Best Counseling Schools in West Virginia

2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in West Virginia

Looking for the best master's in counseling programs in West Virginia? counselingpsychology.org ranks top schools to help you find the right fit. Our list highlights programs that stand out for quality, affordability, and student support. Online programs are key, offering flexibility for those balancing work or family. Distance learning options make earning your degree easier, no matter where you live. Learn how we rank programs at https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Marshall University

Huntington, WV - Public 4-Year - marshall.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

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

Marshall University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling, tailored for aspiring school counselors in West Virginia. This hybrid program combines online coursework with campus-based learning, ensuring flexibility for students. It requires 60 credit hours for those with a teaching background and 66 for others, covering critical areas such as counseling techniques for children and adolescents, ethical and legal considerations, and contemporary school counseling practices. Admission necessitates a bachelor's degree and alignment with WV Department of Education criteria. Notably, the program prepares graduates for WV certification, catering to both education and non-education majors, and includes the Praxis II exam as part of the internship requirements. Unique features include alternative certification options and advisor-approved electives, emphasizing current practices in the field.

• Hybrid learning format
• 60-66 credit hours
• WV certification preparation
• For education and non-education majors
• Covers child and adolescent counseling
• Includes legal and ethical issues
• Requires Praxis II for internship
• Alternative certification available
• Advisor approved electives
• Focus on current practices

#2

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV - Public 4-Year - wvu.edu

Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

West Virginia University offers a hybrid Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, blending online learning with on-campus immersions for a flexible yet comprehensive education. This CACREP-accredited program is designed for aspiring counselors seeking licensure, with a curriculum that fosters cultural competence and ethical practice. Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and includes an interpersonal interview. The program does not mandate an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broader range of students. With 63 credit hours, including two immersion weeks on campus, students gain hands-on experience in diverse counseling settings, preparing them for a variety of professional roles.

• CACREP fully accredited program
• Hybrid low residency format
• Professional counseling licensure
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
• Two annual admission cycles
• 63 total credit hours
• Diverse counseling skill development
• Interpersonal interview selection
• Two immersion campus weeks

#3

University of Charleston

Charleston, WV - Private 4-year - ucwv.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Charleston offers a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling entirely online, catering to students seeking flexibility without sacrificing quality. This 60-credit program is structured to be completed in two years, aligning with CACREP standards to ensure graduates meet West Virginia's licensure requirements. It stands out for its focus on cultural competency, ethical practice, and hands-on experience through practicum and internship opportunities. Ideal for working professionals, the program requires a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA and relevant social science coursework for admission, with no entrance exam specified. Small class sizes and experienced faculty enhance the learning experience, preparing students for diverse career paths in counseling.

• 100% Online Program
• 60 Credit Hours
• 2-Year Completion Time
• Licensure Preparation
• Practicum and Internship
• Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
• Small Class Sizes
• Diverse Career Settings
• CACREP-Aligned Curriculum
• Professional Faculty Experience

*Source data: IPEDS 2023, compiled by NCES.

How to Find a Counseling Program in West Virginia

You'll likely have several potential counseling programs to choose from. Whichever program you choose should suit your financial needs, personal situation, academic goals, and career aspirations. Whatever these factors are, you should be able to find a suitable counseling program through a West Virginia school.

Counseling Degree Pathways in West Virginia

No matter where you currently are academically, you can find a counseling degree program so long as you've completed high school (or attained a GED). The various degree programs and their requirements are:

• Associate: An associate degree requires high school, and takes two years if studying full-time. You'll be able to apply for entry-level positions once you have graduated.

• Bachelor's: A bachelor's degree requires high school, and takes four years to complete. You'll be able to apply for entry-level positions, and also be well-qualified for promotions as you gain experience. You might work at any level below that of a licensed professional counselor (LPC).

• Master's: A master's degree requires that you've graduated with a bachelor's already, and the master's takes one to two years to complete. You'll have met the academic requirements for licensure after graduating.

• Doctorate: A doctorate degree requires that you have a bachelor's, and takes three to six years in most cases. You may choose to focus on research with a Ph.D. degree or clinical counseling with a Psy.D. degree. Either will qualify you for leadership positions.

• Certificate: A graduate certificate requires that you have a bachelor's, and takes a year or less. You can choose any number of specializations through a certificate, and will then be more qualified for the particular type of counseling work that you study.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Counselors can specialize in any number of specific counseling therapies, and most begin their specialization through a degree track or certificate program. Examples of available specializations are:

• Clinical mental health counseling

• Addiction counseling

• School counseling

• Student affairs and college counseling

• Community counseling

If you're interested in working with a particular population, specializing may give you advanced knowledge in counseling methods that work well with your preferred clientele.

Accreditation

Regardless of all other considerations, any counseling program you consider should be taught by an accredited college or university. Only accredited counseling degree programs are guaranteed to meet standards and to be accepted by other schools, West Virginia, and future employers.

West Virginia accepts institutions that are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the National Council on Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE), the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in West Virginia

Whether you attend an online or traditional counseling program should be based on your present needs and academic preferences. Choose online if you need a lower-cost program that has more flexibility, or opt for a traditional program if you want the classroom experience.

Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in West Virginia

To become a licensed counselor in West Virginia, you must complete an accredited master’s or doctorate program. The program must include an internship, and you then must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work. The final steps are an exam and a fee.

Once licensed, you must renew the license every odd-numbered year, by July 1st of the year. Renewing requires 35 continuing education units.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in West Virginia

Are you searching for a counseling degree program in West Virginia? 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.