With 38 counseling degrees in North Carolina and 36 CACREP-accredited programs in our directory, there are a number of options - both on campus and online throughout the state.
Throughout North Carolina, there are currently 10 online and accredited Master's in Counseling programs in specializations including Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Career Counseling, School Counseling and College Counseling. Depending on what interests you as a counseling professional, there may be specializations available to suit your needs. Read more below to learn about these flexible programs and where to find them.
Students tend to prefer cities such as Durham and Raleigh for their undergraduate education, but there are universities in all areas of the state. There are numerous universities that have Masters in Counseling programs as well as online or distance learning options.
Here are a few schools in North Carolina with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- Appalachian State University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
- Campbell University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling
- East Carolina University - College of Allied Health Sciences: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- East Carolina University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in Clinical Mental Health 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 |
| 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 |
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 |
| 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 |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina
Depending on the state you live in, you might find that the online Master of Counseling options are more widespread than others. North Carolina is one of the leading states for online counseling programs at the master's level, since it currently offers 10 different online programs at 4 universities.
The high number of current online programs in this state can mean more options for you to consider for your career, as well as the possibility for closer campus options for weekend experiences or practica.
Different Specialization Tracks at the Graduate Counseling Level
Beginning with North Carolina Central University, students can enjoy online programs in Career Counseling, School Counseling, or Clinical Mental Health Counseling through enrollment with this school. Students that choose to pursue their degree at North Carolina State University can engage in Master of Education programs that focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Students Affairs and College Counseling.
Each of these programs currently listed have received accredited from the CACREP. Most accredited options for you to review can be found at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, which offers online Master of Education programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.
Wake Forest University Online Masters in Counseling
Well-known Wake Forest University (site) is also a provider of reliable and thorough online accredited Master of Counseling programs, also providing specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.
The completion time estimation for each of these available online programs can vary depending on the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to your program, as well as the type of clinical experiences that may be required with each program. You should review each program in-depth in order to see which one would be the best fit for your current lifestyle and demands.
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Finding a Counseling Program
At this point you know that there are multiple online and accredited degree programs located within your state. You might be wondering where exactly you can find them. The most popular cities for online Master's in Counseling programs may be Durham, Pembroke and Winston-Salem. These cities are home to universities such as North Carolina Central University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Wake Forest University. Each of these schools provides online and accredited Master's in Counseling programs for you to choose from.
Simply put, there are many options in North Carolina. You will likely want to consider the pro's and con's of each. Consider speaking with representatives at universities, your family, and other advisers. Rank what is important to you: low tuition, length of program, and specialization track areas are among some popular topics.
North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors
Students are often seeking an easy resource for learning more about what is required for licensure in counseling. In the state of North Carolina, students can research these requirements via the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. This agency provides licensure information and updates to current professionals, as well as those currently pursuing a degree within a sub-field of counseling. Research in this area can help to thwart any unwanted interference throughout your educational and licensing process.
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 - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Counseling Programs in North Carolina
In “The Tar Heel State”, residents are happy to welcome new professionals in the field of counseling. Located on the east coast of the United States, North Carolina is a place where family is the most important aspect of a lifestyle.
Counselors in this area work with individuals and families alike to ensure that relationships are solid and communication is healthy. New students should expect to complete typical prerequisites such as math and humanities courses prior to getting into the different aspects of psychology.
In higher level degree programs, students can choose from programs in school counseling, mental health counseling, and substance abuse counseling, to name a few. Each program is designed to help graduates be the best possible professional.
The knowledge gained in these programs will open doors in human services, social services, and even private practice in the future. Having a desire to help people is a trait that is representative of a great counselor.
Reviewing Online Counseling Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina Central University
One of the most preferred universities throughout the state of North Carolina for counseling students is North Carolina Central University. This college currently offers accredited and online Master’s programs in Career Counseling, School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Student Affairs and College Counseling.
During the application process, students may be required to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination. Each of these programs may consist of relevant topics and courses to each specialization that can help to increase your knowledge in your subject area. Students interested in taking part in these programs can engage in online learning, as well as an in-person requirement throughout an internship experience.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
More accredited online master’s programs can be found at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This school offers students the option of pursuing either an online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling.
These programs may consist of hybrid elements that blend both online learning with in-person experiences. Students may also be required to take part in an internship experience, which can give them the skills to be effective professionals in the field. Most students can complete these programs in around 2-3 years. During the application process, you may need to include scores from the GRE or GMAT as part of the acceptance process.
Wake Forest University
One of the most amazing attributes of Wake Forest University is its online Master’s in Counseling programs. Students interested in pursuing careers as Clinical Mental Health specialists or School Counselors may be able to benefit from the online and informative programs offered by this school.
Coursework can be complete via the helpful online course rooms, while in-person experiences can take place with actual clients in the field. The blended study/experience requirement set forth by this school can help you achieve your dream of changing the lives of others.
North Carolina Counseling Licensure: North Carolina Counseling Licensing Boards
North Carolina Counseling Licensure
Board of Licensed Professional Counselors
P.O. Box 77819
Greensboro, NC 27417
844/622-3572 or 336/217-6007
[email protected]
http://www.ncblpc.org
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS)
School Counseling Licensure
Department of Public Instruction Licensure Section
6365 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6365
(919) 807-3310 (outside NC)(800) 577-7994 (in-state)
http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/licensure
School Counselor [K-12]
What to Expect as a Counselor in North Carolina
With its population nearing 10 million, this area of the country provides all of the resources needed to have a successful career in counseling.
Counseling Licensure
The state department requires that individuals have a license before applying therapeutic techniques in a professional setting. This requires learners to have a graduate degree in counseling, supervised work experience, and record of completion of the state board exam in counseling.
Average Salary
There are not only jobs available for licensed counselors, though. Individuals with undergraduate degrees will also find a large number of job openings in many entry-level positions.
This career will only continue to grow in the future. Those in North Carolina seeking a financially stable career choice find that counselors earn $41,830 per year working with those in need of guidance.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in North Carolina.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
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited North Carolina 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 North Carolina. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Appalachian State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/11/2012 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1982 to 10/31/2021
Campbell University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/12/2016 to 3/31/2026
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/12/2016 to 3/31/2026
East Carolina University - College of Allied Health Sciences
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2023
East Carolina University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/11/2014 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/11/2012 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/11/2012 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/11/2012 to 3/31/2022
Gardner-Webb University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2006 to 3/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2006 to 3/31/2020
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2018 to 10/31/2027
Lenoir-Rhyne University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/11/2012 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/11/2012 to 3/31/2022
Montreat College
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/12/2016 to 3/31/2020
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1999 to 10/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2024
North Carolina Central University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/7/2004 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2012 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/7/2004 to 3/31/2022
North Carolina State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/12/2011 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1996 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1988 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1988 to 10/31/2020
South University, High Point
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/12/2018 to 3/31/2020
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1986 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/14/2016 to 10/31/2023
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 10/31/2023
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (SC)
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1984 to 3/31/2023
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2012 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/15/2009 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1993 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2003 to 10/31/2025
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/15/2009 to 3/31/2026
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1994 to 3/31/2026
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1979 to 3/31/2026
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1981 to 3/31/2026
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1979 to 3/31/2026
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2011 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2011 to 3/31/2021
University of North Carolina Charlotte
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/15/2013 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2011 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1995 to 10/31/2025
Wake Forest University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2009 to 10/31/2026
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1993 to 10/31/2026
Western Carolina University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1991 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2013 to 10/31/2023
Winston-Salem State University
- 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 North Carolina
View all programs in North Carolina below, or jump to all North Carolina CACREP accredited counseling programs.Appalachian State University Boone
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Campbell University Buies Creek
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
East Carolina University - College of Allied Health Sciences Greenville
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
East Carolina University Greenville
- Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte Charlotte
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Laurel University High Point
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Lenoir-Rhyne University Hickory
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Mid-Atlantic Christian University Elizabeth City
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Montreat College Asheville
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Greensboro
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
North Carolina Central University Durham
- M.A. in Career Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
North Carolina State University Raleigh
- M.Ed./M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed./M.S. in School Counseling
- M.Ed./M.S. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh
- Doctorate - School Counseling
Pitt Community College Winterville
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Sandhills Community College Pinehurst
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
South University, High Point High Point
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Southwestern Community College Sylva
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (SC) Chapel Hill
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.A. in Addiction Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.S./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S./Ed.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.S./Ed.S. in School Counseling
- M.S./Ed.S. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke
- M.A.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A.Ed. in School Counseling
University of North Carolina Charlotte Charlotte
- M.A. in Addiction Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Vance-Granville Community College Henderson
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Wake Forest University Winston-Salem
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Wake Technical Community College Raleigh
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Wayne Community College Goldsboro
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Western Carolina University Cullowhee
- M.A.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Western Piedmont Community College Morganton
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem
- M.S.RC in Rehabilitation Counseling
