Wisconsin is home to a strong mix of public universities, private colleges, and graduate schools that offer pathways into the counseling profession. Students in the state can pursue programs in mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and substance abuse treatment. With both on-campus and online study options available, Wisconsin provides multiple routes for future counselors to begin their careers.
Undergraduate Counseling Programs in Wisconsin
Students in Wisconsin can begin their path toward a counseling career through undergraduate programs in psychology, human services, or closely related fields. These programs provide a strong academic foundation in human behavior, communication, and helping skills — all of which prepare students for graduate-level study, which is required for licensure.
Common undergraduate majors that prepare students for advanced counseling training include:
- Psychology – Provides a broad understanding of human behavior, research methods, and mental health concepts.
- Human Services – Focuses on community outreach, case management, and social support systems.
- Social Work (BSW) – Emphasizes social justice and advocacy while preparing students for entry-level helping roles.
- Rehabilitation Studies – Prepares students to support individuals with disabilities or health challenges.
- Family Studies or Child Development – Offers insights into family dynamics and developmental stages, useful for those interested in marriage, family, or school counseling.
For those seeking added flexibility, students may also want to explore an online counseling bachelor’s degree, which allows them to gain essential knowledge while balancing other commitments.
Graduate Counseling Programs in Wisconsin
Graduate education is a necessary step for those pursuing professional counseling licensure in Wisconsin. Master’s and doctoral programs in counseling provide advanced coursework, supervised practicum and internship experiences, and preparation for clinical practice.
Students seeking flexibility may also want to consider online options, including CACREP-accredited online counseling programs. Pathways include an online counseling master’s degree, an online master’s in counseling with no GRE requirement, and advanced online counseling doctorate programs.
The following CACREP-accredited programs represent some of the top graduate counseling programs in Wisconsin.
| Institution | City | Specialty | Degree | Online Options? |
| Marquette University | Milwaukee | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. | Y |
| Mount Mary University | Milwaukee | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. | |
| Mount Mary University | Milwaukee | Counselor Education and Supervision | Ph.D. | |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | Madison | Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | M.S. | |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | Madison | Counselor Education and Supervision | Ph.D. | |
| University of Wisconsin – River Falls | River Falls | School Counseling | M.S. | |
| University of Wisconsin – Stout | Menomonie | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. | |
| University of Wisconsin – Whitewater | Whitewater | School Counseling | M.S. | |
| University of Wisconsin – Whitewater | Whitewater | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. | |
| University of Wisconsin Oshkosh | Oshkosh | School Counseling | M.S. | |
| University of Wisconsin Oshkosh | Oshkosh | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. | |
| University of Wisconsin Oshkosh | Oshkosh | College Counseling and Student Affairs | M.S. | |
| Viterbo University | La Crosse | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. | |
| Viterbo University | La Crosse | Counselor Education and Supervision | Ed.D. |
- Marquette University: M.A. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Mount Mary University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- University of Wisconsin Madison: M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- University of Wisconsin River Falls: M.S. in School Counseling
- University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh: M.S.E. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.E. in School Counseling
Click to jump to the full list of Wisconsin counseling programs, or consider learning more about one of the below online counseling program currently accepting applicants.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| 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 Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| 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
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Top Wisconsin Schools with Counseling Programs
Wisconsin has several respected institutions that offer graduate counseling programs. While the definition of “best” can vary depending on a student’s career goals, learning style, and personal preferences, the schools listed here represent strong options in the state. Use this list as a starting point in your exploration.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Featured Program: M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling prepares professionals to support adolescents and adults with physical, psychiatric, neurological, and developmental disabilities, as well as substance use and mental health disorders. Accredited by CACREP, the program combines counseling coursework with extensive field experiences in rehabilitation counseling settings. Graduates are eligible for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential and meet educational requirements to apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training (LPC-IT) in Wisconsin. Employment pathways include state and nonprofit rehabilitation programs, private practice, mental health agencies, corrections, and educational institutions.
About the University of Wisconsin–Madison
Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a flagship public research university and a member of the Big Ten. Recognized globally for academic excellence and innovation, UW–Madison is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. The School of Education is one of the nation’s leading institutions for preparing counselors, educators, and rehabilitation professionals, offering students access to interdisciplinary research, professional development opportunities, and a strong alumni network.
Marquette University
Featured Program: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Marquette University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to serve diverse client populations in community, school, and healthcare settings. The CACREP-accredited program offers both on-campus and online options, as well as optional specializations in Addiction Counseling, Child and Adolescent Counseling, and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Students complete a 60-credit curriculum that integrates theory, research, and practice, with required practicum and internship placements. The program emphasizes cultural responsiveness, service to underserved populations, and the development of a professional counseling identity grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice. Most full-time students complete the program in 21 months.
About Marquette University
Founded in 1881, Marquette University is a private Jesuit institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Guided by its mission to develop leaders dedicated to faith, service, and justice, Marquette integrates rigorous academics with a commitment to ethical reflection and community engagement. Graduate students benefit from strong faculty mentorship, access to urban clinical placement sites, and a supportive professional network rooted in the Jesuit tradition of service to others.
Viterbo University
Featured Program: M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at Viterbo University prepares students to provide professional counseling services across a continuum of mental health needs. This CACREP-accredited program integrates coursework in addiction counseling, psychopharmacology, family counseling, and trauma and crisis intervention with extensive supervised clinical training, including a 600-hour internship. Students can choose an accelerated seven-semester path or a traditional ten-semester schedule, with opportunities to focus electives in areas such as play therapy, integrative health, or addiction counseling. Graduates are eligible for licensure in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, and the program reports high placement and licensure rates.
About Viterbo University
Viterbo University is a private Catholic institution located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Rooted in the Franciscan values of contemplation, hospitality, integrity, stewardship, and service, the university emphasizes ethical and values-centered education. With small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and strong community ties in the La Crosse region, Viterbo offers students both a supportive learning environment and meaningful professional opportunities.
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 Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees licensure for professional counselors. The general pathway to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) includes graduate education, supervised training, examination, and state application.
1. Graduate Education
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field that meets Wisconsin’s educational standards.
- The program must include at least 60 graduate semester hours, covering required content areas, as well as a supervised practicum and internship.
2. Obtain a Training License (LPC-IT)
- Apply for a Professional Counselor Training License (LPC-IT) to begin post-graduate supervised practice.
- This credential allows you to work under supervision while completing experience requirements.
- The training license is valid for up to four years and may be renewed if necessary.
3. Complete Supervised Experience
- Master’s-level applicants must complete 3,000 hours of supervised practice, including at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact.
- Doctoral-level applicants may qualify with 1,000 hours of supervised counseling experience, provided it is integrated into or follows the doctoral program.
- Supervision must include at least one hour of face-to-face supervision for every 20 hours of counseling practice, delivered individually or in small groups.
- A temporary license may be available for applicants who have finished all requirements except the national exam.
4. Pass the Required Exams
- Applicants must pass one of the following national exams: the NCE, NCMHCE, or CRCE.
- Applicants licensed in another state and applying by reciprocity must also pass the Wisconsin Statutes and Rules Examination, which covers state laws and regulations governing professional counseling.
5. Apply for Full LPC Licensure
- Submit a completed application to DSPS with official transcripts, verification of supervised experience, proof of examination passage, and other required documentation.
6. Maintain and Renew Your License
- LPC licenses renew on February 28 of odd-numbered years.
- Continuing education is not required for the first renewal. After that, licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle, including at least 4 hours in ethics and professional boundaries.
For a broader overview of the counseling profession, explore how to become a counselor and how to become a licensed professional counselor, and review the details of the LPC role.
Counseling Licensure Titles in Wisconsin
Professional counseling and related credentials in Wisconsin are regulated by the DSPS and, for educational settings, by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). These licenses define the scope of practice for mental health, marriage and family therapy, substance use counseling, and school counseling.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- The primary credential for independent counseling practice
- Permits clinical work in private practice, agencies, and community settings
Licensed Professional Counselor in Training (LPC-IT)
- A provisional credential for graduates completing supervised post-degree experience
- Allows practice under supervision while working toward full LPC licensure
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- A separate license for clinicians specializing in couples, marriage, and family systems therapy
- Overseen by DSPS through the Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board
Substance Use Counselor Credentials
Wisconsin regulates several levels of substance use disorder counseling credentials through DSPS:
- Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) — entry-level credential for working under supervision in treatment settings
- Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) — advanced credential permitting more independent practice in substance use counseling
School Counselor (PreK–12)
- Licensed through the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), not DSPS
- Provides academic, career, and social-emotional support in school settings as part of pupil services licensure
These credential pathways allow professionals to specialize in mental health counseling, substance use disorder counseling, or educational counseling depending on their training, interests, and work setting.
Transferring a Counseling License to Wisconsin
Counselors licensed in another state may qualify for a Wisconsin LPC credential through reciprocity (also known as endorsement). The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) evaluates each applicant’s background to ensure it is substantially equivalent to Wisconsin’s standards.
Key Considerations
- Comparable Education
Your graduate degree must meet Wisconsin’s criteria for professional counseling—including required coursework and credit hours—to be considered equivalent. - Supervised Experience
You must document supervised post-degree practice that aligns with Wisconsin’s standard of 3,000 hours (including 1,000 hours of direct client contact), or show equivalency through comparable experience under supervision. - Examination Requirements
You must have passed an accepted national counseling exam (such as NCE, NCMHCE, or CRCE). In addition, as part of the reciprocity process, you will be required to take Wisconsin’s Statutes & Rules Examination covering counseling laws and administrative regulations. - License Verification
DSPS requires official verification of your current, active license from the licensing jurisdiction(s). Your license must remain active throughout the reciprocity review. - Temporary Credential While Application Is Processed
If eligible, you may apply for a temporary or provisional credential (often called an “Act 10” credential) to practice in Wisconsin while your full license application is pending. - Board Review & Equivalency Determination
DSPS compares your credentials to Wisconsin’s standards on a case-by-case basis. If gaps are found, DSPS may require additional supervised hours, coursework, or other remediation for licensure.
For detailed guidelines and application materials, refer to DSPS’s LPC Reciprocity resources.
Counseling Scholarships and Financial Aid in Wisconsin
Students in Wisconsin pursuing counseling degrees have access to a variety of financial aid opportunities. Options include:
- State-based aid – The Wisconsin Grant provides need-based assistance to eligible residents enrolled at in-state colleges and universities.
- University-specific scholarships – Many Wisconsin institutions, such as the University of Wisconsin system schools and private colleges, offer scholarships for counseling, psychology, or education majors.
- National scholarships – Organizations such as the NBCC Foundation and the American Counseling Association award scholarships and fellowships to graduate counseling students nationwide.
- Federal student aid – Through the FAFSA, students can apply for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to help cover the cost of their degree.
Exploring both local and national funding sources can make a counseling degree more affordable for Wisconsin students.
Counseling Job Outlook and Salary in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin.
| Median Annual Wage in Wisconsin (May 2024) | Median Annual Wage Nationally (May 2024) | Projected Growth in Wisconsin (2022–2032) | Projected National Growth (2022–2032) | |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $62,470 | $59,190 | 16.0% | 18.4% |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $41,970 | $46,110 | -0.9% | 1.9% |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors | $63,690 | $65,140 | 8.8% | 5.4% |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $34,700 | $63,780 | 14.3% | 14.9% |
| Counselors, Other | $70,500 | $49,830 | 12.3% | 17.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a master’s degree to become a counselor in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin requires at least a 60-credit master’s degree in counseling or a related field, along with supervised practicum and internship experience.
What is an LPC-IT?
The Licensed Professional Counselor–In Training (LPC-IT) credential is a temporary license that allows graduates to complete the supervised hours needed for full LPC licensure.
What exams are required to become an LPC in Wisconsin?
Candidates must pass a national counseling exam (NCE, NCMHCE, or CRCE) as well as Wisconsin’s jurisprudence exam, which covers state counseling laws and ethics.
How often do I need to renew my Wisconsin counseling license?
LPCs must renew their license by February 28 of every odd-numbered year and complete 30 continuing education hours per renewal cycle, including 4 in ethics.
Are school counselors licensed the same way as LPCs in Wisconsin?
No. School counselors are licensed separately through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and follow different requirements than LPCs regulated by DSPS.
Making a Counseling Career in Wisconsin
Wisconsin provides strong opportunities for students and professionals pursuing careers in counseling. With respected universities offering graduate programs, clear licensure pathways through the Department of Safety and Professional Services, and dedicated credentials for both clinical counselors and school counselors, the state offers multiple routes into the profession.
Growing demand for mental health and substance abuse counselors, along with support in educational and community settings, ensures that new graduates can find meaningful opportunities. Combined with scholarships, state-based aid, and online learning options, Wisconsin is a supportive place to begin or advance a counseling career.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Marquette University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2013 to 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2013 to 10/31/2022
Mount Mary University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 3/31/2023
University of Wisconsin Madison
- 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: 1/13/2018 to 10/31/2027
University of Wisconsin River Falls
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2013 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/15/1990 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/15/1990 to 3/31/2022
University of Wisconsin, Stout
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/12/2011 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2011 to 10/31/2019
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1999 to 3/31/2024
Viterbo University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Wisconsin
View all programs in Wisconsin below, or jump to all Wisconsin CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Fox Valley Technical College Appleton
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College Hayward
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Marquette University Milwaukee
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.A. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Mount Mary University Milwaukee
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Wisconsin Madison Madison
- M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Wisconsin River Falls River Falls
- M.S. in School Counseling
University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- Doctorate - School Counseling
University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh Oshkosh
- M.S.E. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.E. in School Counseling
- M.S.E. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
University of Wisconsin, Stout Menonomie
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater Whitewater
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Viterbo University La Crosse
- Bachelors - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
