Best Counseling Schools in Montana
Much of Montana's population struggles with the long winters and isolation that can accompany living in the state, and many people seek out counseling services to help them. If you're thinking of helping people through counseling, these are the best counseling programs in Montana to prepare you for a career in the counseling field.
2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Montana
Finding the best Master's in Counseling programs in Montana is easier with counselingpsychology.org. We rank programs to help you choose. Online programs matter a lot. They offer flexibility for students who work or live far from campus. Distance learning makes it possible to study from anywhere. Our rankings consider quality, cost, and student support. Learn how we rank programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
University of Providence
Great Falls, MT - Private 4-year - uprovidence.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Providence offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a CACREP-accredited hybrid program blending online and on-campus learning. This 60-credit curriculum equips students with the skills for ethical, culturally competent counseling, featuring a 100% job placement and NCE exam pass rate. With no GRE required for admission, the program includes practicum and internship opportunities, preparing graduates for licensure in a field expected to grow 19% by 2033. Special discounts are available for healthcare professionals and Providence Health employees.
- CACREP-accredited program
- Hybrid learning format
- Two optional concentrations
- 60 total credit hours
- 3-year average completion time
- 100% job placement rate
- 100% NCE exam pass rate
- Cohort learning model
- Optional Addictions Counseling concentration
- Optional Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Addictions Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Addictions Counseling, the University of Providence's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit hybrid program. It prepares students for licensure with specialized training in substance abuse and behavioral disorders, accredited by CACREP. The program requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, with GRE possibly needed for lower GPAs. Graduates enter a growing field with a 19% job growth projection, ready for careers with an average salary of $72,203. The hybrid format combines asynchronous, synchronous, and on-campus learning.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Hybrid Delivery Format
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- Optional Addictions Concentration
- 100% NCE Exam Pass Rate
- Three-Year Average Completion
- Clinical Practicum Included
- 100% Job Placement Rate
- Cohort Learning Model
- Professional Ethics Training
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration at the University of Providence is a CACREP-accredited master's program designed for those aiding individuals with disabilities. This 60-credit hybrid program spans three years, offering specialized coursework and practical internship experiences. It prepares students for licensure, focusing on psychosocial aspects of disability and rehabilitation services. With a 100% job placement rate, the program emphasizes professional competencies in rehabilitation counseling, all within a flexible hybrid learning environment.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Hybrid Learning Format
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- Three-Year Completion
- Concentration-Specific Courses
- Clinical Internship Experience
- Licensure Exam Preparation
- 100% Job Placement Rate
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT - Public 4-Year - msubillings.edu
Master's - Master of Education School Counseling (K-12) Option
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Montana State University Billings provides a Master of Education in School Counseling (K-12) Option, tailored for future school counselors. This hybrid program combines online learning with limited on-campus sessions, offering flexibility while meeting Montana's licensure standards. It prepares graduates to support students' academic and emotional growth over 2-3 years, with online courses and blended summer classes. Admission criteria include transcripts, a letter of interest, resume, four references, and a background check. Notably, the GRE is waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or above. The program boasts an 82% employment rate in the field post-graduation, with graduates earning an average salary of $46,643.
- Hybrid program format
- 2-3 years completion
- Mostly online courses
- Blended summer classes
- 48 credit K-12 licensure
- 42 credit endorsement option
- Local internship opportunities
- Only online program in Montana
- Flexible course delivery
- Evening classes available
- GRE waived for 3.0+ GPA
- Four letters of reference required
- Background check required
- 82% employment rate post-graduation
- Average salary $46,643 for graduates
How to Find a Counseling Program in Montana
There are several counseling programs in Montana. Which one best suits you depends on your particular needs. Consider tuition, class schedule, course mode, specialization options, degree level, and similar details as you evaluate the different programs.
Counseling Degree Pathways in Montana
With regard to degree level, there are several undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees that you can pursue. You might complete just one degree, or several as you advance your education. The various degrees are:
- Associate Degree: A shorter two-year undergraduate program that qualifies you for entry work in the field. You only need a high school diploma (or equivalent).
- Bachelor’s Degree: A standard four-year undergraduate program that qualifies you for a wider variety of work, especially as you gain experience after graduating. You only need a high school diploma.
- Master’s Degree: A common one to two-year graduate program that qualifies you to become a licensed professional counselor in Montana. You need a bachelor’s degree.
- Doctorate Degree: A lengthy three to six-year (or longer) graduate degree that qualifies you for leadership and research positions. Can be a Psy.D. or Ph.D. degree. Both degrees may require a bachelor’s or master’s before starting.
- Graduate Certificate: A short six to twelve-month non-degree graduate program that helps you specialize. You need a bachelor’s but also might complete this after already getting a master’s.
Choose a Counseling Specialty
Montana counselors provide specialized or general services. Should you wish to specialize, your degree program might offer tracks that can help. Some examples of specialization tracks within degree programs are:
- Mental health counseling track
- Addiction counseling track
- Marriage, couples, and family counseling track
- School counseling track
- Career counseling track
Check School Accreditation
Attending an accredited school ensures that your degree will be recognized by others. You’ll only be able to transfer credits from an accredited school should you want to change programs, and you can only apply for higher degrees after attaining any required lower degrees from an accredited institution.
Most counseling degree programs are accredited by one of the following: the CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs) or the APA (American Psychological Association).
Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Montana
You’ll find both online and traditional programs available from accredited Montana schools. An online program might make sense if you need flexibility or want lower tuition bills. A traditional program might be right if you want more in-person interaction with classmates and professors, as well as direct access to books in the school library. Select whichever learning mode better suits your situation.
Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Montana
Montana requires all licensed professional counselors to have a 60-credit master’s degree in counseling or a similar field. A doctorate degree exceeds what a master’s degrees provide, and thus also meets the requirement.
You’ll need to have extensive experience, which includes 200 practicum hours (during school) and 3,000 supervised hours (after school). You also must pass a licensing exam and pay a licensing fee.
You must renew the license each year, between December 1st and February 1st. Renewing requires 20 hours of continuing education.
2025 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options
Finding an affordable Master's in Counseling in Montana for 2025 is key for students. The right program balances cost and quality. Our table lists options with their tuition range and highlights. It helps you compare low-cost choices without sacrificing education standards. Affordable programs make advanced degrees reachable for more people. This is vital in fields like counseling, where skilled professionals are needed. Montana offers several economical paths to a Master's degree. These programs prepare students for rewarding careers without high debt.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Montana State University Billings |
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| Montana State University |
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| Montana State University-Northern |
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List of Counseling Degree Programs in Montana
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Montana? 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.
Billings, MT
Montana State University Billings
- Master's - Master of Education School Counseling (K-12) Option
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- 2-3 years completion
- Mostly online courses
- Blended summer classes
- 48 credit K-12 licensure
- 42 credit endorsement option
- Local internship opportunities
- Only online program in Montana
Bozeman, MT
Montana State University
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- Western Regional Graduate Program
- Up to 1500 supervised hours
- Theory-based counseling methods
- Treatment of adult mental disorders
- Practica and internship experiences
- Master's - School Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- Focus on school counseling
- Opportunities in rural areas
- Funding options available
- Career salary $50,000-$90,000
- Rolling admissions
- STEM-dominant research
- WICHE partnered program
- Graduate Certificate - Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Online program
- 1 year completion
- Montana licensure focus
- Bachelor's degree required
- 3.0 GPA preferred
- Flexible part-time option
- Personalized academic advisement
- Dual licensure opportunity
Great Falls, MT
University of Providence
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- Hybrid learning format
- Two optional concentrations
- 60 total credit hours
- 3-year average completion time
- 100% job placement rate
- 100% NCE exam pass rate
- Cohort learning model
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Addictions Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Hybrid Delivery Format
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- Optional Addictions Concentration
- 100% NCE Exam Pass Rate
- Three-Year Average Completion
- Clinical Practicum Included
- 100% Job Placement Rate
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Hybrid Learning Format
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- Three-Year Completion
- Concentration-Specific Courses
- Clinical Internship Experience
- Licensure Exam Preparation
- 100% Job Placement Rate
Havre, MT
Montana State University-Northern
- Master's - Counselor Education, MEd
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- MEd in Counselor Education
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for licensure in Montana
- Requires letters of recommendation
- Background check required
- Focus on therapeutic skills
- Strong counselor identity development
Missoula, MT
The University of Montana
- Master's - Counselor Education M.A.
Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- 60 credit hours
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Campus-based program
- Includes internship
- Focus on child counseling
- Multicultural counseling course
- Ethics and orientation training
- Career counseling theory
- Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Focus on professional identity
- Hands-on supervised experience
- Covers group counseling
- Includes family counseling
- Career counseling techniques
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Ethical considerations