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Online CACREP (Counseling) Accredited Degree Programs
Becoming a licensed counselor is an educational journey. Earning your degree in one of many counseling programs can help you take your career to the next step.
Whether you are interested in completing your M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or your Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, there are plenty of options across the country.
Find out more about CACREP-accredited counseling programs and what it takes to get started.
What Is CACREP?
There are many counseling programs available, but you should consider a CACREP-accredited program. Although this accreditation is not always necessary, it helps ensure compliance among counselors.
Standing for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, CACREP accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling and related specialties offered at schools in the United States. If you do not seek a CACREP-accredited counseling program, your degree may not be accepted during the licensure process.
CACREP Accreditation
CACREP is an independent accrediting agency that focuses on counseling programs throughout the United States to make sure these programs meet certain standards. This accreditation means a program’s quality and content meet strict standards for counseling coursework and skill development. This benefits both students and the public.
More and more programs are seeking CACREP accreditation. Currently, there are over 900 specialty areas and programs at 416 colleges and universities and counting!
The Accreditation Process
The accreditation process is voluntary. This means that not all counseling programs offered in the U.S. will be CACREP-accredited. This is something you need to consider when comparing programs.
Those that display the CACREP-accredited seal have gone through the process of applying for accreditation and committing to quality experiences and education. To receive this seal, standards are reviewed concerning program faculty, the core curriculum, clinical practice requirements, student and program assessment, specialty areas, etc.
What Is an Online CACREP-Accredited Counseling Program?
An online CACREP-accredited counseling program could suit the needs of those who would like to complete program requirements off-campus. CACREP does not have any special requirements or criteria for online programs.
Accredited Counseling Program Curriculum
An CACREP-accredited counseling program will offer a range of new courses that includes a student’s specific area of focus. Here are some examples.
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice: Learn the roles that counselors play regarding social barriers and equality.
- Social and Cultural Diversity: The focus of this program is exploring the role of power and privilege and barriers to diversity.
- Group Counseling and Group Work: This type of course focuses on the techniques and counseling methods that may be used during group work.
- Counseling and Helping Relationships: The focus of this program is on various theories and how to determine outcomes from the care provided, including case conceptualization and interviewing skills.
Program Requirements
Program requirements will depend on which school you plan to attend.
For example, Winston-Salem State University offers an online program allowing you to earn your master’s degree to become a certified rehabilitation counselor.
For this specific program, the requirements are:
- Minimum education — Bachelor’s degree
- A recommended GPA of 2.7 or higher
- You have passed the GRE test
- References letters
- An official college transcript
- An interview
- A resume
Counseling Program Costs
The cost to enroll in an online counseling program will vary considerably from one school to the next. Since online programs do not require you to pay campus-based fees, they tend to be a more affordable option.
You can expect to pay anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000+ to complete an online counseling program. The total cost will depend on which school you choose, the number of credits you already have, and whether you are granted any scholarships. Tuition is often based on credit hours. For example, at Indiana Wesleyan University, you can complete their Masters of Arts with a major in Clinical Addictions Counseling after 48 credit hours, with a rate of $590/ credit hour. This equals $28,320. Some programs are 36 credit hours, while others are 60 credit hours.
Lindsey Wilson College offers an online program so that you can get your M.Ed. in Counseling and Human Development. This accredited institution is proud to offer some of the lowest tuition rates among top online universities. In addition, over 95% of Lindsey Wilson students receive some form of financial aid. Taking the time to research financial aid opportunities can help you cut costs.
There are also payment plans, such as those offered at Liberty University. Their online programs can be paid monthly, giving students more time to pay for their education. To participate in this plan, there is a one-time $50 fee per semester. These payment plans are interest-free.
National Counselor Examination Pass Rates
Many programs will share their National Certified Counselor Exam (NCE) pass rates. This will showcase how many graduates successfully passed the exam on their first attempt. While there are several variables to consider, the quality of education these graduates receive plays a pivotal role. This 200-item multiple-choice exam the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide effective counseling services.
Depending on the state in which your online program is based, you may be required to take another exam before obtaining your license. The other exam to become licensed is the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Additional state-specific exams may also be required.
For example, Palo Alto University offers a CACREP-accredited counseling program. In California, graduates must pass two exams — the California Law and Ethics exam and the NCMHCE. In 2019, among the graduates seeking licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, the average pass percentage was 90.5%. This is 19.5% higher than the California average for these tests.
Career Opportunities
Once you have graduated from a CACREP-accredited counseling program and obtained your license, you can work as a licensed professional counselor, clinical counselor, rehabilitation counselor, or other type of counseling professional. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary and job outlook information for the following counseling roles:
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a wide range of issues, including addictions and depression.
Median Annual Salary: $48,520 in 2021 (reported in 2023)
2021-2031 Job Growth Projection: 22%
Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities.
Median Annual Salary: $38,560 in 2021 (reported in 2023)
2021-2031 Job Growth Projection: 11%
School counselors help students develop academic and social skills, while career counselors help people identify and pursue employment opportunities.
Median Annual Salary: $60,510 in 2021 (reported in 2023)
2021-2031 Job Growth Projection: 10%
What Are the Benefits of a CACREP-Accredited Counseling Program?
Choosing a CACREP-accredited counseling program will assure you that the content and quality of that program will help you progress in your career. You will learn the knowledge and develop the skills needed to land the job you have been striving for.
Enrolling in an online program offers many benefits. Keep the following advantages in mind when comparing programs based on your schedule and career goals.
Connect with Expert Instructors and Like-Minded Students
Just because you’re taking an online course does not mean you lack access to expert instructors. Online CACREP-accredited counseling programs are taught by instructors with an immense amount of experience and knowledge. You can often connect with instructors you may not have had access to on-campus as well.
Online courses also often encourage engaging class discussions. Chat groups and forums spark interesting, supportive conversations related to course materials, current research findings, and other industry-related topics.
Flexible Scheduling
Online learning is optimal for many situations, especially when you would like to continue to work while enhancing your education and level of certification. Your coursework can be completed when and where it is most convenient for you. This is also a great fit for individuals who have a family. If you’re busy with kids during the day, you can listen to lectures and complete work at night.
Streamline the Licensure Process
When you choose a CACREP-accredited counseling program that is recognized by the American Counseling Association, becoming licensed following graduation is a simpler, more streamlined process.
To be able to write your licensure exam, you will need to have completed a certain number of hours and a predetermined set of coursework. Accredited programs set you up for success so that when you graduate, you will qualify to sit the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
How Long Does CACREP Accreditation Take?
It takes between 12 months and 18 months for the CACREP board to make accreditation decisions, but it may be longer than this. Delays in communication or meeting guidelines can extend this timeline.
Which Degree Does CACREP Accredit?
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation will accredit master’s and doctoral degree programs in many areas of counseling. Specifically, it focuses on only graduate-level degree accreditation.
How to Become a Counselor
Becoming a licensed counselor involves several steps. The specific requirements can vary slightly depending on the type of counseling you’re interested in (school counseling versus rehabilitation counseling, for example), and the regulations in your state will dictate some aspects of the licensure process. In broad strokes, however, the steps are largely consistent:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Your first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology, counseling, sociology, or a related field.
- Earn a Master’s Degree: After completing your bachelor’s degree, you will need to earn a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. This is usually a requirement for licensure. The master’s program will provide in-depth study in counseling techniques, ethics, research, and other important areas of knowledge.
- Complete Supervised Clinical Experience: Most states require a certain amount of supervised clinical experience, often performed as an internship or practicum during your master’s program. This experience will provide you with practical, hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed counselor or another qualified professional.
- Pass a Licensing Exam: After you’ve earned your master’s degree and completed the required clinical experience, you’ll need to pass a state licensing exam. The exact exam can vary by state and specialty, but common examples include the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), both administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
- Apply for Licensure: After passing your exam, you can apply for licensure in your state. This usually involves submitting proof of your education, supervised experience, and exam results, along with any necessary application fees.
- Continuing Education: Once you become a licensed counselor, you’ll need to complete continuing education to maintain your licensure. The specific requirements can vary by state.
There may be additional steps or requirements to consider depending on your focus and location, so be sure to check the specific licensure requirements in your state.
Notable CACREP Accredited Online Counseling Degree Programs
The following are some of the most notable CACREP-accredited online counseling programs.
Auburn University offers an M.Ed. in clinical rehabilitation counseling. The program requires completing 60 credit hours and takes approximately two years to complete full-time.
Tuition: $630 per credit hour
George Washington University offers three master’s degree options for counseling. They are in clinical health, rehabilitation, and school counseling, each taking approximately two years to complete.
Tuition: $1,870 per credit hour
Johns Hopkins University offers a Master of Science in Counseling through its education department. There are two concentrations to choose from: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, with a requirement of a 600-hour internship and 100-hour practicum for the program.
Tuition: $48,700 per year
Minnesota State University offers a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Student Personnel. The program offers two focus areas, with professional school counseling and mental health counseling as the options. This is usually a two-year program when going full-time.
Tuition: $550 per credit hour
Mississippi State University has an MS in Counseling with a concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours and prepares students for entering the professional world upon completion.
Tuition: $537 per credit hour
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State offers a Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree. The online format is designed to be completed in three years on a part-time basis, with students working year-round while doing so.
Tuition: $525.50 per credit hour
Ohio University has a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree master’s program. The program prepares students for a number of things, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders through a number of different methods.
Tuition: Starts at $307 per credit hour
San Francisco State University
A Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is available from San Francisco State University. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours covering a variety of topics in the field of mental health counseling.
Tuition: $4,203 per semester
Texas A&M University has an online M.Ed. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on school counseling. This program is available in synchronous and asynchronous formats and requires 400 hours of on-site counseling activities.
Tuition: $6,407 per year
The University of Alabama offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program requires an undergraduate degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA as well as a 300 or higher score on the GRE or 50th percentile on the MAT.
Tuition: $440 per credit hour