Iowa's 3 million residents are represented by a modest amount of counseling professionals, but there are opportunities. Counselors are called upon to assist clients with finding solutions to everyday emotional ailments. Life can prove to be hard to manage for some people, especially with increasing work hours.
Iowa Counseling Degrees
- 11 different counseling degrees in Iowa at all degree levels
- 8 CACREP accredited programs in Iowa
- An excellent resource: the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science (IBBS) evaluates applicants for licensure and grants licenses for multiple counseling professions.
- According to the BLS, average salary for Iowa counselors is $36,080 per year
A land that is based around agriculture, all while mixing in the love of art especially in the growing urban areas such as Des Moines, Iowa is a land of opportunity for prospective counseling professionals. The flatlands of Iowa draw in new residents each year, providing great economic growth and job availability.
If you live in or near popular degree cities such as Cedar Falls, you could have quick access to some of the most popular degree programs in this state. Some universities throughout the state of Iowa may offer certain specialty options with their programs, so it is important for you to review these details prior to making your choice.
Here are a few schools in Iowa with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- Drake University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling M.S. in School Counseling
- The University of Iowa: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling M.A. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- University of Northern Iowa: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
The counseling field is in need of qualified, compassionate professionals like you to meet the demand for services. In Walden's clinical mental health counseling and school counseling dual degree program, you’ll gain the insights and hands-on training to positively impact the lives of children, adults, and families. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Over 14 Specializations Available |
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
| Liberty University
MED: School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Liberty University’s CACREP-accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling can help equip you to work as a school counselor in Christian, public, and private schools. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Marriage and Family Therapy
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering master’s degree programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Doctoral degree program available in counselor education & supervision. No GRE required. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Counseling Programs in Iowa
The first step in working to get licensure to practice as a counselor in Iowa is choosing a degree program from the 11 available in this state. The most popular degree programs are those at master's and doctoral levels, which set the learner up on a licensed career path.
Upon graduation with an accredited degree, students will find that there is wealth of job openings available. Marriage counselors are needed to assist couples in having strong bonds. School counselors are needed to help children develop and progress through school efficiently.
Overview of Master of Counseling Degrees in Iowa
As a graduate of a bachelors degree program, you may be seeking opportunities for advancement with your degree and in your career. If you live in the state of Iowa, you could help promote success in your career by enrolling in one of Iowa's 11 counseling degree programs offered at the masters level.
A Master of Counseling degree program can be a great way to get your foot into the door in many mental health organizations within your state and help you to achieve a license to work with individuals in the field. If you would like to have your license in counseling, you should be familiar with the agency responsible for reviewing and approving counseling licenses in this state. The Bureau of Professional Licensure in Iowa can be your resource for ensuring that you have taken every required step along the way.
The University of Northern Iowa could be a school to consider, since it can offer you a Master of Counseling degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling. Depending on what you plan to do in your career, you may find specializations more closely related to what you are seeking in the field. Colleges offering Master of Counseling programs can be found at multiple areas throughout the state of Iowa.
Online Master of Counseling Degrees in Iowa
Online degree programs can provide you with the type of education that is preferred by busy professionals. If you do not have the free time to travel back and forth to school or attend class in person, you should consider the benefits of online Master of Counseling programs in Iowa.
These programs can be attended via the internet, making your college experience a little more easier to manage alongside a full-time job or busy personal life. If you choose to pursue online programs in lieu of traditional options, you can also enjoy the benefits of reliable and accredited universities.
In recent years, the accreditation of online Master of Counseling programs has made it possible for people seeking a license in counseling to pursue their degree online. Accreditation is a process that involves a regular review of the program's curriculum in order to make sure it covers all necessary topics required for licensing within Iowa.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the most prominent agency for reviewing Master of Counseling programs, so you should be familiar with this organization and what is represents. By visiting the CACREP website, you can have access to a list of currently accredited online and traditional schools with Master of Counseling programs.
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
Liberty University - MED: School Counseling (CACREP and NCATE through CAEP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Marriage and Family Therapy (SACSCOC Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)
Families may have a hard time spending time together and need a moderator to assist with cooperation and communication. Counselors are the resource for all of these problems.
Mental Health Counseling Programs in Iowa
Mental health counselors use specialized techniques in clinical settings, helping those suffering from mental disorders. The variability of degree programs in this state allows for learners to choose the path that is right for them.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Iowa Counseling Degrees
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in Iowa. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Drake University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 10/31/2023
The University of Iowa
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year (Interim Report Required)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/14/2010 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year (Interim Report Required)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1987 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year (Interim Report Required)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1987 to 3/31/2022
University of Northern Iowa
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1989 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1989 to 3/31/2022
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Iowa
View all programs in Iowa below, or jump to all Iowa CACREP accredited counseling programs.Drake University Des Moines
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Iowa Lakes Community College Estherville
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Morningside College Sioux City
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Southeastern Community College West Burlington
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
University of Iowa Iowa City
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- Doctorate - School Counseling
The University of Iowa Iowa City
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
