List of Counseling Degrees in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to a wide range of counseling programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in mental health, school counseling, and related fields. With its mix of large universities, private colleges, and community-focused institutions, the state offers opportunities to train as a counselor in both urban and rural settings. Whether you’re just beginning your academic journey or pursuing advanced graduate study, Pennsylvania provides strong pathways to enter this rewarding profession.

Undergraduate Counseling Programs in Pennsylvania

Students interested in becoming counselors in Pennsylvania often start with undergraduate studies in psychology, human services, or counseling-related majors. These programs introduce students to counseling theories, human development, research methods, and communication skills. Many also include internship opportunities that provide early exposure to the field.Students seeking additional flexibility may also consider an online counseling bachelor’s degree, which can provide accessibility while building the foundation required for graduate-level training and eventual licensure.

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

Click to jump to the full list of Pennsylvania 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	✔ 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 Pennsylvania

Graduate counseling programs in Pennsylvania prepare students for advanced practice and professional licensure. At the master’s and doctoral level, programs combine coursework with clinical training to build the competencies needed for careers in mental health counseling, school counseling, and other specialties.

Several universities in Pennsylvania offer programs that meet the standards of CACREP-accredited online counseling programs. Students can also consider flexible degree options such as an online counseling master’s degree, an online master’s in counseling with no GRE requirement, or online counseling doctorate programs.

Top Pennsylvania Schools with Counseling Programs

The “best” counseling program depends on your goals, interests, and personal circumstances. The following universities represent some of Pennsylvania’s leading options for counseling education. Use this list as a starting point in your research:

Villanova University

Featured Program: MS in Counseling
Villanova University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. The program emphasizes both counselor skill development and personal growth, preparing students to form authentic, supportive, and nonjudgmental relationships with clients. Coursework covers human development, diversity, evaluation methods, consultation, and counseling for individuals, families, and groups. Villanova also offers an online Graduate Certificate in College Admissions Counseling. With a strong focus on experiential learning, the program equips graduates for professional practice in a range of educational and clinical settings.

About Villanova University
Villanova University is a private Catholic research institution located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia. Founded by the Augustinian Order, the university is recognized for its strong liberal arts foundation, professional programs, and commitment to service and community engagement. Villanova fosters a supportive learning environment that blends academic rigor with ethical and social responsibility.

Pennsylvania State University

Featured Program: Counselor Education (M.Ed.) — School Counseling Emphasis
Penn State’s School Counseling emphasis within the Counselor Education M.Ed. program is accredited by CACREP and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The curriculum aligns with standards from the American School Counselor Association and the American Counseling Association and meets the academic requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) eligibility in Pennsylvania. Designed to prepare counselors for elementary, middle, and high school settings, the program emphasizes individual and group counseling, family counseling, classroom guidance, crisis response, collaboration/consultation, and program development and evaluation. A hallmark is its extensive field experience: students engage in role-play counseling, complete practicum training in the Dr. Edwin L. Herr Clinic (with additional opportunities in elementary or middle schools), and undertake a full academic year of supervised internship in schools to translate theory into effective practice.

About Penn State
The Pennsylvania State University is a public land-grant research university with its flagship campus in University Park and a commonwealth system of campuses across the state. Penn State offers comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is known for combining academic breadth with strong research activity and community engagement. Its scale and multi-campus structure provide students with access to varied learning environments, resources, and partnerships throughout Pennsylvania.

University of Pittsburgh

Featured Program: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
The University of Pittsburgh’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS is a 60-credit, full-time, on-campus program designed to be completed in two years (five terms, including one summer). The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and applied training, including a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. The program meets the educational requirements for licensure in Pennsylvania and many additional states, and graduates are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination/National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination to become National Certified Counselors (NCC).

About the University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known for strengths across the health and behavioral sciences, Pitt offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and provides students access to clinical, research, and community partnerships throughout the region. Its urban setting supports experiential learning and professional engagement alongside academic study.

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

How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, counseling licensure is overseen by the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors. The most common counseling license is the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), which requires a combination of graduate education, supervised experience, and examinations.

LPC Pathway

• Earn the qualifying graduate degree.
  Applicants must complete a 60-credit master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. CACREP accreditation is not required but may simplify the review process.
  
• Complete supervised practicum and internship.
  The graduate program must include a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship in counseling, providing direct client experience under supervision.
  
• Accrue post-graduate supervised experience.
  Candidates must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least two years after earning their degree. Supervision must be provided by a qualified professional approved by the Board.
  
• Pass the required examinations.
  Pennsylvania accepts the National Counselor Examination (NCE)
  
• Apply for LPC licensure.
  Once education, supervision, and exam requirements are complete, candidates can submit their application to the Pennsylvania State Board. Licensed counselors must also complete continuing education requirements to maintain active status.
  

For broader planning resources, you may want to review:

• What a licensed professional counselor is and does
  
• Steps on how to become a licensed professional counselor
  
• More broadly, how to become a counselor

Counseling Licensure Titles in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania recognizes several counseling-related licenses and credentials, each with its own scope of practice and oversight body. The main titles include:

Clinical Counseling (regulated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors)

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): The primary license for clinical mental health counseling in Pennsylvania.
  
• Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): A license for professionals specializing in couple and family therapy.
  

School Counseling (regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education)

• Educational Specialist I – School Counselor Certificate: The initial credential required to work as a school counselor in PK–12 public schools.
  
• Educational Specialist II – School Counselor Certificate: An advanced, permanent credential granted after meeting experience and continuing education requirements.
  

Substance Use Disorder Counseling (regulated by the Pennsylvania Certification Board — PCB)

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC): A widely recognized certification for substance use counseling in Pennsylvania.
  
• Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC): A higher-level credential for professionals with advanced education and supervised experience.
  
• Other PCB Credentials: PCB also offers specialty certifications such as Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) and Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS).

Transferring a Counseling License to Pennsylvania

Counselors licensed in another state may be able to transfer their credentials to Pennsylvania, but the process depends on the license type and governing body.

• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), LMFTs, and LCSWs: Out-of-state professionals apply for licensure by endorsement through the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors. To qualify, applicants must show that their education, supervised experience, and exams are substantially equivalent to Pennsylvania’s requirements. If gaps are identified, the Board may require additional coursework or documentation.
  
• School Counselors: Educators seeking to transfer a school counseling license must apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). PDE reviews transcripts, out-of-state certificates, and teaching experience to determine eligibility for a Pennsylvania Educational Specialist certificate.
  
• Substance Use Counselors: Those holding alcohol and drug counseling certifications from another state must apply through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). Reciprocity depends on whether the applicant’s existing credential meets PCB standards, and additional requirements may apply.
  

Applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate board directly for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance:

• State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors – PA Licensing Board
  
• PDE – Pennsylvania Department of Education
  
• PCB – Pennsylvania Certification Board

Counseling Scholarships and Financial Aid in Pennsylvania

Pursuing a counseling degree can be costly, but Pennsylvania students have access to scholarships and financial aid that can help reduce expenses. Funding opportunities come from state programs, universities, and professional organizations.

Some common sources include:

• State-based financial aid: The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers need-based programs such as the PA State Grant, which provides tuition support for eligible residents.
  
• University scholarships: Many Pennsylvania colleges and universities award scholarships specifically for students in counseling, psychology, or education programs.
  
• Professional associations: Groups such as the Pennsylvania Counseling Association and national organizations like the American Counseling Association (ACA) provide scholarships, research funding, information, and student awards.
  
• Federal financial aid: Students should complete the FAFSA to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
  

Students are encouraged to contact their school’s financial aid office and check professional association websites regularly for updated scholarship opportunities.

Counseling Job Outlook and Salary in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania.

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)

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)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a CACREP-accredited degree to become licensed in Pennsylvania?
No, CACREP accreditation is not required, but your degree program must meet Pennsylvania’s coursework and practicum standards. However, a CACREP degree may make it easier to transfer your license to other states, since some states require or prefer it for licensure by endorsement.

How long does it take to become an LPC in Pennsylvania?
The process usually takes about 6–8 years: four years for a bachelor’s degree, two to three years for a master’s degree, and an additional two or more years to complete the 3,000 hours of required post-graduate supervised experience.

Can I transfer my counseling license to Pennsylvania?
Yes. Out-of-state counselors may apply for licensure by endorsement, provided their education, supervised experience, and exam results are substantially equivalent to Pennsylvania’s requirements.

How many supervised experience hours are required?
To qualify for licensure, you must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after earning your master’s degree.

Making a Counseling Career in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a strong environment for those pursuing a counseling career, with opportunities across clinical mental health, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and substance use treatment. Demand for qualified counselors is growing in both urban and rural areas, creating diverse career paths for new professionals.

The state’s universities and professional organizations provide solid training and ongoing support, while licensure pathways ensure that counselors are well-prepared to meet the needs of their communities. Whether your goal is to work in private practice, schools, healthcare systems, or nonprofit organizations, Pennsylvania offers rewarding opportunities to build a long-term 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

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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The Chicago School 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CACREP Accredited

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

All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Pennsylvania

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