What you’ll learn in this article…
- Georgia requires 3,000 supervised post-master's hours before full LPC licensure, plus passing the NCE or NCMHCE.
- CACREP accreditation streamlines license portability across states and is preferred by most Georgia employers.
- Several Georgia institutions offer counseling master's programs with average net prices below $10,000 per year.
- The BLS reports a national median salary of roughly $53,710 for substance abuse and mental health counselors as of 2024.
Georgia's demand for licensed professional counselors continues to outpace supply, with the state projecting steady growth in mental health service roles through the end of the decade. For students weighing where to earn a master's in counseling, the decision often hinges on three factors: CACREP accreditation status, net price after aid, and whether the program format fits a working schedule.
Across the eleven programs ranked here, net prices range from roughly $6,900 at Georgia Highlands College to over $23,000 at Mercer University. Formats vary just as widely, from fully online degrees at Valdosta State and Fort Valley State to hybrid models requiring periodic campus residencies. CACREP accreditation, which streamlines Georgia LPC licensure and eases credential portability to other states, is available at several but not all of these institutions. Students exploring the broader landscape may also want to become a counselor by understanding the national requirements before narrowing their focus to Georgia-specific programs.
Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Georgia, Ranked for 2026
This ranking highlights the most affordable and accessible counseling programs across Georgia for 2026, weighted heavily toward net price and financial aid metrics. Whether you are pursuing clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or a specialized credential in addiction treatment, the programs below represent strong value for Georgia residents and online learners alike. Net prices shown are institution-wide averages reported to the federal government; your actual cost will depend on your enrollment status, residency, and aid package.
- Net price and financial aid access
- Institutional graduation and retention rates
- Program accreditation and licensure alignment
- Online and hybrid delivery availability
- Graduate debt levels
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University delivers one of the most budget-friendly online graduate counseling experiences in the University System of Georgia. Its 60-credit M.Ed. in Counselor Education with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is built around Georgia licensure requirements and places students in practicum sites across South Georgia community agencies and mental health centers. Border-state tuition waivers for qualifying residents of Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee add further value for regional students.
- 60-credit-hour online program meeting Georgia LPC requirements
- Clinical mental health counseling track with two specialization options
- Practicum partnerships with South Georgia mental health agencies
- Among the lowest online graduate tuition rates in the USG
- Prepares students for the National Counselor Examination
- Border-state tuition waivers available for neighboring states
- Designed for working professionals in place-bound communities
Master of Education in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Online
Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley State University, a public HBCU in Middle Georgia, offers three distinct counseling-related graduate pathways that address workforce shortages in rural and underserved communities. Its fully online School Counselor Education program leads to Level 5 certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, while a newer hybrid Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is actively pursuing CACREP accreditation. An online MSW with an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counseling concentration rounds out the offerings, all at some of the lowest public tuition rates in the state.
- Fully online, 60-credit-hour program focused on the ASCA National Model
- Leads to Georgia Level 5 Professional School Counselor Certificate
- 700 clinical field hours in K-12 settings across Georgia
- Admission requires 2.75 GPA and GACE Program Admissions exams
- Developed to grow the school counselor pipeline in rural districts
- Partnerships with Middle and South Georgia school systems
- 60-credit-hour hybrid program with in-person and online components
- Pursuing CACREP accreditation to strengthen licensure portability
- Three field experience requirements across diverse settings
- Multicultural counseling and professional disposition focus
- Trains graduates for community service boards and rural clinics
- Addresses behavioral health shortages in Georgia's rural areas
- CSWE-accredited online MSW with addiction counseling concentration
- Full-time and part-time tracks with Advanced Standing option
- Cultural competence and social justice emphasis
- Designed for work with underserved Georgia communities
- Affordable tuition within the University System of Georgia
- Financial aid available for qualifying students
Master of Science in Education, School Counselor Education — Online
Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Social Work, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counseling — Online
Albany State University
Albany State University, another public HBCU, serves Southwest Georgia with two fully online counseling master's tracks at one of the lowest in-state tuition rates you will find. The M.Ed. in School Counseling prepares candidates for the National Counselor Examination and Georgia certification, while a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration builds a 60-credit pathway toward LPC eligibility. Both programs emphasize advocacy, systemic barrier removal, and collaboration with local K-12 and community agencies to fill documented mental health professional shortages in the region.
- 100% online program with flexible pacing for working adults
- Prepares graduates for the National Counselor Examination
- Focuses on academic, career, and social-emotional student growth
- Admission requires a 2.8 GPA and professional references
- Field placements coordinated with South Georgia K-12 districts
- Emphasizes advocacy and removing systemic barriers to success
- 60-semester-hour online program eligible for national certification
- Multicultural counseling curriculum with clinical fieldwork
- Designed to increase licensed counselors in Southwest Georgia
- Affordable in-state graduate tuition within the USG system
- Comprehensive mental health training across diverse populations
- Supports HOPE-eligible and Pell-eligible Georgia students
Master of Education in School Counseling — Online
Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Online
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia offers a focused Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Counseling designed for professionals who already hold or are pursuing a graduate degree in a counseling-related field. Delivered entirely online at standard UGA graduate e-rate tuition, the 12-semester-hour program meets Georgia's educational requirements for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential. UGA positions this certificate as part of a broader effort to address the state's shortage of addiction-treatment specialists, making it a strong upskilling option rather than an initial licensure pathway.
- Fully online, 12-semester-hour advanced certificate
- Meets Georgia CAADC educational requirements
- Evidence-based treatment with multidisciplinary faculty
- Covers substance use overview, trauma, and group work
- Designed for working clinicians seeking specialty credentials
- Requires an existing or in-progress graduate degree
- Aligned with Georgia's addiction-treatment workforce needs
Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Counseling — Online
Columbus State University
Columbus State University pairs CACREP-accredited school counseling and clinical mental health counseling programs in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with face-to-face sessions in the Chattahoochee Valley. The 61-hour M.Ed. in School Counseling and the 60-hour M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling both welcome career changers, with no prior teaching experience required for the school track. Strong partnerships with western Georgia and eastern Alabama school districts and agencies support accessible field placements, and qualifying Alabama residents may benefit from border-state tuition rates.
- CACREP-accredited, 61-semester-hour hybrid program
- No prior teaching experience required for admission
- Covers eight core counseling competency areas
- Field placements in P-12 settings across western Georgia
- Financial aid available with affordable USG tuition
- Prepares for Georgia school counseling certification
- CACREP-accredited, 60-semester-hour hybrid degree
- Online and face-to-face course delivery options
- Eight core counseling domains including crisis intervention
- Multiple career pathways in community and clinical settings
- Border-state tuition rates for qualifying Alabama residents
- Designed for career changers entering the counseling field
- CACREP-accredited hybrid certificate program
- 61 semester hours with flexible learning environments
- P-12 school counseling certification pathway
- No teaching experience prerequisite
- Seven comprehensive counseling content areas
- Supports professionals transitioning into school settings
Master of Education in School Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Post Graduate Certificate in School Counseling — Hybrid
University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia offers a CACREP-accredited M.Ed. in Professional Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration through a hybrid format that serves the West Georgia and Metro Atlanta corridor. The program stands out for its reported 100% NCE exam pass rate and roughly 100% job placement, backed by 600 internship hours in Georgia-based community agencies, hospitals, and private practices. As part of the University System of Georgia, UWG delivers competitive in-state graduate tuition and participates in HOPE and state financial aid programs.
- CACREP-accredited, 60-semester-hour hybrid program
- Reported 100% NCE exam pass rate for recent cohorts
- Approximately 100% job placement in Georgia-based settings
- 600 internship hours in agencies and private practices
- Hybrid delivery balancing online and face-to-face courses
- Competitive USG in-state graduate tuition
- Approximately 92% program completion rate
- Serves working professionals in the Atlanta-Carrollton region
Master of Education in Professional Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Mercer University
Mercer University, a private institution with campuses in Macon and Metro Atlanta, delivers CACREP-accredited hybrid programs in both school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. The university reports a 95% first-time CPCE pass rate and structures cohorts across multiple regional campuses for Georgia working professionals. While its net price runs higher than public alternatives, Mercer offsets costs with institutional scholarships and tuition discounts for alumni and partner-district educators, and the institution's graduation rate of 69.6% is the highest among the private schools on this list.
- CACREP-accredited hybrid program with 700 fieldwork hours
- 95% first-time CPCE pass rate among recent graduates
- Start terms in January, May, and August each year
- Completion in 30 to 36 months for most students
- Meets GaPSC standards for Georgia school counselor certification
- Cohorts at Macon and Metro Atlanta locations
- Designed for working adults seeking licensure
- CACREP-accredited blended online and on-campus format
- 95% first-time exam pass rate on licensing assessments
- 30 to 42 month completion timeline
- Multiple start terms throughout the year
- Prepares for LPC licensure in Georgia
- Diverse career placement across clinical settings
- Institutional scholarships available for qualifying students
Master's Degree in School Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Thomas University
Thomas University is a small private institution in Thomasville that offers a fully online M.S. in Counseling with a School Counseling concentration tailored to working professionals in South Georgia and North Florida. The program emphasizes flexibility and competitive cost relative to other private options, with relationships across regional school systems that support local internship placements. With a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Thomas provides a more personalized graduate experience for students who prefer smaller class cohorts.
- Fully online format for working teachers and paraprofessionals
- School counseling concentration meeting Georgia certification goals
- Competitive tuition among Georgia private institutions
- Financial aid options available for qualifying students
- Regional school district partnerships for internship sites
- Small class sizes with a 12-to-1 student-faculty ratio
- Curriculum covers ethical practices and student development
Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling — Online
Piedmont University
Piedmont University offers two online counseling master's programs from its Demorest campus: a GaPSC-accredited M.Ed. in School Counseling and a fully online M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that is pursuing CACREP accreditation. The school counseling track reports a 98% job placement rate for graduates in Georgia, and both programs use live synchronous sessions in the evenings so students can continue working. Piedmont markets educator-specific scholarships and alumni discounts that can reduce the net cost for Georgia teachers transitioning into counseling.
- Fully online, GaPSC-accredited program
- 98% job placement rate for Georgia graduates
- Designed for working adults with evening coursework
- Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and two professional references
- Focus on academic, career, and social-emotional advocacy
- Scholarships targeted at educators and alumni
- Fully online, 60-semester-hour licensure-preparation program
- Pursuing CACREP accreditation for enhanced portability
- 700 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Live synchronous sessions with weekly faculty office hours
- Flexible two-year completion timeline
- Designed for working professionals across Georgia
Master of Education in School Counseling — Online
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Online
Truett McConnell University
Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia, offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that integrates psychological theory with a biblical worldview. The 63-credit-hour program includes four week-long on-campus intensives alongside online coursework, typically completed in about 2.5 years. Graduates are prepared to pursue Georgia LPC licensure and careers in mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and substance abuse treatment.
- 63-credit-hour hybrid program with online and on-campus components
- Four week-long intensive residency sessions required
- Biblical worldview integrated into counseling training
- Prepares graduates for Georgia LPC licensure
- Full-time completion in approximately 2.5 years
- Up to 27 transfer credits accepted
- Covers advanced assessment and intervention techniques
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Georgia Highlands College
Georgia Highlands College is included here as a pre-counseling stepping stone rather than a graduate program. Its fully online B.S. in Health Science with a Social and Behavioral Health concentration provides an affordable undergraduate foundation for Georgia residents planning to enter a master's-level counseling program. At one of the lowest tuition rates in the University System of Georgia, GHC explicitly positions this 124-credit degree as a pipeline into graduate counseling and social work programs statewide.
- Fully online bachelor's program at low USG tuition
- 124 credit hours covering psychological and social health factors
- Designed as a pre-professional pathway to counseling graduate programs
- Eight-week and 16-week course session options
- Focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and cultural issues
- Advising materials reference Georgia counseling master's programs
Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Social and Behavioral Health — Online
How We Ranked Georgia Counseling Programs
Choosing a counseling program often comes down to a tension between affordability and flexibility. Many students need an online or hybrid format to fit graduate study around work and family, yet they also need a program that will not leave them buried in debt before they ever see a client. Our ranking methodology was designed to honor both of those priorities at once.
What the Rankings Emphasize
We weighted financial factors heavily in our scoring. Net price, which reflects the average cost of attendance after institutional and federal aid has been applied, carried significant influence. Financial aid metrics, including the share of students receiving grant or scholarship support, also factored in. Graduation rate and available program-level outcomes rounded out the picture, helping us distinguish schools where students actually finish and move into the field.
A few important clarifications:
- Net price is an institutional average. It is drawn from federally reported data and represents what students at the institution pay on average after aid. It is not a guaranteed quote for any individual student. Your actual cost will depend on your financial situation, residency status, and the aid package you receive.
- Graduation rate is institution-wide. The figures come from IPEDS and reflect the full university, not a counseling-specific cohort. A school with a high overall graduation rate may still have different completion patterns within its counseling department, and vice versa.
- Only online or hybrid programs qualified. To appear in this ranking, a program had to offer at least a substantial online component. Fully on-campus-only programs were excluded from the eligible pool, which is why some well-known Georgia institutions may not appear here.
Why Methodology Transparency Matters
If you have browsed other "best counseling programs" lists, you may have noticed that many offer no explanation of how they arrived at their rankings. Some appear to be organized alphabetically or by editorial preference without any disclosed criteria. We believe students deserve to understand exactly what is being measured and why. When you know the methodology, you can judge for yourself whether the ranking aligns with your own priorities, whether that is cost, convenience, career outcomes, or some combination of all three.
Whether you are exploring online clinical mental health counseling programs or weighing a broader path like a master's degree in psychology, having clear ranking criteria helps you compare options with confidence. At counselingpsychology.org, we aim to give you the information you need to make a well-grounded decision rather than simply handing you a list and asking you to trust it.
Questions to Ask Yourself
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Georgia
CACREP-accredited programs and those holding alternative state-level accreditation serve distinct pathways into the counseling profession. For prospective counselors in Georgia, understanding which programs carry CACREP accreditation and why it matters can shape both licensure timelines and career mobility.
What CACREP Accreditation Means
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the profession's specialized accreditor, setting standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical training, and student outcomes.1 Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program typically streamlines the path to licensure: Georgia's LPC licensing board accepts CACREP degrees without additional scrutiny of course-by-course content, and many other states offer reciprocity or expedited licensure for CACREP graduates. Employers, especially those in clinical and community mental health settings, often prefer or require CACREP credentials when hiring new counselors.
CACREP accreditation is awarded at the program level, not the institution level. A university may hold CACREP accreditation for its clinical mental health counseling track while its school counseling concentration or an online variant remains unaccredited. Always verify the specific degree and concentration you plan to pursue through the CACREP directory.
CACREP Programs in Georgia's Rankings
Are there CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Georgia? Yes. Among the programs featured in this guide, three hold current CACREP accreditation for clinical mental health counseling:
- Mercer University offers a CACREP-accredited M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling delivered in a hybrid format.2
- Georgia Southern University maintains CACREP accreditation for its hybrid Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. Note that Georgia Southern's online School Counseling concentration is not CACREP-accredited.3
- Georgia State University provides a CACREP-accredited M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.4
Several other ranked programs, including the University of Georgia, Augusta University, Brenau University, and Clayton State University, hold accreditation through MPCAC (Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council), a newer accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.5 MPCAC accreditation meets Georgia's institutional standards for LPC licensure but may not carry the same interstate portability or employer recognition as CACREP in all contexts.
Online CACREP Programs Carry Equal Weight
When a CACREP-accredited program offers an online or hybrid delivery option, the accreditation applies to that modality as well. Mercer's hybrid clinical mental health track, for example, holds the same CACREP standing as a fully on-campus program. Employers and state boards do not differentiate between CACREP credentials earned online versus in person, provided the program itself is accredited.
If your career goals include moving across state lines, working in specialized settings such as hospitals or Veterans Affairs, or pursuing counseling doctoral programs, prioritizing CACREP accreditation at the master's level offers the clearest path forward.
Online vs. On-Campus Counseling Programs in Georgia
Online counseling master's programs deliver the same coursework as traditional on-campus degrees but through virtual classrooms, recorded lectures, and web-based practicum coordination. For students balancing work or family responsibilities, this flexibility can make graduate education possible. The good news for Georgia residents is that neither the state licensing board nor the major accrediting bodies discriminate against online formats when programs meet established standards. If you are still weighing program types, exploring best online master's in counseling programs can help you compare options across institutions.
Licensing Board and Accreditation Perspectives
The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists oversees LPC licensure in the state. The board evaluates whether your degree comes from a regionally accredited institution and whether your program meets content requirements, not whether you attended classes in person or online. CACREP applies identical accreditation standards to online and on-campus programs, meaning a CACREP-accredited online degree carries the same weight as its campus-based counterpart. The National Board for Certified Counselors follows similar principles, recognizing accredited online programs for National Certified Counselor credentialing.
Employer Considerations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not compare employer preferences between delivery formats, but clinical supervisors and hiring managers typically focus on accreditation status, supervised clinical hours, and interview performance rather than how coursework was delivered. That said, individual employers may have preferences, so gathering firsthand information helps.
Getting Reliable Placement Data
If you are considering an online program, contact the admissions office directly. Ask about graduate placement rates, employer partnerships, and feedback from supervisors at practicum sites. Georgia institutions with CACREP-accredited online options, such as Mercer University and the University of West Georgia, can often share information about where recent graduates have found employment and how employers have responded to online credentials. This direct outreach gives you concrete data rather than assumptions about how your degree will be received in the job market.
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Most Affordable Master's in Counseling in Georgia
The table below ranks Georgia institutions with counseling-related programs by their average net price after financial aid, from lowest to highest. Net price figures are institution-wide averages reported to the federal government and reflect typical aid packages; your actual cost will depend on your program, enrollment status, and individual aid offer. Public universities in Georgia consistently offer the lowest net prices, generally falling between roughly $6,900 and $14,000, while private institutions tend to range from about $18,500 to $22,200. For students asking how much an online master's in counseling costs, this data shows the spread can be significant: from under $7,000 per year at the most affordable public option to over $22,000 at a private school, making it well worth comparing across both sectors.
| School | Net Price (Avg. After Aid) | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Sector | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Highlands College | $6,928 | $3,120 | $10,080 | Public | Online |
| Fort Valley State University | $10,338 | $5,790 | $18,268 | Public | Online |
| Valdosta State University | $10,945 | $6,316 | $18,934 | Public | Online |
| Albany State University | $11,898 | $5,008 | $15,880 | Public | Online |
| University of West Georgia | $12,786 | $6,046 | $19,600 | Public | Hybrid |
| Columbus State University | $13,115 | $8,268 | $10,140 | Public | Hybrid |
| University of Georgia | $13,936 | $11,002 | $29,774 | Public | Online |
| Thomas University | $18,499 | $13,290 | $13,290 | Private | Online |
| Piedmont University | $20,599 | $12,320 | $12,320 | Private | Online |
| Truett McConnell University | $22,227 | $10,008 | $10,008 | Private | Hybrid |
Georgia Counseling Program Earnings at a Glance
Program-level earnings data for one year and four years after completion are not yet published for these Georgia counseling master's programs. The institution-level median earnings shown below, reported ten years after enrollment, give a useful benchmark for comparing long-term earning potential across schools. These are College Scorecard medians for all graduates at each institution, not guaranteed salaries or program-specific figures.
Georgia Counseling Licensure: How a Master's Gets You There
Earning a master's degree in counseling is only the first milestone on your path to practicing independently in Georgia. The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists sets specific requirements that aspiring counselors must meet before receiving full licensure. Understanding this pathway from the start helps you choose the right program and plan your timeline realistically.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia?
To qualify for LPC licensure in Georgia under 2025-2026 rules, you must complete a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution with at least 60 semester hours of graduate coursework.1 Your program must cover nine core content areas specified by the Board, and you must complete a minimum of 600 internship hours during your degree. For a broader look at the credentialing process, our guide on how to become a licensed professional counselor breaks down the national requirements.
After graduation, you will need to pass a board-approved national examination. Georgia accepts both the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). You must receive Board approval before sitting for either exam.1
Once you pass your exam, you will work under supervision as an Associate Professional Counselor (APC). Georgia requires between 2,400 and 3,000 hours of post-master's supervised experience, which typically takes two to four years to accumulate depending on your work schedule. You have up to five years to complete this requirement and transition from APC to full LPC status.1
Clinical Mental Health Counseling vs. School Counseling
Prospective students should understand that clinical mental health counseling and school counseling follow entirely different credentialing pathways in Georgia. The LPC track described above applies to clinical mental health counselors who work in community agencies, private practice, hospitals, and similar settings.
School counselors, by contrast, do not pursue LPC licensure. Instead, they earn certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). School counseling programs typically require fewer credit hours and focus on educational settings rather than clinical diagnosis and treatment. If you envision yourself working in K-12 schools, you will want a degree specifically designed for school counseling certification rather than an LPC-track program.
Typical Timeline from Enrollment to Full Licensure
Most students complete their 60-credit master's degree in two to three years of full-time study. Part-time students may take longer. After graduation, expect another two to four years of supervised practice before achieving full LPC status.
In total, the journey from starting your master's program to independent practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor typically spans four to seven years. Planning for this timeline helps you set realistic expectations for your career trajectory. Students interested in becoming a mental health counselor will find that this timeline is broadly consistent across most states, though specific hour requirements vary.
Additional Details to Keep in Mind
Georgia participates in the Counseling Compact, which may simplify practicing across state lines once you hold full LPC status.2 The application fee for licensure is $110, with renewal fees of $100. Licensed counselors must complete 35 hours of continuing education per renewal period, including 5 hours focused on ethics.1
By selecting a program that meets the Board's 60-credit-hour requirement and includes adequate practicum and internship experiences, you position yourself for a smooth licensure process after graduation.
The Path from Master's to Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia
Earning your LPC in Georgia follows a defined sequence. This pathway applies specifically to the clinical mental health counseling track, which is the most common route to full licensure in the state.
Career Outcomes and Earnings for Georgia Counseling Graduates
Master's-level counselors in Georgia enter a labor market shaped by both strong demand and significant regional variation in compensation. Understanding what to expect after graduation requires looking beyond anecdotal reports to authoritative wage data and program-specific outcomes.
Georgia Wage Data by Counseling Specialty
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes occupation-specific median wages that can be filtered by state. For Georgia counseling graduates, two occupational codes matter most. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (SOC 21-1018) earned a median annual wage of $48,460 in Georgia as of May 2023, the most recent published figure. Marriage and family therapists (SOC 21-1013) earned a median of $56,200 in the same period. These figures reflect statewide medians and do not account for differences between metro Atlanta, rural counties, or coastal regions. The Georgia Department of Labor maintains an Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tool that breaks down median wages by region and metropolitan area, offering a more granular view of what counselors earn in specific communities.
Program-Level Outcomes and Graduate Surveys
Many Georgia universities that offer CACREP-accredited counseling programs publish annual outcomes reports or graduate surveys. These documents typically include first-destination employment rates, median starting salaries, and the percentage of graduates who passed the National Counselor Examination within six months of graduation. Program-specific data often reveals more about career trajectories than statewide averages, particularly for specialized tracks like school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or addiction counseling online programs. When comparing programs, request the most recent outcomes report and ask whether the data includes all graduates or only those who responded to surveys.
Professional Associations and Salary Benchmarking
Local professional organizations offer another layer of salary intelligence. The Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA-GA) and the Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT) periodically survey members about compensation, benefits, and practice settings. These surveys capture nuances that government data miss, including private-practice earnings, supervision fees, and differences between employed counselors and independent contractors. Contacting these associations directly or attending their annual conferences can provide access to salary reports and networking opportunities that clarify realistic earnings expectations for new graduates entering the Georgia market in 2026.
Admission Requirements for Georgia Counseling Programs
Admission requirements are the specific credentials, documents, and benchmarks a Georgia counseling program asks you to submit before it will consider you for a seat in the cohort. While every university sets its own standards, the requirements across the state share a recognizable pattern, and knowing what to expect will help you prepare a stronger application.
GPA Minimums and Prerequisite Degrees
Every program requires a completed bachelor's degree, though it does not necessarily need to be in psychology or a related field. Minimum GPA thresholds typically fall between 2.5 and 3.0. Georgia State University and Augusta University both list a 2.5 cumulative GPA as the floor for their counseling programs12, while Agnes Scott College recommends a 3.0 for its M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.3 Some programs will consider applicants who fall slightly below the stated minimum if other parts of the application are strong, so it is worth contacting the admissions coordinator before ruling yourself out.
Most programs do not require a specific set of prerequisite courses for admission, although a background in introductory psychology, statistics, or human development can smooth the transition into graduate-level coursework.
GRE Policies: A Shifting Landscape
Since 2020, GRE-optional and GRE-waived policies have expanded significantly across Georgia institutions. As of the 2025 to 2026 admissions cycle, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Augusta University, and Agnes Scott College all offer GRE waiver options for their counseling programs.4123 UGA's M.Ed. in Professional Counseling, for example, accepts fall applications only with a December 1 deadline and lists a GRE waiver as available.4 If you have been putting off the GRE, check each program's current policy directly, because waiver eligibility criteria can vary (some tie it to GPA, professional experience, or both).
Beyond the Numbers: Statements, Interviews, and Background Checks
Most Georgia counseling programs ask for two or three letters of recommendation, ideally from faculty or supervisors who can speak to your interpersonal skills and readiness for clinical work. A personal statement or statement of purpose is nearly universal and is your chance to explain why you want to enter the counseling profession and what draws you to that particular program.
Many programs also include an admissions interview, either in person or virtual, as a final step. Because counseling master's programs involve supervised clinical placements, expect a criminal background check before you begin practicum or internship hours. Some programs initiate this at the point of admission.
How Long Does a Master's in Counseling Take in Georgia?
LPC-track programs in Georgia typically require 60 semester credit hours, which is the standard set by CACREP-accredited curricula. Full-time students generally complete the degree in two to three years, while part-time students should plan for three to four years. The timeline accounts for both coursework and the required practicum and internship hours that are built into the program sequence. If you are balancing work or family obligations, ask each program about its scheduling format; some offer evening, weekend, or hybrid options that make part-time completion more manageable without significantly extending the timeline. Students who want to compare Georgia options against a broader national landscape can explore counseling master's programs online for additional perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Master's Programs in Georgia
Choosing the right master's in counseling program means sorting through details on cost, accreditation, licensure, and career outcomes. Below are answers to the questions Georgia students ask most often, drawn from program data and state licensing requirements covered throughout this guide.
