Best Counseling Schools in Pennsylvania

Commonwealth University's School Counseling M.S. program offers a transformative educational pathway for aspiring school counselors. This hybrid 48-credit curriculum emphasizes practical skills and advocacy, preparing professionals for PK-12 educational settings. Students benefit from 100% online coursework with flexible start dates, enabling seamless integration of academic pursuits with professional commitments. The program requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and does not mandate GRE scores. Graduates receive Pennsylvania School Counseling Certification, positioning them for diverse roles in education and mental health. Military-friendly and designed for working professionals, the program provides evening classes and personalized learning experiences.

• 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

Commonwealth University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program delivers a comprehensive CACREP-accredited online degree tailored for working professionals. This 60-credit program enables students to become licensed counselors through flexible part-time or full-time options. Featuring synchronous and asynchronous learning without campus visits, students complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour local internship. The program's distinctive 25-student cohort model ensures personalized faculty mentorship. With no GRE requirement, 12 transferable credits, and multiple start dates, students enjoy remarkable advantages like a 100% employment rate and 92% national counseling exam pass rate.

• 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

Commonwealth University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program specializes in Counseling Military Veterans and Their Families. This CACREP-accredited 60-credit online degree prepares professionals for specialized mental health careers supporting veteran populations. Offering part-time and full-time options, the program enables working professionals to advance careers without disrupting personal commitments. Students gain targeted skills through comprehensive coursework and a 600-hour internship experience. With no GRE requirement, synchronous and asynchronous learning, and a maximum 25-student cohort, graduates are well-positioned for employment across mental health agencies, hospitals, and private practice settings.

• 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's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program focusing on Counseling Children and Adolescents provides a comprehensive online educational experience. This CACREP-accredited 60-credit degree prepares professionals for transformative mental health careers through targeted courses like Child and Adolescent Counseling and Creative Therapies. With no campus visits required and flexible part-time/full-time options, students develop specialized clinical skills emphasizing ethical practice and professional development. The program boasts a 100% employment rate, 85% national exam pass rate, and a 600-hour internship, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for diverse mental health settings.

• 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 School Counselor Master of Education program offers a comprehensive hybrid learning experience for aspiring school counselors. Strategically designed to meet Pennsylvania and Ohio certification standards, students complete 33-39 semester hours with a critical 300-600 hour internship. The curriculum emphasizes counseling theory and practical skills, preparing professionals to positively impact student development. With a flexible hybrid format blending online and campus learning, students gain essential competencies through a comprehensive exam and targeted coursework. The program is particularly notable for its adaptability to different state certification requirements and commitment to developing empathetic, skilled educational counseling professionals.

• 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

Westminster College's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Adult concentration provides advanced professional training through a flexible online platform. Tailored for working professionals, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum without GRE or GMAT requirements. Students benefit from a self-paced 12-month program with competitive tuition and multiple annual start points. The Adult concentration focuses on developing specialized skills for mental health leadership, emphasizing practical application and theoretical foundations. With 8-week course sessions and a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, the program prepares counselors to effectively support and guide adult clients through complex psychological challenges.

• 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's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling featuring a Youth Concentration provides specialized training for counseling professionals focused on adolescent and youth psychological development. This innovative online program offers a self-paced 12-month curriculum without standardized test requirements, making it accessible to diverse students. Competitive per-credit tuition and multiple annual start points enhance program flexibility. The Youth concentration equips students with targeted skills to support young clients through critical developmental stages, emphasizing practical interventions and theoretical understanding. With 8-week course sessions and a 3.0 GPA minimum, the program prepares compassionate, skilled youth counseling professionals.

• 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

Westminster College's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a School concentration delivers comprehensive training for counseling professionals targeting educational settings. This flexible online program accommodates working adults and recent graduates, preparing students for leadership roles in school-based mental health counseling. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and two recommendations. The program stands out for its no-GRE/GMAT policy and competitive tuition rates starting at $550 per credit. With six annual start points and a blend of online and on-campus learning options, students gain specialized skills to support student mental health and develop innovative counseling strategies within educational environments.

• 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

Slippery Rock University's Master of Education in School Counseling offers a comprehensive two-year hybrid pathway to K-12 school counselor certification. The program uniquely prepares professionals through innovative curriculum and experiential learning, emphasizing students' academic, career, and social-emotional development. With flexible full and part-time enrollment options, students benefit from small class sizes and doctorate-holding faculty. The curriculum not only leads to Pennsylvania school counselor certification but also provides a potential pathway to Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. Students can expect professional development opportunities, including conference presentations and development funding.

• 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

Slippery Rock University's 60-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program with Youth Counseling concentration delivers a cutting-edge hybrid learning experience. The curriculum strategically blends online and on-campus instruction, focusing intensively on youth mental health intervention strategies. Students engage in hands-on community experiences, preparing for professional counseling roles through comprehensive coursework in Helping Relationships, Social and Cultural Diversity, and Group Counseling. The program's admission requires a 3.0 GPA, personal statement, and recommendations, positioning graduates for impactful careers in community mental health agencies, hospitals, and private practices.

• 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.

Slippery Rock University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's degree in Adult Counseling concentration provides a robust 60-credit professional development pathway. The hybrid program prepares students for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure through an immersive, career-focused curriculum. Students benefit from a cohort model, flexible late-afternoon classes, and extensive clinical training opportunities across behavioral health settings. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and comprehensive professional experience networks, the program strategically addresses mental health professional demands in underserved regions.

• 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

Slippery Rock University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addiction Counseling concentration offers a transformative 60-credit professional training experience. The hybrid program strategically prepares students for Professional Counselor licensure through a supportive cohort model and hands-on behavioral health training. Featuring flexible evening classes and approximately three-year completion, students gain comprehensive addiction counseling expertise. The program emphasizes small class sizes, professional networking, and practical clinical experiences to develop skilled mental health professionals specializing in addiction intervention.

• 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

Messiah University's Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling offers a comprehensive hybrid program designed for professionals seeking advanced training in relationship counseling. CACREP-accredited, the program provides flexible online learning with courses starting every 8 weeks. Students can complete the 60-credit curriculum in two years at $780 per credit, gaining practical field experiences and leadership skills. The program prepares graduates to effectively serve clients in diverse counseling settings, with a unique approach that integrates professional practice with reconciliation principles. Ideal for working professionals seeking meaningful careers in family and relationship counseling.

• 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

Messiah University's Master of Arts in School Counseling specializes in Elementary and Secondary education, offering a dynamic hybrid program for aspiring educational counselors. This CACREP-accredited curriculum prepares students to support students through comprehensive counseling strategies. The 60-credit program, priced at $780 per credit, can be completed in two years with flexible 8-week course starts. Students gain advanced leadership skills, practical field experiences, and a reconciliation-focused approach to supporting student development across elementary and secondary educational environments.

• 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 provides a robust hybrid program preparing professionals for diverse counseling challenges. The CACREP-accredited curriculum emphasizes practical field experiences and leadership development, integrating Christian faith with professional practice. Students complete 60 credits at $755 per credit, with courses starting every 8 weeks. The program equips graduates with advanced skills to serve clients in various mental health settings, focusing on relationship reconciliation and comprehensive therapeutic approaches.

• 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

Messiah University's Master of Arts in Counseling offers comprehensive hybrid training with three specialized concentrations: Clinical Mental Health, Couple and Family, and School Counseling. This CACREP-accredited program provides flexible learning for professionals seeking diverse counseling career paths. Students complete 60 credits at $780 per credit within two years, gaining leadership skills and practical experiences. The curriculum uniquely integrates Christian principles with professional counseling practice, preparing graduates to serve effectively in various therapeutic environments and promote relationship reconciliation.

• 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

Waynesburg University's Master of Arts in Counseling offers an exceptional Clinical Mental Health Counseling track designed for aspiring professional clinicians. CACREP-accredited and flexible, students can complete the 60-credit program in just 20 months through hybrid or online formats. At $715 per credit, the program prepares students comprehensively for Professional Counselor licensure, emphasizing rigorous academic training and practical clinical experience. Unique features include 8-week course lengths, 100% online/hybrid options, and a strong focus on developing advanced mental health counseling skills. The program welcomes military-friendly students and provides a robust pathway to professional counseling credentials.

• 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

Waynesburg University's Master of Arts in Counseling with Addictions Counseling concentration stands as Pennsylvania's premier online program addressing substance use disorders. Fully CACREP-accredited, this 60-credit program prepares students for Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certifications. Students engage in comprehensive training focused on understanding, treating, and supporting individuals with complex addiction challenges. The 100% online curriculum offers 8-week courses, competitive $715 per credit tuition, and can be completed in 20 months. Graduates gain specialized expertise in behavioral health interventions and substance abuse counseling.

• 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's hybrid Addictions Counseling master's program provides an innovative approach to behavioral health education. This CACREP-accredited curriculum emphasizes substance use disorder treatment through advanced theoretical and clinical training. Students benefit from grant-funded opportunities, with potential stipends up to $32,000, while preparing for LPC and CAADC certifications. The program's 60-credit, 20-month structure offers flexibility through online and hybrid formats at $715 per credit. Unique workforce development focus and comprehensive clinical practice distinguish this program as a top choice for aspiring addiction counseling professionals.

• 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