List of Counseling Degrees in Kansas

Kansas offers a range of counseling degree opportunities for students preparing to enter the profession. With options available at large public universities and private colleges, students can pursue programs that prepare them for roles in school counseling, clinical practice, and community-based services. Whether you’re drawn to helping individuals in rural communities or urban centers like Wichita and Kansas City, counseling programs in Kansas can provide the training you need to begin a rewarding career.

Undergraduate Counseling Programs in Kansas

Undergraduate counseling-related programs in Kansas provide students with a foundation in psychology, human development, and communication. While a bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify graduates for licensure, it is an essential first step toward graduate-level training. Many students pursue majors in psychology, human services, or family studies as preparation for advanced counseling study.

Coursework often includes counseling theories, research methods, abnormal psychology, and lifespan development. Graduates can pursue entry-level roles in social services, case management, or youth programs while preparing for graduate school.

For students who prefer more flexibility, an online bachelor’s degree in counseling can provide an accessible way to begin their journey toward a counseling career.

Here are a few schools in Kansas with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:

Click to jump to the full list of Kansas counseling programs, or consider learning more about one of the below online counseling program currently accepting applicants.

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	Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More
Walden University MS in School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. 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 Full-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available Learn More
Northwestern University Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern 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
Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online	Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More
Liberty University MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) CACREP Accredited	✔ Online Online with required intensives	Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More
National University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling WSCUC Accredited	✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required	The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities. Learn More
University of Denver Master of Arts in School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required	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. Complete in as few as 24 months. Learn More
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Higher Learning Commission (HLC)	✔ Online 100% Online	Expand your impact with an online counseling degree rooted in faith-based practice. Mid-America Christian University offers the largest Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program in Oklahoma, with emphasis areas in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Explore the online MS in Counseling at MACU. Learn More

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Graduate Counseling Programs in Kansas

A graduate degree in counseling is required for those pursuing licensure in Kansas. Several universities across the state offer master’s and doctoral programs, including CACREP-accredited counseling programs that meet crucial standards for training and licensure preparation. These programs prepare students for careers in school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and related fields.

In addition to local options, many students consider online master’s degree in counseling programs, which allow for greater flexibility. For applicants who prefer not to take standardized tests, there are online master’s in counseling with no GRE. Students interested in advanced practice, teaching, or research may also explore online counseling PhD programs.

Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs

Walden University

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Click for admissions info.

CACREP Accredited

✔ Online

Top Kansas Schools with Counseling Programs

When searching for counseling programs in Kansas, it’s important to remember that the “best” school depends on your goals, learning style, and career aspirations. The following institutions represent some of the state’s respected options and can serve as a strong starting point for your search.

Kansas State University

Featured Program: Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Counseling
Kansas State University offers a 60-credit Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Counseling, a postgraduate degree that serves as the university’s entry-level credential in the field. More advanced than a master’s degree, the Ed.S. provides specialized coursework in academic, career, and social-emotional counseling for P–12 students. Graduates are eligible for dual licensure in Kansas: as a school counselor through the Kansas Department of Education (following the Praxis exam) and as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (following the NCE). The program is delivered fully online and is designed to provide both recognition and compensation benefits beyond a traditional master’s. While the content meets CACREP standards, the fully online format is under review for CACREP accreditation consideration.

About Kansas State University
Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, Kansas, is a public land-grant institution with a long-standing commitment to accessible education and professional preparation. Since 1999, K-State has offered CACREP-accredited counseling programs, and its College of Education emphasizes innovation, leadership, and service in preparing educators and counselors for diverse communities.

Emporia State University

Featured Program: Clinical Counseling – Addictions Counseling Concentration (M.S.)
Emporia State University offers a hybrid master’s program in Clinical Counseling with an Addictions Counseling concentration, blending on-campus and online coursework. Accredited by CACREP since 1996, the program prepares graduates to treat substance use and co-occurring disorders through courses in psychopharmacology, case management, family counseling, and integrated treatment approaches. Students can choose between a thesis option or an advisor-approved elective.

About Emporia State University
Founded in 1863, Emporia State University is a public institution in Kansas known for its strong history in counselor education. Housed in the School of Applied Health Sciences, ESU’s counseling programs emphasize small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a commitment to serving diverse community needs.

Wichita State University

Featured Program: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Wichita State University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Education in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling track. This 60-credit program prepares students for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Kansas and certification with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). Coursework is delivered through face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats, with at least half of courses requiring on-campus attendance. The curriculum covers areas such as addiction counseling, child and adolescent counseling, family counseling, grief and loss, and play therapy. Students complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, gaining supervised clinical experience in diverse settings.

About Wichita State University
Founded in 1895, Wichita State University is a public research institution located in Wichita, Kansas. The university is recognized for its applied learning model, combining classroom education with real-world experience, and serves as a hub for professional training in the region.

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

Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

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

Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

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

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

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

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

How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Kansas

Counselors in Kansas are regulated by the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). The primary counseling credential is the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with the option to advance to the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) for independent practice.

Here are the general steps:

1. Earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling
   
   • The program should be in counseling or a closely related field and ideally CACREP-accredited.
     
2. Apply for the LPC
   
   • After graduation, candidates may apply for the LPC license, which requires passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
     
3. Complete Supervised Experience
   
   • To qualify for the LCPC, counselors must complete 4,000 hours of supervised post-master’s clinical practice, including 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
     
4. Pass the Required Examination
   
   • LCPC applicants must also pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
     
5. Maintain Licensure
   
   • Both LPCs and LCPCs must complete continuing education credits, including ethics training, for license renewal.
     

Helpful resources to explore:

• Learn more about the LPC credential
  
• Step-by-step guidance on how to become an LPC
  
• General pathways to become a counselor

Counseling Licensure Titles in Kansas

Kansas offers two primary counseling licenses, along with a school counseling credential managed through the state’s education system:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  
  • The entry-level counseling license in Kansas. LPCs may provide counseling services but often work under supervision while gaining experience.
    
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
  
  • An advanced counseling license that allows for independent practice and the supervision of other counselors. Requires additional supervised clinical hours and passing the NCMHCE exam.
    
• School Counselor License
  
  • Issued through the Kansas State Department of Education for individuals pursuing counseling roles in K–12 schools. Requires a graduate-level program in school counseling and appropriate supervised practice.
    

These titles allow counseling professionals to pursue careers in clinical, educational, and community-based environments throughout the state.

Transferring a Counseling License to Kansas

Counselors licensed in another state may be able to practice in Kansas through licensure by reciprocity or endorsement, overseen by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB).

Applicants must:

• Hold an active counseling license in good standing from another state
  
• Provide official license verification from the issuing state
  
• Submit transcripts showing completion of a graduate counseling program
  
• Document supervised clinical experience hours equivalent to Kansas requirements (4,000 total hours, including 1,500 direct client contact hours for LCPC)
  
• Provide proof of passing a national counseling exam such as the NCE or NCMHCE
  

Kansas does not have automatic reciprocity with all states. Instead, applications are reviewed individually to ensure that education and experience are substantially equivalent to Kansas standards.

For up-to-date information and application details, visit the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board.

Counseling Scholarships and Financial Aid in Kansas

Students in Kansas can take advantage of scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs to help make a counseling degree more affordable. Opportunities are available through the state, universities, and professional organizations.

Some options to consider include:

• Kansas Comprehensive Grant
  
  • Provides need-based financial aid to eligible Kansas residents attending public or private institutions in the state.
    
• Kansas Promise Scholarship
  
  • Offers financial assistance to students pursuing high-demand fields at Kansas community and technical colleges.
    
• University Scholarships and Assistantships
  
  • Institutions such as Kansas State University, Emporia State University, and Wichita State University offer scholarships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships for counseling students.
    
• Professional Counseling Association Awards
  
  • Organizations like the Kansas Counseling Association (KCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA) sometimes award scholarships and research grants.
    
• Loan Forgiveness Programs
  
  • Counselors who work in rural or underserved communities may qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or other state-specific repayment assistance programs.
    

Students are encouraged to explore both institutional financial aid offices and statewide resources to find the best funding opportunities.

Counseling Job Outlook and Salary in Kansas

Understanding the career landscape is an important step when considering a counseling degree. The data in the following table was gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2025 and provides insights into employment trends and average salaries for counseling professionals in Kansas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a master’s degree to become a counselor in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas requires a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field to qualify for the LPC license.

What is the difference between an LPC and an LCPC in Kansas?
An LPC is the entry-level license, allowing graduates to begin practicing under supervision. An LCPC requires additional supervised experience and passing the NCMHCE exam, allowing for independent practice.

Are online counseling degrees accepted in Kansas?
Yes. Online degrees are accepted as long as the program is properly accredited and meets Kansas’ coursework and practicum requirements.

How long does it take to become licensed in Kansas?
Most students spend about 6–7 years from starting a bachelor’s degree to earning an LPC. Additional supervised hours are required to advance to LCPC status.

Can I transfer my counseling license from another state to Kansas?
Yes. Kansas allows licensure by reciprocity or endorsement if your education, supervised hours, and exam results are substantially equivalent to Kansas standards.

What are the continuing education requirements for counselors in Kansas?
Licensed counselors must complete continuing education credits for each renewal cycle, including training in ethics.

Making a Counseling Career in Kansas

Kansas provides a supportive environment for students and professionals pursuing counseling careers. With both rural areas and urban centers like Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City, counselors can find meaningful work in schools, community health centers, hospitals, and private practice.

Some highlights of pursuing a counseling career in Kansas include:

• High need in rural communities — many regions of Kansas face shortages of mental health professionals, creating strong demand for counselors.
  
• Diverse career opportunities — counselors can work in school counseling, clinical mental health, substance abuse treatment, and community-based services.
  
• Professional support networks — organizations like the Kansas Counseling Association (KCA) and the Kansas School Counselor Association (KSCA) provide advocacy, continuing education, and networking opportunities.
  

For students who want to make a difference, Kansas offers both the training and career opportunities needed to build a fulfilling career in counseling.

Popular Online Counseling Programs

Walden University 🗹 Online Masters

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Walden University 🗹 Online Masters

MS in School Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Online MA in Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

COAMFTE Accredited

Learn More

Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

Master's Degree in Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Liberty University 🗹 Online

MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

WSCUC Accredited

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University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Arts in School Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online

Master of Science (MS) in Counseling

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited

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Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum

CACREP Accredited

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Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Kansas 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 Kansas. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.

All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Kansas

View all programs in Kansas below, or jump to all Kansas CACREP accredited counseling programs.