Are you passionate about human minds and helping people manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions? In a master's in clinical counseling program, you'll learn the processes behind human behavior so you can teach your clients lasting emotional regulation strategies.
We've ranked the best master's in clinical counseling programs to help you find the right fit for your education. You'll also learn how to break into the field, the kinds of jobs you can get, and how much you can earn once you start practicing.
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Best Master's in Clinical Counseling Programs
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, practicum placement supports, post-graduation outcomes, and specializations offered. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a Master's in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology
Enter a Growing Profession: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects mental health careers to grow faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Find Diverse Career Paths: Clinical counselors work in various roles in various settings, including addiction clinics, schools, mental health facilities, hospitals, and private practice.
Develop New Skills: In your master's in clinical counseling program, you'll learn skills like empathy, conflict resolution, and how to teach coping mechanisms.
Create a Strong Foundation: After earning your master's in clinical counseling degree, you can pursue a doctoral degree in counseling.
Benefits of Getting a Master's Degree Online
Flexibility: Many master's programs offer online options, which let you manage your other responsibilities while you learn.
Accessibility: You can access your studies from anywhere with a stable Internet connection, which can benefit students with disabilities and those living in rural communities.
Skill-Building: By learning online, you can improve your digital literacy and self-discipline skills, which can serve you well on the job.
Curious what courses you'll take online? Check out our master's in clinical psychology program guide
How to Choose the Best Master's in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology Program for You
Before you apply for a master's in clinical counseling, you should consider crucial factors like program cost, length, and accreditation and what careers you can pursue with the degree.
How Much Does a Master's in Psychology Cost?
Master's in Psychology, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$13,264
Avg. Net Price
$11,901
Source: NCES PowerStats
The cost of a master's in clinical counseling can vary widely. On average, the cost of a two-year master's degree is a little over $73,000, based on BestColleges' research. Financial aid can lower these costs for many students.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for a master's in psychology was $13,264 in the 2019-2020 school year. However, on average, students actually paid around $1,300 less.
If you're trying to reduce the cost of grad school, make sure to fill out the FAFSA each year so you can qualify for financial aid, including student loans, grants, and scholarships.
Additionally, you can find federal work-study programs and graduate assistantships that cover tuition in exchange for work experience. You can also save money by transferring credits from a previous institution. and asking your employer for tuition reimbursement.
Find Financial Aid for Your Master's in Psychology
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's in Clinical Counseling?
Typical # of Credits
60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
Most students spend two years earning their master's in clinical counseling, which requires around 60 credits. For example, the master of science in clinical counseling program at Francis Marion University requires 60 credits earned over two and a half years.
You can also find online and accelerated programs that offer the most flexibility and convenience.
Accreditation for a Master's in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology
While researching master's in clinical counseling programs, look for programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
All states require you to graduate from an accredited counseling program, but what accreditation agency you should focus on depends on which state you wish to practice in. Check your state's licensing board website to see what kind of programmatic accreditation they require. For example, some states — like North Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio — require CACREP accreditation.
Search for your desired program's name on the CACREP and MPCAC websites to make sure it is properly accredited.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Clinical Counseling?
Once you earn your master's in clinical counseling, you'll have a variety of career options to choose from. These include school and career counselors who help K-12 students navigate school and employment and rehabilitation counselors, substance misuse counselors, mental health counselors, and licensed professional counselors who aid in mental health therapy and treatment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these roles pay between $46,110 and $65,140, with school and career counselors earning the most and rehabilitation counselors earning the least.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| School and Career Counselor | $65,140 | Works in schools to advise students on their academic and career pathways |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $46,110 | Helps people who are recovering from illnesses and injuries live more independently, providing services like career counseling |
| Substance Misuse and Mental Health Counselor | $59,190 | Helps people recover from substance misuse and mental health conditions |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $63,780 | Advises families in distress on a range of issues, like navigating divorce and the loss of a child |
Learn More About Counseling and Psychology Jobs
Is a Master's in Clinical Counseling Worth It?
Whether a master's in clinical counseling is worth it depends, in large part, on your career goals.
The degree can lead to licensure, allowing you to practice as a licensed counselor and preparing you for a growing field.
According to the BLS, mental health careers are projected to grow faster than average for all professions. Plus, according to the 2025 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 95% of online master's students and graduates say earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Starting salaries for clinical counseling master's graduates were around $38,000 for the class of 2023, per the National Association of Colleges and Employers. However, after licensure, you can qualify to earn higher salaries. For example, school and career counselors earn a median salary of over $65,000 per year. Marriage and family therapists earn a median salary of around $59,000 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Counseling Programs
Yes, you can become a therapist with a master's in clinical counseling. In fact, you'll need a master's degree to work as a therapist or clinical counselor.
Master's in clinical counseling programs take 2-3 years to complete. You'll have to meet your state's licensure requirements, which usually require around 600 hours of clinical experience and a state licensure exam.
