Best Counseling Schools in South Carolina

The Citadel Military College of South Carolina offers a Master of Education in Counselor Education with a concentration in Elementary School Counseling, designed for aspiring counselors in K-8 settings. This 60-credit online program includes a 600-hour internship and prepares students for state licensure. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a personal statement, and official transcripts. The curriculum emphasizes human development, counseling theories, and multicultural education, preparing graduates to support diverse student populations. Additionally, the program provides pathways to Licensed Professional Counselor or National Certified Counselor certifications. No entrance exam is required for this online program.

• Online program flexibility.
• 60 credit hours required.
• 600-hour internship included.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Prepares for state licensure.
• Focus on elementary counseling.
• Multicultural education emphasis.
• Pathway to LPC certification.
• Pathway to NCC certification.
• Comprehensive counseling curriculum.

Focusing on Secondary School Counseling, The Citadel Military College of South Carolina's Master of Education in Counselor Education is a 60-credit online program aimed at professionals seeking to impact students' academic, personal, and career development. The program includes a 600-hour internship and prepares graduates for state licensure. Applicants must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and submit a personal statement. The curriculum fosters advanced counseling skills and multicultural competence, with no entrance exam required. This online program is ideal for those committed to supporting diverse student populations in secondary education settings.

• Fully online program
• 60 credit hours total
• 600-hour school internship
• State licensure preparation
• Specialization in Secondary Counseling

Columbia International University offers an online Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage & Family Counseling, designed for professionals seeking to enhance their therapeutic skills. This program focuses on advanced training for counseling couples, families, children, and adolescents, with an emphasis on biblical perspectives. It prepares students for state licensing as therapist interns, providing a deep understanding of family dynamics and mental health. The program is military-friendly and does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a wide range of students.

• Postgraduate Certificate Available
• Advanced Counseling Training
• State Licensing Preparation
• Focuses on Families/Couples
• Biblical Counseling Perspective

The Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling at Columbia International University is a hybrid program that combines online coursework with two brief campus residencies. This 60-credit program integrates a biblical worldview with professional counseling skills, preparing students for licensure in South Carolina. It requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and includes 700 clinical hours. The program is military-friendly and does not specify an entrance exam requirement, offering flexibility for students to balance their studies with personal commitments.

• 60 credit hours total program
• Hybrid residential/online delivery
• Biblical worldview integration
• Professional counseling licensure track
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• 700 total clinical hours
• South Carolina LPC preparation
• 7-year maximum completion time

Winthrop University's Master of Education in Counseling and Development with a concentration in School Counseling is a hybrid program designed to prepare students for impactful careers in educational settings. This CACREP-accredited program requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and professional recommendations but does not necessitate an entrance exam. Spanning two years and 60 credits, it emphasizes cultural competence, ethical practice, and hands-on experience through on-site clinics. Graduates are equipped to support P-12 students' academic, career, and personal development, with the program ensuring state certification compatibility across all 50 states. The hybrid format combines campus-based learning with flexibility, making it a military-friendly option without program prerequisites.

• CACREP Nationally Accredited
• Two-year, 60-credit program
• State certification in 50 states
• On-site counseling clinics
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Campus-based learning format
• No program prerequisites
• Professional recommendations needed

Southern Wesleyan University's D. Clifton Wood Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, with a concentration in Mental Health, is an online program that blends faith-based principles with professional counseling education. This 60-credit program is designed to prepare students for the National Counselor Exam, focusing on mental health theories, ethical practices, and evidence-based techniques. The curriculum is tailored for those seeking to enhance their skills in supporting psychological well-being, offering a flexible online format complemented by internship experiences. With a requirement of a 3.0 GPA for admission and no mention of an entrance exam, the program emphasizes whole-person development through a faith-integrated approach, personalized coaching, and practical training.

• 60 total credit hours
• Online + internship format
• $500 per credit hour
• 24-30 months completion
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• Dedicated academic success coach
• Eight core counseling exam prep courses
• Faith-integrated curriculum

Anderson University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, blending rigorous academic training with a Christian perspective. This 60-credit, two-year program is designed for those seeking licensure, featuring coursework in counseling theories, techniques, and specialized areas such as grief and couples counseling. Practical experience is a cornerstone, with required practicum and internships to hone skills in diagnosis, treatment, and ethical practice. Ideal for working professionals, the program provides flexibility without sacrificing the depth of training or community engagement. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in clinical practices, church ministries, and hospitals. While the program is pursuing CACREP accreditation, it does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.

• Online graduate program
• 60 total credit hours
• 2-year program duration
• Pursuing CACREP accreditation
• Bachelor's degree required
• Christian counseling foundation
• Practicum and internship included
• Licensure preparation
• Multiple career setting options