Master's in Counseling Programs
Updated April 12, 2024 · 2 Min Read
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Earning a master's in counseling can prepare you to pursue several counseling roles. Learn how to make a difference as a licensed counselor, what to look for in master's programs, and what to expect in your fieldwork with this in-depth guide.
What to Expect from a Master's in Counseling Program
Within master's in counseling programs, you can focus on a particular type of client, such as school counseling or marriage and family counseling. Degrees also allow you to concentrate in patient conditions, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, or phobias. You can also focus your studies on a particular approach, such as cognitive behavioral counseling.
You do not need a bachelor's degree in counseling to apply to master's in counseling programs. Instead, you typically need a major or significant coursework in a social science, such as psychology.
Most master's in counseling programs take approximately two years for full-time students and 3-4 years for part-time students. A growing number of programs include online or hybrid classwork. Fieldwork, however, typically requires students to visit real-world work settings in person. A master's degree also prepares enrollees for the National Counselor's Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination.
Internship and Fieldwork Experiences
A master's in counseling program generally includes a practicum in the first year and an internship in the second year. During the practicum, enrollees observe licensed professional counselors. The internship requires graduate students to perform counseling work under the supervision of a professional counselor.
The practicum and internship can provide valuable real-world experience and professional references for your job hunt after graduation. On-campus, online, and hybrid programs often arrange practicum placements and provide support for finding internships.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Choose a Master's in Counseling Program
The right master's in counseling program depends on your interests and professional goals. To find your ideal school, consider the curriculum, delivery options, and cost, along with financial aid options, application requirements, and the program's reputation.
The most important factor in program quality is accreditation, which occurs at the institutional and programmatic levels. Always ensure that your school and program hold accreditation from organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) reviews programs for quality as the primary programmatic accreditor in the field. CACREP accreditation is vital for licensing and quality, and this guide only lists accredited master's in counseling programs.
Top Master's in Counseling Programs
Here are some of the best schools in the country where you can earn a master's in counseling. To narrow things down, we're featuring schools with a graduation rate of at least 80%.
| School Name | Campus Location | Student Population | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 33,015 | 81.7% |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 37,557 | 88% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | 36,649 | 97% |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 25,568 | 84% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | 51,000 | 81% |
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | 20,346 | 82% |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | 31,275 | 95% |
| Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | 7,590 | 87% |
| Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | 6,464 | 82% |
| Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | 11,373 | 81% |
| Northeastern University | Boston, MA | 30,013 | 91% |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | 21,000 | 95% |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 9,178 | 91% |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | 22,000 | 82% |
| University of Dayton | Dayton, OH | 11,378 | 81% |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 40,118 | 88% |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | 28,711 | 96% |
| University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | 12,197 | 86% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | 50,633 | 89% |
Master's in Counseling FAQs
What can you do with a master's degree in counseling?
With a master's in counseling, you can pursue work as a licensed counselor, including roles like marriage and family counselor, grief counselor, and school counselor.
Can you earn a master's in counseling online?
Many programs allow you to earn a master's in counseling online, though you must attend fieldwork in person. Schools may help you find fieldwork placements in your community, however.
What are the admission requirements for a master's in counseling program?
Most master's in counseling programs require each applicant to have a bachelor's degree in an area related to counseling, a 3.0 GPA, and at least two references. Some master's in counseling program admission requirements include scores from standardized tests, like the GRE.