Key Takeaways
- Utah counselors earn a mean annual wage of $70,310, well above the national median of $53,710.
- CACREP accreditation simplifies Utah licensure and is available at both top ranked programs in the state.
- Most Utah counseling programs require a 3.0 GPA minimum and no longer require GRE scores for admission.
- Full LCMHC licensure in Utah demands significant post-master's supervised clinical hours, so plan supervision early.
Utah's counselor workforce shortage is pushing school districts and community mental health agencies to recruit more aggressively, and graduate programs have responded with flexible formats designed for working professionals. In-state tuition at Utah Valley University and Utah State University keeps total program costs under $23,000 for residents, making these among the most affordable counseling master's options in the region.
The programs ranked below were selected for online or hybrid availability and cost-effectiveness. You will find details on CACREP accreditation status, the step-by-step path to Utah's LCMHC license, tuition breakdowns, and realistic salary expectations based on state employment data. Utah's 4,000-hour supervised practice requirement remains one of the longest in the country, a factor that shapes both your timeline and your choice of program.
Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Utah
Utah's public universities offer some of the most affordable pathways to a counseling career in the Mountain West, and our 2026 ranking reflects that. Both programs below deliver hybrid formats built around working professionals, competitive in-state tuition, and direct alignment with Utah licensure standards. Because this ranking weights affordability and financial aid heavily, schools with lower net prices and strong institutional aid packages rise to the top, even if their institution-wide graduation rates are more modest. That emphasis matters for readers comparing total cost of attendance: a lower net price means the typical student pays less out of pocket after grants and scholarships, which can significantly reduce graduate debt.
- Net price and affordability
- Financial aid availability
- Institutional graduation and retention
- Program delivery flexibility
- Licensure and career alignment
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University in Orem is a public institution recognized across the Mountain West for its low cost of attendance and strong support for working professionals. With an average net price of $6,376, UVU consistently ranks among the most affordable graduate options in the state. Its counseling programs use a hybrid model tailored to educators and human-services workers already employed in Utah, combining online coursework with local practica and internships arranged through Utah school districts and clinical sites.
- 51-credit, six-semester program focused on K-12 settings
- Hybrid delivery with online and in-person cohort options
- No GRE required for admission; minimum 3.0 GPA needed
- 600-hour internship embedded in Utah school placements
- $441 per credit hour for in-state students
- Reports a 100% licensure and employment rate for graduates
- Prepares students for Utah professional school counseling license
- Hybrid format designed for working professionals in Utah
- Prepares graduates for Utah clinical licensure (LCMHC pathway)
- Curriculum covers psychotherapy, ethics, and clinical assessment
- Strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence
- Hands-on practicum with clinical sites across the state
- Career opportunities span private practice, agencies, and hospitals
Master of Education in School Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Utah State University
Utah State University, a public land-grant institution in Logan, pairs a nationally accredited school counseling program with in-state tuition that remains competitive among Western public universities. The average net price sits at $14,936, and the institution posts a 59.1% graduation rate (institution-wide). USU's hybrid M.Ed. in School Counseling is designed to reach students across the state, including those in rural Utah communities, by blending online coursework with local K-12 practicum experiences arranged through partner districts.
- Nationally accredited hybrid program aligned with Utah licensure
- Designed to serve students statewide, including rural communities
- Requires a 3.2 GPA and a completed statistics course for admission
- In-state tuition of approximately $7,828; out-of-state around $24,773
- Comprehensive training in behavioral assessment and intervention
- Cohort model balances online coursework with in-person connections
- Practicum placements arranged in K-12 schools throughout Utah
Master of Education in School Counseling — Hybrid
How to Choose a Counseling Master's Program in Utah
Clinical track vs. school track: that single decision shapes your degree type, your licensure path, and ultimately the work you do every day. Understanding how Utah programs are structured before you apply saves you from completing a degree that does not meet your licensing requirements.
Degree Types: MS, MEd, and What Utah Schools Actually Offer
The initials on your diploma matter more than you might expect. At the University of Utah and Utah State University, you will find two distinct graduate counseling credentials: a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Education in School Counseling.1 Westminster University also offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.2 The MS is generally the research- and clinical-practice-focused credential, while the MEd is designed for educators moving into school counseling roles.
You may encounter MA programs at institutions outside Utah, which tend to carry a similar clinical or research orientation to the MS.1 The practical difference between an MA and an MS varies by school rather than following a universal rule, so the specific curriculum and accreditation status matter more than the initials alone.
How Your Track Shapes Licensure Eligibility
This is where the stakes get real. In Utah, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) governs the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) credential. To qualify, you need a 60-credit program aligned with CACREP standards and must pass the National Counseling Exam.1 The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of Utah, Utah State, and Westminster is built around these requirements.
The MEd in School Counseling follows a separate path entirely. School counselor licensure in Utah is issued by the Utah State Board of Education, not DOPL. An MEd does not satisfy LCMHC requirements unless you complete substantial additional clinical mental health counseling coursework. If your goal is private practice, community mental health, or hospital-based counseling, the MEd is the wrong starting point.
One note worth flagging: not every institution in Utah offers a graduate counseling program that meets either licensure pathway. Programs without the appropriate curricular structure cannot fulfill Utah CMHC or school counselor licensure requirements regardless of how they are marketed.
CACREP Accreditation: Why It Is the Benchmark
CACREP accreditation is the profession's quality standard, and its importance runs deeper than a checkbox. Many state licensing boards, including Utah's DOPL, reference CACREP alignment when evaluating whether a program qualifies graduates to sit for licensure. Employers in community mental health, hospital systems, and school districts frequently screen candidates by whether their program was CACREP-accredited. If you are comparing options nationally, our guide to the best clinical mental health counseling programs can help you benchmark Utah offerings against programs in other states. If you plan to practice across state lines at any point in your career, graduating from a CACREP-accredited program significantly reduces the friction of reciprocity and endorsement processes.
Westminster's MS is described as CACREP-aligned rather than fully CACREP-accredited, so prospective students should verify the current accreditation status directly with the program before enrolling.2
Format Options: Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus
Utah's geography makes format a practical concern. Students in rural areas or those balancing work and family often look toward online or hybrid options. For a broader view of remote-friendly programs, see our ranking of best online master's in counseling programs. Most clinical mental health counseling programs, regardless of delivery format, require in-person practicum and internship hours that you complete at an approved site near your home. Before enrolling in an online program, confirm that the school provides support for finding approved field placement sites in your area of Utah. A program that looks fully remote on paper may still require occasional campus visits for orientations, intensives, or evaluations. Asking specific questions about fieldwork logistics upfront prevents unwelcome surprises midway through the degree.
Questions to Ask Yourself
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Utah
Choosing between a CACREP-accredited program and one without that credential is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as a prospective counseling student. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program simplifies the licensure process in Utah, often reduces the number of post-degree supervised hours required, and makes it far easier to transfer your license if you relocate to another state. Below is the current landscape of CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Utah as of 2026.
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) sets the national standard for counselor education.1 Utah's Division of Professional Licensing recognizes CACREP-accredited degrees as meeting the educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status, which means fewer hurdles when you apply. Equally important, most states honor CACREP credentials for license reciprocity, so a CACREP degree from a Utah school travels well if your career takes you elsewhere. For students weighing the broader path to practice, our guide on how to become a counselor covers each milestone from enrollment through licensure.
CACREP-Accredited Programs by Institution
The following Utah institutions hold current CACREP accreditation for one or more counseling tracks:
- University of Utah: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and M.Ed. in School Counseling. Both tracks are fully accredited through CACREP.2
- Utah State University: M.Ed./M.S. in School Counseling, offered in a hybrid format. This is a school counseling track only.1
- Utah Valley University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Accredited through CACREP.1
- Westminster University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Accredited through CACREP.3
- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions: M.S. in Counseling with two CACREP-accredited tracks, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Both carry accreditation through October 31, 2031.4
- Utah Tech University: M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy. This is the only CACREP-accredited MFT track in the state.1
- University of Phoenix, Utah (online): M.S. in Counseling / Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Accredited through CACREP.1
Specialty Tracks at a Glance
Across these seven institutions, the accredited specialty tracks break down as follows:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC): Offered at the University of Utah, Utah Valley University, Westminster University, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, and University of Phoenix.
- School Counseling: Offered at the University of Utah, Utah State University, and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
- Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT): Offered only at Utah Tech University under CACREP accreditation.
If you are pursuing LPC licensure, a CMHC track is the most direct route. Students interested in earning a licensed professional counselor online degree should note that not all Utah CACREP programs are available fully online. Those interested in K-12 settings should target a school counseling track, which also satisfies Utah State Board of Education endorsement requirements. Students drawn to couples and family work may consider Utah Tech's MFT program, though note that MFT licensure follows a separate board and set of requirements in Utah.
A Note on Accreditation Dates
CACREP accreditation is time-limited and must be renewed. Before you apply, verify each program's current status through the official CACREP directory.1 Accreditation expiration dates were not available for every program listed above, but Rocky Mountain University's two tracks are confirmed through October 2031.4 Programs approaching their renewal window are not necessarily at risk, but confirming active status protects you from enrolling in a program that could lose its accreditation mid-degree.
Online vs. On-Campus Counseling Programs in Utah
Utah has a relatively small number of master's in counseling programs compared to larger states, which means online options can dramatically expand your choices. Whether you are a working professional in St. George or a parent balancing family life in Logan, the format you choose shapes your daily experience and long-term outcomes. Here is a practical breakdown of what each delivery mode offers.
Pros
- Online programs offer schedule flexibility that lets working adults complete coursework evenings and weekends without relocating or quitting a job.
- Tuition for online formats can be lower overall because you avoid commuting costs, campus fees, and the need to live near an expensive metro area.
- Choosing an online program gives Utah students access to CACREP accredited schools nationwide, offsetting the state's limited local program count.
- On campus programs typically include built in clinical training sites and practicum placements coordinated by the department, reducing logistical stress.
- In person cohorts foster organic peer networking, study groups, and faculty mentorship that many graduates later credit with jumpstarting their careers.
- On campus settings allow real time role play practice, group supervision, and immediate feedback that can accelerate clinical skill development.
Cons
- Online students usually bear responsibility for locating and coordinating their own local practicum and internship sites, which can be time consuming.
- Virtual learning environments provide fewer spontaneous networking moments, making it harder to build the collegial relationships that support long-term career growth.
- On campus schedules are often rigid, with daytime classes that conflict with full time work or caregiving responsibilities.
- Part time on campus students may pay more per credit hour and face longer degree timelines due to limited evening or weekend course offerings.
- Commuting to a campus in the Salt Lake City or Provo corridor adds transportation costs and hours that compound over a two to three year program.
Tuition & Affordability: What a Counseling Master's Costs in Utah
Tuition for a counseling master's in Utah varies significantly depending on residency status and the institution you choose. The net price figures below reflect approximate institution-wide averages after grants and scholarships, not guaranteed quotes for any individual student. Both schools keep median graduate debt relatively low, with graduates carrying roughly $14,340 to $14,750 in median debt, which translates to an estimated monthly payment of about $150 to $155 over a standard 10-year repayment plan.
Utah LPC Licensure Requirements for Counseling Graduates
Earning your Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) credential in Utah is a multi-stage process overseen by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Here is the step-by-step path from graduate enrollment to full licensure.
Utah requires substantial post-master's supervised clinical hours before you can obtain full licensure as a professional counselor, and many applicants underestimate how long this process takes. Start identifying potential supervisors and employment settings before you graduate, so you can move into your supervised experience without delays once you have your degree in hand.
Career Outcomes and Salary for Counselors in Utah
The mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Utah is $70,310, significantly above the national median of $53,710.1 While program-level earnings for counseling graduates are not yet available, broader state and local data offer a clear picture of earning potential for licensed professionals.
Earnings Data for Utah Counselors
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2023), Utah employed 3,850 mental health counselors with a mean annual wage of $70,310.1 The top 10 percent earned over $89,920 nationally, and local markets often exceed state averages. In the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, 1,830 counselors earn a mean wage of $75,310, reflecting both the demand and cost of living in the state's largest job market. School counselors are also in demand, though occupation-specific BLS data for Utah school counselors is not separately available in this dataset.
Debt and Return on Investment
Affordability is a key consideration. Among ranked programs, median graduate debt for school counseling graduates is around $14,500. For example, Utah Valley University reports median debt of $14,750, while Utah State University reports $14,340. Using a standard 10-year repayment term at 5% interest, monthly payments would be approximately $154. Compared to mean earnings of $70,310 (about $5,859 monthly gross), the debt-to-income ratio is very manageable, especially if you work in higher-paying metro areas like Salt Lake City.
Institutional data also suggests strong mid-career earnings for graduates overall. The median earnings 10 years after entry for former students of Utah Valley University is $55,486, and for Utah State University it is $54,022. While these figures are not specific to counseling programs, they indicate favorable outcomes for graduates of these schools.
Regional Salary Variations
- Salt Lake City: Mean wage of $75,310 for mental health counselors; highest employment concentration in the state.1
- Provo-Orem: Data not available in current BLS releases, but proximity to Salt Lake City may offer similar opportunities.
- Rural areas: Wages may be lower, but state licensure and loan repayment programs can provide additional incentives.
Licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed School Counselor typically requires a master's degree, supervised experience, and passing an exam. Professionals interested in addiction counseling degree paths should note that substance abuse counselor roles are among the fastest-growing in the state. Once licensed, career stability is strong, with the BLS projecting above-average growth in mental health fields nationwide.
Utah Counseling Program Admissions: GPA, GRE, and Part-Time Options
Admissions standards across Utah counseling programs have grown more consistent in recent years, with most schools converging around a 3.0 GPA floor and dropping standardized test requirements entirely.
GPA and Test Requirements
The majority of Utah programs set a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.1 Utah State University's School Counseling program holds applicants to a slightly higher bar, requiring a 3.2.2 Neither the University of Utah's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program nor Utah State University's School Counseling program requires the GRE. Utah Valley University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program follows the same test-optional approach.4 If your GPA falls close to the minimum, a strong personal statement and relevant work experience can carry real weight in the review process.
Prerequisite Coursework
Some programs expect specific undergraduate coursework before you arrive. Utah Valley University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program asks for Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics.4 The University of Utah's Genetic Counseling program has a more science-heavy prerequisite list that includes Biochemistry, Biology, General Chemistry, Genetics, and several Psychology courses.5 If you are exploring that path, our guide to genetic counseling master's programs covers what to expect nationally. For students coming from a non-psychology background, budget extra time to complete any missing prerequisites before your application cycle.
Program Length and Format
Most master's in counseling programs in Utah run 60 or more credits. Westminster University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, for example, requires 61 credits.6 Full-time students typically finish in two to three years. Part-time students can take longer, often stretching to four years or more, which is a realistic path for working professionals. The University of Utah's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program does not currently offer a part-time format, so schedule flexibility is worth confirming directly with each program before you apply.1 Students interested in related therapy fields may also want to compare MFT programs in Utah, which follow a similar credit structure.
Practicum and Internship Hours
Clinical hours are built into every accredited counseling curriculum, not added on at the end. Most programs incorporate 600 to 700 hours of practicum and internship experience. Keep in mind that Utah's licensure requirements extend well beyond graduation: the state requires 900 supervised hours during the degree (including 360 direct client hours), followed by 3,000 post-degree supervised hours before full licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Planning your site placements early, ideally in settings aligned with your specialty interest, saves significant time on the back end of your licensure path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Programs in Utah
Prospective counseling students in Utah often have similar questions about licensure, cost, and program formats. Below are concise answers grounded in current Utah requirements and program data featured on counselingpsychology.org.
