Best Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology Master’s Programs of 2026

Q: What is the difference between counseling and clinical counseling?

While counseling and clinical counseling share many similarities, key differences exist in their focus areas. Counselors help people cope with and manage various life stressors, while clinical counselors focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions like schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression.

Q: What type of counselor gets paid the most?

According to the BLS, school and career counselors earn the most out of all counselors. As of May 2024, these professionals earn a median annual salary of $65,140. However, how much you earn as a counselor depends on many factors, such as where you live and how much experience you have.

Do you have a bachelor’s in counseling or psychology and an interest in a counseling career? Explore the best master’s in clinical counseling programs.

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Updated December 18, 2025

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2026

Are you passionate about human minds and helping people manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions? In a master’s in clinical counseling program, you’ll learn the processes behind human behavior so you can teach your clients lasting emotional regulation strategies.

We’ve ranked the best master’s in clinical counseling programs to help you find the right fit for your education. You’ll also learn how to break into the field, the kinds of jobs you can get, and how much you can earn once you start practicing.

In this Article

Best Master’s in Clinical Counseling Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

Ashland University — Best Faith-Based Counseling Program

Ashland, OH
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: Master's students are required to take six credits of biblical studies and theology classes.

Ashland Theological Seminary, the graduate division of Ashland University, offers a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling program with a faith-based focus. The program prides itself on offering a graduate-level education to students interested in learning how to "lead others to lasting transformation through the healing power of Christ." The program is also approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT).

As such, students pursuing a master's degree through this program are required to take three courses related to theological studies. These classes include Fundamentals of Biblical Interpretation, Fundamentals of Christian Theology, and Spiritual Themes in Clinical Counseling. While there are other faith-based institutions in this ranking, Ashland University is the only institution that requires students to take religious classes as part of its master's program.

What We Like About Ashland

The program consists of one full cohort day each week, meaning students routinely get the opportunity to network with peers in the program.
At $650 per credit hour, Ashland is the most affordable option among the private universities in this ranking.
Spouses of full-time students are eligible for half off tuition through the Partner in Ministry Award.

What We Don't Like

All students are required to take biblical and theological classes, regardless of their personal religious beliefs.
Ashland doesn't advertise an advising team to aid with practicum requirements.

69%

Online Enrollment

$7,776

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$7,776

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Students Enrolled: 6,201

Institution Type: Private

Ball State University — Most Affordable In-State Tuition

Muncie, IN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: Tuition is $464 per credit for in-state students, and there are opportunities for out-of-state tuition reduction.

Ball State University's master's in social psychology and clinical mental health counseling is the most affordable program for students who are residents of Indiana. BSU's $464 per-credit in-state tuition rate is significantly lower than all other institutions in this ranking. Most private institutions, for example, charge well over $1,000 per credit hour for a clinical counseling program.

Ball State also offers other ways to lessen the financial burden of college. Through the Graduate Assistant Tuition and Fee Remission Program, graduate assistants can qualify for approximately $9,000 annually if they aid in research activities, supervise student practica, work at the departmental clinic, and teach undergraduate classes. Through the Regional Tuition Savings program, new graduate students from Ohio and Kentucky also qualify for in-state tuition at Ball State.

What We Like About Ball State

The on-campus practicum clinic allows graduate students to gain hands-on counseling experience by helping other Ball State students.
Ball State caps tuition at no more than 150% of in-state tuition for residents of Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
The school clearly details cost breakdowns for both in-state and out-of-state students, including a separate breakdown for commuter students.

What We Don't Like

Typically, Ball State accepts fewer than 10 students into the program each year.

61%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,118

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$22,194

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Students Enrolled: 21,089

Institution Type: Public

Roger Williams University — Best Counseling Program for Working in Legal Settings

Bristol, RI
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: The program's forensic focus prepares graduates to work within judicial systems.

The forensic mental health counseling master's program at Roger Williams University prepares students to work as mental health counselors for clients and organizations tied to the judicial system. Whereas most clinical counseling and applied psychology programs offer a broad curriculum, RWU's program includes required courses that focus on diagnosing and working with individuals who are incarcerated, crime victims, police, and others. It is the only program with a forensic focus among all the schools in our list.

Two of the master's program's required courses relate to this specialization: "Forensic Psychology" and "Law and Mental Health." The curriculum also prepares students to administer and interpret personality tests important to the judicial system, including the MMPI-2 test that is often used in criminal proceedings. According to the university, graduates of the program often go on to work in police departments, the Justice Resource Institute, correctional departments, and mental health centers.

What We Like About RWU

RWU lists over 20 local practicum sites where students can complete required field placement experiences.
Professional advisors and peer mentors help guide first-year students through their academic journeys.
The average 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio means students often receive personalized guidance and instruction.

What We Don't Like

This program requires three letters of recommendation, whereas most master's programs only require two.
Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to take the GRE or MAT.
RWU's program is not accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which is a licensure requirement in some states.

13%

Online Enrollment

$21,744

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$21,744

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Students Enrolled: 4,344

Institution Type: Private

Springfield College — Best Post-Graduation Outcomes

Springfield, MA
4 year
Campus
Accredited

Why We Chose It: With 99% of graduates either employed or pursuing a doctorate, this program has the best reported outcomes on our list.

Springfield College's MEd in clinical mental health counseling typically leads to employment or opportunities for continuing education. According to a survey of 2023-2024 graduates, 99% of graduates from this master's program are either employed or pursuing further schooling. Approximately 74% were already working — usually as counselors or clinicians — while 25% were enrolled in graduate school, typically in a doctoral program. Springfield is the only college on this list to advertise its graduates' post-graduation outcomes.

The institution credits these employment outcomes to its internship curriculum. Springfield College partners with outpatient psychiatric agencies, hospital-based inpatient psychiatric units, crisis intervention facilities, and hospital emergency departments, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while pursuing their master's degrees. Many clinical mental health counseling students are hired directly from their internships, according to Springfield College.

What We Like About Springfield

Students working at nearly 70 employer partners can qualify for a 15% tuition discount at Springfield College.
The program offers Spanish language classes and supervision, enabling students to better serve Spanish-speaking communities and clients.
Graduate students can access over 50 fellowships and scholarships, each offering at least $3,900 annually.

What We Don't Like

Admission into Springfield graduate programs requires an interview.
Graduate scholarships are typically limited to five or fewer students across all graduate programs.

Online Enrollment

$35,340

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$35,340

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 72%

Students Enrolled: 2,606

Institution Type: Private

University of San Diego — Best Practicum Placement Support

San Diego, CA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: USD partners with approved sites to make finding a placement simple.

The University of San Diego's MA in mental health counseling offers a streamlined system for students to meet their field practicum requirements. States require students to participate in a practicum to become licensed mental health counselors. All of the other master's programs on this list place much of the burden of finding a practicum site on the students. At USD, however, the institution provides a list of nine pre-approved partners for students to choose from, simplifying the process.

The practicum sites differ in the types of clients students will treat, giving them the opportunity to gain experience in an environment similar to the one they plan to work in after graduation. Client populations at these sites include sexual violence survivors, Native Americans, military veterans, K-12 students, and rehabilitation center patients. USD's practicum spans three semesters and 12 months, with a minimum of 280 hours of direct service work.

What We Like About USD

Graduates posted a 96% pass rate in the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) in 2020.
The program offers two-year and three-year plans, depending on a student's availability and schedule.
Full-time employees of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego can benefit from an annual renewable grant.

What We Don't Like

USD's program only accepts about 30 students each year.
Applicants must be prepared for a group interview if they are selected as finalists for admission.

12%

Online Enrollment

$28,854

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

91%

Retention Rate

$28,854

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 52%

Students Enrolled: 9,714

Institution Type: Private

How We Highlight What Schools Do Best

We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, practicum placement supports, post-graduation outcomes, and specializations offered. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.

Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.

We verified these schools’ facts in November 2025.

Why You Should Get a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology

Enter a Growing Profession: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects mental health careers to grow faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Find Diverse Career Paths: Clinical counselors work in various roles in various settings, including addiction clinics, schools, mental health facilities, hospitals, and private practice.
Develop New Skills: In your master’s in clinical counseling program, you’ll learn skills like empathy, conflict resolution, and how to teach coping mechanisms.
Create a Strong Foundation: After earning your master’s in clinical counseling degree, you can pursue a doctoral degree in counseling.

Benefits of Getting a Master’s Degree Online

Flexibility: Many master’s programs offer online options, which let you manage your other responsibilities while you learn.
Accessibility: You can access your studies from anywhere with a stable Internet connection, which can benefit students with disabilities and those living in rural communities.
Skill-Building: By learning online, you can improve your digital literacy and self-discipline skills, which can serve you well on the job.

Curious what courses you'll take online? Check out our master's in clinical psychology program guide

How to Choose the Best Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology Program for You

Before you apply for a master’s in clinical counseling, you should consider crucial factors like program cost, length, and accreditation and what careers you can pursue with the degree.

Cost and Financial Aid
Program Length
Accreditation
Careers

How Much Does a Master’s in Psychology Cost?

Master’s in Psychology, 2019-2020

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$13,264

Avg. Net Price

$11,901

Source: NCES PowerStats

The cost of a master’s in clinical counseling can vary widely. On average, the cost of a two-year master’s degree is a little over $73,000, based on BestColleges’ research. Financial aid can lower these costs for many students.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for a master’s in psychology was $13,264 in the 2019-2020 school year. However, on average, students actually paid around $1,300 less.

If you’re trying to reduce the cost of grad school, make sure to fill out the FAFSA each year so you can qualify for financial aid, including student loans, grants, and scholarships.

Additionally, you can find federal work-study programs and graduate assistantships that cover tuition in exchange for work experience. You can also save money by transferring credits from a previous institution. and asking your employer for tuition reimbursement.

Find Financial Aid for Your Master’s in Psychology

Scholarships for Psychology Majors

Your Guide to the FAFSA

Your Guide to College Loans

Financial Aid Guide for Graduate Students

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Clinical Counseling?

Typical # of Credits

60 Credits

Typical Program Length

2 Years

Most students spend two years earning their master’s in clinical counseling, which requires around 60 credits. For example, the master of science in clinical counseling program at Francis Marion University requires 60 credits earned over two and a half years.

You can also find online and accelerated programs that offer the most flexibility and convenience.

Accreditation for a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology

While researching master’s in clinical counseling programs, look for programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

All states require you to graduate from an accredited counseling program, but what accreditation agency you should focus on depends on which state you wish to practice in. Check your state’s licensing board website to see what kind of programmatic accreditation they require. For example, some states — like North Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio — require CACREP accreditation.

Search for your desired program’s name on the CACREP and MPCAC websites to make sure it is properly accredited.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Clinical Counseling?

Once you earn your master’s in clinical counseling, you’ll have a variety of career options to choose from. These include school and career counselors who help K-12 students navigate school and employment and rehabilitation counselors, substance misuse counselors, mental health counselors, and licensed professional counselors who aid in mental health therapy and treatment.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these roles pay between $46,110 and $65,140, with school and career counselors earning the most and rehabilitation counselors earning the least.

Popular Master’s in Clinical Counseling Jobs
Job	Median Annual Salary (2024)	Description
School and Career Counselor	$65,140	Works in schools to advise students on their academic and career pathways
Rehabilitation Counselor	$46,110	Helps people who are recovering from illnesses and injuries live more independently, providing services like career counseling
Substance Misuse and Mental Health Counselor	$59,190	Helps people recover from substance misuse and mental health conditions
Marriage and Family Therapist	$63,780	Advises families in distress on a range of issues, like navigating divorce and the loss of a child

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Learn More About Counseling and Psychology Jobs

Psychology Careers

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Child Psychology Careers

Is a Master’s in Clinical Counseling Worth It?

Whether a master’s in clinical counseling is worth it depends, in large part, on your career goals.

The degree can lead to licensure, allowing you to practice as a licensed counselor and preparing you for a growing field.

According to the BLS, mental health careers are projected to grow faster than average for all professions. Plus, according to the 2025 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 95% of online master’s students and graduates say earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.

Starting salaries for clinical counseling master’s graduates were around $38,000 for the class of 2023, per the National Association of Colleges and Employers. However, after licensure, you can qualify to earn higher salaries. For example, school and career counselors earn a median salary of over $65,000 per year. Marriage and family therapists earn a median salary of around $59,000 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Counseling Programs

Can you be a therapist with a master’s in clinical counseling?

Yes, you can become a therapist with a master’s in clinical counseling. In fact, you’ll need a master’s degree to work as a therapist or clinical counselor.

Master’s in clinical counseling programs take 2-3 years to complete. You’ll have to meet your state’s licensure requirements, which usually require around 600 hours of clinical experience and a state licensure exam.