FAQ: Counseling Careers & Degrees

Licensure & Credentials

• What is a NCC?
• What is a LPC?
• What is a LMFT?
• What is a LCSW?
• What is a LMHC?
• What is a BCBA?
• Can You Become a Counselor Without a License?
• How Long Does it Take to Become a Licensed Counselor?
• Counseling Abbreviations and Licenses Guide
• NCE Counseling Exam Guide

License Comparisons

• LAC vs LPC
• LPC vs LPCC
• MFT vs LMFT
• LACD vs CACD: Comparing Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Licensure

Career Comparisons

• Counselor vs. Therapist
• School Psychologist vs. School Counselor
• Counseling Psychology vs Clinical Psychology: What’s the Difference?
• Counseling vs. Social Work

Degree Comparisons

• Masters in Counseling vs. Masters in Psychology
• Master’s in Counseling vs MSW: Which Degree is Right for You?
• CACREP vs. MPCAC: What is the Difference?

Educational Requirements & Pathways

• Can I Become a Counselor with a Bachelor’s Degree?
• Can I Become a School Counselor with a Psychology Bachelor’s Degree
• Can You Become a Therapist with a Master’s in Social Work?
• What Degree Do You Need to Become a High School Guidance Counselor?
• How to Choose the Right Online Master’s in Counseling Program

Career Information & Timelines

• What Does a Counselor Do?
• What Does It Take to Become a Counselor?
• How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor?
• How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker?
• How to Become a Child Psychologist
• Fastest Way to Become a Counselor or Therapist
• Highest Paying Counseling Degrees

Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)

Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.)

NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (Prepare to pursue licensure with NYU Steinhardt’s MPCAC-accredited online counseling master’s. As few as 21 mos. to complete. GRE not req.)

Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online with required intensives)

National University : Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) : Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (100% Online, No GRE Required)

University of Denver : Master of Arts in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

The Chicago School : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)

School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
Walden University MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	Prepare to become the competent, compassionate counselor you were meant to be with Walden's CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.	Learn More
Northwestern University Online MA in Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	CACREP-accredited online Master of Arts in Counseling from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months.	Learn More
Northwestern University Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.	Learn More
NYU Steinhardt Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness MPCAC Accredited	✔ Online GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required	Prepare to pursue licensure with NYU Steinhardt’s MPCAC-accredited online counseling master’s. As few as 21 mos. to complete. GRE not req.	Learn More
Liberty University MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online Online with required intensives	Our CACREP-accredited online master’s in counseling helps you become a skilled mental health counselor ready to empower others for positive change.	Learn More
National University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling WSCUC Accredited	✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required	Focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities.	Learn More
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Higher Learning Commission (HLC)	✔ Online 100% Online	Oklahoma’s largest MS in Counseling program, with emphases in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and more!	Learn More
University of Denver Master of Arts in School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required	With no GRE required, earn your CACREP-accredited Master's in School Counseling online in as few as 24 months from the University of Denver.	Learn More
The Chicago School 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. CACREP-accredited.	Learn More

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)

NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)

Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)

University of Denver - Master of Arts in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

The Chicago School - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)