Best Counseling Psychology Master’s Programs
Considering a career in counseling psychology but don’t know where to go to school? Explore the best counseling psychology master’s programs.
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Counseling psychology combines clinical practice with psychological science, teaching students how to conduct research and assess clients.
You can pursue licensure and practice after your master’s in counseling psychology program, although many students choose to enroll in doctoral programs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top counseling psychology master’s programs to help you find the one that best aligns with your academic and career goals.
Master’s in Counseling Psychology Highlights
- Online master’s in counseling psychology programs cost around $12,000 per year, while on-campus degrees cost around $14,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
- These programs typically take around two years to complete, requiring about 60-90 credits.
- You should look for programs that have accreditation from either the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
- After your master’s program, you can pursue a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in counseling or psychology.
Start Your Master’s in Counseling Journey Today
Best Counseling Psychology Master’s Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Framingham State University
Framingham, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$1,680
$7,050
79%
100%
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Cost per Course: $1,390
Credits to Graduate: 60
Framingham State University, located in Framingham, Massachusetts, offers a master of arts with a concentration in counseling psychology-licensure. Foundational courses focus on counseling approaches, current theories in psychology, and research. Students arrange a culminating internship at a department-approved or affiliated site. Graduates qualify to become licensed mental health counselors.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school; a 2.8 overall GPA; a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate psychology courses; and GRE or GMAT scores (waived for applicants with 3.0 overall GPAs).
$970
$7,050
69%
4,876
Public
Yes
$1,680
$7,050
Framingham, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$1,680
$7,050
79%
100%
$970
$7,050
69%
4,876
Public
Yes
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Cost per Course: $1,390
Credits to Graduate: 60
Framingham State University, located in Framingham, Massachusetts, offers a master of arts with a concentration in counseling psychology-licensure. Foundational courses focus on counseling approaches, current theories in psychology, and research. Students arrange a culminating internship at a department-approved or affiliated site. Graduates qualify to become licensed mental health counselors.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school; a 2.8 overall GPA; a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate psychology courses; and GRE or GMAT scores (waived for applicants with 3.0 overall GPAs).
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$23,507
$23,507
51%
3%
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Cost per Unit: $701
Credits to Graduate: 90
At California's Santa Clara University, students can earn their master of arts in counseling psychology in three years. The program prepares graduates to become licensed marriage and family therapists or licensed professional clinical counselors. Five emphasis areas delve into child and adolescent mental health; correction psychology; health psychology; Latino counseling; and LGBTQ counseling.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA and submit a statement of purpose, a current resume, and three letters of recommendation.
$52,998
$52,998
93%
8,616
Private
Yes
$23,507
$23,507
Santa Clara, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$23,507
$23,507
51%
3%
$52,998
$52,998
93%
8,616
Private
Yes
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Cost per Unit: $701
Credits to Graduate: 90
At California's Santa Clara University, students can earn their master of arts in counseling psychology in three years. The program prepares graduates to become licensed marriage and family therapists or licensed professional clinical counselors. Five emphasis areas delve into child and adolescent mental health; correction psychology; health psychology; Latino counseling; and LGBTQ counseling.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA and submit a statement of purpose, a current resume, and three letters of recommendation.
Bowie State University
Bowie, MD4 yearCampus
$7,614
$12,762
81%
99%
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $448
Out-of-State | $730
Credits to Graduate: 48
Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland, offers a master of arts in counseling psychology. The curriculum includes 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours. Coursework includes psychological theories, advanced human growth and development, drug and alcohol counseling, and family counseling.
Admission requires an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field with a 2.75 GPA. Non-psychology majors need 12 undergraduate credits in social sciences. Applicants submit three letters of recommendation and a letter of interest or personal statement.
$5,647
$16,338
77%
6,250
Public
Yes
$7,614
$12,762
Bowie, MD4 yearCampus
$7,614
$12,762
81%
99%
$5,647
$16,338
77%
6,250
Public
Yes
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $448
Out-of-State | $730
Credits to Graduate: 48
Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland, offers a master of arts in counseling psychology. The curriculum includes 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours. Coursework includes psychological theories, advanced human growth and development, drug and alcohol counseling, and family counseling.
Admission requires an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field with a 2.75 GPA. Non-psychology majors need 12 undergraduate credits in social sciences. Applicants submit three letters of recommendation and a letter of interest or personal statement.
Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, AK4 yearCampus + Online
$11,700
$11,700
91%
99%
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Avg. Cost per Credit: $650
Credits to Graduate: 60
Anchorage's Alaska Pacific University offers a master of science in counseling psychology. Designed for working students, the program prepares graduates to become licensed professional counselors.
The three-year program combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives and supervised practicums. Courses include interventions for anxiety and affective disorders, individual and cultural diversity, and social bases for behavior.
Applicants submit official transcripts with a 3.0 GPA; an essay and personal statement; three letters of recommendation; and authorization for a background check.
$20,350
$20,350
56%
493
Private
Yes
$11,700
$11,700
Anchorage, AK4 yearCampus + Online
$11,700
$11,700
91%
99%
$20,350
$20,350
56%
493
Private
Yes
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Avg. Cost per Credit: $650
Credits to Graduate: 60
Anchorage's Alaska Pacific University offers a master of science in counseling psychology. Designed for working students, the program prepares graduates to become licensed professional counselors.
The three-year program combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives and supervised practicums. Courses include interventions for anxiety and affective disorders, individual and cultural diversity, and social bases for behavior.
Applicants submit official transcripts with a 3.0 GPA; an essay and personal statement; three letters of recommendation; and authorization for a background check.
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$7,000
$17,008
80%
47%
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $347
Out-of-State | $764
Credits to Graduate: 60
Edmond-based University of Central Oklahoma offers a master of arts in counseling psychology that prepares graduates to become licensed professional counselors. Focus areas include assessment and evaluation skills; multicultural competence; professional communication; psychological knowledge; and therapy skills.
Courses include advanced social psychology, competency-based counseling, experimental design, and counseling psychology practicums.
Admission specifies a preferred 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA (or 3.0 in the last 60 hours attempted), a verbal and quantitative GRE score of 290, and a 3.5 in the writing section.
$6,686
$17,573
72%
14,132
Public
Yes
$7,000
$17,008
Edmond, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$7,000
$17,008
80%
47%
$6,686
$17,573
72%
14,132
Public
Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $347
Out-of-State | $764
Credits to Graduate: 60
Edmond-based University of Central Oklahoma offers a master of arts in counseling psychology that prepares graduates to become licensed professional counselors. Focus areas include assessment and evaluation skills; multicultural competence; professional communication; psychological knowledge; and therapy skills.
Courses include advanced social psychology, competency-based counseling, experimental design, and counseling psychology practicums.
Admission specifies a preferred 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA (or 3.0 in the last 60 hours attempted), a verbal and quantitative GRE score of 290, and a 3.5 in the writing section.
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$16,680
78%
100%
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Avg. Cost:
In-State | $4,164-$7,176 per year
Out-of-State | adds $264 per quarter or $396 per semester
Credits to Graduate: 60
California State University, Bakersfield's master of science in counseling psychology meets California's education requirements for licensed marriage and family therapists or licensed professional clinical counselors. The curriculum emphasizes counseling theories, effective treatment approaches, and cultural diversity.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and a 3.2 GPA for the last 60 hours of study. Before beginning the program, accepted students must complete six undergraduate psychology courses, including abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and introductory statistics.
$5,742
$17,622
83%
11,745
Public
Yes
$7,176
$16,680
Bakersfield, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$16,680
78%
100%
$5,742
$17,622
83%
11,745
Public
Yes
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Avg. Cost:
In-State | $4,164-$7,176 per year
Out-of-State | adds $264 per quarter or $396 per semester
Credits to Graduate: 60
California State University, Bakersfield's master of science in counseling psychology meets California's education requirements for licensed marriage and family therapists or licensed professional clinical counselors. The curriculum emphasizes counseling theories, effective treatment approaches, and cultural diversity.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and a 3.2 GPA for the last 60 hours of study. Before beginning the program, accepted students must complete six undergraduate psychology courses, including abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and introductory statistics.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus
$22,212
$22,212
N/A
28%
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission; Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,368
Credits to Graduate: 60
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's master of arts in counseling psychology offers six concentration areas:
- Child and adolescent treatment
- Health psychology
- Latino/a mental health
- Marital and family therapy
- Trauma and crisis intervention
- Treatment of addiction disorders
Students can complete the program in two years studying full time or three years studying part time. The curriculum includes field practicums and internships.
Admission requirements include a 3.0 undergraduate GPA; a C or higher in psychology and research methods; a resume or CV; an essay; and three letters of recommendation.
$11,160
$11,160
N/A
1,285
Private
Yes
$22,212
$22,212
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus
$22,212
$22,212
N/A
28%
$11,160
$11,160
N/A
1,285
Private
Yes
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission; Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,368
Credits to Graduate: 60
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's master of arts in counseling psychology offers six concentration areas:
- Child and adolescent treatment
- Health psychology
- Latino/a mental health
- Marital and family therapy
- Trauma and crisis intervention
- Treatment of addiction disorders
Students can complete the program in two years studying full time or three years studying part time. The curriculum includes field practicums and internships.
Admission requirements include a 3.0 undergraduate GPA; a C or higher in psychology and research methods; a resume or CV; an essay; and three letters of recommendation.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,989
$23,951
91%
90%
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $416
Out-of-State | $998
Credits to Graduate: 60
The University of Kansas, located in Lawrence, offers a master of science in counseling psychology with a concentration in mental health counseling. The curriculum includes assessment, career development, counseling theory, group counseling, professional issues, and a practicum. Graduation requires a research project, thesis, or comprehensive exam.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA (or a graduate degree with a 3.5 GPA) and transcripts; a letter of intent; a resume; and three recommendation letters.
$10,092
$26,960
86%
26,744
Public
Yes
$9,989
$23,951
Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,989
$23,951
91%
90%
$10,092
$26,960
86%
26,744
Public
Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $416
Out-of-State | $998
Credits to Graduate: 60
The University of Kansas, located in Lawrence, offers a master of science in counseling psychology with a concentration in mental health counseling. The curriculum includes assessment, career development, counseling theory, group counseling, professional issues, and a practicum. Graduation requires a research project, thesis, or comprehensive exam.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA (or a graduate degree with a 3.5 GPA) and transcripts; a letter of intent; a resume; and three recommendation letters.
Northeastern University
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$25,264
$25,264
20%
48%
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,752
Credits to Graduate: 60-63
Northeastern University in Boston offers a master of science in counseling psychology with full- or part-time enrollment options. The curriculum prepares students to become licensed mental health counselors with opportunities to focus on child and adolescent counseling, early intervention, or research in counseling psychology. Advisors assist students in finding field placements at area health facilities and agencies.
Admission requires an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field; a 3.0 GPA; transcripts; three letters of recommendation; a resume; and a personal statement.
$54,360
$54,360
97%
22,905
Private
Yes
$25,264
$25,264
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$25,264
$25,264
20%
48%
$54,360
$54,360
97%
22,905
Private
Yes
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,752
Credits to Graduate: 60-63
Northeastern University in Boston offers a master of science in counseling psychology with full- or part-time enrollment options. The curriculum prepares students to become licensed mental health counselors with opportunities to focus on child and adolescent counseling, early intervention, or research in counseling psychology. Advisors assist students in finding field placements at area health facilities and agencies.
Admission requires an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field; a 3.0 GPA; transcripts; three letters of recommendation; a resume; and a personal statement.
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$4,119
$11,481
78%
55%
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Two Semesters
In-State | $7,246
Out-of-State | $14,808
Credits to Graduate: 60
Based in San Angelo, Texas, Angelo State University offers a master of science in counseling psychology that helps prepare graduates for careers as licensed professional counselors or licensed psychological associates.
Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks. Both options include supervised practicums and required courses in cognitive behavioral therapy, marriage and family psychotherapy, and multicultural counseling and psychology.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Those with lower GPAs may be admitted under a GPA/GRE-based formula.
$4,412
$14,228
71%
10,775
Public
Yes
$4,119
$11,481
San Angelo, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$4,119
$11,481
78%
55%
$4,412
$14,228
71%
10,775
Public
Yes
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Two Semesters
In-State | $7,246
Out-of-State | $14,808
Credits to Graduate: 60
Based in San Angelo, Texas, Angelo State University offers a master of science in counseling psychology that helps prepare graduates for careers as licensed professional counselors or licensed psychological associates.
Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks. Both options include supervised practicums and required courses in cognitive behavioral therapy, marriage and family psychotherapy, and multicultural counseling and psychology.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Those with lower GPAs may be admitted under a GPA/GRE-based formula.
Why You Should Get a Master’s in Counseling Psychology Degree
Make a Deeper Impact: In your master’s in counseling psychology program, you’ll gain advanced training to help people manage mental health challenges through evidence-based interventions.- Stay Continuously Learning: Counseling psychology is an evolving field that offers plenty of opportunities to further your learning, either by specializing in an area of interest or by adapting to and conducting new research.
- Choose Your Work Setting: When you obtain licensure, you can choose your practice environment, including private practice, government, nonprofit, and teletherapy.
Benefits of Getting a Master’s Degree Online
- In BestColleges’s 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 97% of online master’s students and program graduates surveyed said they think their online degree has or will have a positive return on investment.
- In the same report, out of more than 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed, 100% said they would recommend online education to others.
- Similarly, 92% of online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates surveyed in that report said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
How to Choose the Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Program for You
Program cost, length, and accreditation are among the most important factors to consider before you apply to a counseling psychology master’s program.
How Much Does a Master’s in Psychology Program Cost?
Average Tuition & Fees; Master’s in Psychology, 2019-2020
Online
$12,048
On-Campus
$14,044
Source: NCES PowerStats
An online master’s in psychology program, which includes counseling psychology, costs an average of $12,048 in tuition and fees per year, according to 2020 data from the NCES. On-campus master’s in psychology programs cost an average of $14,044 in tuition and fees per year, per the NCES.
Since these programs typically last 2-3 years, you can expect to pay about $24,000-$36,000 for an online degree or roughly $28,000-$42,000 for an on-campus degree.
However, financial aid can help reduce these costs. You can apply for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you’re in school.
Find Financial Aid for Your Master’s in Psychology
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Counseling Psychology Degree?
Typical # of Credits
60-90 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
Master’s program students spend an average of two years earning their counseling psychology degrees. Like them, you’ll need to earn roughly 60-90 credits to graduate.
For example, the University of Denver’s two-year master’s in counseling psychology program requires students to complete 90 credit hours for the mental health counseling concentration or 72 credit hours for the research concentration.
If you enroll in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s two-year program, however, you’ll have to complete 61 credit hours to graduate.
Master’s in Counseling Psychology Program Application Requirements
Though exact requirements may vary by institution, here are some common application requirements for master’s in counseling psychology programs:
Bachelor’s degree in counseling or psychology- Transcripts with a GPA of 3.0
- Admissions essay
- Resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE scores
- Potential interview
Accreditation for Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs
Programmatic accreditation ensures your master’s in counseling psychology program has the validity and resources to give you a quality education. In other words, unaccredited programs cannot guarantee legitimacy.
Each accredited master’s in counseling psychology program has undergone a rigorous review process to prove its ability to educate competent counselors. If a program has not received accreditation, its accompanying degree may not qualify you to apply for licensure.
If your program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), it has met the standards to provide a quality education.
Is a Master’s in Counseling Psychology Degree Worth It?
A master’s in counseling psychology degree has many benefits that can make it worth the effort and resources if you want a counseling career.
Once you graduate from your master’s in counseling psychology program, you can apply for licensure, which can qualify you for licensed professional counselor and mental health counselor roles. You can work in mental health clinics, hospitals, and schools or start your own private practice.
You’ll also have a solid foundation for doctoral training, should you choose to pursue a terminal degree.
Some challenges you may encounter include meeting extensive licensure requirements. Additionally, a master’s degree is a significant time and financial investment, often resulting in student loans — money you’ll have to pay back after you graduate.
Education Beyond a Master’s in Counseling Psychology Degree
After completing your counseling psychology master’s program, you’ll be eligible to apply for doctoral programs. You can pursue a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. in counseling.
The psychology Ph.D. is designed for those who want academic or research careers, while a Psy.D. can prepare you for clinical practice in hospitals, mental health facilities, or private practice. An Ed.D. in counseling is tailored for those who want leadership positions in educational environments.
You can also pursue certificates and certifications. These voluntary credentials can give you specialized training and allow you to prove your expertise in areas of interest like addiction, trauma, or rehabilitation counseling. Some schools, like Troy University and George Mason University, offer post-master’s counseling certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs
With a master’s in counseling psychology degree, you can pursue school counselor, rehabilitation counselor, substance use counselor, and marriage and family therapist roles.
You can also use your master’s degree to enroll in a doctoral program and earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D., opening the door to counseling or clinical psychologist roles.
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