An online master’s in mental health counseling is a flexible, fulfilling pathway to becoming a licensed professional mental health counselor.
An online master’s in mental health counseling is a flexible, fulfilling pathway to becoming a licensed professional mental health counselor.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly 47 million American adults (one in five) battle mental illness each year. The number is increasing steadily, especially this year amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, so effective mental health counselors are desperately needed in many types of professional settings.
Successful mental health counselors are:
- Kind
- Patient
- Empathetic
- Helping clients to cope, heal, and live their best lives.
However, to obtain counseling licensure to become a mental health counselor, you need a master’s degree.
Check out our top online master’s in mental health counseling programs and begin your journey toward your dream job as a mental health counselor.
What Is an Online Master’s Mental Health Counseling Program?
In a master’s in mental health counseling program, you will learn about people, first and foremost. Your classes will center around:
- Counseling theories
- Counseling applications
- Research
- Ethical concerns
- Multicultural populations
The online format will vary depending on the school. Some schools require synchronous courses, which means you must log in at certain times for class. Others permit asynchronous courses, meaning you can complete your work on your own time.
A master’s in mental health counseling typically requires 60 credit hours, including a practicum and internships. Graduates are eligible to then apply for the National Certified Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) to achieve licensure.
Application requirements for mental health counseling programs also vary depending on the school. The least you need is a bachelor’s degree, and most schools require at least a 3.0 minimum GPA. About half require GRE scores, and the other half don’t.
You also need:
- Good recommendations from past professors or employers
- A current resume or curriculum vitae
- The ability to write an outstanding statement of purpose
See Also: What is Rolling Admission?
Careers for Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Majors
The job outlook for clinical mental health counselors is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for mental health counselors is rising 23%, which is faster than average. By 2030, you can expect at least 75,100 more positions.
With a master’s in mental health counseling, you have so many career options. Of course, you could become a clinical mental health counselor and work with individuals, families, and children who deal with mental and emotional problems.
You could also specialize in a specific concentration and become one of the following:
- Substance abuse counselor
- Crisis/trauma counselor
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Marriage/family counselor
- Children’s counselor
- Grief counselor
- School counselor
In addition, the opportunities of where you can work are vast. Here are some options:
- Mental health clinics
- Hospitals/medical centers
- Residential clinics
- Government agencies
- Private corporations
- Rehabilitation centers
- Non-profit organizations
- Private practice
- Education settings
As you can see, not only is there a need for clinical mental health counselors, but you can potentially work just about anywhere!
See Related: 20 Best Online Master’s in Counseling and 25 Best Online Master’s in Family Counseling
Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Salary Potential
A mental health counseling career pays far beyond just money, but here is what we found for the salary potential:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual income for mental health counselors is $48,520 per year, with the highest earners making more than $77,980. Mental health counselors who for government agencies earn a slightly higher average at $60,450, while those working for residential mental health facilities make the lower end at nearly $43,000.
Professional counselors working in hospitals and outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers earn somewhere in the middle range, between $47,000 and $50,000, respectively.
You can increase your salary potential by earning additional graduate certificates, as some of our schools in this ranking offer. Your salary will also depend on:
- Your education
- Your experience
- Your geographic location
You can also potentially increase salary potential by earning a Ph.D. in mental health counseling or starting your own private practice.
See Related: 20 Best Online Master’s in Counseling and 25 Best Online Master’s in Family Counseling
What Are the Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degrees?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net.
University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands is a private university with a big impact in Kentucky. UC offers a top mental health counseling degree. UC’s master’s in mental health counseling program is excellent because of:
- The program’s mission
- The academic rigor
- The affordability
- The flexible online format
UC’s mission is to prepare graduate professionals “who are committed to integrity of the individual, client-centered counseling, diversity, social change, and academic excellence.” The goal is to give students the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference as a mental health counselor.
In this mental health counseling program, you will delve into courses such as:
- Theory and Practice of Multicultural Counseling
- Advanced Counseling Theories and Techniques
- Private Practice and Clinical Supervision
Along with 60 credit hours of core and clinical mental health courses, you will complete a 100-hour counseling practicum and a 600-hour counseling internship, divided into two parts.
University of Massachusetts
The #1 public university in New England is the University of Massachusetts, fondly known as UMass. UMass spans across six campuses throughout the state, as well as an online “campus,” UMass Online. The Master of Science in mental health counseling from UMass Online will prepare you for exciting careers as professional counselors in settings such as:
- Mental health agencies
- Health clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools
UMass uses a cohort model, and while this mental health counseling program is online, you are required to attend two clinical courses during your first summer term. While this mental health counseling program leads to licensure in the state of Massachusetts, there are additional clinical experience requirements after graduation. Another perk is that for just three additional credits, you can earn another license as a school adjustment counselor.
Interested in UMass? To apply, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA)
- Five social science courses
- GRE scores
- At least one year of paid or volunteer work in the mental health/counseling field
- Two recommendation letters
- A statement detailing your interest and future goals
Do note that you can only enter this mental health counseling program in the summer.
Grace College and Theological Seminary
Founded in 1948, Grace College and Theological Seminary is a Christian academic institution located in the scenic Winona Lake, Indiana. Grace features an online master of clinical mental health counseling that emphasizes psychology and social sciences from a Christian worldview.
This online master’s in mental health counseling program is described as “spiritually grounded, professionally skilled, interpersonally competent.”
You can complete this program in six, seven, or eight semesters, depending on your own schedule. Courses include:
- Theological Foundations in Counseling
- Advanced Clinical Practices and Treatment
- Lifestyle and Career Counseling
While this mental health counseling program is online, you will complete a seven-day residency on the Grace College campus once per year.
To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, professional references, and a background check. The good news is that you can apply for admission at least one month before the next term starts. Grace’s master’s program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
The University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee includes four campuses, one of which is UT Martin. At UT Martin, you will find the nationally ranked best value counseling program:
The Master of Science in education in counseling with a clinical mental health track.
This program’s mission is to promote a sense of community while preparing “socially ethical and competent professionals in clinical mental health settings.”
This mental health counseling program may be online, but you will feel connected to your professors and classmates through twice a year, three-day residencies and group social media pages where you can keep in contact with current classmates and alumni. From day one to the day you graduate, you will be in close contact with your advisor who will guide you through the program.
You can complete this 60 credit hour program in just two years. You will take courses such as Principles of Crisis Intervention and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling before you complete your practicum and internships.
Other benefits to this mental health counseling degree include:
- No teaching experience is required to apply.
- Transfer credits are accepted towards your 60 hours.
- No GRE scores are necessary to apply.
Messiah College
Founded in 1909, Messiah University is currently a nationally ranked college in scenic central Pennsylvania. Messiah incorporates Christian faith with quality academic programs. Accredited by CACREP, Messiah University’s Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling features a flexible online program to prepare you to become a mental health counselor.
Not only can you choose from flexible start dates, but you can decide if you want to complete this counseling program in two, three, or four years. Each course is eight weeks, and one-week intensive courses are offered in person in both January and July. You will take synchronous online courses such as:
- Professional Issues and Ethics for Counselors
- Spiritual Formation and Faith Based Counseling
- Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Interested in Messiah College? To apply for the clinical mental health counseling program, along with a bachelor’s degree (cumulative GPA 3.0), you need to submit:
- A statement of purpose
- Your response to the counseling admission questions
- Recommendation letters
- A current resume
Adams State University
Nestled in the breathtaking San Luis Valley in Colorado, you will find Adams State University. Adam State University just celebrated its 100 year anniversary and stands by its mission:
To enhance “educational opportunity, economic development, and cultural enrichment.” Nationally ranked from U.S. News & World Report for social mobility, Adams State University offers an online Master of Arts in clinical mental health that is worth checking out.
The MA in clinical mental health features four goals for graduate students:
- Personal growth
- Development of a broad knowledge of counseling and research
- Development of individual and group counseling skills
- Knowledge of auxiliary services and follow-up
To achieve these goals, you will take a combination of core courses and clinical mental health counseling courses before you take the practicum and complete internship hours.
Adams State enrolls students every fall, spring, and summer semester, and though there are no specific deadlines, you should submit your application as early as you can. To apply, you need a bachelor’s with a minimum 2.75 GPA, but if yours falls below that, you can include an explanation as to why you are a successful candidate for this program.
Bradley University
Founded in 1897 as a watch-making school, Bradley University is a private institution in Peoria, Illinois. Bradley offers over 185 academic programs to nearly 6,000 students. Through Bradley University’s online Master of Arts in counseling – clinical mental health, counseling, you can prepare for the National Counselor Examination and pursue a fulfilling counseling career.
In this online mental health master’s program, you will complete 60 credits of coursework which includes:
- Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership
- Counseling Diverse Populations
- A counseling practicum
- Two internships
In addition, you will attend two one-week campus residencies, one during your first term and one during your last.
Since 2014, the NCE pass rate among Bradley graduates has been 100%. Graduates go on to work in an array of clinical mental settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Private practice
- Clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
This online mental health counseling degree also serves as a gateway for doctoral work, as many graduates have successfully completed Ph.D.’s in counseling or related fields.
Lamar University
More than 15,000 students call Lamar University home. Nationally recognized in academic quality, LU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Lamar University’s Master of Education in clinical mental health counseling provides a competitive, high-quality, and affordable program for those who want to pursue clinical mental health counseling.
While LU’s program is online, two residency courses are required on campus. Each one is five weeks and includes face-to-face instruction and personal support and feedback. In addition to preparing graduate students to become professional counselors, the devoted faculty are clinicians and researchers in the clinical mental health counseling field.
All courses are offered in five-week formats. Required courses include:
- Group Counseling Theories and Techniques
- Measurement and Assessment
- Abnormal Human Behavior
Lamar University’s admission requirements are competitive: you need at least a 3.5 GPA, satisfactory GRE score scores, and three letters of recommendation to apply. Because courses are five weeks each, you can choose from multiple start dates throughout the year.
Regent University
Nationally ranked as one of the Top National Universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2020, Regent University is a leading Christian academic institution in the nation. The MA in clinical mental health counseling combines counseling theory and practice with biblical principles to prepare students for fulfilling careers as licensed counselors..
One of the best parts of RU’s program is the “small but challenging core of fellow students and professors.” You will take online courses such as Crisis, Trauma, and Clinical Mental Health and Treatment Planning and complete two one-week residencies at Regent. You can choose from one of three degree progressions to allow you as much or as little flexibility as you need.
Interested in Regent University? To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and GRE or MAT scores. While an undergraduate in counseling or psychology is desirable, it is not required. You do need a minimum 3.0 GPA. If you have above a 3.5 or above, you can waive the GRE or MAT exam scores.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
A continuously nationally ranked school, the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s ULM Online offers a Master of Science in counseling – clinical mental health counseling track. ULM is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and these values encompass every aspect of the program.
Through convenient eight-week courses, you will study subjects such as:
- Methods of Counseling
- Lifespan Development
- Trauma Counseling
- Play Therapy
You can also choose electives geared toward specific counseling populations, such as gerontology or marriage and family. After you finish your required coursework, you will complete a one-year clinical experience of one semester of practicum and two semesters in an internship.
While some schools require you to enroll full-time, at ULM, you can choose a full or part-time course sequence. In addition, all coursework is completely online, and a residency on campus is not required. Students are admitted to this program through regular or conditional status, dependent on undergraduate GPA and GRE scores.
Lock Haven University
Settled in the picturesque mountains of central Pennsylvania, Lock Haven University features tons of perks, including:
- More than 60 degree programs
- Small classes
- All the individualized support you need to succeed
LHU is currently the only university in the state to offer an online master of clinical mental health counseling, and this program has a lot to offer.
At Lock Haven, you will study topics such as:
- Counseling theory and research
- Individual, family, couples and group counseling
- Ethical, legal, and professional counseling issues
When it comes time for your counseling internship, LHU will help you choose an approved site in or near your hometown. The CMHC also offers two graduate certificates focused on trauma, and you can add these to your course of study if you wish to enhance your knowledge, skills, and marketability.
Through both synchronous and asynchronous formats, this online mental health counseling degree allows you the opportunity to meet with your class and professors both in real time as well as complete your coursework on your own time. You can complete the program in its entirety online, as there are no campus residencies required.
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University’s motto is Humanitate, which means “to serve humanity.” Their motto radiates through all the programs, including our 12th ranking. Through WFU’s online master’s in counseling – mental health counseling program, you won’t just be earning a graduate degree, “you will be a catalyst for positive change.”
This 60 credit-hour online mental health counseling program includes coursework, practicum, and internships that cover eight specific areas:
- Human growth and development
- Social and cultural foundations
- Helping relationships
- Group work
- Career and lifespan development
- Appraisal
- Research and program evaluation
- Professional orientation
Most graduate students work at odd hours, like 3 AM. Thankfully, at WFU, you will have access to 24/7 technical support and tutoring! In addition, the 3 AM study sessions tend to pay off because Wake Forest graduates have a 95% pass rate on the National Counselor Exam.
Ready to look into Wake Forest? You need a bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA), GRE scores, personal statements, and three recommendation letters.
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto University, a private, non-profit academic institution in California, is devoted to offering CACREP accredited clinical psychology and counseling bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. PAU’s online Master of Arts in counseling –clinical mental health counseling is the first step to earn a LPCC license, but you can also explore other career options with this degree.
As a Palo Alto grad student, you can specialize in certain career tracks, such as:
- Private practice
- Addiction counseling
- Rehabilitation counseling
In addition, you can choose the non-licensed options and pursue careers in:
- Education
- Research
- Administration
- Business
- Further doctoral-level education
The practicum and internship require 700 counseling-related hours over a 9-12 month timespan. While this mental health counseling program is online, you will participate weekly with live video conferences and attend a one-week residency on campus.
If your undergraduate degree is in psychology or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA, you’re qualified to apply. However, if your degree is in another field and you have a lower than 3.0 GPA, you can still apply. While GRE scores are not required, you can still submit them for additional consideration.
Medaille College
Medaille College, a private four-year college in New York, knows that real learning comes not only from textbooks, but by doing. All Medaille’s academic programs include career training early on. The Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling features ten objectives ranging from Social and Cultural Diversity to Research and Program Evaluations.
Available in both online and weekend formats, this mental health counseling program is perfect for those who need flexibility. The online program consists of 16-week courses and three semesters of internship experience. In addition, all online students need to visit the campus for residency hours (five days on two occasions).
A benefit of this degree is that you will take a comprehensive exam with an identical format to the licensure exam for extra preparation. Currently, the comprehensive exam pass rate is 100% among all graduate students.
Medaille College also offers rolling admission, so you can apply for this top mental health counseling graduate program any time during the year. To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree, a statement of intent addressing three given areas, and a passing score on the entrance exam.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University, a private non-profit academic institution, has a mission to remove barriers that prevent people from access to education. That is why SNHU offers high-quality, affordable programs, including a top mental health counseling graduate program online. This graduate program prepares students for counseling licensure in most states (with the exception of Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin).
You will complete 60 credit hours in coursework encompassing the areas of:
- Understanding disorders and addiction
- Group dynamics
- Working with diverse populations
In addition to a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, you will also attend two five-day residencies on campus.
SNHU Alumni state that one of the biggest perks of this program is the support they received from day one to beyond graduation. Another form of support is the low tuition rates and 25% discounts for active and retired U.S. military and their spouses. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time and receive a decision within days.
North Carolina Central University
Step foot into North Carolina Central University, and you will feel the “energy, warmth, and openness” that the faculty, staff, and students describe. Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top Historically Black College and Best Regional University in the South, NCCU boasts many pride points. For example, NCUU is the first school in the UNC system to require students to volunteer 120 hours before they graduate.
NCCU’s master’s in clinical mental health counseling is specifically for those who want to work in non-profit, private mental health settings. With this degree, you will be prepared for the LPC exam in North Carolina. You will complete 60 hours, including 700 hours of supervised field experience. This CACREP accredited online program includes both synchronous and asynchronous courses.
Interested in addictions counseling? You can take three additional courses to become a licensed clinical addiction specialist. To apply, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA
- GRE scores
- Two recommendations
- Admissions essay
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Capella University
Join the 41,2000 ambitious and motivated learners in the student body at Capella University, and you will gain 24/7 access, guidance, and support in your academic journey. The MS in clinical mental health counseling is a flexible online program that leads you to your career aspirations as a clinical licensed counselor.
Through Capella’s GuidedPath clinical mental health counseling program, you will complete:
- Ten core classes
- Seven specialization classes
- Two residencies
- One practicum
- Two internships
You will take courses in areas that cover assessment, diagnoses, ethical practice, and of course, counseling. The GuidedPath format allows you to benefit from flexibility, along with face-to-face interactions in your residencies and field experience.
If you think that Capella is the right fit for you, check out these admission requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7
- Official transcripts
- Two recommendation letters
- A 3-6 page essay on the given topics
- Your resume or CV
Bellevue University
Established in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit, open-access school. Bellevue is nationally recognized for affordable programs that prepare students for lifelong careers. CACREP accredited, the Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling leads you to a future career as a licensed professional counselor.
You will complete 60 hours of coursework in classes such as:
- Counseling Theory
- Statistics and Research
- Ethical practices
You will then progress into advanced courses, practicums, and internships. You can pursue this master’s degree either online or on-campus.
To apply to this online mental health counseling program, you need the following:
- A bachelor’s degree (3.0 minimum GPA)
- Six credits in behavioral sciences
- A 1,000-word statement of interest
- Two recommendation letters
- A current resume
The admissions committee looks at a variety of criteria to determine if you are a good fit for Bellevue. These factors include how well you work with others in culturally diverse groups, your academic experience, and your admissions essay.
University of the Southwest
A perk of going to the University of Southwest is not only does this Christian college offer high-quality academic programs, but it offers free virtual healthcare to all online students. The convenient online master’s in clinical mental health counseling is offered year round in 8-week terms with synchronous meeting times.
Because USW holds smaller class sizes, you will get to know others in your program well. Consistent with USW’s mission and vision, this 60-credit hour program contains five learning objectives:
- Foundation
- Diversity and advocacy
- Counseling, prevention, and intervention
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Research and evaluation
To meet these objectives, you will take courses such as:
- Addictions Counseling
- Psychopathology
- Introduction to Play Therapy
As standard, you will complete a practicum and internship during your last year.
Because of the convenient eight-week course schedule, you can apply anytime through the year. To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a 500 word personal essay, and a resume. USW is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HCL).
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University is a private, non-profit university that is influenced by Catholic values. Sacred Heart is rated by The Princeton Review as one of the top colleges with “The Happiest Students.” Of course, SHU boasts other national rankings like “#1 Hidden Gem University in New England and one of the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
SHU’s Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling is a wonderful online program that prepares counselors to make an impact globally. SHU’s program website states, “By focusing on prevention, resilience, and well-being, the program recognizes the dignity and worth of every human.”
SHU’s clinical mental health counseling program has designed its courses with CACREP standards to equip students with the best possible counseling training. You will study areas such as counseling theories, research methods, and different types of populations. In addition, you should be available for two (2) week-long residencies at SHU.
Do note that SHU does not accept applications from the following states because of differences in licensing requirements:
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Unfortunately, that may rule out many of our readers, but if you don’t live in one of these states, you can apply to Sacred Heart’s counseling program if you have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Antioch University
Meet Antioch University: an academic institution established in 1852 in Yellow Springs, Ohio. AU holds a rich history rooted in academic excellence, diversity, and social justice. Offered from Antioch University’s online campus, the master’s in clinical mental health counseling emphasizes “mental health, well-being, and social justice for a diverse, multicultural and global community.”
Nationally ranked from BestValueSchools.com, the MA features the following:
- 13 core courses
- Three electives
- Four semesters of practicum and internships
- A two-week residency on campus
In this program, your counseling training will focus on eight core areas:
- Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
- Social and cultural diversity
- Human growth and development
- Career development
- Counseling and helping relationships
- Group counseling and group work
- Assessment and testing
- Research and program evaluation
Antioch’s CMHC program encourages students of all backgrounds to apply to its counseling program. You won’t need a specific bachelor’s degree; however, a minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred. Think Antioch is a good match for you? Submit your official transcripts, two recommendation letters, essay questions, and a resume, and hopefully, you will be contacted for a Zoom interview shortly!
Bay Path University
Ask a Bay Path University faculty member, students, alumni, or fan, “what is the university’s motto?”
They will all confidently reply, “Carpe Diem!”
Indeed, “Seize the Day” rings through the spirit of this school.
BPU’s online MS in clinical mental health counseling has some great options. You can choose a general master’s in clinical mental counseling, or you can choose a concentration in one of the following:
- Advanced trauma-informed counseling
- Alcohol and drug use counseling
- Early intervention
- School adjustment counseling
All program options include 60 credit hours of core and concentration classes, a practicum, and an internship. Sample courses include:
- Human Growth and Development
- Bullying and Coercive Behavior
- Social and Cultural Foundations
Graduates are prepared for the LMCH in Massachusetts or parallel licenses such as the LPC in other states.
Since Bay Path offers rolling admission, you can choose among three start dates throughout the year: February, June, or October. BPU strongly recommends that applicants have knowledge of “statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, personality, and development.” In addition, you need an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
NC State University is a prominent public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State is known for its high-quality, innovative academic programs and continuous national rankings. Specifically, the master of education in clinical mental health counseling is nationally ranked #1 in Education Research Productivity from U.S. News & World Report and #1 in Value Among Colleges of Education in NC from Money Magazine.
In this three-year, part-time online program, you will be learning and working alongside a tight-knit cohort the entire time. NC State commits to diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice, so it’s no surprise these core values radiate through the clinical mental health counseling curriculum. Other areas of emphasis include:
- The scientist-practitioner Model
- The school-college-community collaboration model
- The development theory
The admissions committee selects students based on:
- Academic achievement
- Quality of recommendations
- Past or present leadership experience
- Other materials to show you are a good candidate for this program
You can submit a paper, a video, or another creative way to show NC State is for you!
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is nationally ranked by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and OnlineColleges.com in an array of awards, including:
- Social mobility
- Military friendly
- The largest number of minority graduate recipients
NSU’s Master of Science in counseling with a clinical mental health counseling concentration is a flexible program for working adults.
This 60-credit hour program includes 33 hours of core classes and 27 hour of track courses. Core courses include coursework in:
- Counseling theory
- Ethics
- Research
- Social and cultural foundations
You will also complete courses in your chosen track, a practicum, and a internship. Graduates may seek employment as professional counselors in a variety of settings.
While the minimum requirement to NSU’s MA program is a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, applicants should “present evidence of scholastic ability, interest in the area of psychology and counseling, personal stability, and strong character.”
You can show you are a great fit for NSU through strong academics, your personal statement, recommendation letters, and of course, your enthusiasm.
New York University
Among the top ten in Best Graduate Schools in Education from U.S. News and World Report is New York University – Steinhardt. NYU is devoted to “education for social change” and offers over 200 degree programs both online and on campus. NYU’s online master’s in mental health counseling, also referred to as Counseling@NYU, is a stimulating, interactive program that leads to dynamic mental health counseling careers.
Most master’s in counseling degrees take at least two years to complete. You can earn your graduate degree from NYU Steinhardt’s Counseling@NYU program in as little as 21 months or seven terms. You will interact with your professors and classmates through live online courses such as Group Dynamic: Theory and Process and Cross-Cultural Counseling.
NYU looks for candidates that exhibit the following:
- A strong academic background
- Experience in paid or volunteer mental health experience
- Commitment to equity and social justice
NYU’s program features rolling admission, so you could start in January, June, or September. GRE scores are not required. The Counseling@NYU program is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Liberty University
Open since 1971, Liberty University is a Christian liberal arts institution. Liberty features:
- 15 colleges and schools
- Over 100,000 students
- More than 700 programs, ranging from certificates to doctorates
Liberty University is also ranked in the top 1% for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility by BestColleges.com. LU’s clinical mental health counseling program is worth checking out.
Accredited by CACREP, LU’s Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling will allow you to “learn best practices for promoting the mental health and holistic wellness of clients in diverse communities.” In this program, you will complete 60 credit hours of early core, advanced core, specialization, and elective courses, including the practicum and internship.
LU also features benefits for current military, veterans, and their spouses, including tuition discounts. You will also benefit from convenient 8-week courses with no set log-in times.
Interested in Liberty? To apply, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA
- A personal statement
- Two recommendations
- A signed agreement to the program’s mission and diversity statement
Concordia University
Dr. John Townsend, a best-selling author, psychologist, relationship expert, and leadership consultant, founded the Townsend Institution for Leadership and Counseling. The institution is housed at Concordia University-Irvine, a nationally ranked Christian university with almost 4,000 students.
Through Concordia University Irvine’s online Master of Arts in counseling: clinical mental health, you will learn how to “help people move beyond coping to restoration.”
This program emphasizes that mental and emotional issues cannot be fixed without getting to the root. You will understand that true mental health treatment exceeds simply treating symptoms, “cracking the code” for growth and healing in clients. Seven learning outcomes shape this graduate degree:
- Scholarly research
- Systems thinking
- Ethical leadership
- Effective communication
- Reflective clinical practice
- Clinical judgment and assessment
- Global and community commitment
You can start this program either in the spring or fall, and complete it in two years by taking one or two classes at a time. To apply, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree (cumulative 3.0 GPA)
- A two-page essay on your personal, professional and educational goals
- A resume or CV
- At least one professional reference
University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama opened in 1835 as a church-associated all-female school. Over the years, it has evolved into what it is today: a university serving over 5600 students both on campus and through the UWA online school.
The online Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling is not only a highly sought after program because of its solid academics, it is one of the most affordable on our list.
Through UWA’s online mental health counseling degree program, you will complete:
- Nine credit hours of professional courses
- 39 hours of concentration courses
- 12 electives
Each course is eight weeks, and most students complete this program in 2-3 years, depending on full or part-time status. All courses are taught by professional faculty who are licensed as mental health counselors.
Tuition is just $429 per credit hour, and UWA is dedicated to keeping costs affordable and offering grants, scholarships, and loans. To apply, you will create and submit a portfolio that details the following:
- Your specific career goals
- Your ability for graduate study
- Your ability to form counseling relationships
- Your respect for cultural differences
If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out 20 Best Masters in Addictions and Recovery and 25 Best Masters in Family Counseling!
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Grand Canyon University
If you’re looking for an online master’s counseling program taught from a Christian worldview, check out Grand Canyon University. GCU’s Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling is a well-rounded counseling program that emphasizes evidence-based theories and practical applications. This 62-credit hour graduate degree will lead to licensure.
Among the many areas in this counseling program, you will study:
- Substance abuse disorders
- Multicultural counseling
- Group dynamics
- Psychopharmacology
Most courses are eight weeks, although some, like Assessment of Mental and Emotional Health are four weeks. You will complete a 12-week practicum and two 16-week internships. Other than the practicum and internships, you can complete this program entirely online.
GCU applicants need an undergraduate degree with a 2.8 GPA or higher from an accredited college. If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you may still be granted acceptance into this program if you have appropriate GRE or GMAT scores. While GCU is a Christian university, it welcomes people from all backgrounds and faiths.