Best Counseling Schools in Mississippi
Mississippi has a diverse need for counselors, as residents throughout the state struggle with poverty, addiction, familial issues, trauma, and more. You can provide valuable aid as a counselor, and potentially be handsomely rewarded for your work. If this is a career you're entertaining, here are the best counseling programs in Mississippi.
2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Mississippi
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS - Public 4-Year - deltastate.edu
Master's - Master of Education in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Delta State University's Master of Education in Counseling with a School Counseling concentration offers a dynamic hybrid learning experience designed to prepare future K-12 educational counselors. The 60-hour CACREP-accredited program uniquely blends online coursework with in-person instruction, strategically tailored for professionals within 100 miles of Cleveland, MS. Students receive comprehensive training in counseling theory, ethics, and specialized interventions for school-aged children. Meeting Mississippi's Class AA Educator Licensure requirements, the program ensures graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful impacts in educational settings. No prerequisite courses are required, and financial aid opportunities enhance accessibility for aspiring school counselors.
- 60-hour program
- Hybrid learning option
- CACREP accredited
- No prerequisites required
- Focus on school-aged children
- Meets MS licensure requirements
- Financial aid available
- Real-world experience
- Professional connections
Master's - Master of Education in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Delta State University's Master of Education in Counseling, focusing on Clinical Mental Health Counseling, provides a comprehensive pathway to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This 60-credit hybrid and online program offers intensive training in psychodiagnostics, therapeutic techniques, and crisis intervention. CACREP-accredited since 1991, the program emphasizes practical experience through 700 hours of field work, enabling students to develop advanced skills for addressing complex mental health challenges. With a competitive 12:1 student-faculty ratio, full and part-time options, and year-round application acceptance, students can pursue professional development with flexibility and robust academic support.
- 60-credit hybrid/online program
- CACREP accredited since 1991
- No prerequisite courses required
- 700 hours field experience
- Pathway to LPC licensure
- Full-time and part-time options
- Research opportunities available
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- Applications accepted year-round
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS - Private 4-year - belhaven.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Belhaven University's Master of Arts in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration delivers a robust 60-credit hybrid program designed for emerging mental health professionals. Integrating a Christian perspective, the curriculum meets CACREP standards and prepares students for the rapidly expanding mental health counseling field, projected to grow 18% by 2032. Students benefit from synchronous online coursework and brief residencies, with no GRE requirement for admission. The program offers military and first responder discounts, competitive $615 per credit tuition, and a flexible seven-week course format that accommodates working professionals seeking licensure preparation.
- 60-credit online counseling program
- CACREP equivalent curriculum
- No GRE required for admission
- Per credit hour: $615
- Military/first responder discounts available
- Two short annual residencies
- Christian counseling perspective
- Licensure preparation track
- Flexible seven-week course format
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Belhaven University's Marriage and Family Therapy concentration within the Master of Arts in Counseling program provides a comprehensive training pathway for mental health professionals. This 60-credit hybrid program emphasizes licensure preparation aligned with Mississippi LPC Board standards. Students experience a flexible learning model featuring synchronous online coursework and two brief campus residencies. The curriculum integrates a Christian perspective while preparing graduates for high-demand counseling careers. With no GRE requirement, competitive tuition at $615 per credit, and potential military discounts, the program offers an accessible route to advanced counseling practice.
- 60-credit online master's program
- Marriage and Family Therapy concentration
- Flexible synchronous online format
- Two brief campus residencies
- LPC licensure preparation
- No GRE required for admission
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA preferred
- Christian perspective integrated
- Military/first responder discounts
- 18% projected job growth
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: General Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Belhaven University's Master of Arts in Counseling General Counseling track offers a versatile 60-credit online program tailored for aspiring mental health professionals. Designed to meet CACREP equivalent standards, the curriculum provides three specialization options and prepares students for Licensed Professional Counselor certification. The hybrid format combines synchronous online learning with brief campus residencies, ensuring comprehensive skill development. With competitive $615 per credit tuition, no GRE requirement, and potential military discounts, the program positions graduates for the projected 18% growth in mental health counseling careers through 2032.
- 60-credit online master's program
- CACREP equivalent curriculum
- Three specialization options
- $615 per credit hour
- No GRE required
- Two brief campus residencies
- Prepares for LPC licensure
- Synchronous and online formats
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS - Private 4-year - wmcarey.edu
Master's - Counselor Education
Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
William Carey University's Master of Science in Counselor Education with a School Counseling concentration offers a comprehensive hybrid program designed to transform aspiring educators into skilled school counselors. Students engage in a rigorous 60-semester hour curriculum that strategically blends online coursework with in-person sessions, providing flexibility and depth. The program uniquely prepares graduates for Mississippi licensure and national certification as School Counselors. By emphasizing multicultural competence, ethical standards, and advanced counseling theories, students develop sophisticated interpersonal skills crucial for supporting student mental health and academic success. The hybrid format accommodates working professionals while maintaining high academic standards.
- 60-semester hour program.
- Hybrid learning format.
- Prepares for Mississippi licensure.
- National certification eligibility.
- Focus on school counseling.
- Emphasizes ethical standards.
- Multicultural competence training.
- Combines theory and practice.
- Flexible for diverse needs.
- Supports personal growth.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS - Public 4-Year - msstate.edu
Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program offers a transformative hybrid learning experience designed to cultivate advanced professional counseling skills. Accredited by CACREP, this comprehensive 60-credit program integrates rigorous academic training with extensive 700-hour clinical practice across diverse mental health settings. Students benefit from a curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practices, multicultural competencies, and professional development. The program strategically prepares graduates for licensure and career opportunities in community agencies, private practices, and mental health facilities. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and opportunities for financial aid and graduate assistantships, students receive holistic support throughout their academic journey. The hybrid format provides flexibility for working professionals seeking specialized mental health counseling training.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 60 Graduate Credit Hours
- 700 Clinical Experience Hours
- Hybrid Program Format
- Licensure Preparation Program
- 3.0 GPA Minimum Requirement
- Multiple Career Setting Options
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Multicultural Counseling Focus
- Evidence-Based Practices Curriculum
How to Find a Counseling Program in Mississippi
Your choice of counseling program should be based on your unique needs. Whether you prioritize tuition cost, class schedule program specialization, or something else, there’s bound to be a counseling degree program in Mississippi for you.
Counseling Degree Pathways in Mississippi
The programs available include everything from comparatively short associate degrees to potentially lengthy doctorate degrees. Here’s a breakdown of the most common degree options for counseling students:
- Associate Degree: An associate degree is the lowest postsecondary degree available. It requires a high school diploma and takes two years to complete. You’ll likely be qualified for entry jobs upon graduating.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree is the most common undergraduate degree available. It too requires high school but takes four years to complete. You’ll be qualified for entry positions and mid-level positions upon graduating
- Master’s Degree: A master’s degree is the most common graduate degree available. It requires a bachelor’s and takes one to two years to complete. You’ll be able to continue with the licensure process upon graduating.
- Doctorate Degree: A doctorate degree is the most advanced degree available. It requires a bachelor’s or master’s, depending on the competitiveness of the particular program. You can specialize in research with a Ph.D. or clinical counseling with a Psy.D. You’ll likely be qualified for senior and leadership positions upon graduating.
- Graduate Certificate: A graduate certificate is the shortest program, taking only six months to one year. You’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s to begin and can use the certificate to specialize.
Choose the degree option that you’re qualified for, and that will best prepare you for whatever your next step is.
Choose a Counseling Specialty
Counseling programs can avail you of many specialization options as you complete a degree. These might give you a jump start in a particular area of counseling, or they can help you advance further by differentiating yourself. For example, you might consider a specialization in:
- Marriage and family counseling
- Mental health counseling
- School counseling
- Addiction counseling
- Rehabilitation counseling
Check School Accreditation
To ensure that your counseling degree indeed does help you academically and/or professionally, only consider attending accredited programs. An accredited program is guaranteed to meet accepted academic standards.
The most common counseling degree-accrediting organizations are the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Mississippi
Accredited programs are offered through both online courses and traditional courses. You may enroll in an online program for its flexibility or lower tuition. You might choose a traditional program if the logistics work for you, and you want more interaction with classmates.
Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Mississippi
To become a licensed counselor in Mississippi, you need to complete an accredited master’s degree in a related field. The degree also has to include 60 semester hours, and a 600-hour practicum (internship). You also need 3,000 hours of supervision, a passing score on the licensing exam, and a fee payment.
Once licensed, you must complete 24 continuing education units (CEUs) annually. Licenses must be renewed each year.
2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Delta State University |
|
|
| Belhaven University |
|
|
| Mississippi State University |
|
|
List of Counseling Degree Programs in Mississippi
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Mississippi? Browse our comprehensive list of schools offering counseling programs, both online and on-campus, and follow the links to learn more about what each program has to offer.
Alcorn State, MS
Alcorn State University
- Master's - Master of Science in Secondary Education
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- 60 credit hour graduate program
- CACREP-aligned curriculum
- Six-year completion timeline
- Comprehensive counseling training
- Professional counseling preparation
- Master's - Master of Science in Secondary Education
Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- 51 credit hours total program
- CACREP-aligned competency development
- 6-year maximum completion time
- No GRE required
- School and mental health counseling focus
- Comprehensive internship experiences
- Multiple optional counseling electives
- Professional identity development
- Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- 12 credit hours required.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- Accredited master's degree needed.
- Focus on licensure preparation.
- Options for coursework substitution.
- Transfer credits accepted.
- Enhances professional counseling skills.
- Promotes lifelong learning.
Cleveland, MS
Delta State University
- Master's - Master of Education in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit hybrid/online program
- CACREP accredited since 1991
- No prerequisite courses required
- 700 hours field experience
- Pathway to LPC licensure
- Full-time and part-time options
- Research opportunities available
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- Master's - Master of Education in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-hour program
- Hybrid learning option
- CACREP accredited
- No prerequisites required
- Focus on school-aged children
- Meets MS licensure requirements
- Financial aid available
- Real-world experience
Clinton, MS
Mississippi College
- Master's - Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited counseling program
- 60 semester hours required
- Clinical training included
- Prepares for LPC licensure
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Two clinical internships
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Traditional campus format
- Master's - School Counseling, M.Ed.
Campus Based - Website
- 60 semester hours required.
- Leads to AA license endorsement.
- CACREP accredited program.
- Combines theory with real-world experience.
- Focuses on multicultural counseling.
- Supervised clinical training included.
- Diverse student recruitment.
- Interview required for admission.
Hattiesburg, MS
William Carey University
- Master's - Counselor Education
Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-semester hour program.
- Hybrid learning format.
- Prepares for Mississippi licensure.
- National certification eligibility.
- Focus on school counseling.
- Emphasizes ethical standards.
- Multicultural competence training.
- Combines theory and practice.
Jackson, MS
Belhaven University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit online counseling program
- CACREP equivalent curriculum
- No GRE required for admission
- Per credit hour: $615
- Military/first responder discounts available
- Two short annual residencies
- Christian counseling perspective
- Licensure preparation track
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: General Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit online master's program
- CACREP equivalent curriculum
- Three specialization options
- $615 per credit hour
- No GRE required
- Two brief campus residencies
- Prepares for LPC licensure
- Synchronous and online formats
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit online master's program
- Marriage and Family Therapy concentration
- Flexible synchronous online format
- Two brief campus residencies
- LPC licensure preparation
- No GRE required for admission
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA preferred
- Christian perspective integrated
Jackson State University
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- 60 semester hours total.
- 600-clock-hour internship.
- Focus on multicultural competence.
- Prepares for state licensure.
- Includes practicum and seminar.
- Covers counseling theories.
- Emphasizes ethical practices.
- Master's - Master of Science in Education
Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited program.
- 60 total semester hours.
- 600-clock-hour internship.
- Campus-based learning.
- Focus on school counseling.
- Includes practicum experience.
- Covers counseling theories.
- Child counseling focus.
Mississippi State, MS
Mississippi State University
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 60 Graduate Credit Hours
- 700 Clinical Experience Hours
- Hybrid Program Format
- Licensure Preparation Program
- 3.0 GPA Minimum Requirement
- Multiple Career Setting Options
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited doctoral program
- Prepares counseling leaders and educators
- Comprehensive research and clinical training
- Minimum 3.00 graduate GPA required
- Master's degree prerequisite
University, MS
University of Mississippi
- Master's - Master of Education in Counselor Education
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- 60 credit hours
- Two-year master's program
- Clinical Mental Health focus
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Faculty interview needed
- Oxford campus location
- School of Education program
- Master's - Master of Education in Counselor Education
Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- 2-year program duration.
- 60 credit hours required.
- Campus-based in Oxford, MS.
- Focus on School Counseling.
- Undergraduate degree required.
- 3.0 GPA minimum.
- Resume and statement needed.
- Three references required.
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Counselor Education
Campus Based - Website
- 4-year program duration
- 68 required credit hours
- Campus-based residency
- Focus on counselor education
- Assistantship opportunities available
- Master's in counseling required
- CACREP-accredited preference
- Interview part of admissions