School of Nursing, the School of Health Sciences, the Graduate School, and Wesley Seminary.

Program Details

Indiana Wesleyan University offers two online graduate degree programs in counseling, the Master of Arts in Clinical Addictions Counseling and the Master of Arts in Community Counseling. The latter program is a 36-credit hour, non-licensure track program which equips students to provide non-clinical counseling-related services in the community. This program focuses on “an integration of sound psychological theory, interpersonal skill development, and faith-based principles.” The Master of Arts in Clinical Addictions Counseling program is a 48-credit hour program that is designed to help prepare students to meet credential requirements to serve as an Addictions Counselor. The MA in Clinical Addictions Counseling “adheres to current evidence-based practice, integrating a Christian worldview with behavioral and social sciences orientation.” Indiana Wesleyan University is an Approved Education Provider of NAADAC (the National Association for Addiction Professionals) the University’s graduate-level Addiction Counseling programs are accredited by NASAC (The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission).

• Master of Arts in Clinical Addictions Counseling
• Master of Arts in Community Counseling

Admissions

47. Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University is a private, nonprofit educational institution located in Palo Alto, California. The University began as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PGSP), an independent, professional school established in 1975. In 1986 the School became regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and in 2009 was re-incorporated as Palo Alto University. The University offers an array of undergraduate and graduate programs at multiple locations as well as online. PAU is “dedicated to education with an emphasis in the behavioral and social sciences; to promoting future innovators and leaders for the benefit of society; to generating knowledge through research and scholarship of the highest level; and to providing services to the community informed by science and scholarship.” The University’s mission statement is, “Engaging Minds and Improving Lives Locally and Globally through Innovative Education.”

Program Details

Palo Alto University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling degree program with two areas of emphasis: Marriage, Family and Child and Clinical Mental Health. Offered both on-campus and online, the program and both emphases are CACREP-accredited (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) and provide the necessary training to pursue licenses as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). The program’s distance learning (online) option does have some low-residency requirements however most of the program can be completed entirely online. The mission of the M.A. Counseling program is to develop “highly effective mental health counselors, future leaders, and innovators in the counseling profession.” The program further “strives to benefit society and reduce human suffering by promoting mental health, wellness, social justice, education, and vocational well-being.” The program focuses on developing and strengthening skills in four primary areas: assessment, intervention/counseling, research/critical thinking, and ethics/professional practice.

• Master of Arts in Counseling

Admissions

46. Washburn University

Washburn University is a public institution of higher education located in the heart of Topeka, Kansas on a 160-acre residential campus. Home to over 7,500 students, over 1,000 faculty and staff members are employed and more than 200 academic programs available, ranging from associates to juris doctor. Washburn University comprises the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the Schools of Applied Studies, Business, Law, and Nursing, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University’s mission is to enrich “the lives of students by providing opportunities for them to develop and to realize their intellectual, academic, and professional potential, leading to becoming productive and responsible citizens.” This statement continues, “We are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly work, quality academic and professional programs, and high levels of faculty-student interaction. We develop and engage in relationships to enhance educational experiences and our community.”

Program Details

Washburn University offers a Master of Arts in Human Services/Addictions Counseling which is available 100% online. A 36-credit hour program, students may enroll full- or part-time, completing courses from the comfort of their own home and participating in fieldwork in their own community. The Program is approved by NAADAC and the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) to provide the educational curriculum required to become a Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC) as well as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC). Washburn University is also able to work with students from other states, depending on what their state licensing board requires. Continuous enrollment in the program is expected, and students have up to six years from their first semester to complete the program requirements; however full-time students typically complete the degree program in as little as two years. Core coursework covers 30 credit hours and includes courses on Integrative Human Services; Professional Ethics and Practice; Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorders and more.

• Master of Arts in Human Services/Addictions Counseling

Admissions

45. Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University is a private institution of higher education located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on a 340-acre campus. Established in 1834, the University was initially located in Wake Forest, NC before relocating to Winston-Salem in 1956. The University’s motto is Pro Humanitate (For Humanity), a phrase which calls individuals to use their “knowledge, talents and compassion to better the lives of others.” Home to over 8,000 students who come from nearly all fifty states and over 45 foreign countries, Wake Forest University offers over 40 majors and programs through its several schools and college; these include the Undergraduate College, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Divinity, the School of Law, and the Wake Forest School of Medicine. The University offers both graduate and undergraduate programs and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Program Details

Wake Forest University offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling. A CACREP-accredited (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) program, the School Counseling program is also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Designed to prepare students to take the National Counselor exam, the University currently boasts a 100% pass rate for graduates taking the exam. Offered through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the program and its courses are designed to be completed in three years. Part of the mission of the Graduate School and its programs is to “train and mentor future leaders in research, teaching, and innovation for serving humanity.” Many graduates of the program have gone on to pursue Ph.D. programs, and several have gone on to serve as faculty members at institutions such as Rider University, DePaul University, and Madison University.

• Master of Arts in Counseling

Admissions

44. Thomas University

Thomas University is an independent, not-for-profit, regionally accredited institution of higher education located in Thomasville, Georgia. Chartered in 1950 as the Birdwood Junior College, the school was initially owned and operated by the Primitive Baptist Church. In 1976 the church relinquished control of the college, and its name was changed to Thomas County Community College. In 1979 the college became nonsectarian and independent, shortening its name in 1986 to Thomas College before gaining university status. Thomas University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs including fifteen master’s degree programs. The University’s mission is to be “the school of choice for students in undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare for successful careers and responsible leadership in a rapidly changing and complex world.” Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University enrolls over 1,000 students and maintains an average student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1.

Program Details

Thomas University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program available 100% online. Designed to prepare students to pass the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam, the program also equips students with the necessary academic requirements to sit for the professional counselor credential in their home state. Offered through the University’s Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), the mission of the Council is to “create a dynamic learning environment that advances the intellectual and personal development goals of our students to work as professionals in the field of rehabilitation and mental health counseling, and to train each student to effectively advocate on behalf of the clients they serve.” A 60-credit hour program, the degree does have practicum and internship requirements. However, these can be completed from a distance wherever the student currently resides. Benefits of the program include one-on-one interaction with academic advisors; interactive experiences and clinical supervision;  opportunities for graduate assistantships and more.

• Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

Admissions

43. Ottawa University – Phoenix

Ottawa University is a private, coeducational, Christian institution of higher education with campuses located in Ottawa, Kansas, Surprise, Arizona and online. Established in 1865, the University traces its heritage back to the work of Baptist missionaries within the Ottawa Indian tribe. The school’s original purpose was to serve as a boarding school which would benefit the “children of the Tribe between the ages of six and eighteen who shall be entitled to be received at such institution, and to be subsisted, clothed, educated, and attended in sickness…to continue so long as any children of the tribe shall present themselves for their exercise.” In lieu of a cash endowment, the Ottawa tribe endowed 20,000 acres of land to be used in support of the new school. Ottawa University continues to have a close relationship with the Ottawa Indians and is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Ottawa comprises the Angell Snyder School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Arts and Sciences. The University’s mission is to prepare “professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity.”

Program Details

Ottawa University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling through its online campus; the program combines online coursework with a residency component held at the University’s Ottawa, Kansas campus during the summer months. Designed to meet the educational requirements held by the states of Arizona and Wisconsin, the program provides eligibility for licensure as an associate counselor. Offered with six concentration options, students can choose to delve into the topics of Addictions Counseling; Christian Counseling; Expressive Arts Therapy; Gerocounseling; Marriage and Family Therapy; or Treatment of Trauma, Abuse, and Deprivation.

• Master of Arts in Counseling

Admissions

42. Lock Haven University

Lock Haven University is a state university located in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania in the central portion of the state. Established in 1870 as a teacher’s college known as the Central State Normal School, Lock Haven currently enrolls nearly 4,000 students (including 355 graduate students) and offers almost 50 undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs in actuarial science, counseling, education, health science, and sports studies. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University comprises three schools, namely the Stephen Poorman College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services, the College of Liberal Arts and Education, and the College of Natural, Behavioral, and Health Sciences. Lock Haven University’s mission is to offer “an excellent and affordable education characterized by a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences for all students, majors in the arts and sciences, and a special emphasis on professional programs.”

Program Details

Lock Haven University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through its Department of Social Work and Clinical Mental Health Counseling which is part of The Stephen Poorman College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services. A CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited program, Lock Haven University’s M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is consistent with the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. The program is also compatible with several other state licensure codes (non-PA residents should inquire into the specific requirements of their state to determine license eligibility). The CMHC program follows a year found schedule (fall, spring, summer) and offers an online delivery format ideal for working adults who require extra flexibility. A 60-credit hour program, students can earn their degree in three years with full-time study or in four-years with part-time enrollment.

• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Admissions

41. University of Houston – Victoria

The University of Houston-Victoria is a public institution of higher education with the main campus in Victoria, Texas. One of the nation’s state colleges and universities, the University of Houston-Victoria’s mission is “to help students succeed.” Its formal mission statement declares, “The University of Houston-Victoria… is dedicated to providing every student educational and leadership opportunities to become a successful professional and an engaged global citizen.” Established in 1973, the institution began as the University of Houston Victoria Center with just 356 enrolled students and 24 faculty members. In 1983 the University was provided permanent status as a degree-granting university by the Texas Legislature and the Center was renamed the University of Houston-Victoria. Today the University offers 70 degree programs and concentration leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Comprising three schools, these include the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, and Education, Health Professions & Human Development.

Program Details

The University of Houston-Victoria offers a Master of Education in either Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Professional School Counseling through the School of Education, Health Professions and Human Development. Designed to provide graduate-level training for students working towards a career in professional counseling within an educational setting, the program’s vision is “to prepare competent practitioners who advocate for their profession and act as agents of personal, family, group, community, and social development.” All of the University of Houston-Victoria’s counseling degree programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which qualifies graduates of the program to take the National Certified Counselor Exam used by most states for LPC (Licensed Professional Counselors) licensure. Students who complete the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track meet the requirements to become LPCs in Texas while students who complete the Professional School counseling track meet the educational requirements for the Professional School Counselor Certificate (K-12).

• Master of Education in Counselor Education

Admissions

40. Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University is a private university located in South Orange, New Jersey. Established in 1865 by the Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley, the University was named for the first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton. A Catholic institution under the Archdiocese of Newark, Seton Hall University is one of the oldest diocesan universities in the United States. Daily masses are held in the University’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, a structure that was dedicated in 1870 and is still considered to be the “Heart of the Campus.” While approximately 70% of students do identify with the Catholic religion, Seton Hall University strives to “meet the spiritual needs of all students, regardless of faith” Significant groups of Jewish, Muslim, Protestant and Buddhist students, among others, are present on the University’s campus. Seton Hall College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs through its nine academic schools and colleges.

Program Details

Seton Hall University offers two online counseling degree programs: the Master of Arts in School Counseling and the Master of Arts/Education Specialist in Professional Counseling. The former program is designed to prepare “competent, socially conscious and reflective counselors for work in ethnically, geographically and socially diverse K-12 educational settings.” A 48-credit hour program, the M.A. in School Counseling is approved by the New Jersey Department of Education and is NCATE accredited. The program includes foundation, counseling and clinical courses and culminates in a school counselor internship. Seton Hall University’s Online Professional Counseling program is combined, 60-credit, Master’s and Education Specialist program. Developed for students seeking careers in professional mental health counseling, the program equips students with skills and models of intervention that are grounded in theory. While offered primarily online, the program does require two on-site residencies which allow students to meet their professors and peers face-to-face.

• Master of Arts in School Counseling
• Master of Arts/Education Specialist in Professional Counseling

Admissions

39. Salem College

Salem College is a private, liberal arts, women’s college located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Established in 1772 as a primary school for girls, Salem College is the oldest continuously operating educational institution for women in the United States. Founded by the Moravian community of Salem, the College takes pride in its history of fostering independence in women. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Salem College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Home to over 1,000 students, including 931 undergraduate students, the College maintains an average student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1. Salem College’s mission is to value students as individuals, to develop their unique potential, and to prepare students to change the world. Committed to three core values, these include offering “Learning Grounded in the Pursuit of Excellence; Learning Grounded in Community, and Learning Grounded in Responsibility to Self and the World.”

Program Details

Salem College offers an online Master of Education in School Counseling program (MEd-SC) designed to prepare “passionate educators who want to make a difference in the lives of students.” A research-driven program, the Med-SC degree program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become licensed school counselors. The program covers a wide range of counseling-related subjects, including advocacy, ethics, legal issues, assessment and evaluation, career counseling, personal development counseling, action research and program management. While most of the degree can be completed at a distance online, internship experiences are required as are two-weekend seminars on Salem College’s campus. The Med-SC program can typically be completed in 36 months and follows a cohort model, in which students progress through the entire program as a group, with new students beginning during the fall semester.

• Master of Education in School Counseling

Admissions

38. Huntington University

Huntington University, located in Huntington, Indiana, is a private, comprehensive, Christian college of the liberal arts. The University’s grounds feature a scenic lakeside view on 160 mostly-wooded acres.  Huntington University has gained a reputation for its quality academics, involved faculty, and vibrant spiritual atmosphere. Affiliated with the United Brethren in Christ denomination, Huntington University was established in 1897 and operates with the mission of developing in students a “commitment to scholarship that is persistent in its pursuit of truth and sensitive to the concerns of the Christian church, the scholarly and educational community, and the world at large.” The University has a total enrollment figure of over 1,000, the majority of whom are undergraduate students, with an average student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

Program Details

Huntington University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling through its Institute for Leadership and Counseling. The program seeks to prepare students holistically through a theoretical breadth and depth of training, “addressing cognition, emotion, behavior, and spirituality.” The mission of the program is to equip students to “deal with presenting symptoms, as well as exploring the underlying issues driving these symptoms.” Offered in both online and onsite formats, the program allows students to pursue licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana (or equivalent licensure requirements for other states). The program’s mission statement continues, “Students will also be encouraged to engage in their own healing and growth process through spiritual formation exercises and group experiences built into the curriculum.” Online students are required to take a 3-day “Personal Development Skills Process Group” intensive on the Huntington campus before the start of their first semester. This intensive experience follows a unique counselor development program which combines dynamic teaching sessions with process groups led by highly-trained faculty members and is designed to allow students to take the information learned to a deeper level, as it relates to their own life and counseling.

• Master of Arts in Counseling

Admissions

37. Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a private research institution of higher education located in Evanston, Illinois on a 240-acre campus. Established in 1850, the University’s mission is to remain “committed to excellent teaching, innovative research and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.” Home to over 21,000 students, including 8,791 undergraduates, the University maintains an average 7 to 1 student to faculty ratio and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its twelve academic colleges and schools. These include the Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences; the School of Communication; the School of Education & Social Policy; the McCormick School of Engineering & Applied Science; the Graduate School; the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications; the Pritzker School of Law; the Kellogg School of Management; the Feinberg School of Medicine; the Bienen School of Music; the School of Professional Studies; and Northwestern University in Qatar.

Program Details

Northwestern University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling through its Family Institute. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the M.A. in Counseling program allows students to “explore the depth and complexities of the psychodynamic perspective” while emphasizing the “centrality of the therapeutic relationships, and the importance of therapist self-reflection.” This program combines innovative teaching with pioneering research and provides a thorough education for students within a highly collaborative environment. The M.A. in Counseling degree program is built on the foundation of two cornerstone experiences – an emphasis on the reflective practitioner and complete immersion in clinical work – that serve to facilitate counselor development. One of the desired outcomes of the program is that students emerge from the program as reflective practitioners who are “capable of an accurate evaluation of their own clinical knowledge and skills.”

• Master of Arts in Counseling

Admissions

36. University of the Southwest

The University of the Southwest is a private, four-year Christian university located in Hobbs, New Mexico. Established in 1962, the University’s mission is to be a “Christ-centered educational community dedicated to developing men and women for a lifetime of servant leadership by emphasizing individual faith, responsibility, and initiative.” Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the non-denominational University offers over 20 undergraduate majors and three graduate degrees with 20 specialization options through its three schools- the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business & Professional Studies, and the School of Education. The University has a total enrollment figure of 1,088, including 530 undergraduate students, and an average student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1.

Program Details

The University of the Southwest offers an online Master of Science in Education (MSED) with concentrations in both School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling. The latter program is offered with both a 48-hour and 60-hour option (as minimum credit hour requirements vary state to state) and is designed to prepare students for licensure as a qualified Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Coursework for this concentration includes “learning and human growth and development, career development/life planning, group work, the helping relationship with children, adults and families, psychoeducational assessment,” and much more. The MSED School Counseling program is a 42-credit, 100% online program designed to prepare students for licensure as a school counselor in primary, elementary, middle, and high school settings. Outcomes of the program include acquiring the knowledge and skills to “focus on the relations and interactions between students and their school environment for the expressed purpose of reducing the effect of environmental and institutional barriers that impede student academic success; ensure access to a rigorous education for all; provide an atmosphere where all students can learn,” and more.

• Master of Science in Education – School Counseling
• Master of Science in Education – Mental Health Counseling

Admissions

35. Hampton University

Hampton University is a private, comprehensive institution of higher education located in Hampton, Virginia on a 314-acre campus nestled along the banks of the Virginia Peninsula, near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Established in 1868, the University began as the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. As a historically black institution, Hampton University is firmly committed to multiculturalism and serves students from diverse national, cultural and economic backgrounds; among the University’s total enrollment figure of 4,619 are representatives from five continents, including North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, and even more countries. Hampton University’s motto is, “The Standard of Excellence, An Education for Life.” With a major focus on research and public service, the University’s is “dedicated to the promotion of learning, building of character and preparation of promising students for positions of leadership and service.” Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, professional, and doctoral levels, Hampton University comprises seven schools. These include the Schools of Business, Engineering and Technology, Liberal Arts & Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, Science, Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, and the University College.

Program Details

Hampton University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a General Counseling concentration. A 31-credit hour program, the course length is 16 weeks, and financial aid is available to qualified applicants. The General Counseling concentration is designed to offer foundational curriculum and coursework in counseling; it may be used for certification in Virginia as a Qualified Mental Health Provider. A two-year program, specific courses include the Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy; Identity, Ethics and Legal Aspects of Counseling; Community Mental Health and Welfare Services, and more.

• Master of Arts in Counseling

Admissions

34. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public, coeducational, research university located in Grand Forks, North Dakota in a vibrant college town of 50,000. The flagship university of the North Dakota University System, the University of North Dakota (abbreviated UND) is the state’s oldest and largest institution of higher education; the University has gained a reputation for scholarship and research within the fields of health sciences, energy and environment, aerospace, and entrepreneurship. One of only 47 public universities in the nation with accredited graduate schools of law and medicine, UND offers more than 225 fields of study, including 40 online degree programs, which is more than any other higher education institution in the state. Approximately 15,000 students are enrolled, and the University’s mission is to serve “the state, the country, and the world community through teaching, research, creative activities, and service.”

Program Details

The University of North Dakota offers a Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in K-12 School Counseling. The program’s mission is to prepare individuals to promote the academic, career, personal and social development of K-12 students, completion of the program leads to eligibility for the state department of education licensure in North Dakota as a school counselor (this eligibility for licensure is also compatible in other individual states). A 50-credit hour program, the degree typically takes 2.5 years to complete with full-time study. Classes are held in the evening online as Live Interactive Classes allowing students and professors to meet together. Two four-day on-campus stints are required (equaling four visits total), and all students are offered in-state tuition regardless of their residency. Outcomes of the program include the ability to “help students evaluate their abilities, talents, and personalities to develop realistic academic and career goals;” to “develop, implement and evaluate high quality, comprehensive school counseling programs;” and to effectively teach students necessary life skills.

• Master’s in Counseling

Admissions

33. Grace College and Theological Seminary

Grace College and Theological Seminary is a private, evangelical Christian institution of higher education located in Winona Lake, Indiana on a 180-acre campus. Established in 1948, Grace College is committed to emphasizing a biblical worldview in all of its programs and classes, stating “we… teach our students to own their faith and to recognize Scripture as the inerrant and inspired Word of God.” The College’s mission statement declares, “Grace College is an evangelical Christian community of higher education which applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence and preparing for service. Grace Theological Seminary is a learning community dedicated to teaching, training and transforming the whole person for the local church and global ministry.” Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Grace College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including over 70 undergraduate majors, four graduate degrees, and programs geared towards adult learners through the School of Professional & Online Education (SPOE). In addition to these, the Theological Seminary portion of the College offers its own selection of master’s and doctoral degrees.

Program Details:

Grace College Online (the online division of Grace College & Theological Seminary) offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the 60-credit hour program was developed in 2010. While the majority of the coursework can be completed entirely online, a seven-to-ten day residency is required on the College’s scenic Winona Lake campus. Grace College’s online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is “committed to Scripture as the foundation for truth with a complementary understanding of the truths in psychology and social sciences.” In addition, the program is also committed to developing the professional and interpersonal skills necessary to become a competent counselor. Specific courses include Theological Foundations in Counseling; Personality/Counseling; Psychopathology; Counseling Skills; Addictions Counseling, and much more.

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Admissions

32. Auburn University

Auburn University is a public research university located in Auburn, Alabama. Originally founded in 1872 as the East Alabama Male College under the Morrill Act, the college was the first land-grant institution established in the south and became co-educational in 1892. Today Auburn University has a total enrollment figure of over 28,000 and offers more than 100 degree programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Agriculture; College of Architecture, Design, and Construction; Raymond J. Harbert College of Business; College of Education; Samuel Ginn College of Engineering; School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences; College of Human Sciences; College of Liberal Arts; School of Nursing; College of Sciences and Mathematics; and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, The University also offers several programs which may be earned 100% online or in a blend of on-campus and online delivery methods.

Program Details

Auburn University offers a Master of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program with an online option through the University’s College of Education’s Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling. A 60-credit hour program, the degree is designed to train students for work in State/Federal, private and nonprofit rehabilitation agencies and prepares students for certification and licensure. While offered primarily online, the program does require that students be on campus one week each semester, generally during the first or second week of the semester. This week on-location allows students to interact face-to-face with their professors and provides an opportunity to accomplish parts of the program that are difficult to do from a distance. It is vital that students are comfortable learning and using different technology (both hardware and software) to complete the clinical requirements of the Master of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program.

• Master of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

Admissions

31. University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is a state-funded, coeducational, comprehensive university located on the beautiful Bayou DeSiard on a 238-acre tree-shaded campus in Monroe, Louisiana. Founded in 1931, the University of Louisiana at Monroe seeks to offer “high quality educational and experiential opportunities to meet the academic, cultural, vocational, social, and personal needs of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students.” The University’s mission is to “seek students who find value in our programs and prepare them to compete, succeed, and contribute to an ever-changing global society through transformative education.” The University maintains an average 21 to 1 student to faculty ratio and enrolls over 9,100 students annually, including 1,260 graduate students. The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges; these include the College of Arts, Education & Sciences, College of Business and Social Science, and the College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The University of Louisiana has been offering online programs for Adult Learners since 2003 and currently provides 33 100% online programs (including one hybrid program) ranging from Associates to Doctorates. Each online program follows the same course content as its on-campus counterpart and courses are scheduled into 4-, 8- and 16-week formats.

Program Details

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a Master of Science in Counseling degree program through the University’s School of Health Profession (SHP). Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the program meets or exceeds national standards for counseling programs. The M.S. in Counseling is available with two degree concentration options in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling or a combination of the two. The mission of both concentration programs is to “create a supportive and collaborative environment for students from diverse backgrounds and cultures to acquire knowledge, attitudes, and skills essential in the practice of counseling.”

• Master of Science in Counseling

Admissions

30. Mercy College

Mercy College is a private, coeducational and nonsectarian institution located on a 66-acre main campus in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Established in 1950, the College offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs (including 40 online programs) and is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Comprised of five schools, these include the School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Health and Natural Sciences, School of Liberal Arts, and the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy College is “committed to connecting students with the world.” The College’s mission is “to provide educational access for traditional and nontraditional students.” This mission statement continues, “Mercy challenges each of its undergraduate and graduate students to exceed their personal and intellectual expectations.”

Program Details

Mercy College offers a Master of Science in Counseling through the College’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Designed for both full- and part-time students, the program is offered at a number of locations as well as online. Designed to prepare students to work in a school setting as a school counselor, the M.S. in Counseling qualifies students who complete school internships to receive a New York State certification. The degree program is available with specialization options, including, Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling and Bilingual Extension; and Advanced Certificates in Alcohol/Substance Abuse Counseling and in Retirement Counseling (CASAC). A 48-credit hour program, the program includes core courses in Counseling and Ethics; Human Development; Diagnostic Tools; Research Methodology among others. Outcomes of the program include the ability to “define, explain, and apply counseling, assessment, advocacy, prevention, and intervention techniques to assist students;” to “identify and explain the impact of cultural diversity on counseling techniques;” and to “meet identified professional and ethical standards required to work as a school counselor in New York State.”

• Master of Science in Counseling

Admissions

29. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a private Christian institution of higher education located in Riverside, California. Affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, the University was founded in 1950. Set on a scenic 160-acre main campus located in the heart of the historic Magnolia Avenue district of Riverside, the campus is just a short drive away from both beaches and mountain resorts. California Baptist University’s mission is to help “students understand and engage this purpose by providing a Christ-centered educational experience that integrates academics with spiritual and social development opportunities.” Among the University’s values is the belief that “each person has been created for a purpose. California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and offers 76 undergraduate majors, over 30 master’s degrees, and three doctoral programs. Comprising several colleges and schools, these include the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Behavioral and Social Sciences; College of Engineering; College of Health Science; College of Nursing; School of Business; School of Christian Ministries; School of Education; and the School of Music.

Program Details

California Baptist University offers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology that is available in an online format. A 62-credit hour program, average completion time is 24 months. This program is “designed to prepare students to enter the field of either marriage and family therapy or professional clinical counseling with a firm understanding of psychological science from a distinctly Christian worldview.” The program prepares graduates to “assess and treat individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing relational difficulties,” and it meets the current requirements for licensure as either a marriage and family therapist or licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California.

• Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

Admissions

28. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is Alabama’s flagship university, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The state’s first public college, the University was Alabama (abbreviated UA) was established in 1831. The University strives to offer excellence in teaching, service, and resource, and has earned the nickname of “The Capstone of Higher Education.” UA’s formal mission is to “advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the state, the nation, and the world through the creation, translation and dissemination of knowledge with an emphasis on quality programs in the areas of teaching, research and service.” Offering nearly 200 degree programs, UA is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Program Details

University of Alabama offers two online master’s degrees in counseling, the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and the Master of Science in Consumer Sciences: Family Financial Planning and Counseling. The M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling program is available 100% online and requires 60 credit hours. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Rehabilitation Counseling program equips students to be prepared to offer encouragement and support to clients with disabilities and their families. UA’s M.S. in Consumer Sciences with a focus on Family Financial Planning and Counseling is also available 100% online and requires 30 credit hours. Accredited by the Board of Standards for Certified Financial Planners, this program prepares students to sit for the CFP certification after graduation. Outcomes of the program include the ability to “help families to understand the world of finance and make informed decisions regarding their financial goals;” to “develop a more holistic approach to financial planning;” and to work in a variety of financial planning areas including insurance companies, financial planning firms, and family service agencies.

• Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
• Master of Science in Consumer Sciences: Family Financial Planning and Counseling

Admissions

27. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University is a private, coeducational university located in Lakewood, Colorado. Established in 1914, the University’s mission is to cultivate “knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world.” Its vision is to produce graduates “who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world.” Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Colorado Christian University (abbreviated CCU) offers more than 100 degree programs, through its two colleges, the College of Undergraduate Studies and the College of Adult and Graduate Studies. CCU is a member of several notable organizations including the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Program Details

Colorado Christian University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling through its College of Adult and Graduate Studies. A rigorous program that combines coursework, experiential learning, and mentoring relationships, the M.A. in Counseling is designed to equip students to become professional counselors who are culturally responsive. Nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the program meets the professional standards upheld by the accrediting body and prepares students to take the National Counselors Exam (the clinical mental health licensure exam for the state of Colorado and several other states). A 60-credit hour program, classes are typically completed in 7-week blocks and coursework can be completed in 2 ½ years of intensive study. A distinctly Christian program, CCU’s M.A. in Counseling program is built upon a “Christian framework that encompasses every aspect of the curriculum.”

• Master of Arts in Counseling

Admissions

26. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive Christian institution located in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the University comprises several schools and a college, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, the Carver School of Social Work, the School of Music, the School of Nursing, and the School of Theology. Campbellsville University’s mission is to prepare “students as Christian servant leaders for life-long learning, continued scholarship, and active participation in a diverse, global society.” Built upon four core values, the University’s goals are to “foster academic excellence; to provide an environment conducive for student success; to value diverse perspectives within a Christ-centered community, and to model servant leadership and effective stewardship.”

Program Details

Campbellsville University offers a Master of Arts in Education in School Guidance Counseling (P-12) available in an online format. An ideal program for teachers interested in advancing their career in the area of guidance counseling, the online format allows adult students to balance education with busy schedules. The curriculum covers the topics of cultural competency, group counseling, college readiness, and substance abuse. A 48-credit hour program, the coursework for the M.A. in Education School Guidance Counseling can be completed in as little as 18 months. Internships in School Counseling are required as part of the program. Campbellsville University strives to offer real-world preparation by helping students develop the necessary skills and tools to be “a voice for change and growth in today’s educational environment.” Benefits of the University’s School Guidance Counseling program include access to dedicated support staff; lessons that are taught by experienced guidance counselors; and courses that “reach beyond teaching methods and into advanced counseling theory and strategies for connecting with students.”

• Master of Arts in Education in School Guidance Counseling

Admissions

25. University of Massachusetts – Boston

The University of Massachusetts Boston (abbreviated UMass Boston) is a public research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. A member of the University of Massachusetts System, UMass Boston was founded in 1964 by the Massachusetts Legislature as an answer to the social upheaval of the day, urban unrest and the rapidly increasing demand for higher education. UMass Boston is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc, and comprises several colleges and schools. These include the College of Advancing and Professional Studies, College of Education and Human Development, College of Liberal Arts, College of Management, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of Public and Community Service, College of Science and Mathematics, Honors College, McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, and the School for the Environment.

Program Details

The University of Massachusetts-Boston offers three online master’s degrees in counseling: the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, and the Master of Education in School Counseling. All three programs are offered through the University’s College of Advancing and Professional Studies, and all are available 100% online. The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit hour program which meets the academic requirements for licensure in the state of Massachusetts as a Mental Health Counselor. The M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling is also a 60 credit hour program and is offered through the School for Global and Social Development (which is under the umbrella of the College for Advancing and Professional Studies) and is nationally accredited through the Council on Rehabilitation Education. The M.Ed. in School Counseling is available through the College’s Department of Counseling and School Psychology and meets the academic requirements for licensure in the state of Massachusetts as a School Guidance Counselor.

• Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
• Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
• Master of Education in School Counseling

24. Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University is a comprehensive regional public university located in Magnolia, Arkansas. Established in 1909, the University began as the Third District Agricultural School (TDAS). Elevated to a junior college in 1925, in 1951 the college became a four-year institution and was renamed Southern State College. In 1976 the college gained university status and adopted its current name. Southern Arkansas University’s mission “is to educate students for productive and fulfilling lives in a global environment by providing opportunities for intellectual growth, individual enrichment, skill development, and meaningful career preparation.” Its vision is to be “a quality, comprehensive, regional University expanding accessible and transformational learning experiences.” Comprising four colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, the University offers 80 degrees and has a total enrollment of over 4,000 with an average 17 to 1 student to teacher ratio.

Program Details

Southern Arkansas University offers three online master’s degrees in counseling, specifically the Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling, the Master of Education in School Counseling and the Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Affairs. All three programs are offered through the University’s College of Education, and all are expected to take approximately three years to complete. Available on-campus and online, the Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health and Clinical Counseling is designed to provide graduate-level training in clinical and developmental counseling. The M.Ed. in School Counseling is also available either on-campus or online as well as in a hybrid (combination of the two) format. An add-on K-12 Licensure is open to students who currently hold a valid Arkansas teaching license. Last of all, the M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Affairs is designed to “prepare individuals for professional counseling and administrative positions in student services departments at a college or university.” This program is available in hybrid, on-campus, and online formats and requires 51 credit hours.

• Master of Education in School Counseling
• Master of Education in Student Affairs and College Counseling
• Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling

Admissions

23. Concordia University

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private liberal arts college located in suburban Mequon, Wisconsin. Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the University is a member of the Concordia University System. Over 7,700 total students are enrolled, including nearly 4,000 undergraduates, and the University maintains an average student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1. Comprising several schools, these include the Schools of Arts and Science, the Batterman School of Business, Education, Health Professions, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Through these schools, Concordia University Wisconsin offers more than 75 undergraduate majors, over 40 master’s programs, and four doctorate/professional degrees. The University’s commitment is to “helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the World.” Built upon the values of Christ-Centered, Truth & Integrity, Excellence, and Service, The vision of Concordia University Wisconsin is “to be well known nationally and internationally as a premier Lutheran Christian university, widely recognized for the meaningful integration of faith and learning.”

Program Details

Concordia University Wisconsin offers a Master of Science in Education in Counseling program offered with two concentrations: School Counseling (Licensed & Non-Licensed) and Professional Counseling. This program is designed to “prepare school and professional counselors for a life of service in the field of counseling.” Graduates of this program have gone on to work in private and public schools we well as in agencies and communities. The Program seeks to equip and inspire students to serve as Christian servant-leaders and to “pursue integrity and excellence in the delivery of educational services within the professional and lifelong learning throughout the world.” This degree may be earned on-campus, off-site or online; online classes are taught in 8-week sessions. Outcomes of the program include the ability to “design, implement, and evaluate counseling programs;” to integrate faith with counseling skills; to incorporate personal theories into work, and to “assist with career development and career counseling.”

• Master of Science in Education – Counseling

Admissions

22. The University of Tennessee Martin

The University of Tennessee Martin is a public, coeducational institution of higher education located in Martin, Tennessee. One of five campuses within the University of Tennessee System, the University’s primary purpose is “to provide a quality undergraduate education in a traditional collegiate atmosphere characterized at all levels by close collaboration among students, faculty, and staff.” This mission statement continues, “In addition, the university is dedicated to meeting lifelong educational needs by providing graduate programs, distance-learning opportunities, and other creative endeavors. Furthermore, the university is committed to advancing the regional and global community through scholarly activities, research, and public service.” The University comprises several colleges and academic departments, offering over 100 areas of study within 17 undergraduate degree programs as well as five graduate degrees with 17 specialized concentrations. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University has a total enrollment figure of 6,705 with an average student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1.

Program Details

The University of Tennessee Martin offers an online Master of Science in Education degree in Counseling with three separate concentrations: School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health, and School Counseling Endorsement. These programs prepare students to earn their license as either a Clinical Mental health Counselor or a School Counselor. Each program is designed to equip “professional educators as leaders and enhancers of human development.” The concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires an internship and includes courses such as Growth and Development Across the Lifespan; Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling; Theory and Techniques of Counseling; Mental Health and Psychopathology; Clinical Mental health Counseling and more. The concentration in School Counseling includes several of the same courses as well as Group Dynamics, Principles of Crisis Intervention, and Organization and Administration of School Counseling Programs. The School Counseling concentration with an Endorsement features courses such as Multicultural Issues in Counseling and includes an Internship in both Secondary and Elementary Counseling.

• Master’s in Counseling

21. Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University is a private, evangelical Christian institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its several academic divisions, including Graduate Divisions in Business, Counseling, Education, Health & Sports Sciences, Humanities, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. Dedicated to offering flexibility to all students, Missouri Baptist University operates multiple extension sites plus an online campus and offers several different options so that students can fit education into their lives and schedules. Classes start every eight weeks, allowing new students to begin their studies almost immediately. The University’s core purpose is “To teach, empower, and inspire students for service and lifelong learning.” Its mission statement declares, “The University seeks to prepare students who are motivated by ideals of service for effective performance in careers which are appropriate to the Christian commitment of Missouri Baptist University.” With a total enrollment figure of 5,732, including over 1,000 graduate students, the University maintains an average student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1.

Program Details

Missouri Baptist University offers an Online Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA-SC). This program is designed to equip students with the Missouri Certification requirements for guidance counselors serving in elementary and secondary school settings. Potential careers for graduates of the MA-SC include school counselor, mentor, and church staff member. Designed to meet the lifestyle and needs of professional adults, the program offers flexible scheduling options, and the entire program can be completed in an estimated 24-36 months. Taught from a biblical perspective from exclusively Christian faculty members, the program includes courses such as Foundations of School Counseling, Counseling Skills & Techniques, Substance Abuse Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Advanced Human Development and more.

• Master of Arts in School Counseling

Admissions

20. Amridge University

Amridge University is a private, Christian institution of higher education located in Montgomery, Alabama. Founded in 1967, Amridge University has been a leader in online education as distance learning is and has been the primary instructional delivery method for all its programs. The University focuses on offering exceptional support to students from their “first point of inquiry” all the way through completion of their academic program. The University’s mission is “to prepare men and women, through a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual vitality at the undergraduate and graduate levels, for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service to the professions, society, church, and family.” Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Amridge University comprises three colleges and three schools.

Program Details

Amridge University offers two online master’s degrees in counseling, the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and the Master of Divinity in Professional Counseling. The former program is designed for professionals and prepares students for licensure in Professional Counseling in their resident state. The Master of Divinity in Professional Counseling program differs slightly in that it is geared toward individuals who plan to enter or continue careers in full-time ministry. The program also prepares students for licensure as a Professional Counselor. Both programs do require practicums and clinicals and students, not Amridge University, are responsible for making arrangements for their practicum and clinical experience and courses. During their clinical training, students in both programs are required to accumulate a minimum of 500 hours of client contact, supervised by an additional 100 hours with an approved supervisor. Both programs share many of the same outcomes and goals including the ability to “apply knowledge and skills in therapy which can be applied in church settings or other professional settings; prepare for licensure as a Professional Counselor; [and] practice counseling through comprehensive Clinical Training.”

• Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
• Master of Divinity in Professional Counseling

Admissions

19. Clarks Summit University of Pennsylvania

Clarks Summit University is a private, coeducational institution of higher education affiliated with the Independent Baptist denomination. Located in South Abington Township, Pennsylvania in the foothills of the Endless Mountains, Clarks Summit University (formerly known as the Baptist Bible College & Seminary) began in 1932 and was initially located in Johnson City, New York. Today the University offers a wide range of programs through its undergraduate and graduate departments as well as the Baptist Bible Seminary. A fully accredited institution, Clarks Summit University is accredited by both the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). The University’s mission is to serve “undergraduate, graduate and seminary students by preparing them for lives of significant service for the cause of Jesus Christ in a variety of ministries and careers.” More than 700 students are currently enrolled, including approximately 500 undergraduate students, and the University maintains an average 10 to 1 student to faculty ratio.

Program Details

Clarks Summit University offers a 60-credit, online Master of Science in Counseling degree. Geared towards students interested in professional, entry-level ministry careers that require state licensure, this program emphasizes a “biblical counseling model while equipping students for state licensure or doctoral work in the fields of counseling or psychology.” The degree is available with several specialization tracks including Addictions, General Counseling, Hospital Chaplaincy, Marriage and Family, Mental and Mood Disorders, and Therapeutic Recreation. The program’s 60 credits are divided into 48 credits of required coursework and 12 credits of elective courses. The Master of Science in Counseling degree does require that three courses be completed on campus. However, all other classes are offered 100% online in eight-week sessions. The three courses that do require residency are offered as one-week modules during the summer.

• Master of Science in Counseling

Admissions

18. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The University began in 1964 as the Nova University of Advanced Technology. NSU was chartered as a graduate institution in the physical and social science. Eventually, more programs were added, and in 1994 the University merged with Southeastern University of Health Sciences to form Nova Southeastern University. Today NSU is classified as a research university with the “highest research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University’s mission “is to offer a diverse array of innovative academic programs that complement on-campus educational opportunities and resources with accessible distance learning programs to foster academic excellence, intellectual inquiry, leadership, research, and commitment to community through engagement of students and faculty members in a dynamic, lifelong learning environment.” NSU offers 150 degrees including 50 undergraduate majors and 80 master’s and doctoral programs through its several colleges and schools.

Program Details

Nova Southeastern University offers a Master of Science in Counseling degree program through its College of Psychology. An “innovative academic program,” the M.S. in Counseling degree is designed to meet the needs of working professionals who are seeking to enter the field of counseling or are already actively involved. Offered with multiple concentration options, these include a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration (60 credit hours); School Counseling concentration (48 credit hours); Substance Abuse Counseling concentration (48 credit hours) or Substance Abuse Counseling and Education concentration (60 credit hours); and an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration (51 required credit hours). Available in an online format to offer more convenience and flexibility for busy students, the program is offered in partnership with the Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB) Electronic Campus.

• Master of Science in Counseling

Admissions

17. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, an institution within the Texas Tech University system, is located in Amarillo, Texas. The Center (which is abbreviated TTUHSC) began operations with the School of Medicine in 1972 and has been impacting the health of West Texas and its surrounding areas for nearly 40 years. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, TTUHSC has trained over 10,000 health care professionals and currently meets the health care needs of over 2.5 million individuals living throughout the 108-county area surrounding Amarillo. Comprising several schools, these include the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Professions, School of Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing, and the School of Pharmacy.

Program Details

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers three online master’s degrees in counseling through its School of Health Professions: a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling, a Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The latter program equips students to become mental health counselors who can offer treatment and support to individuals and their families who deal with a range of behavioral health concerns. A 60 credit hour program, the program’s training is offered in congruent with requirements of the CACREP. The Center’s Master of Science in Addiction Counseling is currently seeking CACREP accreditation and is designed to train practitioners in clinical counseling skills and distance service provision techniques. Lastly, the Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling is a program that equips students with the awareness and skills to focus on the whole person, working one-on-one to assist individuals dealing with physical, emotional or learning disabilities. This program meets the CORE standard and seeks to provide “a practitioner training program focused on the unique needs of diverse communities.”  

• Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
• Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Admissions

16. Amberton University

Amberton University is a private, Christian institution of higher education designed “exclusively for the mature, working adult.” Located in Garland, Texas, the University is committed to meeting the unique and specific needs and lifestyles of adult learners through on-campus and distance education programs. Established as an extension campus of Abilene Christian University in 1971, attention was soon turned to offering educational programs which would cater to working adults. In 1981, after gaining accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the school became a separate and distinct institution from Abilene Christian University and adopted the named Amber University. In 2001 its present name of Amberton University was chosen. A nondenominational Christian institution, Amberton University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates and is “committed to Christian values, both in its conduct of business and in its educational philosophy.” Its mission statement continues, “This commitment to Christian ethics enables the University to provide its students with a stability of values and a value system.”

Program Details

Amberton University offers a Master of Science in Family Studies with a Specialization in Christian Counseling. An interdisciplinary program, this degree combines the fields of Christian Counseling and Human Behavior Development. With its emphasis on family life education, the program seeks to equip students with crisis management skills for family enrichment. Possible careers for graduates include social service agencies, parent education programs, juvenile services, religious institutions, day care facilities, foster care programs, and retirement/assisted living facilities. A 36-credit hour program, the degree is offered in a distance learning format, making it convenient, flexible, and accessible for all students. Nine credit hours are required for the Christian Counseling Specialization, covering the topics of Christian Counseling, Family Life Ministry, and Practical Experience Christian Counseling.

• Master of Science in Family Studies: Christian Counseling

Admissions

15. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas is a premier learner-focused, public, comprehensive university located in Conway Arkansas. Established in 1907 as the Arkansas State Normal School, in 1975, less than 70 years after its founding, the University adopted its current name to reflect its expanded scope and program offerings. Today the University’s mission is to serve as “a leader in 21st-century higher education,” and is “committed to excellence through the delivery of outstanding undergraduate and graduate education that remains current and responsive to the diverse needs of those it serves.”  Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University offers over 150 degree and certificate programs including 84 undergraduate degrees, 32 master’s degrees, and 7 doctoral programs. Comprising multiple colleges and a Graduate School, these include the College of Business, College of Education, College of Fine Arts & Communication, College of Health & Behavioral Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and the Schedler Honors College.

Program Details

The University of Central Arkansas a single online master’s in counseling degree, namely the Master of Science degree in School Counseling (SCCN). Approved by the Arkansas Department of Education, this program is designed to “prepare individuals for school counseling programs in K-12 settings and as members of school leadership teams.” The program is offered in two tracks: an Add-On Track designed for individuals who already hold a valid Arkansas teaching license and an Initial License Track for individuals who do not have their teaching license. Primarily offered online, the program does have both practicum and internship requirements which must be completed at the University of Central Arkansas. Required courses include 48 semester credit hours worth of work and include courses in Foundations of School Counseling; Development Guidance; Educational Assessment and Measurement; Individual and Group Counseling in the K-20 Education Environment; School-Based Organizational Leadership, and more.

• Master of Science in School Counseling

Admissions

14. Faulkner University

Faulkner University is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in Montgomery, Alabama. Established in 1942, the University’s mission is “to provide an education anchored by not only intellect but also character and service, the Faulkner experience aims to educate the whole person.” The University comprises several colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Biblical Studies, the College of Education, the College of Business and Executive Education, and Faulkner Law which is one of only 3 ABA-accredited law schools in Alabama. Faulkner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers over 70-degree programs, including fifteen graduate degrees and seven online programs. With a total enrollment figure of 3,319, including 2,582 undergraduate students, Faulkner University maintains an average student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1.

Program Details

Faulkner University offers two online master’s degrees, the Master of Science in Counseling and Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Family Ministries. The former program is designed for professionals seeking a new credential to support their counseling career. A 61-credit hour program, the Master’s in Counseling is offered in a hybrid format, providing students with the convenience of online learning combined with the accountability and access of a traditional classroom. The M.A. in Christian Counseling and Family Ministry is an interdisciplinary program that includes five family studies courses offered through the Kearley Graduate School of Theology and seven counseling courses from the Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences. This program is geared towards church workers who are not seeking licensure, but whose goal is to provide ministerial counsel and family guidance.

• Master of Science in Counseling
• Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Family Ministries

Admissions

13. Edinboro University

Edinboro University is a public, regional, comprehensive university located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Established in 1857, the University began as a private training school for teachers and has since grown to be the largest and most comprehensive institution of higher education in the northwestern Pennsylvania region. The University offers over 100 areas of academic study and comprises Porreco College, the School of Graduate Studies and Research, the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Health Professions, the School of Business, and the School of Education. The University’s mission is “to develop students personally, intellectually and professionally to become contributing citizens to the Commonwealth and beyond.” Its vision is to be the first choice among students, employers, and the community.”

Program Details

Edinboro University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling degree program through its School of Graduate Studies and Research. An award-winning program, it is designed to prepare students for careers in several counseling areas. The program’s mission is to “enhance the intellectual, cultural, social and ethical development of graduate students.” To achieve this end, the program emphasizes the integration of theory, research and practice. Offered with several concentrations, areas of emphasis include including Art Therapy (approved by the National Association of School of Art and Design [NASAD] Commission on Education); Clinical Mental Health (accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs [CACREP]); College Counseling (also accredited by the CAREP); Clinical Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (accredited by Council on Rehabilitation Education [CORE]), and School Counseling (accredited by CACREP). The concentrations in Art Therapy, College Counseling, and School Therapy are available entirely online.

• Master of Arts in Counseling

Admissions

12. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (abbreviated SAGU) is a private, coeducational, Christian institution of higher education located in Waxahachie, Texas. Affiliated with the Assemblies of God, the University came into existence when three Bible Schools came together to create the Southwestern Bible Institute. The Assemblies of God denomination gained ownership of the school in 1954, and in 1994 the University’s current name was adopted. SAGU is dedicated to the core values of Bible-based Education; Pentecostal Distinction; Spiritual Formation; Academic Excellence; Missions-mindedness; Servant Leadership; and Community and Personal Wellness. Its mission is “to equip students spiritually, academically, professionally, and cross-culturally for their God-given careers and callings.” SAGU offers a wide range of programs through its three colleges and schools: the College of Bible of Church Ministries, College of Business & Education, and the College of Music & Communication Arts.

Program Details

Southwestern Assemblies of God University offers three online master’s degrees in counseling: the Master of Counseling Psychology, the Master of Education in School Counseling, and the Master of Human Services Counseling. The latter program (M.S. in Human Service Counseling) is a non-clinical degree that prepares students to serve in human service agencies and institutions. It should be noted that this program is not designed for individuals seeking licensure in counseling; graduates often serve in a church, para-church, and community programs as caseworkers, intake specialists, and other assistance-type roles. SAGU’s Master’s in Counseling Psychology program prepares students for careers in professional counseling with a biblically-based view of humankind. Courses delve into topics such as addictions counseling, crisis intervention, marriage and family counseling, ethical and legal issues in practical management, and more. Last, but not least, SAGU’s M.Ed. in School Counseling is designed to equip individuals who are eager to help struggling students who battle emotional, physical, intellectual, and social issues.

• Master of Counseling Psychology
• Master of Education in School Counseling
• Master of Human Services Counseling

Admissions

11. Lamar University

Lamar University is a public institution of higher education located in Beaumont, Texas on a 292-acre campus 90 miles east of Houston and 25 miles west of Louisiana. A member of the Texas State University System, Lamar University began in 1923 as South Park Junior College. This name was changed in 1932 to Lamar College in honor of Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas who was known as the “Father of Education” in Texas. In 1951 the College became a state-supported four-year institution known as Lamar State College of Technology, and in 1995 the institution joined the Texas State University System. Designated a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers over 100 programs of study.

Program Details

Lamar University offers a Master of Education with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through its College of Education and Human Development. This is a 60-hour program that is designed to “prepare professionals to provide clinical counseling services to a broad population of clients in a range of professional settings (e.g., clinics, hospitals, school-based mental health programs, and private practice).” A bachelor’s degree is required for admittance into the program which is primarily geared towards students interested in careers in clinical mental health counseling. This program is CACREP accredited (The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). Specific courses include topics such as Human Growth & Development, Counseling Skills, Group Counseling Theory/Technique, Multicultural Counseling, Professionalism Ethics & Law, and many more. Practicum and Internship requirements include 40 clock hours of direct service and 60 indirect hours with clients (practicum) as well as 120 clock hours of direct service and 180 indirect hours with actual clients (internship).

• Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Admissions

10. Regent University

Regent University is a private Christian institution of higher education, located on a 70-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Established in 1978 by Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, the university’s chancellor, Regent’s mission is to serve as “a center for Christian thought and action to provide excellent education through a biblical perspective and global context equipping Christian leaders to change the world.” Regent University is currently the fastest growing school in the nation with over 20% growth in the last few years and is one of the leading academic centers in the nation for “Christian thought and action.” With a total enrollment figure of more than 10,000, Regent boasts a 19 to 1 student to faculty ratio and offers more than 120 graduate and undergraduate fields of study available both on campus and online.

Program Details

Regent University offers four online master’s degree programs specific to counseling, namely the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling, and the Master of Arts in School Counseling. Offered through Regent University’s School of Psychology and Counseling, each program is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and three of the programs (M.A. in School Counseling, M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling, and M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling) are also accredited by the CACREP (The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). A leader in online education, Regent University has been recognized for its exceptional standards for online education and is one of only 25 institutions in the United States to receive an “A” rating by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
• Master of Arts in School Counseling

Admissions

9. Angelo State University

Angelo State University (abbreviated ASU) is a public institution of higher education located in San Angelo, Texas. A member of the Texas Tech University System, the University began in 1928 and operates with the mission of delivering “undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.” Its mission statement continues, “In a learning-centered environment distinguished by its integration of teaching, research, creative endeavor, service, and co-curricular experiences, ASU prepares students to be responsible citizens and to have productive careers.” Home to over 10,000 students, ASU comprises six colleges, including the Archer College of Health and Human Services, the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Graduate Studies and Research, and the College of Science and Engineering.  A Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), ASU has also been designated a Military Friendly School and has been named in G.I. Jobs magazine every year since 2010.

Program Details

Angelo State University offers two master’s degrees in counseling, the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and the Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling. Both programs are offered through the University’s College of Graduate Studies and Research, and both are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology prepares students to become licensed professional counselors or licensed psychological associates and requires 60-semester-credit hours. A bachelor’s degree is necessary though no specific major is required for admission into the program. ASU’s Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling program prepares individuals for careers as public school counselors, college and university counselors, and other counseling positions. Offered in 8-week courses, 100% online, a minimum of 36 semester credit hours are required for the Professional Certificate of School Counselors exam.

• Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling
• Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

Admissions

8. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located in Bellevue, Nebraska. A recognized national leader when it comes to preparing students for “lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills” while keeping costs affordable, Bellevue University focuses on providing adult education and offers 80 degrees in high growth career fields. The University’s mission is to actively engage “students in earning awards and degrees that prepare them to thrive in a connected, competitive world.” Its mission statement continues, “We provide students with a powerful foundation for personal value creation, instilling the confidence they need to take control of their lives and to be responsible citizens of the global community. We teach the value of a free market, capitalist economic system and the importance of preserving our American heritage of a democratic and free way of life.”

Program Details

Bellevue University offers two online master’s degrees in counseling, specifically the Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling. Institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission through the U.S. Department of Education, the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling is also accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). This program is modeled on national licensing standards and is designed to prepare students for the national licensing exam for mental health counselors. A licensure-track program, the Master’s in Clinical Counseling lasts 60-credit hours and includes 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of clinical internship. Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology degree concentrates on the “scientific study of human behavior in the workplace.” Offered in an online accelerated cohort format, students progress through the program together as a group. Benefits of the cohort model include shared experiences, diverse perspectives of peers in the group, and access to the professional experience and expertise of Bellevue University’s faculty members.

• Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Master of Science in Clinical Counseling

Admissions

7. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama is a public, state-supported, co-educational institution of higher learning located in Livingston, Alabama. Established in 1835, the University was chartered as Livingston Female Academy, a church-supported school for young women. In 1907 the State assumed full control of the school, and in 1929 it was renamed State Teachers College. This name was again changed in 1957 when it became Livingston State College and yet again in 1995 when its current name was adopted. Today the University enrolls an estimated 5,000, including over 2,800 online students. Comprising several colleges, these include the College of Business and Technology, the College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Division of Nursing, and the School of Graduate Studies.

Program Details

The University of West Alabama offers five online masters in counseling degrees online through its internet-campus, UWA Online. These include the Master of Education in School Counseling, the Master of Science in Adult Continuing Education: Psychology and Counseling, the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the Master of Science in Family Counseling, and the Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling. Ranging from 33 to 60 credit hours, most of the programs can be completed in as little as one year (except for the M.S. in Guidance and Counseling which has an estimated length of 3-4 years), and each course lasts eight weeks. Cost per credit is the same for each degree the University is dedicated to keeping tuition costs affordable and to offering students a full range of financial aid options.  Each program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the M.Ed. in School Counseling has additional accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the NCATE, and is approved by the Alabama State Department of Education.

• Master of Education in School Counseling
• Master of Science Adult Continuing Education: Psychology and Counseling
• Master of Science Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Master of Science Family Counseling
• Master of Science Guidance and Counseling

Admissions

6. Fort Hays State University

Located in Hays, Kansas on a 200-acre, tree-filled main campus, Fort Hays State University is a comprehensive regional university. Established in 1902, the University began as the Western Branch of the Kansas Normal School. The first classes started with less than 60 students who paid $5 for tuition and met in an army post which had been abandoned in 1889. The school was renamed several times over the next several years, including Fort Hays Kansas State Normal School (1914), Kansas State Teacher College of hays (1923), and Fort Hays Kansas State College (1931), before becoming Fort Hays State University in 1977. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University offers a range of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as a doctorate of Nursing Practice degree. Over 14,000 total students are enrolled, and classes are taught by mentor-teachers who strive to guide and help students develop their talents. The University comprises five colleges and 31 academic departments, including the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, The College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, The College of Education, the Robbins College of Business & Entrepreneurship, and The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences.

Program Details

Fort Hays State University offers a Master of Science in Counseling-School Counseling program available 100% online. The program consists of 48 hours of coursework. Potential students are required to achieve a 3.25-grade point average or higher in the coursework to qualify for an Initial School Specialist License in Kansas. Students are also required to pass a comprehensive exam covering the subject fields of the program. Available in three routes leading to a School Counselor license in Kansas, students may choose the Traditional Program, the Parallel Pathways program or the Restricted License Program; all master’s degrees students must be finished within six calendar years after starting the program.

• Master of Science in School Counseling

Admissions

5. Capella University

Capella University is a for-profit, online institution of higher education owned by the Capella Education Company and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Established in 1993, Capella University was founded as The Graduate School of America (TGSA) and built on the belief that “quality higher education should be broadly accessible to working adults.” In 1997 TGSA was granted accreditation, and the school graduated its first students. In 1999 TGSA became Capella University, named for the brightest star in the constellation Auriga. Today Capella University offers a wide range of doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees as well as many certificate programs. Students can choose from two online-learning formats, FlexPath, a self-paced, pay-per-session format, and GuidedPath. The University’s mission is to “extend access to high-quality bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs for adults who seek to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

Program Details

Capella University offers five online master degrees in counseling, specifically a Master of Science in General School Counseling, a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy, a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Master of Science in Addiction Studies, and a Master of Science in Human Behavior. Institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Capella University also holds accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Each of Capella University’s counseling programs offers a professionally aligned curriculum that is focused on real-world application, and each program is designed to build practical skills that can be put into practice immediately. Each member of Capella University’s counseling faculty holds a doctorate and is active in their field, and each program is designed to meet professional standards to help students prepare for state licensure eligibility.

• Master of Science in General School Counseling
• Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
• Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
• Master of Science in Addiction Studies
• Master of Science in Human Behavior

Admissions

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3. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is a private Christian institution located in Williamsburg, Kentucky and affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention of the Southern Baptist Convention. Established in 1889, the school was previously known as Cumberland College until 2005. The University’s mission is “to offer promising students of all backgrounds a broad-based liberal arts program enriched with Christian values.” This mission statement continues, “The University encourages students to think critically and creatively so that they may better prepare themselves for lives of responsible service and leadership.” Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University offers over 40 majors, minors and pre-professional programs and a number of master’s and doctoral degree programs. A total of 7,652 students are enrolled, and the University maintains a 17 to 1 student to faculty ratio.

Program Details

The University of the Cumberlands offers a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling available 100% online. A highly flexible program, the Master’s in Counseling program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and sets students on the path to becoming a licensed professional counselor. The program is offered with two optional specialty tracks: Addiction Counselor Certification or Clinical Mental Health Counselor. The Program’s core courses include psychological assessment in clinical practice, human growth and development, and counseling during grief and crisis. Outcomes of the program include the ability to demonstrate “sound ethical values and a heart for humanity as a counselor leader in a variety of organizations.” Offered through the University of Cumberlands School of Counseling, the School’s mission is to “provide a superior educational experience that will coach passionate students to become mental health counselors, addiction counselors, and counseling leaders distinguished by sound ethical values with a heart for humanity who can change the world one life at a time.”

• Master of Arts in Professional Counseling

Admissions

2. Grand Canyon University

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University is known as the premier private Christian university in the state of Arizona. Established in 1949 by the Southern Baptist Church, after struggling to stay open during the early 2000s, due to a dwindling in financial support, in 2004 the University began the transition to becoming a for-profit institution. By the end of the year, 2004 new business practices were implemented emphasizing both curriculum and the creation of opportunities for working professionals. Today Grand Canyon is a thriving institution and operates with the vision of being “a premier Christian university, educating students to lead and serve.” Its mission is to prepare “learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage.”  Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University comprises several colleges and has a total enrollment figure of 75,834.

Program Details

Grand Canyon University offers many online degree programs, including several counseling degrees. Specific programs include Master of Science in Professional Counseling, the Master of Science in Addiction Counseling, the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling, the Master of Arts in Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders, and the Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness. The University’s M.S. in Professional Counseling is offered through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to assist counseling clients who are impacted by a wide range of psychological, social, emotional, and behavioral issues. The M.S. in Professional Counseling meets the requirements established by the National Board for Certified Counselors and Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Students have the opportunity to choose an emphasis in many areas including Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Marriage and Family Therapy, and in Trauma.

• Master of Science in Professional Counseling
• Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
• Master of Arts in Christian Counseling
• Master of Arts in Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
• Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness

Admissions

1. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private, Christian university located in Lynchburg. Established in 1971 by Pastor Jerry Falwell Sr., the University began with less than 200 students and has grown to become the fifth largest university in the United States and the largest Christian university in the world. Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Liberty University comprises more than a dozen colleges and schools including the Liberty University School of Law, Rawlings School of Divinity and the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. More than 550 programs of study are offered, including nearly 300 online programs and over 350 residential programs, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral level in fields such as education, counseling, religion, law, aviation, cinematic arts, business, and more.

Program Details

Mainly known for its wide range of online degree programs, Liberty University offers several programs in counseling including the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, the Master of Education in School Counseling, the Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling, the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling, and the Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling. While many of Liberty’s online master degree programs can be completed in as little as 12 months, each program is unique with different admissions and credit hour requirements. A pioneer in distance education, Liberty University has offered distance education programs since 1985. Benefits of earning an online master’s degree at Liberty University include low-cost tuition, generous transfer credit policies, no set login times, a convenient eight-week format for classes, and the opportunity to earn a regionally accredited degree (the highest accreditation possible). Online students are also given access to exceptional resources including Liberty University’s online library, the Online Writing Center (offered through a partnership with Tutor.com), and Liberty Online Communities, as well as knowledgeable and accessible academic advisors.

• Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
• Master of Education in School Counseling
• Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling
• Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
• Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling

Admissions

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