Best Counseling Schools in Nebraska

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers a Master of Science in Education in School Counseling - Elementary (PK-8), a hybrid program designed to prepare professionals for delivering quality counseling services in elementary schools. This program stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, focusing on equity and social justice, and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. It includes 43 credit hours, with practicum and internship components, and is accredited by CAEP. The program is notable for its non-teacher pathway, allowing individuals with any undergraduate degree to become school counselors by completing 12 additional online credit hours of teacher education training.

• 43 total credit hours
• Accredited by CAEP
• Hybrid program format
• Non-teacher pathway available
• Nebraska State Department endorsed
• Online and blended courses
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Professional references needed
• Practicum and internship included
• Diverse counseling skill development

At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program is a 60-credit hybrid offering that prepares students for careers in diverse settings, including community agencies and private practice. Accredited by CACREP, this program emphasizes culturally sensitive mental health services and offers flexible scheduling for working professionals. It includes pathways for dual licensure in mental health and substance abuse counseling, reflecting the program's comprehensive approach to meeting the growing demand for mental health professionals, with a projected job market growth of 23%.

• 60 credit hours graduate program
• Blended online/campus delivery
• CACREP accredited program
• Prepares for multiple counseling licenses
• Flexible scheduling for working professionals
• Projected 23% job market growth
• Diverse career placement opportunities
• Evening and online course options

The University of Nebraska at Kearney's Master of Science in Education in School Counseling - Secondary (7-12) is a hybrid program that equips professionals to address the unique challenges of adolescent students. Accredited by CAEP, this 43-credit hour program focuses on ethical practice, multicultural counseling, and rural mental health. It offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing graduates for Nebraska State Department of Education endorsement. The program is designed for both teachers and non-teachers, emphasizing professional identity development and comprehensive guidance training in a field-based practitioner model.

• Accredited by CAEP
• 43 total credit hours
• Hybrid program delivery
• Non-teacher pathway available
• Comprehensive guidance training
• Focus on rural mental health
• Multicultural counseling emphasis
• Online and blended courses
• Field-based practitioner model
• Professional identity development

Creighton University offers an online Master of Science in School Counseling, ideal for those aiming to impact child and adolescent development within school systems. This program, rooted in Jesuit values, provides flexible online learning with specialization options in Elementary, Secondary, or PK-12 Guidance Counseling. A 600-hour internship aligns with Nebraska certification standards, and the curriculum adheres to ASCA guidelines. Educators benefit from guaranteed scholarships. Admission prerequisites include a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, alongside submission of transcripts, a resume, personal statement, and recommendations. No entrance exam is mentioned, offering accessibility for aspiring counselors.

• Online program flexibility.
• 36-48 credit hours.
• 600-hour internship.
• Jesuit values emphasis.
• Scholarships for educators.
• Three specialization tracks.
• ASCA standards-based curriculum.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Background check required.
• Personal interview possible.

Focused on Elementary School Counseling, Creighton University's online Master of Science in School Counseling equips education professionals with the skills to support young students effectively. The program blends Jesuit principles with a curriculum meeting ASCA standards, including a 600-hour internship. Tailored for educators, it offers scholarships and requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA for admission. The program's online format and 36-48 credit hour requirement cater to working professionals, emphasizing mental health support and developmental strategies without specifying an entrance exam.

• Fully online master's program
• 600-hour internship included
• Specialized counseling tracks
• Scholarships for educators
• ASCA national model curriculum
• Jesuit values integration
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 36-48 credit hour program

Creighton University's online Master of Science in School Counseling with a concentration in Secondary School Counseling prepares educators to address the unique challenges of adolescent students. The program features a flexible online format, ASCA-aligned curriculum, and a mandatory 600-hour internship. Scholarships reduce tuition for educators, and admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Designed for professionals, it offers tracks in Elementary, Secondary, and PK-12 counseling, focusing on practical skills without the need for an entrance exam, making advanced education accessible.

• Fully online program
• Multiple counseling track options
• 600-hour internship included
• Scholarships for educators
• Jesuit values-based curriculum
• Meet ASCA national standards
• Customizable degree path
• Professional counseling preparation

Concordia University-Nebraska's MA in Marriage and Family Therapy is a hybrid program that integrates faith with professional counseling, offering a unique perspective on mental health. This 62-64 credit hour program includes online synchronous classes and on-campus residencies, aligning with COAMFTE standards. With a focus on practical experience, students complete a 300-hour practicum, preparing for state licensure in diverse settings. The program, costing $500 per credit hour, is designed to be completed in 24 months, starting with a fall cohort. It's ideal for those seeking a Christ-centered approach to therapy, without requiring an entrance exam.

• 62-64 credit hour program
• $500 per credit hour
• 8-week course format
• 24 months to complete degree
• Online synchronous classes
• Fall cohort start
• 300-hour practicum required
• COAMFTE standards aligned
• Christ-centered perspective
• Preparation for state licensure
• On-campus residencies included
• Career paths in therapy/counseling

The M.A. in School Counseling at Concordia University-Nebraska is a fully online program designed for professionals aiming to impact PK-12 students' lives. Spanning 50-62 credit hours at $450 per credit, it offers flexibility with an 8-week course format. The curriculum includes a 100-hour practicum and a 450-hour internship, aligning with the ASCA model. This faith-based program prepares graduates for roles in academic guidance and crisis intervention, with special rates available for eligible students. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for those ready to advocate for students' academic and emotional needs.

• 100% Online Program
• 8-week Course Format
• 50-62 Credit Hours
• 100-hour Practicum Included
• 450-hour Supervised Internship
• $450 per Credit Hour
• Special Rates Available
• Faith-Based Instruction
• ASCA Model Alignment
• PK-12 Grade Level Experience

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's hybrid Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 24-month, 53-credit program that equips students with advanced skills in trauma-informed and attachment-based therapies. Accredited by COAMFTE since 1993, it emphasizes ethical clinical practices and multicultural sensitivity, preparing graduates for licensure in Nebraska. The program boasts a small cohort size of 8-12 students, ensuring personalized supervision and over 500 clinical contact hours. Unique features include a focus on distance therapy technology and a 12-month internship. Applications are due by December 1, 2024, with no entrance exam required for admission.

• 24-month program completion
• 53 total credit hours
• COAMFTE accredited since 1993
• 500+ clinical contact hours
• 12-month internship placements
• Cohort size 8-12 students
• Application deadline Dec. 1, 2024
• State licensure preparation
• Advanced trauma-informed training
• Distance therapy technology focus

Bellevue University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a CACREP-accredited online program designed to equip students with the skills necessary for professional counseling. This 60-credit program emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, complemented by 100 practicum and 600 clinical internship hours for hands-on experience. Notably, the program does not require a GRE for admission, making it accessible to a broader range of students. With tuition set at $660 per credit, Bellevue University provides an affordable pathway to licensure, offering flexibility for students through its online format. Graduates are prepared to serve diverse populations in various mental health settings.

• CACREP-accredited online program
• 60 credit hour curriculum
• No GRE required
• $660 per credit
• 100 practicum hours
• 600 clinical internship hours
• Prepares for counseling licensure
• Flexible online/campus options
• Professional counseling skills training
• Diverse client population preparation