Choosing a counseling master's program is a licensure decision as much as an education decision: the wrong curriculum or an impractical internship can delay your path to practice. This guide is for Pennsylvania career changers and aspiring counselors comparing program fit, cost, format, and career prospects. It accompanies the 2027 Best Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Pennsylvania, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. Use the comparisons below to identify what to verify before you apply.
Key findings about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's licensed professional counselor pathway requires graduate education meeting the state board's coursework rules and supervised experience after the degree; admission to a program is not itself a licensure determination (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025. That occupational median is a benchmark, not a starting salary or a Pennsylvania-specific offer (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
U.S. employment for that counseling occupation is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035. Compare programs on licensure fit and placement access before treating that national outlook as a reason to borrow (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What can I expect from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Pennsylvania?
A clinical mental health counseling degree is usually a master's program preparing students to assess clients, develop treatment plans, provide counseling under supervision, and respond to ethical and crisis issues. Students typically study counseling theory, diagnosis, assessment, multicultural counseling, research, and professional ethics before completing supervised clinical training. The degree and the eventual licensed professional counselor (LPC) credential are distinct: graduation does not automatically confer a license (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
This path fits people who want to provide psychotherapy in community agencies, healthcare settings, or private practice after meeting licensure requirements. If your goal is school counseling, marriage and family therapy licensure, or social work, compare programs built for that credential instead; overlapping coursework does not make the degrees interchangeable. Before committing, request a written explanation of how the curriculum meets Pennsylvania's current education rules.
Where can I work with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Pennsylvania?
Potential settings include community mental health agencies, hospitals, outpatient clinics, substance-use treatment programs, colleges, and group practices. The roles available immediately after graduation can differ from those open to an LPC: employers may require a license, supervision arrangement, or experience with a particular population. Confirm the requirements in actual job postings before choosing a concentration.
Location changes the training calculation. A program near Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may put a student close to a wider variety of large healthcare and agency placements, while a program elsewhere may better support a placement near home. Neither setting guarantees an internship. Ask where recent students completed fieldwork, whether sites accept students who work full time, and whether the program will help secure placements in the county where you intend to live.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $59,350 median annual wage in May 2025 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. This is the median for workers in the occupation nationwide - not a Pennsylvania wage, a new-graduate salary, or an estimate of what an unlicensed graduate will earn. Pay can change substantially with setting, experience, hours, and licensure.
Use that figure as a reality check when evaluating tuition and debt, not as a promised return. Compare local postings for pre-licensure and licensed positions separately, including whether supervision is paid for and whether a role offers benefits. Those differences can matter more to your early-career budget than a national occupational median.
The programs below present different academic emphases and institutional contexts. These are comparison points, not claims that any program guarantees licensure or employment; confirm current curriculum, accreditation status, fieldwork rules, and costs directly before applying.
Gannon University: Gannon offers a graduate program specifically in clinical mental health counseling rather than a broadly named counseling degree (Gannon University). Applicants focused on clinical practice can ask how its curriculum and Erie-area placement options support their intended Pennsylvania work setting.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania: Shippensburg presents counseling through an MS program, making its current track and course sequence the key details to verify (Shippensburg University). It is a useful comparison for students considering a public-university route and seeking placements in south-central Pennsylvania.
Villanova University: Villanova identifies clinical mental health counseling as a pathway within its MS in Counseling (Villanova University). Students comparing specializations should verify which courses and field experiences belong to the clinical pathway rather than assuming every counseling option serves the same credential.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania: Slippery Rock offers a graduate program explicitly focused on clinical mental health counseling (Slippery Rock University). Its western Pennsylvania location makes the availability of placements within a student's commuting range a practical comparison point.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus: Penn State lists graduate study under counselor education, a broader academic field than a degree titled solely clinical mental health counseling (Pennsylvania State University Graduate Bulletin). Students interested in advanced study should examine the specific degree and emphasis carefully to ensure the selected curriculum fits their practice goal.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania: West Chester identifies a dedicated graduate clinical mental health counseling program (West Chester University). For students planning to work in southeastern Pennsylvania, the useful question is how its field-placement arrangements fit their schedule and desired client population.
Lebanon Valley College: Lebanon Valley offers a master's program explicitly titled clinical mental health counseling (Lebanon Valley College). Students comparing central Pennsylvania options should weigh its published program requirements and aid offer against public-university alternatives, not compare tuition labels alone.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania: Kutztown places its clinical mental health counseling MA within a department that also houses other counseling study (Kutztown University). Applicants should compare the MA's own clinical sequence and placements rather than treating requirements for other counseling programs as interchangeable.
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus: Pitt offers an MS specifically in clinical mental health counseling (University of Pittsburgh). Students seeking an urban training setting should investigate the program's actual placement process and supervision arrangements rather than assume access to a particular healthcare site.
Thomas Jefferson University: Jefferson's master's program emphasizes community and trauma counseling, a more specifically stated focus than a general clinical mental health program title (Thomas Jefferson University). It may appeal to students interested in trauma-related work, provided its full curriculum matches their intended licensure pathway.
For a different comparison lens, the most popular clinical mental health counseling programs can help identify programs attracting student interest. Popularity alone does not establish placement quality or licensure fit.
A full-time counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years; part-time study can take longer. The timetable depends on the school's course rotation and when students can complete practicum and internship. A faster classroom sequence may not shorten the degree if clinical placements are offered only at certain times or require weekday availability.
Ask each program for a term-by-term plan for your intended enrollment status, including the earliest and latest realistic internship dates. If you will keep working, ask whether students can reduce paid work during field training. Also distinguish time to graduation from time to independent licensure, which involves additional supervised experience and other state requirements (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Online delivery changes where coursework happens; it does not remove in-person clinical training or Pennsylvania licensure requirements. A campus program may simplify access to local faculty and established placement relationships, while online coursework can reduce commuting for a working student. Neither format is automatically more flexible once practicum and internship begin.
For an online option, get written answers about required campus visits, synchronous meeting times, who finds and approves local placements, and whether the program's curriculum meets Pennsylvania requirements. For a campus option, check whether evening courses and placement locations make attendance feasible. CACREP lists accredited programs by program and delivery details; verify the exact offering rather than assuming a university-wide accreditation claim covers it (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
There is no single dependable Pennsylvania average that captures the total cost of these specific master's programs. Published graduate tuition figures can cover different enrollment loads and omit mandatory fees, clinical requirements, or living costs; an institution-wide average is not necessarily the price of its counseling degree. IPEDS reports institutional price data, but applicants need a program-level estimate to make a meaningful comparison (National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS).
Request the cost for the entire required course sequence, separating tuition from fees, books, travel to placements, and any additional semesters. At public universities, verify whether residency affects your graduate rate; at both public and private nonprofit institutions, compare the net price after aid. The most affordable clinical mental health counseling programs are a useful shortlist, but the lowest advertised tuition need not produce the lowest total cost.
Start with each university's graduate assistantships, institutional grants, and any placement-related funding. Eligible graduate students may also use federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans; completing the FAFSA helps schools determine federal aid eligibility (Federal Student Aid). Ask whether an award renews throughout fieldwork and whether its work obligation conflicts with internship hours.
Do not build a 2027 budget on the assumption that a new graduate borrower can use Graduate PLUS. Federal rules changed for loans beginning July 1, 2026, with limited transitional eligibility for qualifying continuing students; verify your individual status and current borrowing limits with Federal Student Aid and the school's aid office (Federal Student Aid). Compare the most valuable clinical mental health counseling programs alongside written aid offers, since debt, completion time, and earnings prospects together matter more than sticker price.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
80–81
1
82–83
1
84–85
0
86–87
1
88–89
4
90–91
9
92–93
4
94–95
2
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree, transcripts, and materials showing their readiness for graduate clinical study. Depending on the institution, these may include references, a statement of purpose, an interview, or prerequisite coursework; there is no single Pennsylvania admissions checklist for every program. Clinical placements may impose separate background-check or site requirements. Confirm each item with the program's current admissions office.
Before applying, ask the program to identify the courses that satisfy Pennsylvania's LPC education rules and explain how it evaluates transfer credit. An accepted transfer course may lower your bill without replacing a required clinical course or supervised experience. That distinction is especially important for career changers who already hold a related master's degree (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Expect courses in counseling skills and theory, human development, assessment, diagnosis, group counseling, research, ethics, and culturally responsive practice, followed by supervised practicum and internship. The exact titles matter less than their content and documented alignment with the Pennsylvania board's education requirements (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Ask for a current degree map and clinical handbook, not just a course catalog. Check when students become eligible for fieldwork, who supervises them, and whether a desired elective is offered often enough to fit the planned graduation date. A strong-looking elective list is less useful if required clinical courses create an extra semester.
Programs may offer electives or focused training in trauma, addiction, child and adolescent counseling, or other client populations. A focus can help you pursue relevant placements, but its name is not a separate Pennsylvania license and does not replace the core education and supervised experience required for LPC eligibility (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Choose a focus by examining its actual courses and internship opportunities. If you want to treat substance-use disorders, for example, ask whether students can obtain suitable supervised experience and whether your target employers require a separate credential. If you are still exploring populations, a broad clinical curriculum with placement choice may be more useful than a narrowly branded track.
The best fit is a program you can complete, afford, and use toward your intended credential. Rank position alone cannot establish those conditions. Use the following checks to turn a shortlist into an enrollment decision:
Confirm licensure alignment: Ask how the current curriculum addresses Pennsylvania's education rules and which steps remain after graduation; verify the answer against the state board.
Verify accreditation precisely: Check institutional status and whether the specific counseling program holds CACREP accreditation if that distinction matters to your goals (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Test the placement plan: Ask who secures sites, where recent students trained, and what schedule and supervision each site requires.
Compare complete net costs: Obtain written estimates for the full degree, expected aid, fees, commuting, and any reduced earnings during internship.
Assess outcomes carefully: Request program-specific completion, employment, and licensure-exam information with reporting years and definitions.
A common mistake is to choose the shortest or cheapest advertised program without checking placement capacity or total time away from paid work. For return on investment, consider your current earnings, likely post-degree opportunities, borrowing, completion probability, and the years over which the investment might pay off. If you primarily want a role that does not require clinical counseling licensure, a different degree or shorter training route may be a better investment.
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Mental Health Counselors in Pennsylvania (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
36,280
25th percentile
43,210
Median
52,010
75th percentile
65,280
90th percentile
81,970
A graduate may pursue supervised counseling work and, after meeting the board's separate experience, examination, and application requirements, seek Pennsylvania LPC licensure. Licensed counselors may work in clinical agencies, healthcare organizations, or practices, subject to employer and payer requirements. Some graduates instead move toward program coordination, specialized treatment settings, or doctoral study (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Plan backward from the job you want. Compare postings for a supervised counselor and an LPC in your target area, then ask programs whether their graduates have obtained the relevant placements. Do not assume a school-counselor position, psychology license, or another profession's credential follows from a clinical mental health counseling master's.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Mental Health Counselors (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
State
Value
AK
80,770
AL
47,310
AR
51,580
AZ
65,300
CA
59,250
CO
62,390
CT
63,590
DC
60,450
DE
56,020
FL
56,790
GA
58,960
HI
60,090
IA
60,880
ID
63,360
IL
60,730
IN
53,760
KS
59,470
KY
54,190
LA
37,910
MA
59,890
MD
59,530
ME
59,970
MI
61,690
MN
58,780
MO
56,910
MS
46,990
MT
59,000
NC
55,490
ND
68,630
NE
63,770
NH
54,840
NJ
62,820
NM
74,100
NV
57,210
NY
59,450
OH
58,360
OK
59,350
OR
74,590
PA
52,010
PR
46,790
RI
65,120
SC
52,370
SD
53,650
TN
49,580
TX
62,630
UT
63,890
VA
59,880
VT
61,810
WA
68,910
WI
62,220
WV
49,430
WY
62,980
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That national projection suggests sustained demand for the occupational group, but it does not predict openings for a particular Pennsylvania county, specialty, or new graduate.
For a local assessment, review current openings in the areas where you can realistically train and work. Separate jobs requiring an LPC from those accepting candidates under supervision, and note demands for crisis work, substance-use treatment, or particular hours. A program whose placement network fits those roles may be more useful than one with a stronger overall ranking but impractical clinical access.
2027 Best Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Pennsylvania
Investing in a counseling degree is a consequential decision. Research.com developed this ranking to help readers compare programs using graduate outcomes, professional preparation, accreditation, and cost rather than reputation alone. Its team draws on multiple education databases and checks that the measures used are relevant to the programs being evaluated; a ranking is a starting point, not a substitute for confirming current details with a school.
The Best ranking first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), licensure exam pass rates where applicable (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and institutional eligibility for federal Title IV aid (4%). Weights are adjusted when a measure does not apply. Program cost then contributes approximately 7% of the final score. The method applies to online and on-campus programs; rankings labeled by another dimension order programs by that dimension. The following sources inform the ranking:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completion, and cost information.
Peterson's database - program and institutional information used in comparisons.
These measures can narrow a search, but readers should still compare current tuition, clinical placements, and Pennsylvania licensure alignment. Research.com explains its broader approach on its methodology page.
# 1 position
Gannon University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.43
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years and 9 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Class size
20
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No specific undergraduate major required; bachelor's degree from an approved institution needed. Coursework in human services, psychology, statistics, and human development is helpful but not required.
Additional requirements
Graduate application, official transcripts, resume, essay, three recommendation letters (at least one from an undergraduate professor), and admissions interview; PA Child Abuse History clearance and PA State Police criminal check (ACT 33/34).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Gannon University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.43/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 2 position
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Master
M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.43
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Expected completion window: 3 calendar years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
99% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No prerequisite coursework; 2.75 GPA preferred. Application, transcripts, resume, three recommendations, Related Experience Form, and Counseling Autobiographical Statement (max 5 pages).
Additional requirements
Application, transcript(s), resume, three (3) letters of recommendation, Related Experience Form, and a Counseling Autobiographical Statement (max 5 pages)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.43/100, with 99% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 3 position
Villanova University
Master
M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.81
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Additional requirements
Online application; $50 fee; transcripts; three recommendations; three short essays; resume; GRE not required. Fall entry; Jan 7 deadline.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Villanova University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.81/100, supported by 95% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 4 position
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts (MA)
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.49
/ 100
Final score
Program length
First Year Fall/Spring ... Third Year Fall/Spring (12-12-12-12-6/9-3/6 credits)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission; personal statement of interest, experience and career goals; two recommendation forms from faculty or a supervisor; interview. No prerequisite courses beyond a bachelor's.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for unconditional admission, personal statement, two recommendation forms from faculty or a recent employer/supervisor, online application and fee, and an interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.49/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 5 position
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Master
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
93.12
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Approximately 2 years (5 semesters including summer)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2019-20)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2019-20)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2019-20)
Application process
direct (Penn State Graduate School application)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Appropriate course backgrounds; 3.0 junior/senior average
Additional requirements
Graduate School application; 3.0 junior/senior GPA; appropriate course background; TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants if required
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.12/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 6 position
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.95
/ 100
Final score
Program length
as little as 2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95%
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
98%
Application deadline
Fall: Feb 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
Additional requirements
Undergraduate grades, two letters of reference, writing samples, and an on-campus interview with department faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
West Chester University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.95/100, supported by 98% licensure exam pass rate and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 7 position
Lebanon Valley College
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.84
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Nov 30, 2026; Fall 2027: Aug 2, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (any bachelor's degree); no specific counseling prerequisite coursework stated.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcript with minimum 3.00 GPA; 500-word personal statement on counseling goals; professional resume; 2 professional/academic references; GRE optional; personal interview by invitation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Lebanon Valley College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.84/100, with 100% licensure exam pass rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 8 position
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
Delivery mode: campus
91.78
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years including summer courses
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: April 1; Spring: October 1
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.78/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 9 position
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
Delivery mode: campus
91.67
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (5 terms, including 1 summer term)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60
Acceptance rate
33%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
87% (2025)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Class size
31
Prerequisites
A bachelor’s degree is required preferably in psychology, rehabilitation sciences, human services, social sciences or a related field.
Additional requirements
Applicant interviews implemented beginning Fall 2024.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.67/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 87% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 10 position
Thomas Jefferson University
Master
Community & Trauma Counseling Master of Science
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.67
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years (seven semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Thomas Jefferson University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.67/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 11 position
Pennsylvania Western University
Master
M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
91.37
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
12 credit hours (4 courses) of psychology including one course in abnormal/psychopathology; Prerequisite Form; two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; Admissions Essay (750-1,000 words, APA 7th edition format).
Additional requirements
3.0 undergraduate GPA (preferred); two professional letters of recommendation and student assessment rubric; admissions essay (goals and objectives); current resume/CV; transcript (most recent degree); GRE required only if UG GPA below 3.0
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Pennsylvania Western University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.37/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 12 position
Gwynedd Mercy University
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.32
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (combined 292+ plus analytical writing) required if GPA is below 3.0, unless the applicant holds a graduate degree
Prerequisites
3 credits in General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Theory or another foundational course; 3 credits in Research Methods or Statistics; baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA (or GRE 292+ with analytical writing if below 3.0); graduate application; two recommendation letters (one academic, one professional); 3-5 page personal statement; group faculty interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Gwynedd Mercy University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.32/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 13 position
Marywood University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
90.77
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Minimum of 4 academic semesters, including summer (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; 'B' average during undergraduate study or demonstrated potential for graduate work
Additional requirements
Completed application, two letters of recommendation, and an essay outlining professional and personal qualities that would make the applicant a successful mental health counselor
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Marywood University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.77/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 14 position
Carlow University
Master
MS in Professional Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
90.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Time to degree: 3–3.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: April 1; Spring: November 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; evidence of work and/or volunteer experience in a helping field
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, written professional essay (2-page limit), current resume/CV, two letters of recommendation (one academic, one employer/volunteer supervisor); GRE/GMAT not required
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Carlow University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.5/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 15 position
University of Scranton
Master
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
90.48
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
77% (2021-22)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2021-22)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2021-22)
Application deadline
Priority: November 15; Regular: March 1 (for fall admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE or GMAT may be required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; knowledge equivalent to undergraduate courses in Introduction to Statistics, Theories of Personality, Counseling or Psychotherapy, and Lifespan Development.
Additional requirements
Online application (free for domestic applicants); bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; GRE/GMAT may be required if GPA is below 3.0; two professional recommendations; personal statement; resume; prerequisite knowledge (statistics, personality, counseling, lifespan); required group interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
University of Scranton earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.48/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 77% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 16 position
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
89.51
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
75% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
94% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
MA (Summer/Fall 2027): January 31, 2027
Application process
direct
Additional requirements
Application, goal statement, two letters of recommendation, and degree-granting collegiate transcripts submitted through the Graduate School's online portal; mandatory Admissions Workshop interview for invited applicants
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.51/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 75% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 17 position
Duquesne University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
89.44
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
83% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No undergraduate prerequisites other than a bachelor's degree; all majors welcome to apply.
Additional requirements
Resume/curriculum vitae, graduate education essay (250 words), two (2) letters of recommendation, official transcripts; international applicants also submit TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores and a transcript credential evaluation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Duquesne University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.44/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 83% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 18 position
Alvernia University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
89.07
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
24.24%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
70% (2024)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024)
Application deadline
rolling
Class size
11
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; Introduction to Psychology, Psychopathology, and Statistics or Quantitative Research Methods. 3.0 GPA required for full acceptance; applicants below 3.0 submit an academic plan.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; professional resume; three recommendation letters; one-page personal statement; faculty interview. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must submit an academic plan.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Alvernia University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.07/100, supported by 70% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 19 position
Neumann University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
88.51
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
80% (2023-24)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution with a 3.00 GPA.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all institutions attended, graduate writing prompt, two (2) letters of recommendation, and graduate student application.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Neumann University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.51/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 80% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 20 position
Immaculata University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
Delivery mode: campus
86.37
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
85% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
75% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Class size
34
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution, having completed prerequisites in the proposed area of concentration with a "B" average.
Additional requirements
Online application form, official transcripts from all undergraduate/graduate institutions, two references, one-page personal goals statement (addressing CMHC-specific prompts), resume, and an admissions interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Immaculata University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 86.37/100, supported by 75% licensure exam pass rate and 85% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Pennsylvania
Does a counseling master's degree automatically qualify me for a Pennsylvania LPC license?
No. Pennsylvania evaluates education, supervised experience, examination, and application requirements separately. Check your program's course mapping with the state board before enrolling (Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Do I need a CACREP-accredited program?
Check Pennsylvania's current education rules rather than assuming CACREP accreditation is the only route. Programmatic accreditation can still matter for program comparison and some future opportunities; verify the exact program's status with CACREP and its licensure alignment with the state board (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors).
Can I complete the degree entirely online?
Coursework may be online, but supervised clinical training requires an approved placement. Ask about campus visits, live classes, local-site approval, and supervision before accepting an offer.
How long will it take to become a counselor?
Full-time master's study commonly takes about two to three years. Independent Pennsylvania licensure takes additional steps after graduation, including supervised experience; ask the state board about the rules applicable when you apply.
Is a clinical mental health counseling degree worth the cost?
It may be if it fits your intended work, licensure plan, and budget. Compare total net cost and earnings you may forgo during training with realistic local job options; a national median wage is not a personal salary forecast.
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania - M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://www.ship.edu/programs/counseling-ms/
