Best Counseling Schools in Oklahoma

How to Find a Counseling Program in Oklahoma

Oklahoma counseling degree and certificate programs allow students to choose their desired path for a counseling career. The right path for you is dependent on a number of factors, including cost, location, program format, and more.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Oklahoma

Several Oklahoma colleges and universities offer counseling programs that allow students to choose the counseling pathway that is best for their career goals.

• Associate's Degree – Some very entry-level counseling jobs require only an associate’s degree, but most require at least a master’s. An associate’s degree is two years of study.

• Bachelor's Degree – A bachelor’s degree is four years of study and provides the basic education for a counselor.

• Master's Degree – The minimum requirement for most counseling jobs. It requires both a bachelor’s degree and an additional two years of study.

• Graduate Certificate – A graduate certificate is a one-year (or less) non-degree and usually provides a window into a specialization.

• Doctorate Degree – A doctorate is the highest level of education a counselor can achieve. It requires either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, and an additional three to six years of study plus an internship or related work in their field.

Choosing a Counseling Specialty

Students who want a career in counseling should understand the importance of deciding which counseling specialty is ideal for their professional goals. Many employers in the counseling profession require that students submit proof of completing the educational requirements for that specialty.

Oklahoma State University offers two options for students who want to earn a degree in counseling psychology. The post-bachelor track requires a minimum of five years of study. The post-masters track requires a minimum of four years of study. 

The university offers an MS counseling degree, a PhD in counseling psychology, and a Graduate Certificate in substance abuse counseling.

The Jackson State University Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Psychometric Services provides students with several program options. Choose the Master of Science rehabilitation counseling, the Master of Science in Education: school counseling, the specialist in education: school counseling, or the Master of Science: clinical mental health counseling. 

Accreditation

Checking school accreditation and counseling program accreditation is important for students. Programs that are not accredited may prevent students from working in the counseling profession.

A school that indicates that it has "applied for," or "is seeking" accreditation, but is not yet accredited, may not meet the requirements for students to sit for exams or to obtain licensure.

Professional Counseling programs at the University of Oklahoma fall under the umbrella of the College of Education, including the professional counseling M.ED. program. The school indicates that the "program is seeking CACREP accreditation."

Oklahoma State University indicates that the MS in counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The school provides accreditation information for the PhD in counseling and counseling psychology program.

Online vs. Traditional Programs in Oklahoma

Some universities recognize the need for online programs. Choose to complete your counseling program in the traditional on-campus format or online. The benefit of choosing online classes is that you can get a full education from the comfort of your home. The downside is that you may not have full access to school resources that other in-person students may have.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is one school that offers an online counseling program. Students complete the accredited Master of Education in school counseling program in a 100 percent online format.

Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in Oklahoma

Licensing boards list the requirements for licensure, and provide licensure for counselors. The Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors provides initial licensure and license renewals for alcohol and drug counselors.

The Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health lists the requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma and provides licensure for successful applicants.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Oklahoma

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