The type of degree program you choose should be one of many different considerations as your progress forward into higher education. As a counselor, you may be required to apply for licensure prior to being certified to work with students in school systems in Washington D.C.
Overview of Counseling Degrees in DC
- Over 10 different counseling programs in DC
- 5 different universities with CACREP-accredited counseling degrees
- One online CACREP-accredited counseling program
- 11 different CACREP accredited programs in DC
Detail on Counseling Programs in DC
Gallaudet University is the leading provider of online and accredited counseling programs in Washington D.C. This university currently provides an online Master's in School Counseling for upcoming professionals interested in influencing the youth of the nation.
Through this reliable degree program, students can gain the skills necessary to support and provide for students in an educational setting. Paired with an internship requirement, this program can truly make a noticeable difference for those that choose to pursue it.
Here are a few schools in DC with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- Gallaudet University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
- George Washington University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling M.A. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Trinity Washington University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited [email protected] is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| University of Southern California
Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Prepares you for school counseling credential |
✔ Live, online classes
No GRE requirement |
Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
| 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 |
| Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
LPC/MFT emphases available. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required. |
Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's required. GRE scores are not required. |
Prepare to become a school counselor with NYU Steinhardt’s online master’s in Counseling and Guidance program. The online MA degree gives you the knowledge and skills to pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools nationwide in as few as 18 mos. Bachelor’s required: Learn more. GRE scores are not required. Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
|
✔ Online
No GRE required. |
Help students navigate the emotional terrain of getting an education, empower people of all ages to overcome mental health hurdles, or support someone recovering from drug addiction as they obtain or maintain a job, with the Master of Arts in Counseling from OLLU. Learn More |
| Capella University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
No GMAT or GRE Required |
Our CACREP- and CAEP-accredited MS in School Counseling puts you in control, so you can learn on your own schedule and gain the skills to pursue your professional school counselor credential. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Online Counseling Programs in Washington DC
An online counseling program can be an excellent choice for adults and recent graduates looking for convenience with their degree programs. In Washington D.C., students can take part in Gallaudet University's online Master's in School Counseling program to help them achieve their goals of helping others. Through online degree programs, students can engage with professors and other students through online discussion boards and email, submit their assignments through virtual drop-boxes and take exams via the online classroom. Read more about this excellent program below.
Gallaudet University
Currently the only accredited online counseling program in Washington D.C., Gallaudet's online Master's in School Counseling is a great option for students that seek educational career paths. This degree program consists of 63 credit hours of extensive study, which includes a supervised work experience in the educational field.
This program is considered hybrid in nature, since it implements components from both the in-person and online setting. Most students attending this program can complete it in around 3 years. The program may conclude with an intensive internship at a school chosen prior to the onset of the program, which can help students implement the information learned in their courses in a real-world environment.
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
University of Southern California - Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Capella University - Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
NYU Steinhardt - Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Capella University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Why DC?
There is no better state that represents what America stands for. Washington D.C. is a landmark for American opportunity. As home to the President of the United States, it is one of the most prestigious places in the country to attend college and work in the professional field.
Universities in Washington D.C. have some of the most in depth counseling programs in the United States. The reliable curriculum and experienced professors provide for an education that will take professionals into the working world with motivation and expertise.
Counseling Programs in Washington DC
Washington D.C. has a number of counseling programs for prospective students to choose from. Among these programs are degrees in school counseling and mental health counseling. The importance of counselors throughout the country is continuing to gain appreciation.
Those holding a degree in counseling provide a service to the community that cannot be replaced. Those suffering from mental distress or emotional turmoil seek the services of a counselor in order to obtain a normal life.
Steps to Getting into Counseling as a Career in DC
Obtaining a degree is the first step to become a successful counselor in this area. Jobs are available with as little as an associate level degree.
Licensure Information
Those seeking licensure must at least have a graduate degree and must take part in supervised work experience. After successfully passing a state board exam in counseling, graduates will be free to service the public as a licensed professional.
DC Counseling Licensure: DC Counseling Licensing Boards
DC Counseling Licensure
Board of Professional Counseling
717 14th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
877/672-2174
http://hpla.doh.dc.gov/hpla/site/default.asp
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
School Counseling Licensure
Educator Licensure & Accreditation
810 First Street, NE, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20002(202) 741-5881
[email protected]
www.osse.dc.gov
School Counselor [K-12]
Career Outlook as a DC Counselor
Professional counselors can earn on average $41,184 in Washington D.C. The potential to earn has drawn more students to this area of interest since counseling became a respected field of study. Working with human emotion can require great dedication.
Those interested in the field of counseling should be prepared to work hard in order to help people overcome life struggles and great emotional problems. Working with individuals or groups, counselors are responsible for administering different therapeutic techniques in a manner that promotes a better quality of life. The job outlook will continue to grow for those interested in changing the lives of those around them.
DC Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration
The Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration is the organization you should familiarize yourself with in order to stay current on the educational and experience requirements set forth for counselors in this district.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in DC.Popular Online Counseling Programs
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited DC 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 DC. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Gallaudet University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1991 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 3/1/1993 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1991 to 3/31/2024
George Washington University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2012 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1982 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1982 to 10/31/2021
Trinity Washington University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/19/2017 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/19/2017 to 3/31/2021
University of the District of Columbia
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year (Interim Report Required)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/13/2009 to 3/31/2022
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in DC
View all programs in DC below, or jump to all DC CACREP accredited counseling programs.Gallaudet University Washington
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
George Washington University Washington
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Trinity Washington University Washington
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
University of the District of Columbia Washington
- M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
