The Best Master’s in Counseling Psychology Programs
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- 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.
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.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
The Best Master's in Counseling Psychology Programs
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Framingham State University
Framingham, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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, MD - 4 years
- Campus
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, AK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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, IL - 4 years
- Campus
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, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
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.
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.
