Getting Started Looking for Georgia Counseling Programs
There are numerous counseling degrees in Georgia, and among those, several that specialize in school counseling. As always, be sure to talk with the admissions staff for detailed information about tuition, requirements for admission, length of the program, and the learning environment.
Here are a few schools in Georgia with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- Albany State University: M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Augusta University: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Clark Atlanta University: M.A. in Community Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
- Columbus State University: M.Ed. in School Counseling M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Fort Valley State University: M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Master of Counseling Programs in Georgia
Online education can provide a flexible alternative to in-person learning. If you are seeking online and reputable mental health counseling programs or school counseling programs in Georgia, you should consider online programs that have received accreditation through the CACREP.
To obtain licensure, the state of Georgia requires that you have a degree from a program that is fully accredited, regardless of whether you complete it online or in person. The CACREP is the quickest resource for finding accredited and reliable programs within Georgia, and it has a comprehensive list of accredited degree programs to choose from.
Thomas University's Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Thomas University's 60-credit online master’s program could be ideal for new students at the master's level or even transfer students from other online institutions. Graduates of Thomas University’s online master’s in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling program can obtain licensure and work with people in the community who need their aid the most. This can include counseling populations with disabilities, as well as helping them find the services and therapies that are available to them in their community.
This CACREP-accredited degree program could be your gateway into the field of counseling — through reliable and intensive coursework that can prepare you for a wide variety of scenarios in the field. This program currently has no residency requirement, making it an even better program for students without the availability to attend multiple in-person classes on campus.
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Why Choose School Counseling Programs in Georgia?
There are many universities in Georgia that have campus locations in the state as well as an online counseling program. Below are some of the reasons prospective students should consider earning a degree through a school counseling program in Georgia.
High-Quality Online Counseling Programs
Choosing an online master's program does not mean that you are sacrificing quality or substance with your degree. Online master's in counseling programs are subject to the same requirements for accreditation as in-person programs.
Knowledge of Counseling Licensure
Licensure is required in order to practice as a counselor in Georgia, so you should also consider other licensure requirements in addition to your degree program. The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists is the licensing agency for counselors in this state. You should make it your goal to stay current on this agency's requirements throughout your educational experience.
Pepperdine University - Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
University of Denver - Online MA in School Counseling ( Accredited)
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)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
National Louis University - M.S. in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)Recap: Online Master of Counseling Programs in Georgia
- When considering an online counseling degree: An online Master’s in Counseling can help you to pursue more fitting careers for your personality. Through online degree programs, students can take advantage of self-scheduling and flexibility. These attributes are often unfounded in traditional programs, which is what makes online degree programs more attractive for busy learners. Read more about Thomas University’s CACREP-accredited online Master’s program below.
- Thomas University is the only university with an counseling program in Georgia: Thomas University is the only provider of online and accredited counseling degree programs. This university offers a completely online Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. Throughout this program, students may be expected to complete 60 credit hours that consist of coursework relevant to the rehabilitation of individuals with various mental health issues, as well as counseling techniques used by others in the field. Most students can complete this program within 2 years at full-time enrollment. Graduate tests such as the GRE may not be required for admission into this program.
The Counseling Landscape in Georgia
As the definition of southern charm, Georgia is about as close-knit as a state can get. With the attractive landmarks to the friendly folks, it is a wonderful place to settle down into a career.
Prospective counseling professionals can develop relationships in the communities of Georgia that will last a lifetime. As trusted professionals, counseling will be called upon by a variety of different clients.
Assisting the residents with stress management and therapeutic relationship therapy, counselors are an asset to this state. As a prospect, future college students have a wide variety of accredited programs to pick from.
Why Consider a Career in Counseling?
Counseling is one of the most satisfying career choices for individuals. Those who wish to serve their communities while providing a service that can be replaced with no other find counseling to be the right choice.
With the population of Georgia growing steadily every year, the need for these professionals will only increase in the future. There are currently 9.6 million residents in the state of Georgia, some of which need guidance in everyday life.
In the field of counseling, professionals earn around $45,000 per year according to the US Department of Labor. Depending on the specialty, the potential to earn can be even more.
Sources:
Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Accreditation
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Find a Program
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Counseling Specialties
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors and Advisors
United States Census Bureau, Georgia
Georgia Counseling Licensure: Georgia Counseling Licensing Boards
Georgia Counseling Licensure
Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/43
School Counseling Licensure
Professional Standards Commission
Two Peachtree Street, Suite 6000
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 424-9966; or (800) 869-7775
https://www.gapsc.com/
School Counseling Salary and Job Outlook
With the population of Georgia growing steadily every year, the need for counseling professionals will likely continue to increase. There are more than 10.5 million residents in the state of Georgia according to the 2019 census, some of whom need guidance in everyday life.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school and career counselors and advisers have a median annual salary of $58,120. The BLS projects job growth of 8% in this field between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average. This means that there should be more opportunities opening up for school counselors in the near future.
Counseling Licensure in Georgia
The state of Georgia requires that counselors earn a master's degree from an accredited university prior to applying for licensure.
The Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists is responsible for Georgia’s counseling licensure. They receive administrative support from the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of Secretary of State of Georgia to improve efficiencies in back-office administrative operations.
Generally speaking, the Georgia counseling licensure board has different guidelines and requirements for licensure of the following:
- Associate Professional Counselor
- Professional Counselor
- Master's Social Worker
- Clinical Social Worker
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
- Marriage and Family Therapist
Once a supervised work experience requirement is met and a licensure exam passed, graduates will be free to embark on a rewarding career as a counselor. Note that the board explicitly states that they will not even review your application for licensure unless your educational requirements are met.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Georgia.Popular Online Counseling Programs
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
National Louis University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Georgia 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 Georgia. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Albany State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2013 to 10/31/2022
Augusta University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/22/2005 to 10/31/2022
Clark Atlanta University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/13/2009 to 3/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/13/2009 to 3/31/2020
Columbus State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1996 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 10/31/2025
Fort Valley State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/12/2011 to 10/31/2020
Georgia Southern University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/12/2016 to 3/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/16/2007 to 3/31/2020
Georgia State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1979 to 10/31/2027
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/14/2010 to 10/31/2027
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2018 to 10/31/2027
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1979 to 10/31/2027
Mercer University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/19/2017 to 3/31/2021
Richmont Graduate University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2024
South University, Savannah
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
Thomas University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2023
University of Georgia
- 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 North Georgia
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 10/31/2022
University of West Georgia
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1999 to 10/31/2023
Valdosta State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/16/2007 to 10/31/2024
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Georgia
View all programs in Georgia below, or jump to all Georgia CACREP accredited counseling programs.Albany State University Albany
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Augusta University Augusta
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Clark Atlanta University Atlanta
- M.A. in Community Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Columbus State University Columbus
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Fort Valley State University Fort Valley
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Georgia Southern University Statesboro
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Georgia State University Atlanta
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Mercer University Macon
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Paine College Augusta
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Point University West Point
- Associates - Counseling Psychology
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Richmont Graduate University Atlanta
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
South University, Savannah Savannah
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Thomas University Thomasville
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
University of Georgia Athens
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.Ed./Ed.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of North Georgia Dahlonega
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of West Georgia Carrollton
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Valdosta State University Valdosta
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
