2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Arizona

Counseling Psychology dot org presents its comprehensive ranking of the best Master's in Counseling Programs across Arizona, focusing on exceptional educational opportunities for aspiring mental health professionals. Our rankings carefully evaluate programs that offer robust academic experiences, including innovative online and distance learning options that provide flexibility for working students. Arizona's counseling programs stand out for their comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and commitment to preparing graduates for dynamic careers in mental health counseling. These virtual and remote learning environments have become increasingly important, allowing students to balance professional responsibilities while pursuing advanced degrees. Our methodology ensures a thorough and transparent assessment of each program's strengths, academic rigor, and potential for student success. Learn more about our ranking process.
#1

Prescott College

Prescott, AZ - Private 4-year - prescott.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Prescott College's Master of Science in Counseling offers a comprehensive online program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Accredited by CACREP, this 60-credit degree provides flexible learning with minimal residency requirements. Students can specialize in areas like Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, focusing on social justice and interdisciplinary approaches. The program costs $830 per credit and includes unique concentrations in human sexuality, social justice, and somatic counseling. With post-graduate certificate options and a student-centered curriculum, graduates are prepared for licensure and impactful counseling careers.

  • Online with 3-day campus residency
  • 60 total credit program
  • $830 per credit cost
  • CACREP accredited program
  • Spring 2025 priority deadline: Oct 1, 2024
  • Multiple counseling concentrations
  • Post-graduate certificate options
  • Social justice curriculum focus
  • Prepares for professional licensure
  • Interdisciplinary learning approach

Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

Concentration: Human Sexuality Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Prescott College's Master of Science in Counseling offers an innovative, online-focused program with minimal residency requirements. Students can specialize in areas like Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, exploring mental wellness through a social justice lens. The CACREP-accredited program prepares future licensed professional counselors to help clients develop healthy coping mechanisms and navigate complex emotional landscapes. With flexible learning formats, affordable per-credit pricing, and comprehensive curriculum, students gain advanced skills to transform lives across diverse populations.

  • CACREP-accredited counseling program
  • Online with 3-day campus residency
  • 60 total credit hours
  • $830 per credit
  • Spring 2025 application deadline: Nov 15
  • Multiple concentration options
  • Marriage/Family Counseling emphasis
  • Flexible learning pathways
  • Social justice curriculum focus
  • Forbes-recognized program

Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

Concentration: Social Justice in Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Prescott College's Master of Science in Counseling provides a transformative online pathway for aspiring mental health professionals. This CACREP-accredited program uniquely blends social justice principles with comprehensive counseling training. Students can specialize in areas like Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, exploring multi-generational and transcultural mental health dynamics. The flexible limited-residency format allows for minimal on-campus requirements, with most coursework completed online. At $830 per credit for 60 total credits, the program offers an accessible route to becoming a licensed professional counselor committed to holistic client wellness.

  • CACREP-accredited counseling program
  • Online with 3-day campus residency
  • 60 total credit hours
  • $830 per credit cost
  • Spring 2025 app deadline: Nov 15
  • Multiple counseling concentrations
  • Social justice learning approach
  • Minimal in-person requirements
  • Internship and practicum included
  • Forbes-recognized program

Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

Prescott College's Master of Education in School Counseling prepares students to support K-12 students with professionalism and expertise. This online program focuses on social justice, cultural diversity, and creating accessible pathways for student success. It equips future school counselors with skills to foster parent-educator relationships and democratic school community participation. Graduates pursue careers as certified school counselors, vocational specialists, and more. The program requires 36 credits and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  • Online delivery method.
  • 36 credits required.
  • Focus on social justice.
  • Prepares for K-12 counseling.
  • Accredited by HLC.
  • Arizona certification eligible.
  • Experienced faculty.
  • Cultural diversity emphasis.
  • Career paths outlined.
  • Flexible for professionals.

Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website

Prescott College offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, available online. This program prepares students for professional counseling roles, focusing on mental health issues. It blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ideal for those seeking to make a difference in mental health care. The curriculum covers key areas like assessment, treatment planning, and ethical practice. Designed for flexibility, it suits working professionals and recent graduates alike. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and relevant prerequisites. Costs are competitive, with financial aid options available. This program is a stepping stone to licensure and a rewarding career in counseling.

  • Online program format
  • Clinical Mental Health focus
  • Prepares for licensure
  • Flexible for professionals
  • Competitive tuition costs
  • Financial aid available
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Practical skills emphasis
  • Ethical practice training
  • Assessment techniques covered
Show 4 More Programs ˅
#2

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu

Master's - Master of Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

Arizona State University's Master of Counseling program prepares passionate professionals to become licensed counselors with deep multicultural competencies. Students gain comprehensive skills to serve diverse populations through a rigorous 60-credit curriculum emphasizing mental health, clinical practice, and cultural sensitivity. The program offers flexible pathways including thesis and practitioner tracks, with students completing practical experiences through clinic and internship components. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.00 GPA, and a comprehensive application including personal statement and recommendations. Graduates are equipped to work in community agencies, hospitals, private practice, and pursue further doctoral studies.

  • 60 credit hour comprehensive program
  • Multicultural counseling focus
  • Approved by Arizona Board of Behavioral Health
  • Online and in-person options
  • Prepares for professional counselor licensure
  • Practicum and internship included
  • 3.00 minimum GPA requirement
  • Flexible thesis or exam pathway

Master's - Addiction Psychology, MS

Online Learning - Visit Website

Arizona State University's online Master of Science in Addiction Psychology prepares students for licensure as addiction counselors. This program blends research and clinical expertise, covering counseling services, clinical program oversight, and case management. With a focus on addiction psychology, it meets educational requirements for national certification, applicable in nearly every state. The curriculum includes 33 credit hours of addiction-related courses, a practicum, and an applied project. Ideal candidates have a passion for helping those with addiction and a bachelor's degree, preferably in behavioral health. The program is online, offering flexibility for working professionals. Graduates can pursue roles in treatment centers, hospitals, and counseling services, with strong job growth projected in the field.

  • Online program format
  • Prepares for licensure
  • 33 credit hours
  • Includes practicum
  • Applied project required
  • Meets national certification
  • Flexible for professionals
  • Strong job growth
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Behavioral health background preferred
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Ottawa University-Surprise

Surprise, AZ - Private 4-year - ottawa.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

Ottawa University's Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling prepares professionals to guide students through critical developmental stages. This comprehensive program equips graduates with advanced skills in creating culturally sensitive counseling strategies that support K-12 students' academic, personal, and career development. With a strong emphasis on practical application, students learn early intervention techniques and team consultation methods. The degree meets Arizona licensure requirements and offers promising career prospects, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 8% employment growth for school counselors.

  • Online and residential campus options
  • State-approved in Arizona, Kansas
  • CAEP accreditation
  • 8% projected job growth
  • No teaching experience required
  • Median annual wage $57,040
  • Comprehensive counseling curriculum
  • Practicum opportunities
  • Multicultural counseling techniques

Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

Ottawa University's Master of Science in Addiction Counseling is an accelerated online degree preparing professionals to address substance abuse and dependency disorders. This comprehensive program meets licensure requirements in many states, offering students the opportunity to advance their careers in mental health settings. Students gain critical skills in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions through evidence-based curriculum. The program covers key areas like psychopharmacology, multicultural counseling, and family systems, positioning graduates for diverse roles in addiction treatment facilities, hospitals, and private practices.

  • Online accelerated master's program
  • Meets state licensure requirements
  • 36 total credit hours
  • NASAC accredited program
  • 150 practicum contact hours
  • Career outlook: 23% growth
  • Multiple career settings available
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

Arizona State University Online

Scottsdale, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu

Master's - Master of Counseling

Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website

Arizona State University's online Master of Counseling prepares students to become licensed professional counselors with a specialized focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This comprehensive program equips graduates with advanced skills in multicultural, client-centered mental health services across diverse populations. Students develop expertise in assessment, trauma response, case management, and clinical counseling techniques through a blend of rigorous coursework and supervised field experiences. The 60-credit program offers opportunities for hands-on learning, with three semesters of in-person supervised clinical practice. Competitive admission requires a minimum 3.00 GPA and a commitment to personal growth and multicultural awareness.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • Online program with field experiences
  • 20 total classes
  • 7.5-15 weeks per class
  • Prepares for professional licensure
  • Multicultural counseling focus
  • Three supervised field experiences
  • Competitive graduate admission
  • Weekly virtual group supervision

Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Arizona State University's Master of Science in Addiction Psychology program blends cutting-edge research with clinical expertise, preparing graduates for licensure as addiction counselors. This online program is designed for those seeking to make a difference in the field of addiction treatment, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers the latest in addiction research and clinical practices. With ASU's status as an NAADAC Approved Education Provider, students gain valuable knowledge and skills for a rewarding career in addiction psychology.

  • Online program format
  • NAADAC Approved Education Provider
  • Prepares for state licensure
  • Combines research and clinical expertise
  • Focus on addiction counseling
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

How to Find a Counseling Program in Arizona

Multiple Arizona postsecondary schools grant counseling degrees. There are degree programs at all levels of postsecondary education, in many different specialties, and both in-person and online. Compare the many different options that are available, and choose a counseling program that meets your needs and aspirations. You might consider budget, schedule, interests, and career goals.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Arizona

Counseling degree programs can last from a few months to many years, depending on what level you're qualified for and want. The degree options include:

  • Associate Degree: Normally is a two-year program that can be completed after high school (or a GED).
  • Bachelor's Degree: Normally is a four-year program that can be completed after high school (or GED). Can also be completed in two years after an associate degree.
  • Master's Degree: Normally is a one to two-year program that can be completed after a bachelor's degree.
  • Doctorate Degree: Normally is a three to six-year program that can be completed after a bachelor's or master's degree. Can be a professional (Psy.D.) or a research (Ph.D.) degree.
  • Graduate Certificate: Normally a six-month to one-year program that can be completed after a bachelor's or master's degree. It is often used to specialize in a particular counseling discipline.

You can work your way up through the degree programs as you advance your career. A graduate (master's or doctorate) degree is required to become a licensed counselor, but you can begin working in the field with an associate’s or bachelor's degree.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

As a counselor, you can offer general counseling or focus on a specialty. For example, there are degree programs specializing in:

  • Clinical and mental health counseling
  • Clinical rehabilitation counseling
  • School counseling
  • Christian counseling
  • Family and marital therapy

This is just a small sampling of the many different counseling specialties that you can go into.

Accreditation

Any counseling degree program that you consider should be accredited. The main accrediting bodies for counseling programs are the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) and the American Psychological Association (APA). All of the University of Arizona's programs are accredited, as are many other schools' programs.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Arizona

The counseling degree programs offered include both online and in-person options. Going to school online is frequently more affordable, more convenient, and has more flexible scheduling options. Going in-person allows you to interface directly with students and faculty, and also grants you greater access to internship and library resources.

Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in Arizona

To become licensed as a counselor in Arizona, you must complete a graduate degree program in counseling or a related field (e.g. psychology, substance abuse, marriage and family studies, etc.). The program must be accredited and at least 60 semester hours long.

You must also complete an internship consisting of 700 total hours, including 240 hours with direct client contact. You then must work in a supervised capacity for at least two years, before passing the licensure exam and paying the associated fee.

Once licensed, you must renew your license every two years. Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education.

2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options

Arizona offers aspiring counselors several accessible master's degree options that balance quality education with budget-friendly tuition. Students across Phoenix, Tucson, and other major metropolitan areas can find programs designed to launch meaningful careers in mental health support without overwhelming financial burden. These economical programs recognize the critical need for skilled counseling professionals while ensuring educational paths remain within reach for motivated learners. By providing affordable opportunities, these institutions help students pursue their passion for supporting individual and community mental wellness without incurring massive student debt. The following table highlights key master's in counseling programs across Arizona, showcasing various program strengths and tuition ranges to help prospective students make informed decisions.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Prescott College
  • Online program format
  • Clinical Mental Health focus
  • Prepares for licensure
  • Flexible for professionals
  • Competitive tuition costs
  • Financial aid available
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Practical skills emphasis
  • $14,000 - $21,000 (Graduate)
Arizona State University
  • Online program format
  • Prepares for licensure
  • 33 credit hours
  • Includes practicum
  • Applied project required
  • Meets national certification
  • Flexible for professionals
  • Strong job growth
  • $10,700 - $16,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $21,400 - $32,100 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Northern Arizona University
  • CACREP-accredited since 1998
  • 60-credit hour master's program
  • 95% job placement rate
  • No GRE required (3.0+ GPA)
  • Multiple campus locations
  • Prepares for licensure
  • Evidence-based counseling training
  • Face-to-face experiential learning
  • $10,000 - $15,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $17,700 - $26,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Arizona

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

Jump to City:

Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University

  • Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts

    Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited since 1998
    • 60-credit hour master's program
    • 95% job placement rate
    • No GRE required (3.0+ GPA)
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Prepares for licensure
    • Evidence-based counseling training
    • Face-to-face experiential learning
  • Master's - Counseling - School Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited program
    • Prepares for K-12 Guidance Counselor Certification
    • 60-unit curriculum
    • Includes fieldwork and internship
    • 100% completion rate
    • 95% job placement rate
    • Faculty are industry leaders
    • Available in multiple locations
  • Graduate Certificate - Culturally-Centered Addictions Research Training

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 15-unit graduate certificate
    • Hybrid program delivery
    • Focus on substance use disorders
    • Interprofessional healthcare settings
    • Year-long research experience
    • Culturally-centered practices
    • Web and community-based learning
    • For clinicians and doctoral students

Glendale, AZ

Arizona Christian University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Health

    Campus Based - Website

    • 17:1 faculty-student ratio
    • Biblical integration focus
    • 135-hour internship
    • Counseling or coaching specialization
    • Prepares for graduate studies
    • Diverse career opportunities
    • Hands-on counseling skills
    • American Psychological Association objectives
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Health

    Concentration: Counseling, Coaching - Campus Based - Website

    • Biblical liberal arts foundation
    • Two concentration options
    • 135-hour internship included
    • 17:1 faculty-student ratio
    • Comprehensive psychology curriculum
    • Prepares for graduate studies
    • Diverse career path opportunities

Prescott, AZ

Prescott College

  • Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online delivery method.
    • 36 credits required.
    • Focus on social justice.
    • Prepares for K-12 counseling.
    • Accredited by HLC.
    • Arizona certification eligible.
    • Experienced faculty.
    • Cultural diversity emphasis.
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

    Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Clinical Mental Health focus
    • Prepares for licensure
    • Flexible for professionals
    • Competitive tuition costs
    • Financial aid available
    • Bachelor's degree required
    • Practical skills emphasis

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Online

  • Master's - Counseling (School Counseling), MC

    Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website

    • 60 credit hour master's program
    • PreK-12 School Counselor Certification
    • Multicultural counseling focus
    • Mental health licensure eligible
    • Practicum and internship included
    • 3.00 minimum GPA required
    • Comprehensive professional preparation
  • Master's - Master of Counseling

    Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website

    • 60 total credit hours
    • Online program with field experiences
    • 20 total classes
    • 7.5-15 weeks per class
    • Prepares for professional licensure
    • Multicultural counseling focus
    • Three supervised field experiences
    • Competitive graduate admission
  • Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Psychology

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • NAADAC Approved Education Provider
    • Prepares for state licensure
    • Combines research and clinical expertise
    • Focus on addiction counseling

Surprise, AZ

Ottawa University-Surprise

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Accelerated 8-week terms
    • Focus on cultural competence
    • Covers AOD and co-occurring disorders
    • Practical skills for diverse settings
    • High school diploma required
    • Prepares for hospital and rehab roles
    • Meets growing counselor demand
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online and residential campus options
    • State-approved in Arizona, Kansas
    • CAEP accreditation
    • 8% projected job growth
    • No teaching experience required
    • Median annual wage $57,040
    • Comprehensive counseling curriculum
    • Practicum opportunities
  • Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Counseling

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online accelerated master's program
    • Meets state licensure requirements
    • 36 total credit hours
    • NASAC accredited program
    • 150 practicum contact hours
    • Career outlook: 23% growth
    • Multiple career settings available

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University

  • Bachelor's - Counseling and Applied Psychological Science

    Concentration: Substance Abuse and Addictions - Online Learning - Website

    • First of its kind program
    • 135-hour required internship
    • Online bachelor's degree
    • 120 total credit hours
    • 7.5-week class format
    • Leads to LSAT credential
    • Prepares for graduate studies
  • Master's - Addiction Psychology, MS

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Prepares for licensure
    • 33 credit hours
    • Includes practicum
    • Applied project required
    • Meets national certification
    • Flexible for professionals
    • Strong job growth
  • Master's - Counseling (School Counseling), MC

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60 credit hours
    • Campus-based program
    • Focus on multicultural counseling
    • Eligible for Arizona licensure
    • School Counselor Certificate
    • Practical training opportunities
    • Full-time completion in 2 years
    • Diverse educational settings focus
  • Master's - Master of Counseling

    Online Learning - Website

    • 60 credit hour comprehensive program
    • Multicultural counseling focus
    • Approved by Arizona Board of Behavioral Health
    • Online and in-person options
    • Prepares for professional counselor licensure
    • Practicum and internship included
    • 3.00 minimum GPA requirement
    • Flexible thesis or exam pathway
  • Graduate Certificate - Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • 21 credit hours required
    • Meets Arizona licensure requirements
    • Focus on evidence-based interventions
    • Covers multicultural issues
    • Includes psychopharmacology
    • Admission GPA 3.00 minimum
    • Bachelor's or master's degree required

Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

    Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited program
    • Clinical Mental Health focus
    • In-person campus program
    • Licensure preparation
    • Diverse practice settings
    • Multicultural competence training
    • Ethical counseling practices
    • Social justice emphasis
  • Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D.

    Campus Based - Website

    • 76 total program credits
    • Main campus in Tucson, AZ
    • In-person program format
    • Minimum 3.5 graduate GPA
    • CACREP accredited program
    • Master's degree required
    • Leadership and advocacy focus
    • Research-intensive curriculum
  • Doctorate - PhD in Health Behavior Health Promotion

    Campus Based - Website

    • 63 credit hours required
    • Four to five years completion
    • Research-oriented program
    • Focus on community health
    • Master's degree prerequisite
    • Campus-based in Tucson
    • Accredited program
    • Diverse curriculum
*Data reference: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, NCES.

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