Over the years, the state of Hawaii has grown to a population of over one million. The beautiful sanctuary that Hawaii provides has drawn in residents from all over the world to experience its paradise-like atmosphere.
With the growth of its residents, Hawaii's demand for qualified mental health professionals has also grown. Becoming a counselor in Hawaii can provide for a stable lifestyle that is suitable for graduate students.
Overview of Master of Counseling Degrees in Hawaii
Hawaii is home to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. This is the only accredited college in Hawaii that offers a Master's degree in Counseling for individuals aspiring to help others in this field. This university offers students the opportunity to attend classes on campus or online.
Here are a few schools in Hawaii with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- University of Hawai'i Manoa: M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
---|---|---|
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 |
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
Counseling & Therapy
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✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling; and Advanced Studies in Human Behavior and Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD). Learn More |
Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
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✔ 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 |
NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
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✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete 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 |
Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
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✔ 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 |
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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✔ 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 |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Master of Counseling Programs in Hawaii
Students that are intrigued by the field of counseling, but are only considering online options for their program can seek out online programs in counseling in Hawaii. Online degree programs in counseling can allow students the free time to explore professional options in the field - all while gaining their education. Regardless of location within the state, students can apply for admission at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to be considered for the online Master of Science degree in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, with a specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling. This 48 credit-hour program focuses on the needs of upcoming vocational rehabilitation specialists planning to work with individuals with disabilities in the field.
University of Hawaii
The University of Hawaii's online program currently holds accreditation with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This organization is responsible for the regular review and accreditation of master's programs focusing on counseling. Accreditation agencies such as this one can provide you with helpful information about local degree programs that may hold current accreditation, even those found in the online setting. A list of currently accredited online counseling programs can also be viewed on the CACREP website. The University of Hawaii at Manoa currently provides the only online and accredited Master of Counseling in the entire state of Hawaii. Students interested in becoming licensed in their field, but lack the resources to attend school full-time and on-campus should consider this program for their degree.
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Counseling Programs in Hawaii
As a counselor, professionals will strategically plan therapy for individuals having different problems in life. Using techniques tested and designed by research specialists, counselors help clients have an overall better quality of life.
Marriage counselors assist couples in maintaining a healthy relationship, school counselor guide students to happy and well-adjusted educational careers, and clinical counselors work in hospital settings to assist those with serious issues. Counseling is a path that provides vital services to the state of Hawaii and proves to be one of the most popular fields.
Online Counseling Programs in Hawaii
One of the most attractive features of this counseling program in Hawaii is the advantage of taking classes online. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is the only accredited university in the state that offers a Master's degree in counseling. Programs offered to students online are convenient substitutes for traditional programs especially for students working full time jobs or who have families at home. The online degree program offers the same courses and preparation as the traditional program on campus but with easier access.
Applications are open to residents of Hawaii or any out of state students that are interested in moving there. This online program is accredited which students need to obtain licensure upon completion. The agency responsible for overseeing new and current licensees in counseling in Hawaii is the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. It is wise to contact the office of licensure early on in your educational program to ensure that you are meeting all of the requirements for future licensure in counseling.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
The program is made flexible for students who are working full time and trying to further their education and advance their career. The program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs. With a concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling, students will be able to use their education to work with clients with disabilities.
This program offers opportunities for students to use their knowledge and skills to complete courses doing work in their own community while finishing up the program. The program takes around three years to complete.





Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?
Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.Hawaii Counseling Licensure: Hawaii Counseling Licensing Boards
Hawaii Counseling Licensure
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs - PVL
Mental Health Counselor Program
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
(808) 586-2693
[email protected]
www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/pvl/programs/mental/
Licensure:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
School Counseling Licensure
Teacher Standards Board
650 Iwilei Road, #201
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 586-2600
[email protected]
www.htsb.org
School Counselor [K-6] [7-12] [K-12]
Counselor Options for Hawaii
Upon completion of a degree program, graduate level students can apply for licensure through the state. Licensure is by no means the only way to have a successful career in counseling, but it is one of the most popular methods in this state.
Once in the field, counselors have the potential to earn $42,480 per year on average. Being a counselor in Hawaii will provide for a steady employment for years to come. The demand for professionals in this state has remained continuous over the years, likely due to the state's separation from the rest of the United States.
Counseling Licensure in Hawaii
Upon graduation, students have the opportunity to take the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination; and the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). Students interested in obtaining a professional license in the State of Hawaii can contact the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs office.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Hawaii.Popular Online Counseling Programs
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Hawaii 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 Hawaii. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
University of Hawai'i Manoa
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2020
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Hawaii
View all programs in Hawaii below, or jump to all Hawaii CACREP accredited counseling programs.University of Hawai'i Manoa Honolulu
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling