Best Counseling Schools in Pennsylvania

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers a hybrid M.S. in School Counseling designed to foster transformative leaders in educational settings. This 48-credit program blends online coursework with in-person practicum experiences, catering to students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds. Notably, the program does not require a GRE for admission, focusing instead on a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, strong recommendations, and a statement of goals. Graduates are prepared for Pennsylvania PK-12 School Counseling Certification, opening doors to careers in counseling, education, and mental health. The program's flexibility, including evening classes and full/part-time options, makes it ideal for working professionals.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 48-credit Comprehensive Program
• Pennsylvania PDE Approved
• No GRE Required
• Multiple Career Pathways
• Evening Class Scheduling
• Flexible Full/Part-Time Options
• In-Person Practicum Experiences

The fully online, CACREP-accredited Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is tailored for aspiring licensed counselors. This 60-credit program emphasizes flexibility with synchronous and asynchronous learning, requiring no campus visits. A standout feature is the 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship completed locally, alongside small cohort sizes for personalized attention. With a 100% employment rate and a 92% national counseling exam pass rate, the program is highly regarded. Admission does not require a GRE, and the program accepts up to 12 transfer credits, offering multiple start dates for convenience.

• 100% Online CACREP Accredited
• Full/Part-Time Flexible Options
• No Campus Visits Required
• 600-Hour Local Internship
• Small 25-Student Cohorts
• 100% Employment Rate
• National Exam Prep Included
• Multiple Start Dates
• No GRE Required
• 12 Transfer Credits Accepted

Specializing in Counseling Military Veterans and Their Families, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania's online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is CACREP-accredited. This 60-credit program offers both part-time and full-time options, accommodating working professionals. The concentration provides targeted skills for supporting veteran populations, with no campus visits required. Graduates benefit from a high employment rate and competitive NCE exam pass rates, preparing them for diverse settings like mental health agencies and private practice. The program emphasizes a cohort model limited to 25 students, ensuring personalized learning without the need for a GRE.

• 100% Online CACREP Accredited Program
• 60-credit Master's Degree
• No Campus Visits Required
• Veterans Concentration Available
• 100% Graduate Employment Rate
• Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time Options
• Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning
• 600-Hour Internship Experience
• No GRE Required for Admission
• Max 25 Students per Cohort

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania's online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Counseling Children and Adolescents is CACREP-accredited. This 60-credit program offers flexible learning options without campus visits, featuring specialized courses in child and adolescent counseling. Graduates achieve an 85% national exam pass rate and a 100% employment rate, ready to work in various settings. The program's small cohort size ensures individualized attention, and it does not require a GRE for admission. Practical experience is gained through a 600-hour internship, preparing students for state licensure and professional success.

• 100% Online CACREP Accredited
• 60-credit Comprehensive Program
• No Campus Visits Required
• Flexible Full/Part-Time Options
• 100% Employment Rate
• Counseling Children/Adolescents Concentration
• 85% National Exam Pass Rate
• 600-hour Internship Experience
• State Licensure Preparation
• 25-student Maximum Cohort Size

Westminster College's hybrid School Counselor Master of Education Degree Program is tailored for aspiring professionals seeking Pennsylvania or Ohio certification. This program uniquely combines online and campus learning, requiring 33 to 39 semester hours, including a 300 to 600-hour internship based on certification goals. It emphasizes counseling theory and practical skills, culminating in a comprehensive exam. Ideal for those dedicated to making a positive impact in students' lives, the program meets rigorous state certification standards. Admission aligns with graduate standards, fostering the development of skilled, empathetic counselors. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for many applicants.

• Hybrid learning format
• 33-39 semester hours
• PA certification option
• OH certification option
• 300-600 hour internships
• Comprehensive exam required
• Focus on counseling theory
• Practical skills development
• Meets PA certification standards
• Adapts to OH licensure changes

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Adult concentration at Westminster College offers a flexible online learning environment for professionals aiming to specialize in adult mental health. This program stands out for its student-centered approach, competitive tuition, and no GRE or GMAT requirement. Designed for working professionals, it provides a comprehensive curriculum for leadership roles in mental health settings. With 12-month self-paced options and six annual starting points, it accommodates various schedules, requiring a 3.0 GPA for admission.

• Online and on-campus options
• No GRE/GMAT required
• 12-month self-paced program
• Requires 3.0 GPA
• 6 annual starting points
• 8-week course sessions
• Regionally accredited program
• Adult concentration available
• Previous bachelor's degree needed

Westminster College presents a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Youth Concentration, focusing on the developmental needs of young individuals. This online program offers flexibility for working students, featuring self-paced courses and competitive tuition rates. Admission does not require GRE or GMAT scores but mandates a 3.0 GPA. The curriculum is designed to equip professionals with the skills to support youth effectively, preparing them for impactful roles in mental health counseling.

• Online and on-campus options
• 12-month self-paced program
• No GRE/GMAT required
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Competitive per-credit tuition
• Youth counseling concentration
• Multiple start points annually
• 8-week course sessions

Aspiring school counselors can pursue Westminster College's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a School concentration. This program blends online and on-campus learning, tailored for both working adults and recent graduates. It prepares students for leadership in educational settings, with no GRE or GMAT required for admission. Featuring competitive tuition and six start points annually, it offers unparalleled flexibility. A bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and two recommendations are necessary for application, ensuring a cohort of dedicated professionals.

• Online and on-campus options
• School concentration available
• Competitive tuition rates
• No GRE or GMAT required
• Six start points annually
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Bachelor's degree required
• Two recommendations needed
• Flexible for working professionals
• Prepares for leadership roles

Messiah University's Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program designed for those aiming to excel in relationship and family counseling. With a focus on leadership and practical skills, this program offers a flexible online track for working professionals. Priced at $780 per credit, the 60-credit curriculum can be completed in about two years, featuring courses that start every 8 weeks. The program emphasizes a reconciliation-focused approach, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on field experiences to prepare graduates for diverse counseling settings.

• CACREP accredited program
• $780 per credit
• 60 total credits
• 2-year completion time
• Online course track
• Courses start every 8 weeks
• Designed for working professionals
• Prepare for counseling leadership

The Master of Arts in School Counseling at Messiah University, with concentrations in Elementary and Secondary education, is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program. Tailored for working professionals, it offers a dynamic curriculum focused on advanced counseling skills and leadership. The program's hybrid format allows for flexible learning, with courses starting every 8 weeks and a completion time of two years. At $780 per credit for 60 credits, students gain both theoretical and practical training to become effective school counselors, emphasizing a reconciliation-focused approach in their practice.

• CACREP accredited program
• $780 per credit
• 60 total credit hours
• 2-year completion time
• Hybrid learning format
• Courses start every 8 weeks
• Elementary and Secondary focus
• Designed for working professionals

Messiah University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a hybrid program that prepares students for leadership roles in diverse counseling settings. Accredited by CACREP, the program integrates Christian faith with professional counseling practice, offering a curriculum that blends theory with practical field experiences. Priced at $755 per credit, the 60-credit program is designed for busy professionals and can be completed in two years. Admissions require a bachelor's degree and a commitment to reconciling relationships through counseling, with courses starting every 8 weeks.

• Hybrid program format
• $755 per credit
• 60 credits required
• 2-year completion time
• CACREP accredited
• Courses start every 8 weeks
• Prepares for diverse counseling settings
• Integrates Christian faith
• Leadership development focus
• Practical field experiences included

Offering concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Couple and Family Counseling, and School Counseling, Messiah University's Master of Arts in Counseling is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program. It emphasizes leadership, reconciliation, and the integration of Christian faith with professional counseling practice. The program costs $780 per credit, requires 60 credits, and can be completed in two years, with courses starting every 8 weeks. Designed for aspiring counselors, it prepares students for diverse settings, blending online and campus experiences. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a commitment to the program's values.

• Hybrid learning format
• CACREP accredited
• $780 per credit
• 60 credits required
• 2-year completion
• Courses start every 8 weeks
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration
• Couple and Family Counseling concentration
• School Counseling concentration
• Prepares for diverse counseling settings
• Emphasizes leadership in counseling
• Focus on reconciliation in counseling
• Integrates Christian faith with counseling
• Bachelor's degree required for admission

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Education in School Counseling, a hybrid program designed for aspiring K-12 school counselors. This two-year program emphasizes academic, career, and social-emotional development, preparing students for Pennsylvania school counselor certification and LPC licensure. With small class sizes and flexible enrollment options, the program stands out for its professional development opportunities and experiential learning approach. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, with no mention of an entrance exam, making it accessible for many applicants.

• K-12 School Counselor Certification
• Two-year completion option
• Full and part-time enrollment
• Small class sizes
• Professional development opportunities
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Doctorate-holding faculty
• Modern counselor training facility
• Experiential learning approach
• LPC licensure pathway

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Slippery Rock University, with a concentration in Youth Counseling, is a 60-credit hybrid program. It prepares students for LPC licensure in Pennsylvania, focusing on youth mental health through a blend of online and on-campus learning. The program offers hands-on community experience, flexible scheduling, and a curriculum covering diverse counseling topics. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, a personal statement, and two recommendations, with no entrance exam specified.

• 60-credit hybrid program.
• Focus on Youth Counseling.
• Prepares for LPC licensure.
• Small class sizes.
• Flexible late-afternoon classes.
• Hands-on community experience.
• 3.0 GPA required.
• Personal statement needed.
• Two recommendations required.
• Covers diverse counseling topics.
• Career-focused curriculum.
• Addresses mental health demand.

Slippery Rock University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, with an Adult Counseling concentration, is a 60-credit hybrid master's leading to LPC licensure. The program features hands-on clinical training, flexible late-afternoon classes, and a cohort model, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in mental health. Admission criteria include a 3.0 GPA and two recommendations, with no entrance exam required, highlighting the program's accessibility and focus on professional readiness.

• 60-credit master's program
• Leads to LPC licensure
• Three concentration options
• Late-afternoon evening classes
• Hands-on clinical training
• 3-year typical completion
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Two recommendation forms needed
• Small class sizes
• Professional experience networks

Focusing on Addiction Counseling, Slippery Rock University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit hybrid program. Designed for future LPCs, it offers flexible evening classes, clinical training opportunities, and a supportive cohort model. The program, typically completed in three years, requires a 3.0 GPA for admission but does not specify an entrance exam, emphasizing practical experience and professional networking in the addiction counseling field.

• 60-credit MA program
• Leads to LPC licensure
• Three concentration options
• Flexible evening classes
• Clinical training opportunities
• 3-year typical completion
• Small class sizes
• Professional network connections
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Hybrid program format

Waynesburg University's Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration is a CACREP-accredited program designed for those aiming to become licensed professional counselors. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person experiences, offering flexibility for students. Over 20 months, students complete 60 credit hours at $715 per credit, gaining the skills needed for licensure. The program emphasizes clinical practice in mental health counseling, preparing graduates for diverse settings. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible to many aspiring counselors.

• CACREP-accredited counseling program
• 60 credit hours total
• 20 months full-time
• 100% online/hybrid format
• $715 per credit
• Prepares for LPC licensure
• Clinical Mental Health focus
• 8-week course lengths

The Master of Arts in Counseling with an Addictions Counseling concentration at Waynesburg University is a fully online, CACREP-accredited program. It prepares students for careers addressing substance use and compulsive behaviors, meeting requirements for LPC licensure and CAADC certification. The program's 60 credits can be completed in 20 months at $715 per credit, featuring 8-week courses for accelerated learning. Admission does not require an entrance exam, focusing instead on academic criteria and a bachelor's degree. This program stands out for its specialization in addictions counseling and flexible online format.

• CACREP accredited program.
• First in PA for Addictions Counseling.
• 100% online delivery.
• 20 months full-time completion.
• $715 per credit cost.
• Prepares for LPC and CAADC.
• Focus on substance use disorders.
• 60 credit hours required.
• 8-week course lengths.
• Clinical practice included.

Waynesburg University offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling with an Addictions Counseling concentration, the first CACREP-accredited program of its kind in Pennsylvania. This program prepares students for LPC licensure and CAADC certification, focusing on substance use disorders through a blend of online and in-person learning. With a total of 60 credits at $715 per credit, students can finish in 20 months. Unique features include grant-funded stipends up to $32,000 and an emphasis on behavioral health workforce development. No entrance exam is required, emphasizing accessibility and practical training in addictions counseling.

• First CACREP-accredited Addictions Program in PA
• 60 credit hours, 20 months
• 100% Online/Hybrid format
• $715 per credit
• LPC and CAADC preparation
• Grant opportunities available
• 8-week course lengths