Best Counseling Schools in Minnesota

Minnesota State University Moorhead's Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling is a CACREP-accredited program designed for those aiming to make a difference in educational settings. Offering a hybrid format with evening classes, it caters to working professionals. The program emphasizes practical skill development through hands-on practicum and internships, supported by small class sizes and personalized faculty guidance. Unique financial support through the Infuse Mental Health Project grants up to $24,000, addressing the demand for school-based mental health services. With a 100% job placement rate, graduates are well-prepared for impactful careers in school counseling.

• CACREP-accredited program.
• Specialization in School Counseling.
• Hybrid and evening class options.
• Up to $24,000 grant support.
• 100% job placement rate.
• Small class sizes.
• Personalized faculty support.
• Hands-on practicum and internships.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• Focus on mental health services.

The Master of Science in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration at Minnesota State University Moorhead is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program. It prepares students for licensure in Minnesota and North Dakota, offering a blend of evening and hybrid classes for flexibility. The curriculum covers trauma-informed care and professional ethics, with practical training through practicum and internships. Designed for aspiring mental health professionals, the program boasts small class sizes and high placement rates, equipping graduates for diverse roles in community mental health, hospitals, and universities.

• CACREP-accredited program
• 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
• Evening and hybrid learning
• Small class sizes
• Practicum and internship included
• Prepares for MN/ND licensure
• Clinical Mental Health focus
• Trauma-informed care training
• Professional ethics emphasis
• Flexible part-time options

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers an MS in Counseling with an Addiction Counseling concentration, a 60-credit hybrid program blending online and face-to-face learning. Focused on meeting community needs in addiction counseling, it prepares students for state licensure. The program is ideal for those in the Addiction Counseling Certificate program looking to advance their education. With a curriculum that combines rigorous academics with practical skills development, graduates are equipped for impactful careers in mental health and human services, specifically in addiction counseling.

• Hybrid learning format.
• 60 credits required.
• Focus on addiction counseling.
• Prepares for state licensure.
• Pathway for certificate students.

Crown College offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, tailored for aspiring mental health professionals. This online program aligns with Minnesota's licensure standards and is adaptable for other states, integrating faith with counseling practices for a holistic approach. A unique feature is the four-day residency requirement at the campus, combining online learning with practical experience. The 60-credit curriculum, achievable in three years full-time, includes internships for hands-on training, preparing graduates for licensure. Financial aid options enhance accessibility, making it a viable choice for those committed to a career in mental health counseling.

• Online program with residency.
• 60 credit hours.
• Meets MN licensure requirements.
• Faith-integrated curriculum.
• Internship included.
• 3-year completion full-time.
• Affordable tuition options.
• Biblical perspective on counseling.
• Prepares for licensure.
• Flexible for working adults.

The M.A. in Counseling with a Christian Counseling concentration at Crown College merges scientific counseling methods with a Christian perspective. Designed for online completion with an annual four-day residency in Minnesota, this program readies students for licensure as professional counselors, including a 700-hour internship. It emphasizes a holistic healing approach, covering biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Led by licensed professionals, the curriculum focuses on ethical practices and evidence-based strategies, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the counseling field within a faith-based framework.

• Online program with residency
• Christian Counseling concentration
• Prepares for MN LPCC licensure
• 700-hour internship included
• Taught by licensed professionals
• Holistic healing approach
• Ethical decision-making focus
• Evidence-based practices
• Annual four-day residency
• Christian worldview integration

Crown College's M.A. in Pastoral Counseling is a 36-credit, fully online program aimed at ministry professionals seeking to enhance their counseling skills within faith communities. While it does not lead to licensure, it offers valuable insights into pastoral counseling, marriage, and family therapy from a Christian standpoint. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, the program features flexible 8-week courses, making it ideal for those balancing ministry and education. This program is perfect for individuals looking to support others through life's challenges with a scriptural foundation.

• 36 total credits
• 100% online
• 8-week courses
• No licensure path
• ATS accredited
• Christian worldview
• Flexible scheduling
• Practical counseling skills
• Evangelical foundation
• Focus on faith settings

Winona State University offers a hybrid Master's in School Counseling, designed to prepare graduates for supporting Pre-K-12 students in academic, career, and social-emotional development. This CACREP-accredited program combines classroom learning with practical experiences, adhering to the ASCA National model. It meets licensure requirements in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and most other states, focusing on comprehensive school counseling programs. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible to aspiring counselors. The program's hybrid format provides flexibility for students balancing other commitments.

• Hybrid program format
• CACREP accredited
• Prepares for Pre-K-12 counseling
• Meets most state licensure requirements
• Focus on academic, career, social development

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program at Winona State University is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program aimed at preparing students for licensure as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It focuses on training counselors for diverse settings, including community mental health agencies and residential care, without requiring an entrance exam for admission. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary for professional licensure exams and to support mental health in various community contexts, emphasizing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Hybrid program format
• Minnesota and Wisconsin licensure
• Community mental health focus
• Professional counselor preparation

Bethany Lutheran College offers a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in a hybrid format, combining online learning with three on-campus residencies. This 60-credit program is designed for flexibility, allowing students to complete their studies in two or three years. It welcomes applicants from any undergraduate background, emphasizing a Christian worldview in training ethical, competent counselors. The curriculum prepares students for licensure, covering crisis intervention, trauma strategies, and clinical treatment planning. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible to a wide range of students. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse mental health settings and eligible for national certification.

• 60 Credit Hours Master's Program
• Hybrid Online/On-Campus Format
• 2-3 Year Flexible Study Options
• Christian Worldview Approach
• National Certification Eligible
• Any Undergrad Degree Accepted
• Three On-Campus Residencies
• Clinical Internship Included
• Diverse Career Preparation
• Accredited Program

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Bethany Lutheran College is a 60-credit hybrid Master of Arts program that blends online coursework with on-campus residencies. It is designed for those seeking careers in counseling, with a curriculum grounded in a Christian worldview and covering essential topics like counseling theories and crisis intervention. The program offers flexible study options of two or three years, accommodating various lifestyles and career goals. Admission does not require an entrance exam, and any undergraduate degree is accepted. Graduates are prepared for licensure in Minnesota and eligible for national certification, ready to work in diverse counseling settings.

• 60 credit hours.
• Hybrid program type.
• Christian worldview foundation.
• 2 or 3-year study options.
• Eligible for national certification.
• State licensure preparation.
• Undergraduate degree in any field accepted.
• Flexible online coursework.
• On-campus residencies.
• Prepares for various counseling settings.

Saint Cloud State University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, blending online coursework with limited campus attendance for flexibility. This program stands out for its cohort learning model and state-of-the-art training clinic, ensuring hands-on experience. Students delve into systemic and developmental approaches, with a strong emphasis on cultural awareness to serve diverse populations effectively. The program boasts a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, fostering personalized learning. Notably, it guarantees 100% internship placement, preparing graduates for licensure and dynamic careers in therapy. An entrance exam is not explicitly required, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants.

• Master of Science degree
• On-campus program
• Cohort learning model
• State-of-art training clinic
• Community internship experience
• 100% internship placement
• 5:1 student/teacher ratio
• Limited campus attendance
• Licensure preparation
• Fall application deadline Jan 5