2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Vermont

Counseling Psychology dot org presents its comprehensive guide to the Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Vermont, highlighting exceptional educational opportunities for aspiring mental health professionals. Our expert team has carefully evaluated Vermont's top counseling programs, considering factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Online and virtual learning options have become increasingly important, allowing students greater flexibility in pursuing their graduate degrees. These distance learning programs enable working professionals and those with geographical constraints to access high-quality counseling education without relocating. Vermont offers unique programs that blend rigorous academic training with practical clinical experiences, preparing students for meaningful careers in mental health counseling. Learn about our comprehensive ranking 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 dynamic hybrid program offering comprehensive mental health professional training. With a 60-credit low-residency model, students complete their degree in two years through intensive 10-day campus residencies and online coursework. The program prepares graduates for clinical licensure by providing specialized concentrations in Expressive Arts Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression. Students receive personalized faculty mentorship, develop advanced therapeutic skills, and engage with innovative, compassionate counseling approaches. The flexible learning format supports diverse student needs while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

  • 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

Bennington College's Expressive Arts Therapy concentration within the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a transformative educational experience for aspiring mental health professionals. This 60-credit low-residency program uniquely integrates creative therapeutic techniques with evidence-based practices. Students complete their degree in two years, balancing intensive campus residencies with flexible online learning. The curriculum emphasizes arts-integrated healing approaches, preparing graduates to utilize creative interventions in clinical settings. With supportive faculty mentorship and a progressive pedagogical approach, students develop comprehensive skills to address complex mental health needs through innovative, arts-centered counseling strategies.

  • 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 Narrative Therapy concentration provides a cutting-edge approach to mental health professional development. This 60-credit low-residency program empowers students to explore storytelling as a therapeutic intervention, completing their degree in two years through a hybrid learning model. Students engage with intensive on-campus residencies and flexible online coursework, gaining advanced skills in narrative-based counseling techniques. The program prepares graduates for licensure by combining evidence-based practices with creative therapeutic approaches, fostering a deep understanding of how personal narratives shape psychological experiences and healing processes.

  • 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

Bennington College's MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling specializing in Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression offers a comprehensive, affirming approach to mental health education. This hybrid program prepares students for licensure in two years, combining 10-day on-campus residencies with flexible online learning. Students gain expertise in LGBTQIA+ therapeutic practices, integrating evidence-based Western approaches with global counseling perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes expressive arts therapy and culturally sensitive interventions. With a focus on diverse community needs, the program requires a bachelor's degree, professional resume, recommendation letters, personal statement, and an interview, making it an ideal pathway for passionate mental health professionals committed to inclusive care.

  • 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 Master of Arts in Counseling delivers a dynamic hybrid School Counseling program tailored for aspiring educational professionals. Designed for working adults, the curriculum strategically prepares students for PK-12 licensure through comprehensive coursework emphasizing ethical practice, cultural diversity, and advanced counseling techniques. Students benefit from individualized internship placements, expert practitioner faculty, and flexible evening course options. The program spans 2.5-3.5 years, requires no thesis, and offers an affordable in-state tuition rate of $684 per credit. Graduates emerge with robust skills to support students' academic, personal, and social development across diverse educational environments.

  • 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
*Data source: NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2023.

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.

2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options

Vermont offers several promising master's programs in counseling that prioritize affordable education for aspiring mental health professionals. Students across the state, including those near Burlington and Montpelier, can find valuable options that balance quality training with reasonable pricing. Understanding the importance of accessible graduate education, these programs provide opportunities for students to advance their careers without incurring overwhelming financial burdens. By focusing on low-cost educational pathways, these institutions help support individuals who want to make meaningful contributions to mental health services. The following table highlights key master's in counseling programs that demonstrate a commitment to delivering high-quality, budget-friendly graduate education for students seeking to enter this critical and compassionate field.
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)
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.

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
*IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.

Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit