2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Ohio

Counseling Psychology.org presents a comprehensive guide to the top Master's in Counseling Programs across Ohio, highlighting institutions that offer exceptional training for aspiring mental health professionals. Our rankings consider crucial factors like program curriculum, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student outcomes. With the growing demand for flexible education, many programs now offer virtual and distance learning options, making advanced counseling degrees more accessible than ever. Online platforms enable students to balance academic pursuits with personal and professional commitments while maintaining high-quality educational standards. Whether you're seeking traditional campus-based learning or remote instruction, Ohio's counseling programs provide robust pathways to impactful careers in mental health support. Learn about our detailed ranking methodology.
#1

Miami University

Oxford, OH - Public 4-Year - miamioh.edu

Master's - Master of Education in Counselor Education (School Counseling)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Miami University's Master of Education in School Counseling offers a rigorous CACREP-accredited hybrid program preparing professionals for K-12 educational settings. With 60 credit hours, students complete extensive practical training including 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. The program emphasizes counseling techniques, leadership, and advocacy while meeting Ohio school counselor licensure requirements. Military-friendly and designed for comprehensive professional development, students gain hands-on experience in diverse educational environments through synchronous and asynchronous online coursework complemented by in-person skill development sessions.

  • 60-credit online program
  • CACREP accredited standards
  • Ohio school counselor licensure
  • 100 hours practicum experience
  • 600 hours internship placement
  • Meets ASCA National Model
  • 48 core course credits
  • 6 elective course credits
  • School counseling specialty courses

Master's - Counselor Education-Master of Education (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Miami University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides a dynamic hybrid master's degree designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Students engage in a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum with 700 field placement hours across hospitals, community clinics, and private practices. The program focuses on culturally responsive counseling techniques, offering personalized supervision and practical skill development. With a competitive $700 per credit hour tuition and a 2.75 GPA requirement, students receive extensive training in clinical mental health settings, preparing them for diverse counseling roles through innovative online and onsite learning experiences.

  • Hybrid online/onsite program
  • 60-credit hour curriculum
  • 700 field placement hours
  • $700 per credit hour
  • Ohio state-focused recruitment
  • Clinical Mental Health Concentration
  • Practicum and internship experiences
  • 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA

Master's - Counselor Education-Master of Education (School Counseling)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Miami University's School Counseling hybrid master's program equips students with advanced skills to support K-12 student development across academic, social-emotional, and career domains. Featuring 700 field placement hours and alignment with CACREP standards, the program prepares graduates for comprehensive counseling roles. The curriculum combines synchronous and asynchronous online coursework with in-person skill development, emphasizing culturally responsive interventions. With a competitive $700 per credit hour and a 2.75 undergraduate GPA requirement, Ohio residents can access flexible learning designed to meet evolving educational counseling needs.

  • Hybrid online/onsite program
  • 60-66 total credit hours
  • 700 field placement hours
  • $700 per credit hour
  • 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA
  • Ohio residents only
  • CACREP standards aligned
  • K-12 counseling focus
  • Diverse placement opportunities

Master's - Counselor Education-Master of Education (Dual Track-Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Miami University offers an innovative Dual Track Counseling program enabling students to specialize simultaneously in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling. This hybrid master's degree provides comprehensive training through 60-66 credit hours, featuring flexible online learning and extensive field experiences. Students benefit from 700-1300 placement hours across diverse settings including schools, hospitals, and private practices. Designed exclusively for Ohio residents, the program maintains CACREP standards, costs $700 per credit hour, and requires a 2.75 minimum GPA, preparing graduates for multifaceted counseling careers with advanced professional competencies.

  • Hybrid online and onsite program
  • 60-66 total credit hours
  • $700 per credit hour
  • Ohio residents only
  • Dual track specialization available
  • 700-1300 field placement hours
  • CACREP standards alignment
  • 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#2

John Carroll University

University Heights, OH - Private 4-year - jcu.edu

Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

John Carroll University's Master of Education in School Counseling offers a transformative 60-credit hybrid program preparing professionals to support student development. With no GRE requirement and CACREP accreditation, students gain comprehensive counseling skills through flexible learning formats. The program emphasizes evidence-based techniques, covering human growth, counseling theories, and diversity issues. Graduates benefit from exceptional job placement, with 100% employment within six months of completion. The curriculum accommodates working professionals through evening and hybrid class options, enabling full-time and part-time study. Students complete three semesters of field placement, ensuring practical experience in educational settings.

  • 60 credit-hour program
  • 2.5-year completion option
  • Ohio licensure eligible
  • No GRE required
  • CACREP accredited program
  • Hybrid/online class formats
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Evening class schedules
  • Three semesters field placement
  • Optional concentrations available

Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling (Substance Use Disorder)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

John Carroll University's Master of Education in School Counseling with Substance Use Disorder concentration provides specialized training for counseling professionals. This 60-credit hybrid program focuses on understanding and addressing substance abuse challenges within educational environments. Students develop advanced intervention strategies through comprehensive coursework and hands-on experiences. The program offers license-eligibility in Ohio, flexible evening classes, and small class sizes. With no GRE requirement and year-round course availability, students can complete the degree in 2.5 years. Practicum and internship opportunities ensure graduates are prepared to support students' complex personal and academic needs effectively.

  • 60 credit-hour program
  • License-eligible in Ohio
  • Flexible evening classes
  • CACREP accredited program
  • No GRE required
  • Full-time or part-time options
  • Substance Use Disorder concentration
  • Practicum and internship experience
  • Small class sizes
  • Year-round course availability

Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling (Applied Behavior Analysis)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

John Carroll University's Master of Education in School Counseling featuring Applied Behavior Analysis concentration equips professionals with advanced behavioral intervention techniques. This comprehensive 60-credit hybrid program prepares students for nuanced counseling roles in educational settings. Graduates become Ohio school counselor license-eligible through a curriculum emphasizing evidence-based behavioral strategies. The program offers flexible evening and hybrid classes, accommodating both full-time and part-time students. With CACREP accreditation and no GRE requirement, students can complete the degree in two-and-a-half years, gaining sophisticated understanding of applied behavioral principles in school counseling contexts.

  • 60 credit-hour program
  • Ohio school counselor license-eligible
  • Flexible class schedules
  • CACREP accredited program
  • No GRE required
  • Evening and hybrid classes
  • Applied Behavior Analysis concentration
  • Two-and-a-half year completion time
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#3

Malone University

Canton, OH - Private 4-year - malone.edu

Master's - School Counseling Program (MAED)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Malone University's online School Counseling Master's program emerges as a strategic pathway for aspiring K-12 educational counselors. This CACREP-accredited 60-credit program distinguishes itself through flexible online learning, accommodating professionals seeking comprehensive training. Students benefit from synchronous and asynchronous coursework, practical experiences, and expert faculty mentorship. With exceptional licensure exam pass rates ranging between 80-100%, the program ensures graduates are well-prepared to provide critical emotional support in educational environments. No previous counseling experience is required, making it accessible for career changers and education professionals seeking advanced credentials in school counseling.

  • Fully online program
  • CACREP accredited curriculum
  • 60 credit hours total
  • No previous counseling experience required
  • Prepares for Ohio school counselor licensure
  • 2.5-3 year completion time
  • Includes practicum and internships

Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

Malone University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers a transformative online graduate experience for diverse professionals seeking mental health careers. The comprehensive curriculum provides robust preparation for professional licensure through innovative synchronous and asynchronous learning formats. Boasting an impressive 99% employment rate and national licensure exam pass rates between 65-100%, the program equips students with essential skills for careers in mental health agencies, treatment centers, and various clinical settings. Designed for flexible learning, students can complete the program within 2-3 years, making it an ideal option for working professionals seeking advanced counseling credentials.

  • CACREP Fully Accredited Program
  • Online Synchronous/Asynchronous Options
  • 2-3 Year Completion Timeline
  • 99% Employment Rate
  • Licensure Exam Preparation
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

Walsh University

North Canton, OH - Private 4-year - walsh.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development (School Counseling)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Walsh University's School Counseling concentration offers a rigorous 60-semester-hour online master's program aligned with CACREP 2024 standards. Designed for aspiring educational counselors, the curriculum encompasses 20 strategically structured courses focusing on child and adolescent development, professional ethics, and counseling techniques. Students engage in comprehensive field experiences, completing 100 practical hours through supervised practicum and internship placements. The program uniquely prepares professionals to navigate complex school environments, emphasizing skill development in intervention strategies, student support, and holistic educational counseling approaches.

  • CACREP 2024 Accredited Program
  • 60 Semester Hour Curriculum
  • 20 Total Courses
  • Online Program Format
  • 3.0 GPA Requirement
  • Practicum and Internship
  • 100 Field Experience Hours
  • Multiple Supervision Formats
  • Comprehensive Counseling Skills Training

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Walsh University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program delivers a comprehensive online master's degree preparing professionals for dynamic mental health careers. With no GRE requirement for students maintaining a 2.75+ GPA, the CACREP-accredited curriculum spans 60 credit hours, integrating extensive practical training including 100 practicum and 600 internship hours. Students explore critical domains like lifespan development, addiction counseling, and diverse community interventions. The program strategically positions graduates in a rapidly expanding field, projecting 25.2% job growth, while providing flexible, values-driven education supported by individualized faculty mentorship.

  • CACREP-accredited online program
  • No GRE required (2.75+ GPA)
  • 100% online coursework
  • 60 total credit hours
  • Field experience support included
  • Cost per credit: $775
  • Two internships and practicum
  • Catholic values-driven education
  • 1:1 faculty guidance
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

Capital University

Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - capital.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Education – School Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Capital University's Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling offers a rigorous two-year program designed for professionals seeking comprehensive K-12 counseling expertise. With CACREP accreditation, students complete 64 credit hours incorporating a 100-hour practicum and extensive 600-hour internship. The hybrid program emphasizes practical skills, diverse population understanding, and ethical practice, preparing graduates for professional licensure in school counseling settings. Located in Columbus, Ohio, the program provides flexible evening classes and evening learning formats, enabling working professionals to advance their educational and career goals in educational counseling.

  • CACREP Accredited Program
  • 64 Credit Hour Program
  • 100-hour Practicum Experience
  • 600-hour Internship
  • Professional Pupil Services License
  • Hybrid Course Format
  • Evening Classes Available
  • Diverse Career Opportunities
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA Recommended
  • Individual Professional Interview

Master's - Master of Arts – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Capital University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling delivers a comprehensive 64-credit hour program for aspiring mental health professionals. CACREP-accredited and structured with a hybrid learning model, students gain essential skills through an intensive curriculum featuring 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship experiences. The program cultivates professional identity and cultural competence, positioning graduates to successfully complete the National Counselor Examination and become Licensed Professional Counselors. Offering evening classes and flexible learning options, this program accommodates working professionals seeking diverse career opportunities in clinical mental health settings.

  • CACREP Accredited Program
  • 64 Credit Hour Program
  • Hybrid Learning Format
  • Evening Classes Available
  • 100-hour Practicum Experience
  • 600-hour Internship Opportunity
  • Multiple Career Settings
  • Professional Counselor Licensure
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*NCES, IPEDS 2024 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

How to Find a Counseling Program in Ohio

Students need to make sure that a college or university counseling program meets the requirements for licensure if the student wants to practice in the state. Aside from this, there are several other factors that go into finding the right program, such as class size, reading materials, cost, and others.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Ohio

The counseling programs in Ohio provide students with a variety of counseling pathway options. Choosing a counseling degree or certificate program pathway allows students to begin their counseling career or to expand their counseling career opportunities.

  • Associate's Degree – Typically takes two years of study and serves as an entryway into counseling, but typically is not enough to secure a career in counseling.
  • Master's Degree – The minimum level of education for a licensed counselor. It requires a bachelor’s degree and an additional two years of study.
  • Graduate Certificate – A graduate certificate is a non-degree that helps provide a focus on a counseling specialization. It typically takes less than one year to complete.
  • Doctorate Degree – A doctorate degree is the maximum level of education a counselor can achieve. It will require a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, an additional three to six years of study, and a number of hours working as an intern.

Choosing a Counseling Specialty

The variety of counseling programs in Ohio provides students with the opportunity to choose from many counseling specialties. Choosing the specialty that best meets a student's educational and professional goals is likely to lead to an enjoyable counseling career.

Wright State University features several counseling degree programs. Choose the master of rehabilitation counseling program, the master of science in clinical mental health counseling or master of clinical rehabilitation counseling.

The University of Toledo offers both master's degree and doctoral degree programs in Counseling. Students have the option to choose the Master of Arts Degree with a concentration in school counseling or the clinical mental mealth concentration. Students who complete a master's degree may choose to pursue the doctoral program in counselor education program.

The Master's of Education in Counselor Education program at Ohio University features three specializations.

Accreditation

Check school accreditation to make sure that the program is accredited by the proper Ohio boards or other entities. Failure to check school accreditation may mean that students cannot take credentialing exams or work in a counseling job in Ohio. This is usually done through CACREP (the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).

Many schools list accreditation on the counseling program page. One example is that Ohio State University indicates on its Counselor Education page that the programs hold accreditation from the Counseling for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

Cleveland State University also lists the accreditation for its Doctoral Studies – Specializations – Counseling Psychology degree on the program page.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Ohio

Colleges and universities often provide both the traditional on-campus format and the online format for their counseling programs. Deciding what’s right for you depends on several factors including affordability, location preference, and transportation.

Walsh University offers an online master's in counseling program. Students choose from three specializations, including school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or the dual mental health and school counseling degree. Students complete classes in a completely online format.

Kent State University, offers an addiction counseling certificate program. Students complete the program in 12 months in person at the university.

Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in Ohio

The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board provides the tools and resources for students to apply for licensure as a counselor in Ohio.

Students submit an application to become a licensed chemical dependency counselor to the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.

2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options

Pursuing a Master's in Counseling can be a transformative career move, especially when students find affordable programs that balance quality education with financial accessibility. Ohio offers several compelling options for aspiring counseling professionals across major regions like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Prospective students seeking low-cost graduate education can explore various master's programs that provide excellent training without overwhelming financial burdens. These programs understand the importance of making advanced education achievable, offering competitive tuition rates that support students' professional development goals. By carefully researching and comparing program options, individuals can find educational pathways that align with their career aspirations and budget constraints.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Youngstown State University
  • Campus-based learning.
  • Focus on Addiction Counseling.
  • Affordable tuition rates.
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Internships for real-world experience.
  • Prepares for licensure.
  • Flexible schedules available.
  • $5,500 - $8,200 (Graduate In-State)
  • $5,600 - $8,400 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Walsh University
  • CACREP-accredited online program
  • No GRE required (2.75+ GPA)
  • 100% online coursework
  • 60 total credit hours
  • Field experience support included
  • Cost per credit: $775
  • Two internships and practicum
  • Catholic values-driven education
  • $10,800 - $16,200 (Graduate)
Miami University
  • Hybrid online and onsite program
  • 60-66 total credit hours
  • $700 per credit hour
  • Ohio residents only
  • Dual track specialization available
  • 700-1300 field placement hours
  • CACREP standards alignment
  • 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA
  • $13,400 - $20,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $30,200 - $45,300 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Official data: NCES IPEDS 2024 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Ohio

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

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