How to Find a Counseling Program in Michigan

Selecting a counseling program to attend is a personal choice. While there are many quality programs, the one that you choose should be particularly well-suited for your needs. These could be financial needs, flexibility needs, specialization needs, or other considerations.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Michigan

The first decision to make is what type of degree you want to pursue. This choice should be based on your current academic work, and on what academics are needed for you to reach your goals. You might be ready for either an undergraduate or graduate degree:

  • Associate Degrees are two-year programs that qualify you for entry positions within the field.
  • Bachelor's Degrees are four-year programs that qualify you for entry and mid-tier positions, possibly moving up as you gain experience. Completing an associate degree first will shorten your bachelor's program by two years.
  • Master's Degrees are one to two-year programs that meet the academic requirements for licensure.
  • Doctorate Degrees are three to six-year programs that not only meet licensure requirements but go beyond what's academically required for licensed professional counselors (LPCs). These programs involve intensive work in clinical counseling (Psy.D.) or research (Ph.D.). Completing a doctorate will qualify you for faculty and leadership positions.
  • Graduate Certificates last less than a year. These aren't degrees but are typically taken after a degree program in order to specialize. 

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Should you wish to specialize in a particular type of counseling, you can do so in a couple of ways. Enroll in a degree program that has a specialization track, or complete a graduate certificate. Some examples of potential specializations include:

  • Clinical mental health counseling (CMHC)
  • College counseling (CLCL)
  • School counseling (SCS2)
  • Multicultural society interventions (HIMS)

Accreditation

Whatever program you choose to attend should be fully accredited by the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).

An accredited program has been vetted by other institutions and will be accepted by schools, licensing boards, and employers.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Michigan

Accredited Michigan counseling degrees are available through both online and traditional programs. Online programs typically have lower tuition costs and more flexible course schedules. Traditional programs provide for in-person discussions during and outside of class. Which is better for you depends on your resources, obligations, and desired experience.

Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Michigan

To become a licensed counselor in Michigan, you'll need to complete an accredited master's degree that's a minimum of 48 credits. This is less than what many other states require.

The master's degree must include 600 practicum hours, and then you'll need 3,000 hours of supervised work after graduating. The last licensing step is to pass an exam and pay a fee.

Michigan requires counseling licenses to be renewed every three years. There isn't any continuing education requirement for renewal.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Michigan

Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Michigan? 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:

Adrian, MI

Siena Heights University

  • Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A.

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Advanced mental health counseling skills
    • Flexible course delivery
    • Comprehensive professional preparation
    • Blended on-ground and online options

Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University

  • Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 36-42 credits required
    • 15-week course length
    • Accredited by MDE
    • Aligns with ASCA model
    • Flexible scheduling options
    • Evening and weekend classes
    • Online for remote students

Alma, MI

Alma College

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

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60 credit hours, 2-year program
    • 90% online coursework
    • Two 5-day residencies
    • No GRE required
    • Aligns with CACREP standards
    • 9 credit hours clinical experience
    • Michigan licensure preparation
    • Diverse counseling focus

Berrien Springs, MI

Andrews University

  • Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Arts degree
    • Campus-based program
    • Prepares for licensure
    • Hands-on experience
    • Holistic approach
    • Financial aid available
    • Bachelor's degree required
  • Master's - School Counseling—MA

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program
    • Master of Arts degree
    • Focus on school counseling
    • Blends theory and practice
    • Prepares for educational settings

Detroit, MI

University of Detroit Mercy

  • Bachelor's - Addiction Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies.
    • 18-credit minor available.
    • Post-bachelor's and post-master's certificates.
    • Meets state certification requirements.
    • Job market growth of 22%.
    • Over 50 years of program history.
    • 80% employment rate post-graduation.
    • Interdisciplinary curriculum.
  • Master's - Master of Arts with a major in Addiction Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit, three-year program
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Nationally recognized addiction counseling
    • Michigan's premier addiction program
    • Practical clinical experience included
    • Eligible for professional licensure
    • Small class sizes
    • 10:1 student to faculty ratio
  • Master's - School Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit program.
    • Nationally accredited by CACREP.
    • 100% job placement rate.
    • Focus on K-12 school counseling.
    • Experiential learning emphasis.
    • Prepares for licensure in Michigan.
    • Comprehensive curriculum.
    • Small class sizes.

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University

  • Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision

    Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP accreditation preparation
    • Optional Rehabilitation concentration
    • Research-focused curriculum
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • Leadership and advocacy training
    • Clinical supervision internships
    • Comprehensive dissertation research
  • Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision

    Concentration: Rehabilitation and Disability - Campus Based - Website

    • PhD program
    • Rehabilitation and Disability concentration
    • Campus-based
    • Leadership and research focus
    • Master's degree required
    • Letters of recommendation needed
    • Personal statement required
    • Financial aid available

Grand Rapids, MI

Aquinas College

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

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60-semester hour counseling program
    • 25% job market growth projected
    • Licensed Professional Counselor preparation
    • Practice-based cohort model
    • Multicultural counseling competence
    • Flexible program completion timeline
    • Individual and group therapy training
    • Trauma-informed care focus

Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University

  • Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited counseling program
    • In-person and hybrid formats
    • Meets LLPC requirements
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Strong job market outlook
  • Master's - School Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Meets Michigan licensure requirements
    • Three certification tracks available
    • Practical training opportunities
    • Accredited by CACREP
    • Scholarships and assistantships offered
    • Strong undergraduate GPA required
  • Graduate Certificate - Addiction Specialization Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 9-credit hour program.
    • Hybrid online and weekend format.
    • Designed for CAADC credentialing.
    • Flexible for adult learners.
    • Aligns with Michigan requirements.
  • Graduate Certificate - Clinical Addiction Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 18-credit hour program
    • Hybrid format available
    • Financial aid eligible
    • Meets Michigan credential requirements
    • Field practicum or capstone option
    • Courses on substance use
    • Cultural humility focus
    • Co-occurring disorders covered
  • Graduate Certificate - School Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Graduate Certificate for Licensed Counselors
    • K-12 School Counselor Licensure
    • No Teaching Certificate Required
    • Michigan State Regulation Compliant
    • Post-Master's Professional Development
  • Doctorate - Counselor Education—Doctoral Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • CACREP accredited
    • Focus on counselor education
    • High employment rate
    • Multicultural counseling skills
    • Teaching and supervision competencies
    • Research skills development
    • Flexible course locations

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

    Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • CACREP accredited
    • 60 credit hours
    • Hands-on practicum
    • Internship with caseload
    • Focus on K-12 counseling
    • Advocacy and equity focus
    • Flexible for professionals
  • Master's - Master's in Counseling

    Concentration: Addiction Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP accredited program.
    • Hybrid learning format.
    • 60 credit hours.
    • Concentration in Addiction Counseling.
    • Practical hands-on learning.
    • Flexible for working professionals.
    • On-campus and online options.
    • Compulsory practicum and internship.
  • Master's - Master's in Counseling

    Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP Accredited Program
    • Hybrid Learning Format
    • 60 Credit Hours Required
    • Three Concentration Options
    • Faculty are Licensed Counselors
  • Graduate Certificate - Postgraduate School Counseling Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • 15-credit online program
    • For CACREP-accredited master's holders
    • Flexible online classes
    • Onsite internships required
    • ASCA National Model focus
    • Prepares for Michigan licensure
    • 2-3 semesters completion time

Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

    Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited program.
    • Concentration in School Counseling.
    • Supervised practicum and internship.
    • Focus on research and clinical skills.
    • Admissions deadlines April and October.
    • Requires official transcripts.
    • Supplemental application needed.
    • Prepares for careers in schools.
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Education: Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 64-credit hour program
    • CACREP accredited
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Five cognate areas
    • Advanced clinical practice focus
    • Requires master's degree
    • GRE scores needed
    • Professional experience required
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Education: Counseling

    Concentration: Addiction counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 64-credit hour program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • CACREP accredited
    • Concentration in Addiction counseling
    • Requires master's degree
    • GRE scores needed
    • Professional experience required
    • Focus on clinical practice
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Education: Counseling

    Concentration: Mental health counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 64-credit hour program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • CACREP accredited curriculum
    • Mental health counseling concentration
    • Requires master's degree
    • GRE scores needed
    • Professional experience required
    • Advanced clinical practice focus

Spring Arbor, MI

Spring Arbor University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

    Concentration: Clinical Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited counseling program
    • Hybrid/online learning options
    • Prepares for LPC licensure
    • Christian perspective integration
    • Diverse clinical practice settings
    • 61-credit comprehensive curriculum
    • Focuses on cultural responsiveness
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

    Concentration: Dual Track - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited counseling program
    • Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling tracks
    • Hybrid and online learning options
    • Christian perspective integration
    • Prepares for Michigan licensure
    • 61-credit comprehensive curriculum
    • Face-to-face and virtual classroom
    • Dual track concentration available
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

    Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited counseling program
    • K-12 School Counseling track
    • Hybrid/online learning options
    • Christian perspective integration
    • Michigan licensure preparation
    • 61-credit hour core program
    • Clinical and practical internships

Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University

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

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60-semester hour master's program
    • Licensure preparation track
    • In-person/hybrid delivery
    • Comprehensive counseling core
    • Multiple career pathway options
    • Supervised counseling experience
    • GPA requirement: 2.7-3.0
    • Complete within six years
  • Master's - Master of Arts in School Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP accredited program
    • 60 semester hours
    • 100-hour practicum
    • 600-hour internship
    • On-campus learning
    • Focus on diversity
    • Leads to licensure
    • For teacher-certified and non-certified
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • Advanced clinical competencies
    • 300-600 hour internship
    • Focus on mental health
    • Ethical and legal training
    • Community-based settings
    • Not for LLPC licensure
    • Post-master's level
    • Campus-based program
*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit