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+ CACREP accredited counseling programs
- 800+ CACREP accredited master's of counseling degrees
- 80+ CACREP-accredited doctor of counseling programs
- 100+ Online CACREP-accredited counseling programs
- Program faculty and staff evaluation
- Core curriculum review
- Clinical practice requirements - internship, practicum, 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 type of programs 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.
Luckily, there are options. There are both traditional and online programs that have received CACREP accreditation, making this decision easier for aspiring professionals who wish to become licensed in the future.
To make your search for the perfect degree program a bit easier, the CEO 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 or 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 |
| Capella University MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online No GMAT or GRE Required | Our CACREP-accredited program is designed to help you prepare for state licensure. Earn your degree while working and living your daily life with our flexible online learning environment. 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 |
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University Master's in Clinical Psychology | ✔ Online No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required | Become a Licensed Professional Counselor Learn MoreComplete in 27 months |
| Pepperdine University Master of Arts in Psychology Open to all undergrad majors | ✔ Online No GRE Required | Earn a Master’s in Psychology Online in 18 Months Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
What is the CACREP?
CACREP is an accreditation agency that focuses on the need for improvement and innovation in counseling and related fields.
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 online program page and also 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, qualified instructors, and up-to-date ethical and legal recommendations for upcoming counseling professionals. Take a look at some of the standards that may be reviewed during the accreditation process:
Finding 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 achieving this goal. 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, actual 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 all 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
The desire to pursue a career in counseling may say a lot about your personality and your drive to help others. To achieve your goal, there are certain requirements that must be met to become licensed to work with clients in the field. Obtaining a degree from one of the CACREP accredited mental health counseling programs is certainly a good start.
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 have also been accredited by CACREP. When you graduate from a counseling program and have completed your supervised work experience requirement, you may then be responsible for filing your application for licensure.
During this process, you may be required to submit proof of degree acquisition so that your state’s licensing agency can review your achievement and determine eligibility for testing. If you want to ensure that your program can help you at this step, you should review your program’s page on the school’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 can be 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.
FAQ: How Are Counseling Degrees Online Accredited?
Accreditation can be a complex task that requires effort from both the university seeking accreditation and the accreditation agency. As a student, your concern regarding accreditation should be focused on whether your chosen degree program has received adequate accreditation and can help you to obtain your license. If you’re interested in learning more about what type of information a university must provide to become accredited, take a look at some of the frequently asked questions below:
How are counseling degrees online accredited?
CACREP has a specialized method for determining whether a program in counseling should be deemed accredited. Universities seeking accreditation can create a comprehensive report of their degree program, provide evidence as to why their program meets the minimum standard, and submit this information toCACREP for review. CACREP then reviews the application, assigns an on-site reviewer to visit the location, and awaits results. 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 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 services to the public. One main requirement for licensure of new counselors is proof of completion of a master’s degree in counseling that currently holds accreditation with CACREP. Degree programs that don’t have proper accreditation at the time they were acquired 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 preferred options for college students interested in providing a 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 that can result from a combination of these factors.
To provide support to people with emotional or behavioral issues, students must take part in an accredited degree program, gain two to three years of supervised experience, and complete a national test in counseling before becoming licensed.
One of the most common questions concerning these steps may be the accreditation of degree programs in counseling. Read the guide below to learn more about leading accreditation agencies in the U.S. and how they 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 programs. On each page, you’ll find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.
- 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
National Louis University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
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 |
