CACREP-Accredited Programs Overview
Our team of educational experts has thoroughly reviewed CACREP counseling accreditation compared to other accreditation agencies to provide you with detailed information you can use to determine whether you’re choosing the right program.
Here’s an overview of CACREP accredited programs in the field of counseling:
- 900+ total CACREP-accredited counseling programs
- 800+ CACREP-accredited master's degrees
- 80+ CACREP-accredited doctorate counseling programs
- 100+ Online CACREP-accredited counseling programs
- Program faculty and staff evaluation
- Core curriculum review
- Clinical practice requirements - including internship, practicum, and supervisors
- Student and program assessment
- Specialty areas
- Bellevue University: Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Bradley University: Online Masters in School Counseling
- The College of William and Mary: Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Messiah College: Online Masters in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
- North Carolina Central University: Online Masters in Career Counseling
- North Carolina State University: Online Masters in Student Affairs and College Counseling
- Thomas University: Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Before taking a deep dive into some of the popular accredited programs, take time to consider what you’re looking for in a degree program. Some students may choose to pursue their degree through traditional, campus-based programs, others may prefer counseling programs that they can complete entirely online—and some may want a hybrid of the two.
Luckily, there are options. There are traditional, online and hybrid programs that have received CACREP accreditation, making this decision easier for aspiring professionals who wish to become licensed counselors in the future.
To make your search for the perfect degree program a bit easier, the CDO team of educational experts has reviewed the list of CACREP-accredited degree programs for each U.S. state on our website and provided a list of entirely online CACREP-accredited counseling programs on this page. Likewise, on each state’s page, you’ll find online counseling programs in that state that are accepting applicants.
Consider a Featured Online CACREP Accredited Counseling ProgramClick the university name for information on admissions, courses, status of accreditation, and more
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Capella University Master's and PhD in Counseling  CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online GRE Not Required | Choose from Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Behavior. Marriage and Family Therapy, or School Counseling specialties 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 |
| National Louis University M.S. in Counseling CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online No GRE Required. Bachelor’s Degree Required. Minimum GPA 3.0. | CACREP accredited program prepares you to work as a counselor in schools, private practices and mental health clinics. Concentration in Addictions, School or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Learn More |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online Bachelor's Degree Required. | This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| Liberty University MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) 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 |
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| University of Denver Online MA in School Counseling Designed to adhere to CACREP standards | ✔ Live, online classes No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required | Earn your degree in as few as 24 months Learn More |
| Touro University Worldwide Master in Counseling - Addiction Counseling WSCUC, CACREP Aligned | ✔ Online No GMAT/GRE | The online Master of Arts in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Specialization explores substance abuse and related disorders from a clinical counseling perspective that involves several factors associated with addiction. Students will gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on practice in treating individuals with addiction, substance abuse, and dependency disorders to prepare them with the tools needed to succeed in addiction counseling. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
What is CACREP?
According to the website for the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), this organization “promotes the professional competence of counseling and related practitioners through development of preparation standards, encouraging excellence in program development, and accreditation of professional preparation programs.”
CACREP is the leading accreditation organization for educational programs in counseling, so it should be a familiar agency for you if you plan to pursue a degree within this field. Any campus-based or online counseling programs that this agency has accredited should display the CACREP logo on their program page, and should be listed on CACREP’s approved provider list.
Accreditation agencies such as CACREP aim to provide consistent reviews of educational programs all over the country. There may be certain qualifications for upcoming programs seeking accreditation, some of which can likely be easily achieved through the creation of a thorough curriculum, hiring qualified instructors, and making sure they are up-to-date with the ethical and legal recommendations for new counseling professionals
Here are some of the standards that are reviewed during the accreditation process:
How Do You Find CACREP Accredited Counseling Programs?
Finding a degree program with the right type of accreditation doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Prospective students seeking reliable degree programs can use different methods for finding the right program that meets their needs. If you already have a particular university in mind for your program, you can review the degree program’s page on your school’s website.
Most degree programs that attain accreditation list this information on the main page or through a section pertaining to specific program accreditation. A quicker alternative for finding accredited programs in your area may be through CACREP’s search tool on the agency’s website.
Visiting CACREP's website is a good starting point for finding information about the full process of accreditation, resources for aspiring professionals in the field, and lists of accredited institutions that may be offering online degree programs.
Counseling Degrees Online has also created state pages that include every CACREP-accredited counseling program as of spring of 2021.
CACREP Accredited Online Programs
For students who prefer the convenience and flexibility of online learning, here’s a list of some of the most popular CACREP-accredited online programs
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required.
Click for admissions information.
The online Master of Arts in Counseling Program at The Family Institute at Northwestern University allows students to earn their degree in as little as 18 months. Preparing the next generation of clinical mental health counselors, this CACREP-accredited program offers a comprehensive curriculum combined with extensive hands-on training. No GRE Required.
Click for more admissions info.
The Importance of CACREP-Accredited Mental Health Counseling Programs
In most states, earning a master’s in counseling is the first step toward becoming a licensed counselor. Accreditation comes into play at this first stage of your journey. Students seeking educational programs to enroll in should determine whether the program has received the right type of accreditation and will prepare them to be eligible for licensure after graduation.
Master’s Degrees in Counseling Are Required
In most states, earning a master’s in counseling is the first step toward becoming a licensed counselor. Accreditation comes into play at this stage. Students seeking educational programs to enroll in should determine whether the program has received the right type of accreditation and will prepare them to be eligible for licensure after graduation.
Many States Require CACREP Accredited Degrees
Most states require that students obtain master’s-level degrees that are accredited by CACREP. When you graduate from a counseling program and have completed your supervised work experience requirement, you are responsible for filing your application for licensure, which in most states will require you to prove you’ve graduated from a CACREP-accredited or similar program.
If you want to ensure that your program can help you at this step, you should review your program’s website or contact your university’s enrollment specialist for more information.
What About State Counseling Licensure?
One of the biggest concerns for counseling students is whether their program meets the minimum standards of their state licensure agency. This is a valid concern for new master’s-level students, since there are numerous for-profit educational programs that promote counseling programs that haven’t attained the right type of accreditation to support licensure. View state-by-state counseling licensure requirements to make sure the program you’re looking at fits the requirements needed to obtain state counseling licensure.
How do online counseling degrees become CACREP accredited?
CACREP has a specific process for determining whether a program in counseling should receive accreditation. Universities seeking accreditation:
- create a comprehensive report of their degree program
- provide evidence as to why their program meets the minimum standard
- and submit this information to CACREP for review.
CACREP then reviews the application and assigns an on-site reviewer to visit the location,. After an initial visit and review of curriculum and course work on campus, a reflective report is then sent back to CACREP for comparison. Review of these final documents can determine whether a program receives accreditation.
How long does CACREP accreditation last?
Currently, CACREP accredits university degree programs for a period of eight years. Programs that have applied for accreditation, but still require additional information to meet the standards of the eight-year approval, can receive a temporary accreditation status for two years. During that time, universities are required to provide the additional information to remain accredited beyond the two-year cycle.
Is accreditation required for licensure?
All U.S. states require counselors to be licensed to provide mental health counseling services to the public. One main requirement for licensure of is proof of completion of a master’s degree in counseling. Many states will require that the program you graduated from holds current accreditation with CACREP. Programs that are not CACREP-accredited may be accepted for licensure if they meet the same coursework and clinical experience requirements as a CACREP-accredited program.
However, you will likely need to submit additional documentation like coursework syllabi to show that your program fits all the criteria. Keep in mind that even if the program looks good, degree programs that don’t have proper accreditation at the time you obtained your education may not be accepted during the licensure process.
Considering Accredited Master’s in Counseling Programs
Master’s degrees in counseling may be some of the most sought-after programs for college students interested in providing a much-needed service to their community.
A master’s in counseling can provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of the human mind, emotions, and behaviors.
To provide support to people with emotional or behavioral issues, students should aim to pursue an accredited degree program, gain two to three years of supervised experience, and pass a national licensing exam in counseling in order to become licensed.
One of the most common concerns a prospective counselor might have is whether the program they are pursuing is accredited. Below, we’ve listed several pages where you can read more about the leading accredited universities and programs in the U.S. that can assist you in getting the job you’ve always dreamed of.
Top Accredited Master’s in Counseling Programs
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
Schools with an Online Master of Counseling
Dual Master in Counseling Degrees
By Online Counseling Program Specialization:
Online Master of Behavior Analysis
Online Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Master’s in Counseling Psychology
Online Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling
Online Master’s in School Counseling
By Accreditation:
Online CACREP Accredited Master’s Programs
Online MPCAC Accredited Programs
Still Looking for CACREP Accredited Online Counseling Programs?
Below is a list of some of the most popular online counseling program types. On each page, you’ll find a detailed write-up of each program type, specific courses in each program, and schools that offer that program type.
- Online Counseling Degrees
- Online Masters in Counseling
- Bachelors in Counseling
- Masters in Counseling
- Counseling Schools by State
- Counseling Career Guide
- Highest Paid Counseling Jobs
List of Programs
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
Touro University Worldwide 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
National Louis University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Walsh University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Walsh University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
List of Online CACREP Accredited Counseling Programs
| University | City | State | Online Counseling Program | CACREP Start | CACREP Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks | AK | M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/12/2016 | 3/31/2020 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks | AK | M.Ed. in School Counseling | 7/12/2016 | 3/31/2020 |
| Auburn University | Auburn | AL | M.Ed. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | 7/19/2017 | 10/31/2026 |
| Concordia University Irvine | Irvine | CA | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/13/2018 | 10/31/2021 |
| Palo Alto University | Palo Alto | CA | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/5/2015 | 3/31/2025 |
| Palo Alto University | Palo Alto | CA | M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | 7/5/2015 | 3/31/2025 |
| Saybrook University | Pasadena | CA | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/14/2017 | 10/31/2026 |
| Adams State University | Alamosa | CO | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/15/2009 | 3/31/2021 |
| Adams State University | Alamosa | CO | M.A. in School Counseling | 4/1/1994 | 3/31/2021 |
| Adams State University | Alamosa | CO | Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision | 1/13/2016 | 3/31/2021 |
| Colorado Christian University | Lakewood | CO | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/14/2010 | 10/31/2027 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain | CT | M.S. in School Counseling | 7/8/2008 | 3/31/2021 |
| Gallaudet University | Washington | DC | M.A. in School Counseling | 9/1/1991 | 3/31/2024 |
| Hodges University | Ft. Myers | FL | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/11/2012 | 3/31/2022 |
| Thomas University | Thomasville | GA | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | 1/13/2016 | 10/31/2023 |
| University of Hawai'i Manoa | Honolulu | HI | M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling | 7/1/2017 | 10/31/2020 |
| Adler University | Chicago | IL | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/7/2015 | 10/31/2022 |
| Bradley University | Peoria | IL | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/9/2014 | 10/31/2022 |
| Bradley University | Peoria | IL | M.A. in School Counseling | 9/1/1990 | 10/31/2022 |
| Concordia University Chicago | River Forest | IL | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/15/2012 | 3/31/2022 |
| Northwestern University | Evanston | IL | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/9/2013 | 3/31/2023 |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Online | Chicago | IL | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/12/2016 | 3/31/2026 |
| Grace College | Winona Lake | IN | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/1/2003 | 10/31/2020 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion | IN | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/15/2012 | 10/31/2021 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion | IN | M.A. in School Counseling | 7/10/2005 | 10/31/2021 |
| Asbury Theological Seminary | Wilmore | KY | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/7/2015 | 10/31/2024 |
| Lindsey Wilson College | Columbia | KY | M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 10/1/1994 | 8/20/2020 |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington | KY | M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling | 7/1/2017 | 10/31/2021 |
| University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg | KY | Ed.D./Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision | 7/14/2014 | 3/31/2024 |
| University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg | KY | M.A. in Addiction Counseling | 7/31/2014 | 3/31/2024 |
| University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg | KY | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/14/2014 | 3/31/2024 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe | LA | M.Ed. in School Counseling | 9/1/1987 | 2/28/2021 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe | LA | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/11/2012 | 2/28/2021 |
| Capella University | Minneapolis | MN | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3/1/2002 | 8/31/2020 |
| Capella University | Minneapolis | MN | M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | 1/1/2004 | 3/31/2020 |
| Capella University | Minneapolis | MN | M.S. in School Counseling | 1/16/2008 | 8/31/2020 |
| Capella University | Minneapolis | MN | Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision | 1/9/2014 | 8/31/2020 |
| Walden University | Minneapolis | MN | M.S. in Addiction Counseling | 7/5/2015 | 3/31/2025 |
| Walden University | Minneapolis | MN | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/5/2015 | 3/31/2025 |
| Walden University | Minneapolis | MN | M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | 7/11/2012 | 3/31/2025 |
| Walden University | Minneapolis | MN | M.S. in School Counseling | 7/5/2015 | 3/31/2025 |
| Walden University | Minneapolis | MN | Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision | 7/11/2012 | 3/31/2025 |
| North Carolina Central University | Durham | NC | M.A. in Career Counseling | 7/7/2004 | 3/31/2022 |
| North Carolina Central University | Durham | NC | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/14/2012 | 3/31/2022 |
| North Carolina Central University | Durham | NC | M.A. in School Counseling | 7/7/2004 | 3/31/2022 |
| North Carolina State University | Raleigh | NC | M.Ed./M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/12/2011 | 10/31/2020 |
| North Carolina State University | Raleigh | NC | M.Ed./M.S. in School Counseling | 10/1/1996 | 10/31/2020 |
| North Carolina State University | Raleigh | NC | M.Ed./M.S. in Student Affairs and College Counseling | 9/1/1988 | 10/31/2020 |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke | NC | M.A.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/14/2011 | 3/31/2021 |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke | NC | M.A.Ed. in School Counseling | 7/14/2011 | 3/31/2021 |
| Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem | NC | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/15/2009 | 10/31/2026 |
| Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem | NC | M.A. in School Counseling | 10/1/1993 | 10/31/2026 |
| Bellevue University | Bellevue | NE | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/13/2016 | 10/31/2021 |
| Wayne State College | Wayne | NE | M.S.E. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/14/2014 | 3/31/2024 |
| Antioch University New England | Keene | NH | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/13/2018 | 10/31/2021 |
| St. Bonaventure University | St. Bonaventure | NY | M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/5/2015 | 3/31/2021 |
| St. Bonaventure University | St. Bonaventure | NY | M.S.Ed. in School Counseling | 1/16/2007 | 3/31/2021 |
| Malone University | Canton | OH | M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/5/2010 | 8/20/2020 |
| Union Institute and University | Cincinnati | OH | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/12/2016 | 3/31/2020 |
| Wright State University | Dayton | OH | MRC in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | 1/14/2016 | 10/31/2020 |
| Oregon State University | Corvallis | OR | M. Coun. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/14/2014 | 3/31/2024 |
| Oregon State University | Corvallis | OR | Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision | 9/1/1991 | 3/31/2024 |
| Lock Haven University | Lock Haven | PA | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/7/2015 | 10/31/2024 |
| Messiah University (previously Messiah College) | Mechanicsburg | PA | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/12/2011 | 10/31/2020 |
| Messiah University (previously Messiah College) | Mechanicsburg | PA | M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | 1/12/2011 | 10/31/2020 |
| Messiah University (previously Messiah College) | Mechanicsburg | PA | M.A. in School Counseling | 1/12/2011 | 10/31/2020 |
| Shippensburg University | Shippensburg | PA | Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision | 7/18/2018 | 3/31/2022 |
| Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson | TN | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/18/2018 | 3/31/2022 |
| Lamar University | Beaumont | TX | M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/7/2015 | 10/31/2020 |
| University of Houston Victoria | Victoria | TX | M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/7/2015 | 10/31/2025 |
| University of Houston Victoria | Victoria | TX | M.Ed. in School Counseling | 1/17/2009 | 10/31/2025 |
| College of William and Mary | Williamsburg | VA | M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/9/2014 | 10/31/2022 |
| College of William and Mary | Williamsburg | VA | M.Ed. in School Counseling | 4/1/1998 | 10/31/2022 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg | VA | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/19/2017 | 3/31/2023 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg | VA | Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision | 5/12/2016 | 3/31/2023 |
| Liberty University - School of Behavioral Sciences | Lynchburg | VA | M.Ed. in School Counseling | 1/9/2014 | 10/31/2023 |
| Regent University | Virginia Beach | VA | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 7/14/2014 | 3/31/2024 |
| Regent University | Virginia Beach | VA | M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | 7/14/2014 | 3/31/2024 |
| Regent University | Virginia Beach | VA | M.A. in School Counseling | 4/1/1999 | 3/31/2024 |
| Regent University | Virginia Beach | VA | Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision | 7/18/2006 | 3/31/2024 |
| Marshall University | South Charleston | WV | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 1/13/2016 | 10/31/2021 |
| Marshall University | South Charleston | WV | M.A. in School Counseling | 1/13/2016 | 10/31/2021 |
