Best Counseling Schools in Alaska

2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Alaska

Looking for the best master's in counseling programs in Alaska? At counselingpsychology.org, we rank top programs to help you find the right fit. Alaska offers unique opportunities for aspiring counselors, with options for distance learning to fit your schedule. Online programs make it easier to balance studies with other commitments, especially in remote areas. Our rankings consider quality, affordability, and flexibility to guide your decision. Learn more about how we rank programs at https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK - Public 4-Year - uaf.edu

Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Fairbanks provides a Master of Education in School Counseling, a fully online, CACREP-accredited program tailored for those aiming to make a difference in K-12 educational settings. This program emphasizes the development of skills necessary for addressing students' academic, personal, and career needs, with a special focus on rural and urban environments. Through field practicum and internships, students gain hands-on experience, preparing them for certification and careers with an average salary of $66,730 in Alaska. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible for aspiring school counselors.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• Fully Online Delivery
• Field Practicum Included
• Experienced Faculty Support
• State and National Certification Preparation

Master's - Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Aspiring licensed professional counselors can pursue the Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This hybrid, CACREP-accredited program combines online coursework with practical field experiences, focusing on serving Alaska's diverse and rural populations. The curriculum includes human development, counseling techniques, and multicultural issues, with flexible scheduling for working professionals. Admission does not require an entrance exam, and applications are accepted for fall and spring semesters. Graduates are prepared for licensure and careers in various mental health settings across the state.

• CACREP accredited program.
• Hybrid learning format.
• Focus on rural counseling.
• Flexible schedule options.
• Hands-on field experience.
• Prepares for licensure.
• Serves diverse communities.
• Online synchronous classes.
• Asynchronous learning modules.
• Admission twice yearly.

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*Dataset: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

How to Find a Counseling Program in Alaska

Alaska has many different counseling programs, including varying levels of education, other specialties, and different course modes. Compare the various options to find a counseling program in Alaska that meets your budget and scheduling needs, as well as your interests and career aspirations.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Alaska

Many different academic degrees are available for counselors. Alaska requires graduate work to become a licensed counselor and work independently. Lower degrees may qualify you to work under a licensed counselor, but you might also work within the counseling field in other capacities. The various counseling degree options are:

• Associate Degree: Usually a two-year program and requires only a high school diploma/GE
• Bachelor's Degree: Usually a four-year program requiring a high school diploma/GED. Some programs may have additional qualifications for applicants.
• Master's Degree: Usually, a one to two-year program requires a bachelor's degree.
• Doctorate Degree: Usually a three to six-year program and requires a bachelor's or master's degree. Maybe a professional degree (Psy.D.) or a research degree (Ph.D.).
• Graduate Certificate: Usually a six-month to one-year program requiring a bachelor's or master's degree. It can be used to focus on a specialized area of counseling.

You can start with one of the degrees you qualify for and then work up to higher degrees if you wish. Some employers may pay for your advanced degrees if you already have a job in the field.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Counselors can provide general services, or they may specialize in any number of focus areas. Some counseling specialties you might want to consider are:

• Marital and family therapy
• Behavioral health
• Social work
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Trauma

You'll find various advanced counseling degree programs with multiple specialties.

Available Alaska CACREP Counseling Programs

Accreditation ensures the quality of a school's degree program and that the degree will be recognized. You should only choose an accredited degree program. Some accrediting agencies are the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

University of Alaska Fairbanks – CACREP Accredited Since January 2018

The M.Ed. in School Counseling and M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling have been officially CACREP accredited since January 12, 2018, expiring on March 31, 2026. Programs are available at the Fairbanks, AK campus, and online delivery.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Alaska

You can pursue a counseling degree online or through the traditional classroom format. Online counseling degrees are more affordable, offer more scheduling flexibility, and don't require relocation. Traditional classroom counseling degrees allow you to interface in person with professors and classmates and get easy access to all of the school's resources.

Choose whichever format better suits your other obligations and learning objectives.

Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in Alaska

Licensed counselors must meet several criteria, including 60 credit hours at the graduate level (master's or doctorate program), 3,000 hours of supervised experience, a licensing exam, and a licensure fee. There's no internship requirement aside from the 3,000-hour requirement.

You don't have to become licensed to work under a licensed counselor. You can work on these requirements as you work at a job in the field.

Renewing licenses requires 20 to 40 contact hours with clients and 10 to 15 continuing education credits. The exact requirements depend on how long you've been licensed.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Alaska

Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Alaska? 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.