The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

Ann Feeney
By
Updated on June 11, 2024
Edited by
Learn what you can do with a master’s in counseling psychology, and discover the top programs. Expand your career or start a new one today.
  • Most states require you to have a master’s in counseling psychology to become a counselor.
  • A master’s in counseling psychology can prepare you for different counseling careers.
  • To obtain a license, you must attend an accredited master’s in counseling psychology program.
  • The curriculum includes classroom instruction in theory and real-world fieldwork.

States have different requirements for becoming a counselor, but most require earning a master’s in counseling psychology, passing a standardized national examination, and completing a certain number of supervised hours. This guide outlines what you can do with a master’s in counseling psychology and the top schools to consider.

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The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

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#1 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

Framingham State University

  • Location-markerFramingham, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$970
  • Out-of-state$7,050
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$1,680
  • Out-of-state$7,050
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled4,876
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

Santa Clara University

  • Location-markerSanta Clara, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$52,998
  • Out-of-state$52,998
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$23,507
  • Out-of-state$23,507
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate51%
  • Students Enrolled8,616
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment3%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

Bowie State University

  • Location-markerBowie, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,647
  • Out-of-state$16,338
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,614
  • Out-of-state$12,762
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled6,250
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment99%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

Alaska Pacific University

  • Location-markerAnchorage, AK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$20,350
  • Out-of-state$20,350
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,700
  • Out-of-state$11,700
  • Retention Rate56%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled493
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment99%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

University of Central Oklahoma

  • Location-markerEdmond, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,686
  • Out-of-state$17,573
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,000
  • Out-of-state$17,008
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate80%
  • Students Enrolled14,132
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment47%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

California State University-Bakersfield

  • Location-markerBakersfield, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,176
  • Out-of-state$16,680
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled11,745
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago

  • Location-markerChicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,160
  • Out-of-state$11,160
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$22,212
  • Out-of-state$22,212
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled1,285
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

University of Kansas

  • Location-markerLawrence, KS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,092
  • Out-of-state$26,960
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,989
  • Out-of-state$23,951
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled26,744
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment90%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

Northeastern University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$54,360
  • Out-of-state$54,360
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$25,264
  • Out-of-state$25,264
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate20%
  • Students Enrolled22,905
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs

Angelo State University

  • Location-markerSan Angelo, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,412
  • Out-of-state$14,228
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,119
  • Out-of-state$11,481
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled10,775
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology?

Many graduates with a master’s in counseling psychology earn a license to become a counselor. They may also earn a doctorate to become a psychologist or pursue a career in social work, coaching, or other related fields. Most counselors specialize in a particular type of counseling, such as with a master’s degree in school counseling, substance use disorders, family counseling, or phobia treatment.

Where Can I Work With a Counseling Psychology Degree?

  • Private Practice: You can work in private practice with partners or as an independent practitioner. This career offers the most independence, but you must also manage other aspects of your practice and provide counseling services.
  • Mental Health Centers: Mental health centers may cater to a particular area of counseling or multiple specialties. They might be run by larger organizations such as health systems, local governments, or nonprofits.
  • Schools and Colleges: School and college counselors focus on students’ needs or, in a K-12 setting, students and their families.

How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology?

According to Payscale, the average salary of a counselor with a master’s in counseling psychology is $59,000 as of June 2023. The typical pay range is $45,000-$80,000. Salaries vary based on geographic location, certifications, and job demand.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 22% job growth for substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors between 2021 and 2031. This growth is fueled by the opioid crisis and the large unmet need for mental health services.

What to Look for in a Counseling Psychology Program

The right master’s in counseling psychology depends on your goals and interests, along with the program’s length, reputation, and cost. This guide identifies the top programs in the following areas:

Program Curriculum

The curriculum should match your specialization interests, including core courses and electives. Because state license requirements vary, you need to check that the program matches the state where you plan to practice.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a third-party review process to ensure that graduates of a master’s in counseling psychology can practice effectively and safely. Attending an accredited program is also vital for getting a license.

Program Length

If you plan to work while studying, you need a program whose timing and pace match your needs. Many programs are available for part-time as well as full-time students.

Practicum or Internship Placement

Supervised fieldwork such as practicums and internships is vital to your learning. Some programs offer support to students looking for placement.

What Can I Expect From a Master’s in Counseling Psychology

Most full-time students can finish a master’s in counseling psychology in two years, while part-time students can graduate in 3-5 years. Master’s in counseling psychology programs combine theoretical courses and fieldwork, where students observe and practice under the supervision of a licensed counselor or psychologist. Programs often include a capstone project or thesis.

Master’s in counseling psychology programs have different approaches to fieldwork placement. Some programs provide direct placement or support for students in finding a placement. Other programs may require students to find their own placement. Generally, on-campus programs are more likely to provide placement or extensive support than online programs.

If you want to become a counselor, a master’s in counseling psychology can be your terminal degree, but if you want to become a licensed counseling psychologist, you need a doctorate in psychology.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Counseling Psychology?

Most master’s in counseling psychology require a bachelor’s degree or extensive coursework in counseling psychology. Many programs require a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and some require standardized test results, such as GRE or MAT scores.

Admission Materials

Most schools require transcripts for all college-level classwork, an application with an essay or personal statement, at least two references, a background check, and an application fee. Some schools allow you to submit unofficial transcripts while applying, but you must send an official transcript before enrolling.

Education

Most master’s in counseling psychology programs admit students with any major related to counseling psychology, such as psychology, sociology, social work, anthropology, or similar disciplines. Schools may also accept students with substantial coursework in these areas if their degree is in another discipline.

GPA

Most programs require or strongly prefer a GPA of 3.0 or higher. More competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. However, many programs have some flexibility, and you may be eligible for conditional admittance if your GPA is below the threshold and other admission factors indicate your potential.

Entrance Exam

While some schools require GRE or MAT scores, some may waive them for students with a higher GPA. Other schools may accept but do not require them.

How Much Does a Counseling Psychology Master’s Cost?

The average tuition for public schools costs $12,400 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The average tuition for private schools doubles at $26,600 per year. You can also expect to pay student fees and expenses for buying or renting books and any needed travel to the campus or fieldwork.

You may be eligible for various scholarships and grants from your school or other organizations, such as government programs, foundations, nonprofits, or corporations. In addition to scholarships, you may be eligible for loans.

Total Average Tuition Per Year

Public Institution

$12,400

Private Institution

$26,600

Source: NCES

Everything Else You Need to Know About Counseling Psychology Programs

What is a counseling psychologist?

A counseling psychologist provides counseling for clients to help them with specific situations or causes of emotional or mental distress. Unlike psychiatrists, counseling psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medication. Most counseling psychologists specialize in a particular type of counseling, type of client, or both.

What is the difference between a counseling psychologist and a clinical psychologist?

A clinical psychologist specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, while a counseling psychologist specializes in helping clients deal with specific situations. For example, a counseling psychologist might help a client having difficulty adjusting to a life change.

Can you earn a counseling psychology master’s degree online?

Many master’s in counseling psychology online deliver the theoretical coursework online, either synchronously (live courses) or asynchronously (pre-recorded courses). However, you must complete fieldwork in person.

Do you need a doctorate to work in counseling psychology?

In most states, you need a doctorate to become a counseling psychologist, but you can earn a counseling license with a master’s degree. Some states have different standards for different types of counseling, especially substance use counseling, so be sure to check with your state’s licensing board.

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