2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Vermont

Looking for the best master's in counseling programs in Vermont? counselingpsychology.org has ranked the top options to help you decide. These programs prepare students for rewarding careers in mental health. Online programs are key, offering flexibility for those balancing work or family. Distance learning options make it easier to earn your degree from anywhere. Find out how we rank these programs and why they stand out. https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/

#1

Bennington College

Bennington, VT - Private 4-year - bennington.edu

Master's - MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Bennington College's MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a hybrid program that blends online coursework with intensive 10-day campus residencies, offering a flexible path to licensure in as little as two years. This 60-credit program stands out for its innovative approach, including concentrations in Expressive Arts Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression. With a focus on personalized mentorship and arts-based therapeutic training, it prepares graduates for diverse counseling careers. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. The program is military-friendly and emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based practices.

  • 60-credit low-residency program
  • Completes in two years
  • Three specialized concentrations
  • Prepares for clinical licensure
  • Personalized faculty mentorship
  • Innovative arts-based therapeutic training
  • Flexible online and residency format
  • Supports diverse counseling approaches

Master's - MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Concentration: Expressive Arts Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Focusing on Expressive Arts Therapy, Bennington College's MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a unique hybrid learning experience. This 60-credit program combines online flexibility with immersive residencies, enabling students to graduate in two years. It's designed for those seeking to integrate creative arts into counseling, providing comprehensive training in evidence-based and innovative therapeutic techniques. The program is military-friendly and does not require an entrance exam, welcoming applicants with a bachelor's degree and a passion for arts-integrated mental health care.

  • 60-credit low-residency program
  • Two-year completion timeline
  • Expressive Arts Therapy concentration
  • Progressive, student-centered approach
  • Comprehensive clinical preparation
  • Supportive faculty mentorship
  • Licensure preparation focus
  • Integrates narrative and arts practices

Master's - MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Concentration: Narrative Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Bennington College's MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Narrative Therapy is a hybrid program that prepares students for licensure through a blend of online learning and campus residencies. This 60-credit program can be completed in two years, offering a progressive curriculum that emphasizes narrative and arts-based therapeutic approaches. It's ideal for students looking for a flexible, innovative education in counseling without the need for an entrance exam. The program is military-friendly and focuses on developing compassionate, skilled counselors.

  • 60-credit low-residency program
  • Licensure preparation in 2 years
  • Narrative Therapy concentration
  • Flexible online and residency model
  • Arts-integrated therapeutic training

Master's - MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Concentration: Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Specializing in Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression, Bennington College's MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a hybrid program that prepares students to serve LGBTQIA+ communities. The 60-credit curriculum combines online coursework with on-campus residencies, offering a flexible, two-year path to licensure. Students gain expertise in affirming therapeutic practices and expressive arts therapy. Admission does not require an entrance exam but includes an interview and submission of a bachelor's degree, resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The program is military-friendly and offers financial aid.

  • 60-credit program
  • Hybrid learning format
  • 2-year completion
  • LGBTQIA+ specialization
  • Expressive arts therapy
  • Faculty mentorship
  • Flexible online coursework
  • On-campus residencies
  • Licensure preparation
  • Bachelor's degree required
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#2

Vermont State University

Randolph, VT - Public 4-Year - vermontstate.edu

Master's - Counseling (MA)

Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Vermont State University's hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling is tailored for professionals aiming to specialize in PK-12 educational settings. This program stands out for its flexible hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person experiences, ideal for those balancing work and study. Focused on school counseling, the curriculum delves into ethical practices, cultural diversity, and developmental strategies to foster student growth. Notably, the program does not require a thesis but emphasizes practical internships for real-world experience. With a completion time of 2.5-3.5 years and evening course options, it's designed for accessibility. Priced at $684 per credit for in-state students, it offers a pathway to licensure without the need for an entrance exam, making it a practical choice for aspiring school counselors.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • 2.5-3.5 year completion time
  • No thesis required
  • PK-12 School Counseling license
  • Individualized internship placements
  • $684 per credit in-state
  • Expert practitioner faculty
  • Evening course options
  • Licensure preparation program
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

How to Find a Counseling Program in Vermont

Vermont has several colleges and universities that offer counseling degree programs. No one program is right for everyone. The program that you ultimately select should match your financial needs, scheduling news, current qualifications, and future aspirations. Whatever your situation and goals are, you'll likely find a few potential programs.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Vermont

Counseling degrees are offered through both undergraduate and graduate programs. Depending on your credentials and goals, you might choose any of the following degrees:

  • Associate Degree – Two-year program that prepares graduates for entry positions
  • Bachelor's Degree – Four-year program that prepares graduates for non-licensed work and master's programs
  • Master's Degree – One to two-year program that prepares graduates for licensure
  • Doctorate Degree – Three to six-year research (Ph.D.) or clinical (Psy.D.) program that prepares graduates for advanced work
  • Graduate Certificate – Six to twelve-month program that helps graduates specialize in a particular type of counseling

You'll need a high school diploma (or GED) to enroll in an associate or bachelor's counseling program. Master's, doctorate and graduate certificate counseling programs require that you already have a bachelor's degree.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Some counseling programs provide fairly general training, but clothes have specializations that students can choose from. Whether you specifically seek out a specialized program should depend on how advanced your degree program is, and what type of setting you ultimately want to work in. Should you want to specialize, options include:

  • Adult clinical mental health counseling
  • Youth and families clinical mental health counseling
  • Addictions counseling
  • Trauma counseling
  • School counseling

Check School Accreditation

The vast majority of counseling degree programs in Vermont are accredited, but confirm that any program you apply to is fully accredited. Accreditation ensures that a program meets commonly accepted standards — and that the degree granted will be commonly accepted.

The most common accrediting body for counseling programs is the CACREP or the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs or the APA (the American Psychological Association).

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Vermont

Vermont schools offer counseling programs in both online and traditional (classroom) formats. Most online programs have greater flexibility and lower tuition, and they also don't require you to get to class when there's snow. Traditional programs have more opportunities for conversations with classmates and faculty, and possibly also more opportunities for internships. Choose whichever format best meets your needs and preferences.

Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in Vermont

To work as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), you must first go through the licensure process. This entails earning a master's degree or higher, completing a 700-hour internship, completing another 3,000 hours of supervised counseling work, passing an exam, and finally paying a fee.

(Vermont's internship requirement is 100 hours longer than most other states' requirements, and some out-of-state programs' internships may be short of Vermont's required 700 hours. Programs in the state generally have 700-hour internships for their students.)

Once licensed, you'll have to go through a renewal process by January 31st of every odd year (e.g. 2023, 2025, 2027). Renewing requires 40 continuing education hours.

2025 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options

Finding affordable master's in counseling programs in Vermont for 2025 is key for students aiming to advance their careers without heavy debt. The table highlights options with low-cost tuition and cost-effective features, making higher education more accessible. It lists schools, their programs, highlights, and tuition ranges. Vermont offers quality education, and these economical choices help students pursue their master's degree efficiently. This guide simplifies the search for budget-friendly programs in the state.

School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Vermont State University
  • Hybrid learning format
  • 2.5-3.5 year completion time
  • No thesis required
  • PK-12 School Counseling license
  • Individualized internship placements
  • $684 per credit in-state
  • Expert practitioner faculty
  • Evening course options
  • $9,200 - $13,800 (Graduate)
Bennington College
  • 60-credit program
  • Hybrid learning format
  • 2-year completion
  • LGBTQIA+ specialization
  • Expressive arts therapy
  • Faculty mentorship
  • Flexible online coursework
  • On-campus residencies
  • $19,700 - $29,500 (Graduate)
University of Vermont
  • 60 credits required.
  • CACREP accredited.
  • Includes practicum and internship.
  • Group interview for admission.
  • Focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Prepares for Vermont licensure.
  • On-campus program.
  • Comprehensive exam required.
  • $11,400 - $17,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $26,400 - $39,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Higher education statistics sourced from IPEDS 2023 via NCES.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Vermont

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

Jump to City:

Bennington, VT

Bennington College

  • Master's - MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit low-residency program
    • Completes in two years
    • Three specialized concentrations
    • Prepares for clinical licensure
    • Personalized faculty mentorship
    • Innovative arts-based therapeutic training
    • Flexible online and residency format
    • Supports diverse counseling approaches
  • Master's - MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Concentration: Expressive Arts Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit low-residency program
    • Two-year completion timeline
    • Expressive Arts Therapy concentration
    • Progressive, student-centered approach
    • Comprehensive clinical preparation
    • Supportive faculty mentorship
    • Licensure preparation focus
    • Integrates narrative and arts practices
  • Master's - MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Concentration: Narrative Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit low-residency program
    • Licensure preparation in 2 years
    • Narrative Therapy concentration
    • Flexible online and residency model
    • Arts-integrated therapeutic training
  • Master's - MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Concentration: Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • 2-year completion
    • LGBTQIA+ specialization
    • Expressive arts therapy
    • Faculty mentorship
    • Flexible online coursework
    • On-campus residencies

Burlington, VT

University of Vermont

  • Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60 credits required.
    • CACREP accredited.
    • Includes practicum and internship.
    • Group interview for admission.
    • Focus on diversity and inclusion.
    • Prepares for Vermont licensure.
    • On-campus program.
    • Comprehensive exam required.
  • Master's - School Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60 credits required
    • CACREP accredited
    • Prepares for Vermont licensure
    • Diversity and inclusion focus
    • Group interview admissions step
    • Comprehensive exam required
    • Portfolio submission needed
    • 3.00 GPA minimum
  • Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

    Campus Based - Website

    • 75 credit hours
    • Full-time or part-time
    • On-campus format
    • Focus on social justice
    • Internship opportunities
    • Research and publishing
    • Faculty mentorship
    • Cohort model

Randolph, VT

Vermont State University

  • Master's - Counseling (MA)

    Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • 2.5-3.5 year completion time
    • No thesis required
    • PK-12 School Counseling license
    • Individualized internship placements
    • $684 per credit in-state
    • Expert practitioner faculty
    • Evening course options
*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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