Best Counseling Schools in Minnesota

How to Find a Counseling Program in Minnesota

The counseling program that you attend should be specifically well-suited for you. This might mean that the program has flexible course schedules, affordable tuition costs, particular specialization tracks, or other features. Whatever it is that you want from a program, there are plenty of counseling degree programs in Minnesota to choose from.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Minnesota

The colleges and universities with counseling degree programs in Minnesota have a variety of degree options. The usual degree options are a(n):

• Associate degree – A two-year program that can be completed after high school

• Bachelor's degree – A four-year program that can be completed after high school

• Master's degree – A one to two-year program that can be completed after a bachelor's

• Doctorate degree – A three to six-year program that can be completed after a bachelor's

• Graduate certificate – A six-month to one-year program that can be completed after a bachelor's

An associate’s degree and bachelor's degree will generally qualify you for positions that licensed professional counselors supervise. A master's or doctorate is needed for licensure, and a doctorate can provide extensive research (with a Ph.D.) or clinical (with a Psy.D.) training. Graduate certificates are primarily used to complement degrees with specialized study. You should choose a degree option that you're able to apply for, and that'll help you advance your career.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Many of the counseling programs in Minnesota offer options to specialize. Depending on your career goals and the type of counseling you want to do, you might specialize in any number of areas. Some common specializations are:

• Addiction counseling

• Community mental health counseling

• Childe adolescent counseling

• Rehabilitation counseling

• K-12 school counseling

There are still many other specializations worthy of your consideration. Check with each school to see what particular focus areas they offer.

Check School Accreditation

Whatever program you enroll in should be fully accredited. Accredited programs are guaranteed to meet accepted curriculum standards, and they'll be recognized by employees and other schools.

Minnesota accepts schools that are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Alternatively, programs that are accredited by one of the agencies that the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes are also considered fully accredited by the state.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Minnesota

You might decide to enroll in either an online or traditional counseling program. Accredited programs are offered both ways, and each mode can have several specialization options.

Consider a traditional program if you prize in-person interaction with faculty and students and if you want easy access to an academic library. Choose an online program if scheduling flexibility and/or financial cost are obstacles.

Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Minnesota

To become a licensed professional counselor in Minnesota, you must graduate with a 48-credit master's degree that has 700 hours of internship experience. You then need to complete 2,000 hours of supervised counseling work, pass a licensing exam, and pay a fee.

All counseling licenses in Minnesota have to be renewed annually, but renewal requirements vary. Renewal for your first four years requires 40 continuing education units, and 12 graduate semester hours total throughout the four years. Renewing after four years requires 40 continuing education units every two years. You also have to pay a fee each year when renewing.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Minnesota

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