30 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

The University of the Cumberlands, a private university with a big impact in Kentucky, offers our top best online master’s in mental health counseling. Why is it our top program? Because of the program’s mission, the academic rigor, the affordability, and the flexible online format.

The University of the Cumberland’s mission is to prepare graduate professionals “who are committed to integrity of the individual, client-centered counseling, diversity, social change, and academic excellence” (UC website). The goal is to arm students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference as a mental health counselor in an array of professional settings.

In this program, you will delve into courses such as Theory and Practice of Multicultural Counseling, Advanced Counseling Theories and Techniques, and 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.

The #1 public university in New England, the University of Massachusetts spans across six campuses across the state, as well as an online “campus,” UMass Online. The Master of Science in mental health counseling from UMass Online prepares students for exciting careers as professional counselors in settings such as (but not limited to!) mental health agencies, health clinics, rehabilitation centers, and schools.

UMass utilizes a cohort model, and while this program is online, you are required to attend two clinical courses during your first summer term. While this 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, and a statement detailing your interest and future goals. Do note that you can only enter this program in the summer.

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. Jill Brue, an associate professor and the program chair, describes this program as “spiritually grounded, professionally skilled, interpersonally competent,” (Grace website).

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, and Lifestyle and Career Counseling. While this 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. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The University of Tennessee includes four campuses, including UT Martin where you can 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” (UT website).

This 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 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: no teaching experience is required to apply, transfer credits are accepted towards your 60 hours, and no GRE scores are necessary to apply.

Founded in 1909, Messiah University, a nationally ranked college in scenic central Pennsylvania,  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 for a future in professional counseling.

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 and Spiritual Formation and Faith Based 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, respond to the counseling admission questions, recommendation letters, and a resume.

Nestled in the breathtaking San Luis Valley in Colorado, will find Adams State University, a school of almost 100 years, with a mission to enhance “educational opportunity, economic development, and cultural enrichment” (ASU website). Nationally ranked from U.S. News & World Report for social mobility, Adams State University offers an online Master of Arts in clinical mental health, worth checking out.

The MA in clinical mental health features four goals for graduate students:

1. Personal growth
2. Development of a broad knowledge of counseling and research
3. Development of individual and group counseling skills
4. Knowledge of auxiliary services and follow-up

To achieve these goals, students will take a combination of core courses and clinical mental health counseling courses such as Counseling the Couple, Family, and System and Diagnosis and Psychopathology before they 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.

Founded in 1897 as a watch-making school, Bradley University, a private institution in Peoria, Illinois, 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 program, you will complete 60 credits of coursework which includes courses such as Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Leadership and Counseling Diverse Populations, a practicum, and 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, and rehabilitation centers. This program also serves as a gateway for doctoral work, as many graduates have successfully completed Ph.D.’s in counseling or related fields.

More than 15,000 students call Lamar University, a member of the Texas State University, home. Nationally recognized in academic quality, LU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. The Master of Education in clinical mental health counseling from Lamar University provides a competitive, high-quality academic 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, and 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.

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 with the motto, “Christian Leadership to Change the World.” The MA in clinical mental health counseling combines counseling theory and practice with biblical principles to prepare students for a fulfilling career as licensed counselors in an assortment of professional settings.

One of the best parts of RU’s program is the “small but challenging core of fellow students and professors,” (RU website). 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.

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 in convenient eight-week courses. ULM is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and these values encompass every aspect of the program.

You will take core classes such as Methods of Counseling and Lifespan Development, along with electives like Trauma Counseling and Play Therapy. You can also choose electives geared towards 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 on a regular or conditional status, dependent on undergraduate GPA and GRE scores.

Settled in the picturesque mountains of central Pennsylvania, Lock Haven University features more than 60 degree programs, small classes, and 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.

You will study topics in counseling theory and research, individual, family, couples and group counseling, ethical, legal, and professional counseling issues, and others. When it comes time for your counseling internship, LHU can 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.

Utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous formats, this program 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’s motto is Humanitate, which means “to serve humanity.” Their motto radiates through all the programs, including our 12^th ranking. Through WFU’s online master’s in counseling – mental health counseling through this program, you won’t just be earning a graduate degree, “you will be a catalyst for positive change,” (WFU website).

This 60 credit-hour program includes coursework, practicum, and internships that cover eight specific areas:

1. Human growth and development
2. Social and cultural foundations
3. Helping relationships
4. Group work
5. Career and lifespan development
6. Appraisal
7. Research and program evaluation
8. 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, 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 – with an emphasis on clinical mental health counseling is the first step to earn a LPCC license, but you can also explore other career options with this degree.

You can specialize in certain career tracks, such as private practice, addiction counseling, or rehabilitation counseling. In addition, you can choose the non-licensed options and pursue careers in education, research, administration, business, or further doctoral-level education. The practicum and internship require 700 counseling-related hours over a 9-12 month timespan.

While this 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 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, a private four-year college in New York, knows that real learning comes not only from textbooks, but by doing, which is why all the programs they offer 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 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 program 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 offers rolling admission, so you can apply at 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, 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 the MA in clinical mental health counseling. 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, and 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.

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.  

Step foot into North Carolina Central University, and you will feel the “energy, warmth, and openness” that the faculty, staff, and students describe as being the essence of the campus (NCCU website). 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, including the first school in the UNC system to require students to volunteer 120 hours before they graduate.

NCCU’s MA 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, and an entrance essay (that you write!)  

If you’re looking for a counseling program taught from a Christian worldview, check out Grand Canyon University, located in the heart of Phoenix, and, of course, online. GCU’s Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling, 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, you will study substance abuse disorders, multicultural counseling, group dynamics, and 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.

Known as a “Pioneer in Distance Learning,” Walden University knows the quality of online learning. Why earn a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling from Walden? Top-notch faculty, the engaging online format (you won’t be bored), the exceptional support system (24/7 technical support for those of you who work in the wee hours), and a myriad of diverse concentrations.

Have you ever taken a course from a professor who actually wrote your textbook? In this program, you will, and you will learn from a past president of the American Counseling Association (ACA), along with other expert faculty and ACA members. Choose from a number of specializations to tailor your studies to match your specific career goals, including addiction counseling or forensic counseling (seriously! Look it up!)

Courses include Social Change in Action: Prevention, Consultation, and Advocacy; Multicultural Counseling; and Group Process and Dynamics. Graduates work in a myriad of settings, including community mental health centers, public or private hospitals, inpatient/outpatient facilities, or even in the court system.

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 licensed counselor or therapist. Simone Lambert, Ph.D., is not only one of Capella’s core counseling faculty, she is also currently serving as the 67^th president of the American Counseling Association.

Through Capella’s GuidedPath clinical mental health counseling program, you will complete ten core classes, seven specialization classes, two residencies, one practicum, and 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.

Suppose you think Capella is the right fit for you and you have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7. In that case, all you need to apply are your official transcripts, two recommendation letters, a 3-6 page essay on the given topics, and your resume or CV.

Born in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit, open-access school, 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 professional counseling career through 60 hours of coursework credit along with practicum and internships.

Foundation courses include counseling theory, statistics and research, and ethical practices. You will then progress into advanced courses with super interesting topics such as diagnosing mental and behavioral disorders, social and cultural diversity, and addiction counseling. While this article presents online degree programs, you can pursue this master’s degree either online or on-campus.

To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree (3.0 minimum GPA) including six credits in behavioral sciences, a 1,000-word statement of interest, two recommendation letters, and a current resume. The admissions committee looks at a variety of criteria, including how well you work with others in culturally diverse groups, your academic experience, and based on your essay, if they believe you are a good fit for Bellevue.

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 MS in clinical mental health counseling is offered year round in 8-week terms with synchronous meeting times with your instructors and classmates.

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:

1. Foundation
2. Diversity and advocacy
3. Counseling, prevention, and intervention
4. Assessment and diagnosis
5. Research and evaluation

To meet these objectives, you will take courses like Addictions Counseling, Psychopathology, and 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 with a 3.0 GPA, a 500 word personal essay, and a resume. USW is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HCL).

Here’s a cool rating: Sacred Heart University, a private, non-profit university, influenced by Catholic values, 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 website).

SHU’s Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling is a wonderful online program that prepares counselors to make an impact globally. “By focusing on prevention, resilience, and well-being, the program recognizes the dignity and worth of every human,” (SHU website).

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 take courses in 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 Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin because of the differences in licensing requirements. Unfortunately, that may rule out many of our readers, but if you don’t live in one of these states, you can apply if you have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Meet Antioch University: an academic institution, born in 1852 in Yellow Springs, Ohio, with a rich history rooted in academic excellence, diversity, and social justice. Offered from Antioch University’s online campus, the MA in clinical mental health counseling emphasizes “mental health, well-being, and social justice for a diverse, multicultural and global community,” (AU website).

Nationally ranked from BestValueSchools.com, the MA features 13 core courses, three electives, four semesters of practicum and internships, and a two-week residency on campus.

In this program, your counseling training will focus on eight core areas:

1. Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
2. Social and cultural diversity
3. Human growth and development
4. Career development
5. Counseling and helping relationships
6. Group counseling and group work
7. Assessment and testing
8. Research and program evaluation

Antioch’s CMHC program encourages students of all backgrounds to apply, so 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!

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 advanced trauma-informed counseling, alcohol and drug use counseling, early intervention, or 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, and 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,” (BPU website). In addition, you need an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

NC State University, a prominent public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina, 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, and development theory.

The admissions committee selects students based on academic achievement, quality of recommendations, past or present leadership experience, and other materials that you believe will 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 is nationally ranked by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and OnlineColleges.com in an array of awards, including social mobility, military friendly, and 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, and social and cultural foundations, while track courses include Community Mental Health, Advanced Treatment Interventions, and the practicum and 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” (NSU website). You can show you are a great fit for NSU through strong academics, your personal statement, recommendation letters, and of course, your enthusiasm.

Among the top ten in Best Graduate Schools in Education from U.S. News and World Report, New York University – Steinhardt, devoted to “education for social change” offers over 200 degree programs both online and on campus (NYU website). 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 with a strong academic background, experience in paid or volunteer mental health experience, and committed 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).

Open since 1971, Liberty University, a Christian liberal arts institution, features 15 colleges and schools, over 100,000 students, and more than 700 programs, ranging from certificates to doctorates. Liberty University ranked in the top 1% for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility by BestColleges.com, and 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, through field-tested techniques, to “learn best practices for promoting the mental health and holistic wellness of clients in diverse communities” (LU website). 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 and 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, and a signed agreement to the program’s mission and diversity statement.

Dr. John Townsend, a best-selling author, psychologist, relationship expert, and leadership consultant, founded the Townsend Institution for Leadership and Counseling 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,” (CUI website).

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 (CUI website). Seven learning outcomes shape this graduate degree:

1. Scholarly research
2. Systems thinking
3. Ethical leadership
4. Effective communication
5. Reflective clinical practice
6. Clinical judgement and assessment
7. Global and community commitment

You can start this program either in the spring of 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, and at least one professional reference.

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 the 600 acre beautiful 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.

You will complete nine credit hours of professional courses, 39 hours of concentration courses, and 12 electives ranging from Life-Span Development and Learning to Issues in Addiction Recovery. 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 detailing your career goals, ability for graduate study and forming counseling relationships, and respect for cultural differences.