What you’ll learn in this article…
- Kansas has only a small pool of CACREP-accredited counseling programs, making careful comparison of each option essential.
- Net prices among top-ranked programs range from roughly $12,569 to $16,261 per year after aid.
- Licensure requires two tiers through the BSRB: the entry-level LPC and the fully independent LCPC.
- BLS data shows Kansas counselor salaries vary significantly by specialty, licensure level, and work setting.
Kansas counts only a handful of CACREP-accredited counseling master's programs, yet demand for licensed clinicians consistently outruns supply, especially in school counselor roles and rural areas. That imbalance forces applicants to weigh affordability and BSRB recognition with extra care.
Among the 12 Kansas schools ranked for 2026, net price after aid ranges from $12,600 to over $32,000 annually, with public universities predictably charging the least. A majority of programs now deliver coursework online or in a hybrid format, letting students stay local while completing clinical hours.
For working Kansans, the most viable route to licensure runs through hybrid programs designed around a work schedule, a shift that rewrites the math of cost and access.
Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Kansas
Affordability and access shape this list. The Kansas programs below combine manageable net costs with genuine online or hybrid delivery, and every entry keeps the accreditation and licensure preparation that state boards and employers actually check. Each school entry notes what the institution does best, which master's credentials its counseling programs lead to, and how the degree is structured.
Factors considered
- Pell Grant student enrollment share
- Net price after financial aid
- Online and hybrid program availability
- CACREP accreditation status
- Median earnings and graduate debt
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Original research on individual programs — cacrep.org
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- CACREP accreditation directories — cacrep.org
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers two CACREP-accredited master's routes, school counseling and clinical mental health counseling, both at 60 credit hours and both built around practicum and internship placements in real settings. Graduate tuition here is among the lowest at any Kansas public university, and the net price students actually pay tends to be lower than at most of the schools on this list. The clinical mental health track includes telemental health coursework and is approved by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, while the school counseling track leads to licensure through the Kansas State Department of Education. The department also runs a fully online bachelor's-level addictions counseling sequence for students who want to enter the field before pursuing a graduate degree.
- CACREP accredited school counseling track
- 60 total credit hours
- Hybrid format with practicum and internship placements
- Prepares for licensure through the Kansas State Department of Education
- Coursework covers career development, group counseling, and assessment
- Emphasis on multicultural issues and ethical practice
- CACREP accredited clinical mental health track
- 60 total credit hours
- Online classes with hybrid practicum and internship
- Prepares for LPC or LCPC licensure in Kansas
- Telemental health counseling coursework included
- Approved by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board
- Dedicated faculty mentorship
- Bachelor's-level addictions counseling concentration
- 51 total credit hours, fully online
- 500 supervised clinical hours
- Prepares for addictions counselor licensure in Kansas
- Two required practicum courses
- Faculty are active professionals in the field
- One of only two such programs in Kansas
M.S. in Counseling - School Counseling, Master's — Hybrid
Master of Science in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Addictions Counseling — Online
Washburn University
Washburn University built its reputation in this field around substance use treatment, and its master's in family and human services with an addiction counseling focus is delivered entirely online. The program is designed for working adults, requires no entrance exam, and prepares graduates for LMAC licensure with fieldwork arranged in their own communities. Students can also add a trauma and recovery certificate without extending the degree much. Washburn offers a bachelor's completion route in the same discipline for anyone who wants to start working in the field before pursuing a graduate degree.
- 33 credit hours of addiction counseling coursework
- Approved by NAADAC and the Kansas BSRB
- Online or on-campus class options
- Prepares for Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) licensure
- Internships completed at approved agencies in the student's community
- Fast-track option for current LBSW holders
- Transfer credits accepted
- 100% online master's degree
- No entrance exam required, test optional admissions
- Two-year program with full-time and part-time options
- Prepares for LMAC licensure in Kansas
- Fieldwork completed in the student's own community
- Trauma and Recovery graduate certificate can be added
- Financial aid and scholarships available
Bachelor of Applied Science in Family & Human Services, Addiction Counseling Concentration — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Family & Human Services, Addiction Counseling — Online
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University offers a Pre K-12 school counseling master's that runs online and admits candidates with or without a teaching background. Students choose among three completion paths, including a thesis route aimed at doctoral study and a coursework option capped by comprehensive exams. The curriculum leans on simulated counseling sessions alongside fieldwork so students practice skills before they sit with real students. The university's Gorilla Advantage program extends in-state tuition rates to residents of dozens of other states, which softens the cost considerably for out-of-state applicants.
- Online delivery with simulated counseling sessions
- Three completion paths: thesis, research problem, or coursework with exams
- Thesis option prepares students for doctoral study
- Teaching experience helpful but not required
- In-state tuition rates extended to residents of 32 states
- Prepares graduates for counselor roles in elementary, middle, and high schools
- Praxis exam required for admission
Master's in School Counseling (Pre K-12) — Online
Wichita State University
Wichita State University runs two CACREP-accredited tracks under one M.Ed. in Counseling: school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Both are 60 credit hours and hybrid, with roughly half the coursework on campus, so students should expect some travel or relocation planning. The school counseling track admits students who do not hold a teaching license and offers flexible internship timing, while the clinical mental health track prepares graduates for the National Counselor Exam and Kansas LPC licensure and touches on addictions, family, and play therapy.
- CACREP accredited
- 60 total credit hours
- Hybrid format, no teaching license required
- Direct entry pathway for career changers
- Prepares for the Praxis II Professional School Counselor exam
- Internship can be spread across one or two semesters
- Up to 12 transfer credits accepted
- Leads to Kansas State Department of Education licensure
- CACREP accredited clinical mental health track
- 60 total credit hours, 3.0 GPA minimum
- Hybrid format with about half of courses on campus
- Prepares for the National Counselor Exam and Kansas LPC licensure
- Coursework spans addiction, family, and play therapy
- Three professional references and a background check required
- Financial aid and scholarships available
M.Ed. in Counseling, School Counseling, Master's — Hybrid
M.Ed. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master's — Hybrid
Emporia State University
Emporia State University is one of a small number of Kansas schools offering CACREP-accredited school counseling and clinical counseling master's degrees, and its school counseling program is fully online with early evening synchronous classes. Students can pursue dual licensure, earning both a Kansas school counseling license and LPC eligibility, and the program admits career changers who never held a teaching license. Clinical counseling students choose between a clinical mental health track and an addictions counseling track, and the department has held CACREP accreditation since 1996.
- CACREP accredited
- 60 total credit hours
- Fully online with synchronous evening classes
- Dual licensure path: school counseling and LPC
- No teaching license required, direct entry for non-teachers
- Prepares for the Praxis exam
- Among the most affordable options in Kansas
- Hosts an annual school counselor conference
- CACREP accredited clinical mental health track
- Hybrid online and on-campus format
- Low student-to-faculty ratio
- CACREP accredited since 1996
- Addictions counseling concentration
- Thesis or capstone option
- Hybrid online and on-campus coursework
- Financial aid and scholarships available
Master of Science in School Counseling — Online
M.S. in Clinical Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master's — Hybrid
M.S. in Clinical Counseling, Addictions Counseling, Master's — Hybrid
Ottawa University-Online
Ottawa University's online division gives working adults several entry points into counseling, from a graduate certificate and master's in addiction counseling to a master's in education with a school counseling focus. Terms run in an accelerated format with multiple start dates each year, which shortens time to completion for students who can carry a steady course load. Every program here is delivered online, and the school counseling master's is designed to meet licensure standards in Arizona and Kansas. The university also offers a bachelor's-level addiction counseling degree for students building toward graduate study.
- Graduate-level certificate delivered fully online
- Focused study in addiction counseling
- Can serve as a building block toward further graduate study
- Suited to working counselors and human services professionals
- Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Offered online or on campus
- Two practicums completed in school settings
- Covers trauma-informed care
- Meets licensure standards for Arizona
- Includes practicum and internship hours
- 100% online bachelor's degree
- Accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission
- 150-hour supervised practicum
- Capstone e-portfolio project required
- Covers addiction, AOD, and co-occurring disorders
- Military Friendly School designation
- Fully online master's degree
- Six start dates each year across fall, spring, and summer
- Built for working adults who need a flexible pace
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Addiction Counseling — Online
Master of Arts in Education, School Counseling — Online
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling — Online
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling — Online
Kansas State University
Kansas State University's school counseling master's is CACREP accredited and mixes on-campus, online, and video-conference delivery so students in rural and urban parts of the state can participate. The program does not require a Kansas teaching license and offers a parallel pathway for career changers, plus an integrated certificate in counseling military connected students and families. Assistantships and scholarships help offset the higher sticker price of a research university. The department also runs a fully online doctorate in counselor education and supervision for practitioners who want to teach or supervise.
- CACREP accredited
- Full-time and part-time options
- On-campus, online, and video-conference course delivery
- Reported 100% licensure pass rate and near-100% job placement
- Integrated certificate in counseling military connected students and families
- Teaching license not required in Kansas
- Parallel pathway for non-teaching graduates
- Graduate assistantships and scholarships available
- 96 total credit hours
- 100% online with one required on-site residency
- No entrance exam required
- Starts in fall and spring
- Thesis required
- Emphasis on leadership and advocacy in counselor education
Master's in School Counseling — Hybrid
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Doctorate — Online
University of Saint Mary
The University of Saint Mary offers a shorter, KSDE-approved school counseling master's with flexible delivery: students can attend online, on the campus in the Leavenworth area, or remotely. At 48 credit hours with one evening class per week, it is one of the quicker and more schedule-friendly routes to PreK-12 licensure in Kansas. Applicants with a teaching background and career changers are both admitted, and adding four courses opens a path to LPC licensure. No entrance exam is required, and rolling admissions means students can start in January or August.
- 48 total credit hours, completed in about two and a half years
- Online, on-ground, or remote attendance options
- 16-week semesters meeting one night a week
- No entrance exam required
- Rolling admissions with spring and fall start dates
- KSDE approved for PreK-12 school counselor licensure
- Option to add four courses toward LPC licensure
- Open to candidates with or without a teaching background
Master's in School Counseling — Hybrid
Ottawa University-Kansas City
Ottawa University's Kansas City area campus offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling with a Christian and Spiritual Counseling concentration for students who want to integrate faith into clinical practice. The 60 to 63 credit program includes substantial field placement, with 900 client contact hours required before graduation, and it is designed to meet educational requirements in Kansas, Arizona, and Wisconsin. Because requirements vary by state, applicants should confirm their own jurisdiction's licensure rules before enrolling. The campus also offers a bachelor's-level addiction counseling degree for students building toward graduate study.
- Hybrid program combining online and campus learning
- 60 to 63 credit hours
- 900 client contact hours through practicum and internship
- Meets educational requirements in Arizona, Kansas, and Wisconsin
- Christian and Spiritual Counseling concentration
- Financial aid available
- Accelerated online bachelor's degree
- 150-hour supervised practicum and 300 combined clinical hours
- Accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission
- Capstone required
- Covers psychopharmacology and co-occurring disorders
- Military benefits accepted
Master of Arts in Counseling, Christian and Spiritual Counseling Concentration — Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling — Online
Friends University
Friends University in Wichita offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Family Therapy rather than a general counseling degree, which matters for students who specifically intend to practice marriage and family therapy. Classes meet on the ground in Wichita and Kansas City with daytime and evening cohort options, and the program is typically completed in about two years. Students in the program collectively provide thousands of hours of relational services in the community each year. Admission requires attending an informational meeting and completing an interview, so plan for that step early.
- COAMFTE accredited marriage and family therapy program
- 60-credit degree completed in about 24 months
- On-ground classes in Wichita and Kansas City
- Daytime and evening cohort options
- Training in systemic, clinical, and multicultural competencies
- Students provide over 10,000 hours of relational services annually
- Admission requires an informational meeting and interview
Master of Science in Family Therapy — Hybrid
How We Ranked Kansas Counseling Programs
Most rankings bury their methodology or rely on subjective reputation surveys that favor well-known brands over affordability. This list takes a different approach: we prioritize what matters most to students entering a field with modest starting salaries and high student debt, specifically net cost, financial aid reach, and post-graduation earnings.
Affordability-Weighted Methodology
Our ranking weighs three core factors heavily: net price (the actual out-of-pocket cost after institutional aid), the share of students receiving Pell Grants (a proxy for how accessible a program is to lower-income students), and median earnings one to two years after graduation. Programs that combine low net costs with strong earnings outcomes and meaningful financial aid access rank higher. This is not a prestige contest; it is a value calculation designed to surface programs that deliver real economic mobility. Whether you are pursuing a general counseling master's programs online track or a specialized clinical focus, the same affordability logic applies.
Data Sources and Limitations
All data come from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Where available, we use program-level earnings and debt figures specific to counseling master's degrees. When program-level data are not yet published, we fall back to institution-wide graduate outcomes. Graduation rates reflect the entire institution, not individual programs, because the federal government does not yet require program-specific completion reporting for master's degrees. Net price figures are sector-conditional averages (graduate students, full-time enrollment) and should not be treated as personalized estimates. Your actual cost will depend on your financial aid package, residency status, and enrollment intensity.
Transparency as a Trust Signal
By disclosing our criteria and data sources up front, we give you the tools to verify our claims and make your own comparisons. No ranking is perfect, but ours is accountable. If a program's net price, aid generosity, or earnings change in next year's federal data, its position in our ranking will change accordingly.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you need a fully online program, or can you attend weekend or hybrid intensives on a Kansas campus?
Is CACREP accreditation a non-negotiable for your licensure and career goals?
Are you planning to specialize in child or adolescent counseling, and does your target program offer that track?
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Kansas
CACREP accreditation is one of the most important markers to look for when evaluating counseling programs in Kansas. As of 2026, the state has a limited number of CACREP-accredited counseling programs, which makes understanding your options especially critical before you apply.
Current CACREP-Accredited Programs in Kansas
According to the official CACREP directory, Kansas currently has two accredited programs, both housed at Kansas State University:1
- School Counseling (Ed.S.): Accredited through 2032.2 Available on campus at the Manhattan and Olathe locations as well as online. This program transitioned from a master's-level (M.S.) format to an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree; the former M.S. program's accreditation ended in August 2023.
- Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.): Accredited.3 This is the only CACREP-accredited doctoral counseling program in the state, designed for those pursuing advanced roles in teaching, supervision, or research within the counseling field.
As of the 2025-2026 directory cycle, no Kansas programs hold a pending CACREP accreditation status, and no programs are reported as recently losing accreditation.1
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters in Kansas
For students pursuing licensure through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB), graduating from a CACREP-accredited program can streamline the process considerably. The BSRB recognizes CACREP standards when reviewing educational qualifications, so holding a degree from an accredited program reduces the likelihood of needing supplemental coursework or additional documentation during your licensure application.
Beyond the Kansas border, CACREP accreditation is widely recognized across the country. If you plan to relocate or practice in another state after graduation, a CACREP-accredited credential simplifies license portability. Many state licensing boards either require or strongly prefer candidates who graduated from accredited programs, and some will not grant licensure to graduates of non-accredited programs without additional steps.
Employers also tend to favor candidates from CACREP-accredited programs. Community mental health counselor roles, school district positions, hospital jobs, and private group practices frequently list CACREP credentials as preferred or required in job postings. Hiring managers view accreditation as a quality assurance signal that graduates have completed rigorous clinical training and met national standards.
What This Means for Kansas Students
The small number of CACREP-accredited options within the state means Kansas students often look beyond state lines, particularly at online programs offered by out-of-state institutions. If you are considering an online program from another state, verify that it holds current CACREP accreditation and confirm that the program's clinical placement requirements can be fulfilled in Kansas. Students interested in the doctoral track can explore counseling doctoral programs to compare accredited options nationwide.
For those specifically interested in clinical mental health counseling at the master's level, note that no Kansas-based program currently holds CACREP accreditation in that specialty area. Students pursuing that track should evaluate whether out-of-state online clinical mental health counseling programs or non-accredited Kansas programs with strong BSRB alignment best serve their career goals.
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Online Vs. On-Campus Counseling Programs in Kansas
Choosing between online and on-campus formats is one of the most practical decisions you will make when pursuing a master's in counseling in Kansas. Both paths can lead to the same licensure outcome, and many Kansas schools now use a hybrid model that blends online coursework with required in-person practicum and internship hours. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) does not differentiate between online and on-campus degrees when evaluating licensure eligibility, so your choice should come down to lifestyle, budget, and learning preferences.
- Online programs offer scheduling flexibility that lets working professionals complete coursework on evenings and weekends.
- Tuition for online programs is often effectively lower once you factor in eliminated commuting, parking, and relocation costs.
- Online enrollment can open access to out-of-state CACREP accredited programs, sometimes at flat or in-state tuition rates.
- Hybrid models used by many Kansas schools pair online lectures with local practicum placements, giving students the best of both formats.
- Kansas BSRB treats online and on-campus degrees equally for licensure, so an online credential carries the same professional weight.
- On-campus students typically benefit from stronger in-person networking with faculty, supervisors, and local clinical sites.
- Securing practicum and internship placements can be easier when a program has established relationships with nearby agencies.
- The cohort community built through face-to-face classes can provide peer support that is harder to replicate in asynchronous online settings.
- Some specialized electives or lab-based courses may only be offered on campus at certain Kansas institutions.
- Online learners must be disciplined self-starters, as the reduced structure can make it harder to stay on pace without regular class meetings.
Child Counseling Specializations and Certificates in Kansas
Graduate training in child and adolescent counseling has become more specialized as the field recognizes that working with young clients demands distinct theoretical frameworks, developmental awareness, and intervention techniques. Kansas universities offer a handful of pathways for counselors to build child-focused expertise, though options remain more limited than in neighboring states with larger graduate ecosystems.
Graduate Certificates and Concentrations
Wichita State University offers a 15-credit-hour Child / Play Therapy Graduate Certificate designed for students who already hold a master's degree in counseling or a related field.1 The certificate is delivered in a hybrid format combining online coursework with campus-based requirements, and it includes a 100-hour play therapy practicum structured to meet Association for Play Therapy (APT) training standards.1 This credential is well-suited for licensed counselors seeking to differentiate their practice or fulfill prerequisites for Registered Play Therapist (RPT) status.
Beyond Wichita State, most Kansas master's programs in counseling do not currently offer formal child or adolescent specializations embedded within their degree structures. The University of Kansas operates a Clinical Child Psychology Ph.D. program, but this track serves students pursuing doctoral-level training in psychology rather than master's-level counseling.2 Kansas State University's Human Development and Family Science programs touch on lifespan development but do not include a standalone graduate certificate in child counseling or play therapy.3
Practicum and Field Placement Settings
Students pursuing child-focused coursework typically complete practicum hours in settings where young clients are the primary population. Common placements include public and private school districts, where counselors work with students navigating academic stress, behavioral concerns, and social-emotional development. Pediatric clinics and children's hospitals provide opportunities to support families coping with chronic illness, trauma, or developmental challenges. Child advocacy centers offer supervised experience in forensic interviewing and trauma-informed care for abuse survivors, a pathway closely related to childhood trauma counseling. Community mental health centers round out the placement landscape, serving children and adolescents with a wide range of diagnoses and presenting concerns.
Career Differentiation and National Credentials
A child counseling certificate or concentration stacks with a general master's degree to signal specialized competence to employers, managed care panels, and referral sources. In competitive markets, this differentiation can translate into higher caseloads, school-district hiring preferences, or private-practice niches. For a broader look at what these credentials can lead to, see our guide on how to become a child counselor.
National credentials further strengthen a child counselor's professional profile. The National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors, provides a portable baseline certification recognized across states. The Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential, granted by the Association for Play Therapy, requires 150 hours of play therapy-specific instruction, 500 hours of supervised play therapy clinical experience, and documented case studies. Earning the RPT after completing a Kansas child counseling certificate positions counselors as subject-matter experts in developmentally appropriate therapeutic modalities.
How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Kansas
Kansas issues two tiers of professional counseling licensure through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is the entry-level credential, allowing you to practice under supervision. The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is the fully independent license, earned after accumulating supervised clinical experience and passing an additional exam. Note that for renewals on or after July 1, 2025, the BSRB now requires 3 hours of continuing education in diagnosis and treatment planning, in addition to the existing 3 ethics hours, within each 30-hour CE cycle.
Kansas Counselor Salaries Compared: What the Data Shows
Salary expectations shape how prospective students evaluate graduate programs, and Kansas counseling graduates enter a job market where earnings vary significantly by specialty, licensure level, and work setting. Understanding these distinctions helps you project realistic income after completing your degree.
Kansas Counselor Salaries by Specialty
Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Kansas shows meaningful salary differences across counseling specialties.12 Educational, guidance, and career counselors earn the highest median wages in the state, with annual pay typically falling between $55,000 and $60,000.2 Mental health counselors in Kansas earn median salaries in the $50,000 to $55,000 range, while substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors earn slightly less, with median wages between $48,000 and $52,000.1
These figures represent Kansas-specific data and differ from national medians. School counselors working in public K-12 settings often benefit from district salary schedules and benefits packages that boost total compensation beyond base pay.
Counselor vs. Therapist Pay in Kansas
A common question prospective students ask is whether counselors or therapists earn more. In Kansas, these titles overlap considerably, and salary differences depend more on licensure level and employment setting than job title alone. A Licensed Professional Counselor working toward full licensure typically earns less than a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has completed supervised practice requirements and can practice independently, bill insurance directly, and establish private practices. For a closer look at the path to full clinical licensure, see our guide to licensed professional counselor online degree options.
Clinicians in private practice or specialized treatment centers often outearn those in community mental health agencies or school settings, though agency positions frequently offer more predictable hours and comprehensive benefits.
Program-Level Earnings and ROI
Program-level earnings data from the College Scorecard is not yet available for most Kansas counseling programs, making direct comparisons between specific schools difficult at this time. However, institutional data provides useful context for evaluating return on investment.
Median graduate debt across Kansas counseling programs in our rankings ranges from roughly $15,000 to $25,000. When compared to Kansas counselor salaries in the $48,000 to $60,000 range, most graduates can expect their degree investment to pay off within a few years of entering the workforce. Programs with lower tuition, such as Fort Hays State University and Emporia State University, offer particularly favorable debt-to-earnings ratios for budget-conscious students. Students interested in the addiction counseling degree track should note that substance abuse counselor salaries in Kansas sit at the lower end of the spectrum, so choosing an affordable program is especially important for maximizing ROI.
Most Affordable Kansas Counseling Programs at a Glance
Among the top-ranked Kansas counseling programs, the average net price (what students typically pay after grants and scholarships) ranges from $12,569 at the most affordable option to $16,261 at the highest. That spread of roughly $3,700 per year can add up over a two- or three-year master's program, so it is worth factoring into your decision alongside program fit and accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Counseling Programs
Prospective counseling students in Kansas often share a common set of questions about degree types, licensure steps, and program formats. Below are answers grounded in current Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) standards and program data to help you plan your path with confidence.
- What is the best master's degree to get to be a therapist?
- A 60-credit master's in clinical mental health counseling from a CACREP-accredited program is widely considered the most direct route to becoming a licensed therapist. In Kansas, the BSRB requires a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) eligibility, so choosing a program built around that threshold keeps you on the clearest licensure track.
- Is MA or MS better for counseling?
- Neither degree carries a licensure advantage. Both the MA and MS in counseling typically share the same 16 core courses, and the Kansas BSRB treats them equally when evaluating LPC applications. The main distinction is that an MA may emphasize qualitative research or humanities electives, while an MS leans toward statistics or empirical methods. Choose the one that fits your academic interests.
- Who gets paid more, counselor or therapist?
- In practice, the titles 'counselor' and 'therapist' overlap significantly, and pay differences depend more on setting, specialization, and licensure level than on the title itself. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics groups most of these roles under the same occupational category. In Kansas, licensed clinical professionals working in healthcare or private practice settings tend to earn more than those in community agency or school roles.
- Are there child counseling certificate programs in Kansas?
- Several Kansas universities offer graduate certificates or specialized coursework in child and adolescent counseling that can complement a master's degree. These certificates typically cover play therapy, developmental psychopathology, and family systems. Check whether the certificate hours count toward your 60-credit LPC requirement so you can avoid taking extra coursework beyond what licensure demands.
- What are the requirements to become a licensed counselor in Kansas?
- Kansas requires a master's degree of at least 60 graduate semester hours in counseling or a closely related field, completion of supervised clinical experience (including a practicum and internship), a passing score on a national exam such as the NCE, and post-degree supervised practice hours under the BSRB. Applicants must also pass a background check and maintain continuing education credits after licensure.
- What are the best counseling master's programs in the US?
- National rankings from U.S. News and World Report consistently highlight programs at universities such as the University of Kansas, whose Counseling Psychology MA holds MPCAC accreditation through 2027 and appeared in U.S. News 2025 to 2026 rankings. Kansas State University's 60-credit Ed.S. in School Counseling also prepares graduates for both school counseling licensure and LPC eligibility, making it competitive at the national level.
- Can I complete a counseling master's degree entirely online in Kansas?
- Yes. The Kansas BSRB accepts degrees earned through online programs, provided the institution is regionally accredited and the curriculum meets BSRB standards for LPC licensure. Keep in mind that practicum and internship hours still require in-person clinical placements, so even fully online programs will involve supervised face-to-face client contact at an approved site in your area.
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