Best Counseling Schools in South Carolina

Columbia International University's Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage & Family Counseling offers a specialized training pathway for professionals seeking advanced therapeutic skills. The program uniquely integrates biblical perspectives with practical counseling techniques, preparing students for state licensing as therapist interns. Designed for online learners, the certificate equips students to work effectively with couples, families, children, and adolescents. Emphasizing comprehensive family dynamics and mental health understanding, students develop nuanced intervention strategies across diverse counseling environments. The program stands out for its holistic approach, blending professional competence with spiritual development and practical clinical skills.

• Postgraduate Certificate Available
• Advanced Counseling Training
• State Licensing Preparation
• Focuses on Families/Couples
• Biblical Counseling Perspective

Columbia International University's Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling provides a comprehensive 60-credit program combining professional mental health training with a distinctive biblical worldview. Available through a flexible hybrid format, students can complete coursework online and through brief campus residencies. The program meets South Carolina licensure requirements and prepares compassionate counseling professionals through an integrated approach. Students accumulate 700 clinical hours, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and have up to seven years to complete the degree. With a strong emphasis on personal growth and therapeutic relationship development, this program offers a unique educational pathway for aspiring clinical counselors.

• 60 credit hours total program
• Hybrid residential/online delivery
• Biblical worldview integration
• Professional counseling licensure track
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• 700 total clinical hours
• South Carolina LPC preparation
• 7-year maximum completion time

The Citadel Military College's online Master of Education in Counselor Education provides a specialized Elementary School Counseling track designed for professionals seeking K-8 counseling roles. This comprehensive 60-credit program emphasizes multicultural education and comprehensive student support strategies. Requiring a 600-hour internship, the curriculum prepares graduates for state licensure and potential Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or National Certified Counselor (NCC) certifications. With a 3.0 GPA admission requirement, the program focuses on developing skilled counselors equipped to address diverse student developmental needs through advanced counseling theories and practical training.

• Online program flexibility.
• 60 credit hours required.
• 600-hour internship included.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Prepares for state licensure.
• Focus on elementary counseling.
• Multicultural education emphasis.
• Pathway to LPC certification.
• Pathway to NCC certification.
• Comprehensive counseling curriculum.

The Citadel's online Master of Education in Counselor Education offers a targeted Secondary School Counseling concentration for aspiring middle and high school counseling professionals. This rigorous 60-credit program emphasizes comprehensive student development across academic, personal, and career domains. Through an extensive 600-hour internship, students gain practical experience and multicultural competencies essential for modern educational counseling. The curriculum prepares graduates for state licensure, focusing on advanced counseling techniques and strategies to support adolescent student populations. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and demonstrates a commitment to inclusive, supportive educational environments.

• Fully online program
• 60 credit hours total
• 600-hour school internship
• State licensure preparation
• Specialization in Secondary Counseling

Winthrop University's Master of Education in School Counseling offers a robust two-year program designed to cultivate highly skilled educational counseling professionals. Accredited by CACREP, this 60-credit hybrid program emphasizes cultural competence and ethical practice in P-12 educational settings. Students develop comprehensive skills in academic, career, and personal student development through intensive coursework and practical on-site clinic experiences. The program uniquely supports state certification compatibility across 50 states and requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Graduates are prepared to make transformative impacts in diverse educational environments, with opportunities for professional growth and meaningful student support.

• CACREP Nationally Accredited
• Two-year, 60-credit program
• State certification in 50 states
• On-site counseling clinics
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Campus-based learning format
• No program prerequisites
• Professional recommendations needed

Southern Wesleyan University delivers a robust online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology specializing in Mental Health, providing a comprehensive 60-credit program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Through a faith-integrated curriculum, students develop advanced counseling skills, mastering contemporary mental health theories and evidence-based techniques. The program prepares graduates for the National Counselor Exam while offering flexible online learning, personalized academic coaching, and hands-on internship experiences. With a competitive $500 per credit hour rate and completion timeframe of 24-30 months, students benefit from a holistic approach to psychological training that emphasizes whole-person development and professional competency.

• 60 total credit hours
• Online + internship format
• $500 per credit hour
• 24-30 months completion
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• Dedicated academic success coach
• Eight core counseling exam prep courses
• Faith-integrated curriculum

Anderson University's online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides comprehensive professional training rooted in a Christian counseling perspective. The 60-credit, two-year program prepares students for licensed counseling roles through evidence-based curriculum focusing on advanced counseling theories, specialized techniques in grief and couples counseling, and extensive practical experience. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning while emphasizing ethical practice and diverse clinical settings. Students complete mandatory practicum and internship experiences, gaining hands-on skills essential for professional counseling careers. The program is pursuing CACREP accreditation and requires a bachelor's degree for admission. Entrance exam requirements are not explicitly specified, making it accessible for diverse applicants seeking a rigorous mental health counseling education.

• Online graduate program
• 60 total credit hours
• 2-year program duration
• Pursuing CACREP accreditation
• Bachelor's degree required
• Christian counseling foundation
• Practicum and internship included
• Licensure preparation
• Multiple career setting options