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25 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling (MC) Grad School Programs

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Updated: August 27, 2024, Reading time: 37 minutes

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Most Affordable Master's in Counseling (MC) Grad SchoolsCentral Washington UniversityFrequently Asked Questions

Certified/licensed or professional counselors encompass a diverse variety of specializations or concentrations. They typically help people with family and marriage/relationship challenges, health issues, and dealing with critical life decisions.

Prospective graduates who prefer working directly with clients and see themselves pursuing a profession in independent practice, academic institution, or a healthcare facility can pursue a master’s degree in counseling program.

Master's Counseling fact 2

According to the report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment projection for school and career counselors has a 5% faster than average growth between 2022 and 2032. The admission of students to higher institutions of learning is also rising, and many schools are hiring counselors to cater to the growing demands.

A Master’s program in Counseling is generally the minimum requirement for becoming a certified or licensed counselor in most states.

Combining practical training and classroom strategies, it is aimed at imparting essential skills and expertise for treating patients or clients, as well as setting the legal and ethical guidelines that govern Counseling as a field of study. That said, we highlight 25 of the most affordable schools for a master’s degree in counseling programs.

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Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling (MC) Grad Schools

Husson University

Husson University

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Bangor, Maine

Tuition Fee: $548 per credit

Husson University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that combines training for licensure and certification in mental health counseling with practical experiences. The program requires at least 63 credit hours of graduate-level counseling coursework.

Before starting graduate students’ internships, they are required to complete a comprehensive examination. Prospective graduates will complete core courses such as the following:

Types of Aid: Scholarships, Direct PLUS Loans, and Private Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Husson University offers financial aid options for its graduate students. As a result, they can complete their graduate studies without accumulating a hefty amount of debt. They may be eligible to apply for loans and scholarships offered at Husson University.

Learn more about Husson University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Plymouth State University

Plymouth State University

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Plymouth, New Hampshire

Tuition Fee: $570 per credit hour (Resident) | $789 per credit hour (Non-Resident)

Plymouth State University has an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program designed to prepare graduate learners to work as licensed clinical mental health counselors.

The program requires them to complete the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination as a demonstration of graduate students’ mastery of the program.

Some of the core required courses include the following:

Aside from required graduate-level coursework, prospective graduates must complete a 600-hour internship and a 100-hour practicum in a mental health counseling environment.

Types of Aid: Merit-Based Scholarships, Loan Options, and Graduate Assistantships

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Plymouth State University’s financial aid programs help graduate students minimize the costs of their graduate program. Once they have submitted the complete requirements of FAFSA, prospective graduates can qualify for scholarships and loan options at Plymouth.

Graduate students can also apply for assistantship programs that allow them to earn stipends.

Learn more about Plymouth State University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

University of Saint Joseph

University of Saint Joseph

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

West Hartford, Connecticut

Tuition Fee: $780 per credit hour

The University of Saint Joseph’s affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program trains counselors to become frontrunners who compassionately and effectively serve the mental health needs of different individuals.

The program is delivered part-time or full-time in a cohort format. Sixty credit hours are required for students to graduate from the program.

Some of the core required courses for this program include the following:

Aside from course completion, all prospective graduates should complete a 600-hour internship and a 100-hour practicum. Once they’ve completed courses and clinical hours, students are qualified to take the comprehensive examination as a demonstration of their mastery of the counseling program.

Types of Aid: Federal Student Loans, Graduate Assistantships, Tuition Reimbursement, Academic Scholarships, Veterans Services, Yellow Ribbon Program, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

With a diverse range of financial aid options, the University of Saint Joseph provides graduate students the opportunity to earn their graduate degrees without accumulating too much debt.

As a military-friendly university, USJ has a wide range of financial assistance programs for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their eligible dependents.

Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Providence, Rhode Island

Tuition Fee: $495 per credit hour (In-State) | $964 per credit hour (Out-of-State)

The affordable on-campus Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offered at Rhode Island College requires 60 credit hours to be completed. The program is designed to enable prospective graduates to become qualified as licensed mental health counselors.

They will complete 39 semester hours of graduate-level courses, including one elective course. As part of the practical component of the counseling program, a total of 12 semester hours is required for a practicum experience and 600 hours of the internship program.

Depending on the student’s preference, they can complete the program within three years. They will take required courses such as the following:

Types of Aid: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Work-Study Programs, Merit-Based Scholarships, Tuition Waivers, Military and Veterans Benefits, Short-Term Loans, and External Aid

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Aside from affordable tuition rates, Rhode Island College has numerous financial aid options for both undergraduates and graduates. Once they have accomplished their FAFSA requirements, graduate students may be qualified for different types of grants, scholarships, student employment opportunities, and tuition waivers.

Learn more about Rhode Island College’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

Edinboro University

Edinboro University

MA in Counseling with Five Concentrations

Edinboro, Pennsylvania

Tuition Fee: $516 per credit (Resident) | $774 per credit (Non-Resident)

Edinboro University’s School of Graduate Studies offers an affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Counseling program that has garnered numerous national recognitions for affordability and excellence.

The program prepares counseling professionals to serve diverse individuals and communities in different human service settings. It has five concentrations to choose from, namely the following:

For prospective graduates pursuing the School Counseling program, they will require 60 credit hours so they can graduate from the program. Some of the program’s core courses include Group Processes, Crisis and Trauma Counseling, Career Development and Life Planning, Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling, and Counseling and Consultation Theories. Both practicum and internship requirements are needed for graduation.

Types of Aid: Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Student Employment and Work-Study Options, and Military and Veterans Benefits

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Edinboro University helps graduate students fund their graduate studies. With a diverse range of financial aid programs, students can apply for scholarships, work-study options, grants, and loan programs. To be eligible, prospective students must first complete their FAFSA requirements.

Learn more about Edinboro University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Program.

St. Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure University

MS in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

St. Bonaventure, New York

Tuition Fee: $799 per credit hour

St. Bonaventure University has an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that provides extended research-based skillsets and expertise in the areas of individual and group counseling, treatment planning, diagnosis, and testing.

The program requires graduate students to complete 60 credit hours for graduation. They can generally earn their graduate counseling degrees in three years. If they prefer completing it in an accelerated format, students can finish in as little as 2.5 years instead.

Some of the core required classes that students must complete include the following:

Types of Aid: Scholarships, Assistantships, Loans, Employer Tuition Benefits, Veterans Educational Benefits, Federal Work-Study, Grants, and Graduate Student Work Program

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Graduate students at St. Bonaventure University are provided with the opportunity to help them lessen the expenses of their graduate education. With the accomplishment of FAFSA requirements, they can apply for scholarships, work-study programs, and loan options.

The university also offers educational benefits for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. Professional students may avail employer tuition benefits if they’re qualified.

Learn more about St. Bonaventure University’s Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley State University

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Fort Valley, Georgia

Tuition Fee: $671 per credit hour (In-State) | $1,162 per credit hour (Out-of-State)

Through the College of Education and Professional Studies, Fort Valley State University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

The program provides graduate students with the essential skills, experiences, technical competencies, and knowledge to perform efficiently as clinical mental health counselors.

They will complete required courses such as the following:

Aside from graduate-level coursework, students must comply with the three field experiences, such as two internship programs and a practicum. After graduation, they are qualified for licensure in the state of Georgia.

Types of Aid: Work-Study Programs, Loans, Scholarships, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Fort Valley State University provides graduate learners with the opportunity to finance their studies. FVSU offers scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment opportunities, which are some of the ways graduates can minimize their graduate program expenses.

Learn more about Fort Valley State University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

Delta State University

Delta State University

M. Ed. in Counseling Degree Program with Specializations in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling

Cleveland, Mississippi

Tuition Fee: $469 per credit hour

Delta State University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Education in Counseling program at its Division of Counselor Education & Psychology. The program’s two specializations are Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.

Prospective graduates pursuing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track are trained to work in mental health counseling facilities anywhere in the country.

The program allows graduates to be qualified for the National Counselor Exam. The courses required for the graduate counseling program include the following:

Types of Aid: Student Employment, Scholarships, Loans, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Delta State University helps graduate students fund their graduate studies through several loans, scholarships, federal work-study programs, and grants. Aside from standard admission requirements, applicants must also process their FAFSA requirements so they can avail of Delta State’s financial aid options.

Learn more about Delta State University’s Master of Education in Counseling Program.

Carson-Newman University

Carson-Newman University

MC – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Jefferson City, Tennessee

Tuition Fee: $1,370 per credit hour

Carson-Newman University’s Adult and Graduate Studies offer an affordable on-campus Master of Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The program is designed to prepare prospective graduates who want to train in family, group, and individual counseling.

Depending on the student’s pace, full-time students generally complete their CMHC degrees in seven semesters. Sixty credit hours are required.

Prospective graduates will complete core required courses such as the following:

Both practicum and internship programs are also required for the CMHC graduate degree.

Types of Aid: Military and Veterans Benefits, Federal Work-Study Programs, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Federal TEACH Grant, and Private/Alternative Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Aside from affordable tuition fees, Carson-Newman University offers a wide range of financial aid opportunities. Through grants, student employment options, and loans, prospective graduates can reduce their academic expenses. To be qualified for financial aid, the first step is to complete their FAFSA requirements.

Learn more about Carson-Newman University’s Master of Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University

MS in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Tuition Fee: $358 per credit hour (Resident) | $663 per credit hour (Non-Resident)

The affordable on-campus Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Northeastern State University prepares graduate students for a counseling profession or advanced studies in Counseling.

The rigorous CMHC program requires 600 clock hours of supervised internship experience. It meets the educational requirements for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma and the rest of the U.S. With 60 credit hours; graduates can already earn their CMHC degree.

Students residing in Broken Arrow will meet every Monday and Wednesday night, while Tahlequah students will meet every Tuesday and Thursday night.

Types of Aid: Year-Round Pell, Oklahoma’s Promise at NSU, Study Abroad, Scholarships, Loans, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

With less than $300 per credit hour tuition, Northeastern State University is one of the most affordable universities in the country. To supplement, NSU also has a wide variety of grants, loans, scholarships, and other types of financial aid options for prospective students to apply.

As a standard prerequisite, they must complete their requirements for FAFSA before becoming eligible for financial aid at NSU.

Learn more about Northeastern State University’s Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

Lindsey Wilson College

Lindsey Wilson College

M. Ed. in Counseling & Human Development

Columbia, Kentucky

Tuition Fee: $700 per credit hour

Lindsey Wilson College offers an affordable on-campus Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development program with a specialization in mental health counseling.

It is an application-oriented experience developed to enhance the skills of undergraduate practitioners planning to pursue or be employed in a professional career as counselors. The program doesn’t lead to P-12 school counselor certification.

The CHD graduate program requires 60 credit hours for graduate students’ completion. It consists of 30 credit hours of core courses, nine credit hours of clinical requirements, and an additional 21 credit hours of mental health counseling specialty requirements. Prospective graduates will take core counseling courses such as the following:

Types of Aid: Loans, Grants, Federal Employment Work-Study Programs, Academic Scholarships, Veterans Educational Benefits, External Scholarships, and Federal/State/Institutional Aid

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Lindsey Wilson College helps graduate students fund their graduate studies through grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. For active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses/dependents, they may enjoy tuition discounts and other educational perks.

The accomplishment of FAFSA will determine the type of financial aid to be earned by prospective students.

Learn more about Lindsey Wilson College’s Master of Education Counseling and Human Development Program.

Columbia International University

Columbia International University

MA in Counseling

Columbia, South Carolina

Tuition Fee: $1,990 per credit hour

Columbia International University’s affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Counseling program is the only Christian university in South Carolina with accreditation from CACREP. It is designed to transform the growth of Christian students into eligible and professional clinical mental health counselors.

Some core required classes for this program include the following:

To complete the program, 60 credit hours must be achieved. A 150-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship are also required for graduation.

Types of Aid: Tuition Discount Partners, Military and Veterans Benefits, Grants, Scholarships, Student Employment, Federal Aid, and State Aid

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Graduate students may be eligible for grants, scholarships, federal/state aid, and tuition discount partners at Columbia International University. Once prospective students have accomplished their FAFSA, they may be qualified to apply for the numerous financial aid options at CIU.

Learn more about Columbia International University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Program.

University of Holy Cross

University of Holy Cross

MA in Counseling with Specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, and School Counseling

New Orleans, Louisiana

Tuition Fee: $735 per credit hour

The University of Holy Cross has an affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Counseling program offered in three specializations. These specializations include Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, and School Counseling.

All counseling graduate programs at UHC nurture prospective graduates and help them to become competent professionals who are assets to the community!

All specializations require students to complete at least 60 credit hours. Some of the core required courses include the following:

The rigorous program requires 900 hours of internships divided into three Internship Counseling courses and a minimum of 100 hours of supervised counseling practicum.

Types of Aid: Military and Veterans Educational Benefits, Federal Pell Grants, State Grants, Federal Work-Study, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, and Private Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

The University of Holy Cross has a dedicated team of financial aid experts who readily help students by offering financial aid information and services. They may be eligible for grants, loans, and other types of financial aid.

For active-duty military personnel, they can apply for additional financial assistance through the university’s federal and state student financial aid opportunities.

Learn more about the University of Holy Cross’s Master of Arts in Counseling Program.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

MS in Educational Psychology – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Tuition Fee: $12,220 per semester (Resident) | $25,660 per semester (Non-Resident)

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s affordable on-campus Master of Science in Educational Psychology – Clinical Mental Health Counseling program requires around 60 credit hours. A school counseling specialization is also available if students prefer this counseling track. Prospective graduates will complete core counseling courses, including the following:

The university is strategically located in the career, cultural, and economic capital, ensuring ample networking and internship opportunities.

For students interested in pursuing a Substance Abuse Counselor certificate, UWM’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum is integrated with specialized elective courses from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare.

The electives are approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to fulfill the academic requirements of a Substance Abuse Counselor certification.

Types of Aid: Military Education Benefits, Work-Study Programs, Loans, Grants, Scholarships, Summer Aid, Winter Aid, and Study Abroad

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

UWM’s diverse range of financial aid opportunities makes it easier and more affordable for students to complete a program without accumulating too much debt. Aside from the standard admission requirements at UWM, prospective students must complete their FAFSA to determine the right type of financial aid for them.

Learn more about the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Master of Science in Educational Psychology – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

Marshall University

Marshall University

MA in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling & School Counseling

Huntington, West Virginia

Tuition Fee: $4,414 per semester (Resident) | $10,581 per semester (Non-Resident)

The affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Counseling program at Marshall University is offered through its College of Education and Professional Development. The program is offered in two emphases, namely Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Graduates from the Clinical Mental Health emphasis are qualified to apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor credential via the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling.

For School Counseling graduates, they may be qualified for the Pre-K Adult School Counseling Certification. Prospective graduates must comply with the 60-credit hour course completion of the graduate counseling program.

Aside from clinical experience and coursework, they will be required to pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam before graduation. For internship requirements, students must have at least 600 hours, while practicum requirements must have at least 100 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Types of Aid: Scholarships, Grants, Student Employment, and Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Aside from inexpensive tuition fees, Marshall University helps graduate students through loans, student employment opportunities, grants, and scholarships. Before qualifying, prospective students must accomplish their requirements for FAFSA so they will receive the suitable type of financial aid available to them.

Learn more about Marshall University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Program.

Central Washington University

Central Washington University

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Ellensburg, Washington

Tuition Fee: $693 per credit hour (Resident) | $1,624 per credit hour (Non-Resident)

Through the College of Science, Central Washington University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. It prepares prospective graduates to work efficiently and collaboratively in a diverse range of mental health settings.

The rigorous program requires 90 quarter hours and generally takes two years to complete, depending on the student’s level of commitment.

They must complete core required courses such as the following:

Aside from core courses, they must complete one elective course consisting of 4 credit hours. The graduate CMHC program requires three practicum experiences with close supervision from faculty in the department’s training facility. Also, they must complete a full-time 4-month internship experience before graduation.

Types of Aid: Graduate Assistantships, Study Abroad, Grants, Scholarships, Work-Study Options, Loans, Summer Aid, and Military and Veterans Benefits

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Central Washington University has numerous financial aid options to help graduate students fund their graduate studies. A team of financial aid experts is readily available to help students so they can maximize their financial aid until they complete their degrees.

Learn more about Central Washington University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix

MS in Counseling

Murray, Utah

Tuition Fee: $698 per credit hour

University of Phoenix’s affordable on-campus Master of Science in Counseling program trains and develops graduate students on how to clinically assess clients coping with substance abuse and abuse, military transition, marriage and family issues, and anxiety and depression.

Depending on the student’s pace and timeframe of learning, they can complete their degrees in 3 years and six months. Students must have 60 to 66 credit hours so they can complete this program.

All students must complete one practicum and two internship courses. For Nevada residents, a third internship is mandatory. Some of the core required classes students must take include the following:

Types of Aid: Pell Grant, Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Tuition Deferment Plan, Military and Veterans Educational Perks, Private Student Loans, and Third-Party Billing Plan

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

With a variety of financial aid options, the University of Phoenix helps graduate students lessen the fees incurred while pursuing a graduate program. They can avail of the university’s grants, loans, and other types of financial aid. To qualify, they must first accomplish the requirements needed for FAFSA.

Learn more about the University of Phoenix’s Master of Science in Counseling Program.

Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University

MA in Holistic Counseling

Newport, Rhode Island

Tuition Fee: $700 per credit hour

Salve Regina University has an affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Holistic Counseling program with an integrated approach of the best in counseling education training with a holistic approach.

Under this program, two-degree tracks are offered, namely the 48-credit hour in Holistic Counseling and a 60-credit hour in Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prospective graduates completing the Holistic CMHC will complete courses including the following:

Aside from completing the core courses, students must take up five elective credits in Holistic Leadership or Holistic Counseling.

Rhode Island Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists requires graduates to have two years or 2,000 hours of significant counseling experience in the workplace before graduation.

Also, they should complete the 100-hour supervised practicum requirement with approval from the board.

Types of Aid: Military and Veterans’ Benefits, Graduate Student Loans, Federal Direct Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Scholarships, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Aside from affordable tuition fees, Salve Regina University offers numerous financial aid options for both undergraduates and graduates.

The accomplishment of the requirements of their FAFSA will determine the type of financial aid to be earned by them. They may be eligible for graduate student loans, grants, scholarships, and military/veterans’ benefits.

Learn more about Salve Regina University’s Master of Arts in Holistic Counseling Program.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Indiana, Pennsylvania

Tuition Fee: $516 per credit hour (In-State) | $774 per credit hour (Out-of-State)

The affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania prepares prospective graduates for certification with extensive hours of field experience.

Students enrolled in the graduate CMHC program will finish 60 credit hours so they can graduate from the program. It requires core courses such as the following:

Types of Aid: Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships, Tuition Waivers, Grants, Loans, Federal Work-Study, Transfer Student Aid, Summer Financial Aid Programs, and Winter Financial Aid Programs

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

The Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers graduate assistantships for its graduate counseling students. Through this program, graduate students earn stipends and partial funding for their tuition fees. Aside from assistantships, they may be eligible for tuition waivers, student employment opportunities, loans, and grants.

To qualify, they must first accomplish their requirements for FAFSA. A team of financial aid experts readily assist students in helping them maximize their financial aid options at IUP.

Learn more about Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

California University of Pennsylvania

California University of Pennsylvania

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

California, Pennsylvania

Tuition Fee: $516 per credit hour (Resident) | $774 per credit hour (Non-Resident)

The California University of Pennsylvania delivers an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that needs 60 credit hours. The program fulfills the requirements for prospective graduates to become a Nationally Certified Counselor.

It also provides the required courses essential to pursue a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania and the rest of the United States.

You will need to complete the required core courses and credit hours for subjects that include the following:

Whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, there’s a plan of study that is suitable for you when pursuing the CMHC degree at Cal U!

Types of Aid: Summer/Winter Financial Aid, Graduate Assistantships, Work-Study Options, Loans, Grants, Scholarships, and Private/Alternative Loan Options

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

California University of Pennsylvania’s affordable tuition rates are supplemented with a variety of financial aid options for both undergraduates and graduates. With the completion of their requirements for FAFSA, they may be eligible for loans and scholarships.

Also, the university is one of the recipients of the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program and the Health Resources & Services Administration program. That said, the university provides graduate students with the opportunity to gain a $1,000 stipend while accomplishing their mandatory field or practicum experience.

Learn more about California University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

Corban University

Corban University

MA in Clinical Health Counseling

Salem, Oregon

Tuition Fee: $605 per credit hour

Corban University has an affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Clinical Health Counseling program that is considered a comprehensive program that lays the core foundation for students to become Licensed Professional Counselors.

The program is made up of 60 credit hours, which includes six credit hours in Theology. It is developed on a cohort-based curriculum, and students will attend classes on campus once per week while pursuing the degree.

Some of the core required courses include the following:

A 600-hour internship is also a requirement for the completion of the program.

Types of Aid: Military Benefits, Employer Educational Assistance, Payment Plan, Oregon Student Access Commission, Alumni Scholarships, Federal Direct Stafford Loans, Pell Grants, TEACH Grants, Federal Work-Study Options, Education Tax Credits and Deductions, State Loans, Institutional Aid, and Private Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Aside from affordable tuition rates, Corban University has numerous financial aid options for its student community. The university has a comprehensive one-stop-shop portal for all there is to know about its financial aid programs. To know the suitable financial aid for you, complete your FAFSA form!

Learn more about Corban University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Health Counseling Program.

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University

MS in Counseling: Mental Health Counseling & School Counseling

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Tuition Fee: $7,550 per semester (Resident) | $17,980 per semester (Non-Resident)

The affordable on-campus Master of Science in Counseling program at Oklahoma State University is offered through its College of Education and Human Services. The program has two degree options, namely, Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.

For students pursuing the Mental Health Counseling option, they must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours. It already includes a 100-hour practicum experience and a 600-hour internship. The Master’s in Counseling program requires 63 credit hours, which would then allow students to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor credential.

With on-campus learning experience, OSU-Tulsa and OSU-Stillwater both have high-quality training clinics. Some of the core required courses for this program include the following:

Types of Aid: Assistantships, Scholarships, Fellowships, Awards, Grants, Tuition Waivers, and Loans

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Oklahoma State University helps graduate students to lessen their graduate school expenditures. For full-time students, they may be qualified for graduate assistantships or tuition waivers.

With less than $300 per credit hour, OSU makes it easier and more affordable for graduate students to complete their program without accumulating hefty debt.

Learn more about Oklahoma State University’s Master of Science in Counseling Program.

Ashland Theological Seminary

Ashland Theological Seminary

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Ashland, Ohio

Tuition Fee: $650 per credit hour

Ashland Theological Seminary’s affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has met the necessary approvals and accreditations to meet educational requirements for Professional Clinical Counseling and Professional Counselor licensures.

Prospective graduates must have 64 credit hours for program completion, which already includes a 4-credit hour religious heritage core.

They will complete core counseling courses such as the following:

Aside from graduate-level coursework, graduate students must complete both practicum and internship requirements.

Types of Aid: Institutional and External Scholarships, Federal Graduate PLUS Loans, Private Education Alternative Loans, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Ashland Theological Seminary upholds its commitment to providing affordable Christian education for its student community. With numerous financial aid options, both undergraduates and graduates can lessen the financial costs of their education. To qualify, prospective students must submit the complete requirements of FAFSA.

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke

MA in Education in Professional School Counseling

Pembroke, North Carolina

Tuition Fee: $238 per credit hour (Resident) | $963 per credit hour (Non-Resident)

The affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Education in Professional School Counseling program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is offered through its College of Health Sciences. It is designed to prepare students and mentor them to become competent, committed, and collaborative professional school counselors.

Prospective graduates must accomplish 60 credit hours so they can graduate from the program. Clinical field placements in the form of internships and practicum are all required as a culminating experience. Some of the core required courses include the following:

Types of Aid: Military and Veterans’ Benefits, External Scholarships, Graduate Assistantships, Graduate Student Travel Grant, Graduate School Tuition Scholarship, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

With a diverse range of financial aid options, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke helps graduate students fund their graduate studies.

Before qualifying, they must first complete their requirements for FAFSA to determine the type of financial aid they will receive. Graduate students may also be eligible for military and veterans’ benefits.

Learn more about the University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Master of Arts in Education in Professional School Counseling Program.

Caldwell University

Caldwell University

MA in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or School Counseling

Caldwell, New Jersey

Tuition Fee: $1,025 per credit hour

Caldwell University’s affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Counseling program offers three specializations to choose from. The specializations include Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling.

The university’s unique Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy specialization is the first CACREP-accredited program of its kind in the country. Its coursework requirements fulfill the credentials as an Art Therapist with AATA and a license as a Professional Art Therapist in New Jersey.

Program completion requires 63 credit hours. Prospective graduates will complete required courses such as the following:

Aside from coursework, prospective graduates must complete both internships and practicum requirements for graduation.

Types of Aid: Direct PLUS Loans, Direct Stafford Loans, Private Educational Loans, Scholarships, and Grants

Admission Requirements:

Accreditation:

Caldwell University helps graduate students fund their graduate education through scholarships, loans, and grants. Prospective graduates must first complete their requirements for FAFSA so they may be eligible for financial aid.

Learn more about Caldwell University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors shall I consider in choosing a Master’s program in Counseling?

In terms of selecting a master’s program in Counseling, prospective graduates must weigh down the essential factors involved.

As a graduate student, you should start by considering whether distance learning or on-campus learning is suitable for you. Flexibility, schedules, and professional/personal duties are some of the crucial factors that you need to consider.

Also, you should decide on how many financial resources you are willing to invest in your graduate program, considering factors on tuition fees and the cost of living. Your work location is another thing. Looking for efficient transportation, finding a house or apartment to rent, and relocating to a new city have financial challenges to address.

The next factor to consider is your level of commitment, whether you’ll be enrolling on a part-time or a full-time basis. Adult learners generally choose the flexibility of part-time commitment.

On the contrary, it takes a faster time to complete counseling degrees for full-time graduate students. As a result, they cut down financial resources for lodging and transportation expenses.

The majority of counseling programs require prospective graduates to complete an internship program or supervised practicum. Other programs also require a final project or written thesis based on original research studies.

Lastly, decide on how each coursework is aligned with your academic and professional aspirations. Identify past course offerings to comprehend the specific strengths and weaknesses of each counseling program.

If you prefer to specialize in a particular area of Counseling, ensure that your chosen program offers concentrations or specializations.

What are the programmatic accreditations for a Master’s program in Counseling?

Master's Counseling fact 1

Graduate programs in counseling must garner accreditation from appropriate accrediting agencies.

Accreditation provides assurance and reputation that prospective students are receiving quality education from a specific college/university. It may be accredited on either a national or regional level. Speaking of graduate counseling programs, they also have their accreditation processes.

The two major programmatic accreditations in counseling programs include MPCAC, or Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, and CACREP, or Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Each of these accrediting organizations has its own set of criteria and guidelines regarding instructor qualifications, curricular programs, and clinical hours. CACREP provides accreditation for graduate programs, while MPCAC specializes in master’s degree programs only.

To be qualified for licensure, some states mandate that prospective graduates must earn their counseling degrees in CACREP-accredited programs. If you don’t have the appropriate credentials after graduating from the program, you may need to relocate to another state or make a petition to earn licensure.

How long does it take for a graduate student to typically complete a Master’s program in Counseling?

Similar to other graduate programs, completing a master’s program in Counseling takes time and effort. It’s up to you how much time you are willing to invest in it. A master’s degree in Counseling generally takes two to three years to earn in a full-time commitment.

Depending on whether practicums, fieldwork, or internships are required, some of the graduate counseling programs take longer than others to earn. Part-time graduate students complete required courses as soon as they are able and fit them into their busy schedules, enroll in fewer courses, and study at their own pace and timeline.

Prospective graduates can also enroll in more courses per semester than the expected course load. It may be challenging for traditional on-campus learners due to classroom limitations. Depending on a college or university, prospective graduates can save on tuition expenses if they enroll in more credits at a time.

What types of Master’s degrees are available in Counseling?

The types of Master’s degrees available in Counseling vary depending on the school and the program. Some of the most common types of Master’s degrees in Counseling include:

Master's Counseling fact 3

Addiitonal Resources:

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